NXP Semiconductors MK20DN128VFT5

Overview

MK20DN128VFT5 from NXP (formerly Freescale) is a 50 MHz ARM Cortex-M4 core microcontroller with DSP instructions, 128 KB program flash, 16 KB RAM, and integrated USB full-/low-speed On-the-Go controller. It operates from 1.71–3.6 V across –40 to 105°C and targets industrial control, motor drive, and embedded USB host/device applications.

For engineers reviewing the MK20DN128VFT5 datasheet, MK20DN128VFT5 pinout, MK20DN128VFT5 application, or MK20DN128VFT5 equivalent, key selection criteria include its 48-pin QFN package, FlexMemory capability (not present in this variant), real-time clock, 16-bit SAR ADC, and low-power stop modes down to 0.176 µA - critical for battery-backed and energy-constrained designs.

Technical Context

The MK20DN128VFT5 implements an ARM Cortex-M4 core with hardware DSP extensions but no FPU (denoted by 'D', not 'F' in part number). Its clock system includes dual oscillators (3–32 MHz main, 32 kHz RTC), MCG module supporting FEI/FBE/BLPE modes, and configurable bus/system clock division.

It integrates a 16-bit SAR ADC with up to 16 channels, two analog comparators each with 6-bit DAC and programmable reference, and eight-channel PWM timer with motor control support. Communication interfaces include three UARTs, I²C, SPI, I²S, and USB OTG with on-chip transceiver - all independently clocked and configurable via SIM module registers.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

48-pin QFN package (7 mm × 7 mm, 0.5 mm pitch), thermally enhanced with exposed pad. Pin assignments follow K20 Sub-Family signal multiplexing; all pins support configurable digital I/O, with dedicated functions for USB_DP/DM, ADC inputs, UART TX/RX, and PWM outputs.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with MK20DN128VFT5, MK20DX128VFT5 adds FlexMemory for data retention flexibility but increases cost and code size overhead; KL27Z128VLH4 reduces complexity and power in USB-device roles but sacrifices DSP performance, USB OTG capability, and motor control peripherals essential for real-time embedded control.

Availability

MK20DN128VFT5 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial motor control, smart energy metering, and USB-capable embedded gateway applications requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and automotive-grade temperature resilience.

Supply support for MK20DN128VFT5 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, with deep expertise in ARM-based microcontrollers and edge processing.

The MK20DN128VFT5 belongs to NXP's Kinetis K20 family - designed specifically for cost-sensitive, high-integration embedded applications demanding real-time performance, mixed-signal capability, and robust low-power operation in harsh environments.

FAQ

What is the maximum operating frequency of the MK20DN128VFT5?

The MK20DN128VFT5 operates at a maximum core/system clock frequency of 50 MHz, as specified in the K20 Sub-Family Data Sheet (Rev. 4, May 2012). This frequency is achievable across the full –40 to 105°C temperature range when supplied with 1.71–3.6 V. The MK20DN128VFT5 does not support higher frequencies like 72 MHz or 100 MHz - those require different silicon revisions (e.g., CC=7 or CC=10) and are not valid for this part number.

Does the MK20DN128VFT5 include FlexMemory (FlexNVM/FlexRAM)?

No, the MK20DN128VFT5 does not include FlexMemory. Per the K20 part numbering guide, the 'N' in position 5 of MK20DN128VFT5 indicates "program flash only", whereas 'X' denotes inclusion of FlexNVM and FlexRAM. The MK20DN128VFT5 contains 128 KB of program flash and 16 KB of SRAM, but no emulated EEPROM or additional nonvolatile memory beyond the main flash array.

What package type and pin count does the MK20DN128VFT5 use?

The MK20DN128VFT5 uses a 48-pin QFN package (7 mm × 7 mm, 0.5 mm pitch), identified by the 'FT' suffix in the part number. This thermally enhanced package features an exposed thermal pad and is RoHS-compliant. Pin assignments are fully documented in Section 8 ("Pinout") of the K20 Sub-Family Data Sheet, with signal multiplexing controlled via PORTx_PCRn registers.

Can the MK20DN128VFT5 operate in USB host mode?

Yes, the MK20DN128VFT5 supports USB On-The-Go (OTG) functionality, enabling both host and device roles via its integrated full-/low-speed USB controller and on-chip transceiver. Host mode requires external VBUS sensing and power switching circuitry, while device mode needs only the internal 1.5 kΩ pull-up on USB_DP. The USB module complies with USB 2.0 specification and supports CDC, HID, and MSC classes with appropriate firmware.

What is the lowest achievable current consumption in stop mode for the MK20DN128VFT5?

The lowest measured current for the MK20DN128VFT5 is 0.176 µA in Very Low-Leakage Stop Mode 0 (VLLS0) with POR detect circuit disabled, at –40 to 25°C and 3.0 V supply. This mode retains RAM and register contents while disabling all clocks except the 32 kHz RTC oscillator. Achieving this value requires proper configuration of SMC_PMCTRL and SMC_STOPCTRL registers, plus external decoupling and PCB layout optimized for leakage minimization.