NXP Semiconductors MK12DN512VLH5R

Overview

MK12DN512VLH5R from NXP (formerly Freescale) is a 50 MHz ARM Cortex-M4 microcontroller with DSP instructions, 512 KB program flash, 64 KB RAM, and integrated analog peripherals including 16-bit SAR ADC, 12-bit DAC, and dual analog comparators. It operates from 1.71–3.6 V across –40 to 105°C and targets industrial motor control and sensor-edge applications requiring deterministic real-time response.

For engineers reviewing the MK12DN512VLH5R datasheet, MK12DN512VLH5R pinout, MK12DN512VLH5R application, or MK12DN512VLH5R equivalent, key selection considerations include its FlexMemory-free flash architecture, LQFP-64 package with 50 MHz core timing, low-power stop modes down to 0.36 µA, USB charger detect interface, and support for quadrature encoder inputs on dedicated timers.

Technical Context

This MCU implements an ARM Cortex-M4 core with hardware DSP extensions and a multi-purpose clock generator supporting crystal oscillators at 3–32 MHz and 32 kHz. Its memory subsystem includes 512 KB of single-cycle flash (no FlexNVM), 64 KB SRAM, and 4 KB FlexRAM only in FlexMemory variants - excluded here per 'N' flash type designation.

The peripheral set features eight-channel PWM/motor control timer, two 2-channel general-purpose timers (one with quadrature decoder), RTC, carrier modulator transmitter, four UARTs, two I²C modules, SPI, I²S, and USB Device Charger Detect. Analog resources comprise 16-bit ADC with up to 16 channels, 12-bit DAC, two CMP modules each with 6-bit DAC and programmable reference, and internal voltage reference.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

LQFP-64 (10 mm × 10 mm, 0.5 mm pitch) package with exposed thermal pad. Pin assignments follow K12 signal multiplexing defined in K12P64M50SF4 Rev. 4 Section 8.2.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar microcontroller applications.

Compared with MK12DN512VLH5R, KL26Z128VLH4 offers lower cost and power but lacks DSP and motor control peripherals; MKE15Z64VLD4 improves analog performance but reduces flash size and omits quadrature decoder and carrier modulator - making MK12DN512VLH5R optimal for compute-heavy, motion-oriented designs.

Availability

MK12DN512VLH5R is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial motor control, smart sensor nodes, and automotive body electronics requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle assurance, and extended temperature grade support.

Supply support for MK12DN512VLH5R includes scheduled delivery planning, volume procurement assistance, BOM continuity management, traceable sourcing, and lifecycle availability coordination for OEM customers, industrial embedded developers, connected-device designers, and electronics production programs.

Manufacturer

NXP Semiconductors is a global semiconductor leader focused on secure connectivity solutions for automotive, industrial, and IoT markets.

The Kinetis K12 family was designed specifically for cost-sensitive, high-reliability industrial and automotive applications demanding robust real-time control, mixed-signal integration, and extended temperature operation - with MK12DN512VLH5R targeting mid-tier performance requirements.

FAQ

What is the maximum operating frequency of the MK12DN512VLH5R core?

The MK12DN512VLH5R features an ARM Cortex-M4 core rated for up to 50 MHz operation. This frequency is supported across the full –40 to 105°C temperature range and 1.71–3.6 V supply voltage, delivering 62.5 DMIPS and 1.25 Dhrystone MIPS per MHz as confirmed in the K12P64M50SF4 datasheet Section 5.3.1.

Does the MK12DN512VLH5R include FlexMemory (FlexNVM/FlexRAM)?

No, the MK12DN512VLH5R does not include FlexMemory. The 'N' in its part number denotes "program flash only" configuration, providing 512 KB of main program flash and 64 KB of SRAM. FlexNVM (256 KB flash + 64 KB FlexRAM) and FlexRAM-only variants use 'X' in the flash type field per K12 part numbering rules in Section 2.3 of K12P64M50SF4.

What analog peripherals are integrated into the MK12DN512VLH5R?

The MK12DN512VLH5R integrates a 16-bit SAR ADC (up to 16 channels), a 12-bit DAC, two analog comparators (each with 6-bit DAC and programmable reference), and an internal voltage reference module. These are fully specified in Sections 6.6.1–6.6.4 of the K12P64M50SF4 datasheet, with ADC ENOB ≥14.2 bits and DAC INL ±1 LSB typical.

Which low-power modes does the MK12DN512VLH5R support, and what is the lowest current draw?

The MK12DN512VLH5R supports multiple low-power modes including VLPR, VLPS, LLS, and VLLS0–VLLS3. In VLLS0 mode with POR circuit disabled, it achieves as low as 0.359 µA at –40°C and 0.95 µA at 25°C (Table 6, K12P64M50SF4 Rev. 4). This enables decade-long battery operation in wake-on-event sensor applications.

Is the MK12DN512VLH5R pin-compatible with other K12 family members in LQFP-64 package?

Yes, the MK12DN512VLH5R shares identical pinout and package dimensions (LQFP-64, 10 mm × 10 mm) with other K12 devices marked 'LH', such as MK12DX256VLH5 and MK12DX128VLH5, as confirmed in Section 8.2 "K12 Pinouts" of K12P64M50SF4. Signal multiplexing is consistent across the sub-family, enabling hardware reuse across flash-size variants.