NXP Semiconductors MK20DX256VLH7

Overview

MK20DX256VLH7 from NXP Semiconductors (formerly Freescale) is a 32-bit ARM Cortex-M4 core microcontroller with DSP extensions, 256 KB on-chip flash, 64 KB RAM, and integrated USB OTG, CAN, dual 16-bit SAR ADCs, 12-bit DAC, and TSI touch interface. It operates from 1.71–3.6 V across –40 to 105°C and targets industrial control, motor drive, and embedded HMI applications.

For engineers reviewing the MK20DX256VLH7 datasheet, MK20DX256VLH7 pinout, MK20DX256VLH7 application, or MK20DX256VLH7 equivalent, key selection considerations include its 72 MHz max CPU frequency, 64 LQFP (10 mm × 10 mm) package, dual ADC with PGA, USB/CAN dual-protocol capability, and low-power stop modes down to 1.47 µA.

Technical Context

The MK20DX256VLH7 implements a Kinetis K20 sub-family architecture with an ARM Cortex-M4 core featuring DSP instructions and no FPU. Its clock system includes a 3–32 MHz main crystal oscillator, 32 kHz RTC crystal input, and multi-purpose clock generator supporting flexible PLL-based frequency synthesis up to 72 MHz.

Peripherals are organized into dedicated modules: two independent 16-bit SAR ADCs each with integrated programmable gain amplifier (up to ×64), a 12-bit DAC, three analog comparators with internal 6-bit DACs, eight-channel PWM timer, two quadrature decoder timers, real-time clock, and USB full-/low-speed On-The-Go controller with on-chip transceiver.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: 64-pin LQFP (10 mm × 10 mm), lead-free, RoHS-compliant. Pin pitch: 0.5 mm. Thermal pad: none. JEDEC MO-118AC compliant.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with MK20DX128VLH7, the MK20DX256VLH7 provides double flash capacity for feature-rich firmware while retaining identical peripheral integration and low-power behavior; versus MK20DN512VLH10, it offers proven stability and lower BOM cost at the expense of maximum clock speed and flash scalability.

Availability

MK20DX256VLH7 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial motor control, smart sensor nodes, human-machine interface panels, and automotive body electronics requiring stable component supply and long-term lifecycle support.

Supply support for MK20DX256VLH7 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, IoT, and mobile applications, with roots in Freescale's Kinetis portfolio.

The MK20DX256VLH7 belongs to the Kinetis K20 family - designed specifically for cost-sensitive, mixed-signal embedded systems demanding robust analog integration, real-time responsiveness, and scalable low-power operation across harsh environments.

FAQ

What is the maximum operating frequency of the MK20DX256VLH7?

The MK20DX256VLH7 supports a maximum system and core clock frequency of 72 MHz, achieved via its multipurpose clock generator and internal PLL. This frequency is validated across the full –40 to 105°C temperature range and 1.71–3.6 V supply voltage, delivering 110 DMIPS of performance for real-time control tasks. The MK20DX256VLH7 maintains this rating without derating under specified conditions.

Does the MK20DX256VLH7 include a hardware floating-point unit (FPU)?

No, the MK20DX256VLH7 implements the ARM Cortex-M4 core with DSP extensions but does not include a hardware floating-point unit. Its 'D' suffix denotes DSP capability only; floating-point operations must be handled in software or via CMSIS-DSP library optimizations. For FPU support, engineers should consider the 'F' variant (e.g., MK20FN1M0VLQ12), which is a distinct part number with different pinout and features.

What analog-to-digital converter (ADC) resources does the MK20DX256VLH7 provide?

The MK20DX256VLH7 integrates two independent 16-bit successive approximation register (SAR) ADCs, each with a programmable gain amplifier (PGA) offering gains up to ×64. Each ADC supports up to 16 single-ended or 8 differential input channels, with hardware-triggered conversions synchronized via the programmable delay block (PDB). These ADCs operate across the full –40 to 105°C range with guaranteed 16-bit effective resolution under specified supply and reference conditions.

Is the MK20DX256VLH7 qualified for automotive applications?

The MK20DX256VLH7 is rated for –40 to 105°C operation and meets key automotive electrical requirements (e.g., CAN 2.0B, ESD ratings per JESD22-A114), but it is not AEC-Q100 qualified. It is intended for industrial and consumer applications where extended temperature range is needed. For automotive-grade deployment, NXP offers AEC-Q100–qualified variants such as the S32K1xx series - the MK20DX256VLH7 itself is not certified for safety-critical vehicle subsystems.

What debug interface does the MK20DX256VLH7 support?

The MK20DX256VLH7 supports SWD (Serial Wire Debug) and JTAG interfaces via dedicated pins (SWDIO, SWCLK, TDI, TDO, TMS, TCK). Debug access is enabled through the ARM CoreSight debug architecture and is compatible with standard tools including Segger J-Link, PEMicro Multilink, and OpenOCD. The MK20DX256VLH7 also includes hardware trace support (MTB) for instruction flow analysis without requiring external trace pins.