NXP Semiconductors MK20DX256VLK10

Overview

MK20DX256VLK10 from NXP Semiconductors is a 32-bit ARM Cortex-M4 microcontroller with DSP extension, featuring 256 KB on-chip flash memory, 128 KB RAM, and operation up to 100 MHz. It integrates dual 16-bit SAR ADCs with programmable gain amplifiers (up to ×64), a 12-bit DAC, two CAN 2.0B controllers, USB On-The-Go, and operates across –40°C to +105°C for industrial motor control and embedded HMI applications.

For engineers reviewing the MK20DX256VLK10 datasheet, MK20DX256VLK10 pinout, MK20DX256VLK10 application, or MK20DX256VLK10 equivalent, key selection criteria include its 80-pin LQFP package, 1.71–3.6 V supply range, FlexBus external interface, low-power stop modes down to 2.1 µA, and integrated TSI touch-sensing capability for resource-constrained edge devices.

Technical Context

The MK20DX256VLK10 implements an ARM Cortex-M4 core with hardware DSP instructions and a Memory Protection Unit (MPU) supporting multi-master protection. Its clock system includes a 3–32 MHz crystal oscillator, 32 kHz RTC oscillator, and a Multi-Purpose Clock Generator (MCG) enabling flexible frequency synthesis and low-power mode transitions.

Peripherals are organized around a 16-channel DMA controller supporting 63 request sources, eight-channel PWM/motor control timer, two quadrature decoder timers, real-time clock, and secure digital host controller (SDHC). Analog subsystems feature transimpedance amplifiers, three analog comparators with embedded 6-bit DACs, and voltage reference for precision signal conditioning.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

80-pin LQFP (12 mm × 12 mm, 0.5 mm pitch), RoHS-compliant, moisture sensitivity level 3 per J-STD-020.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with MK20DX256VLK10, MK20DN512VLK10 offers double flash capacity without changing footprint or power profile, while MK22FN512VLH12 introduces FPU and higher clock speed at the cost of package incompatibility and increased static power - making MK20DX256VLK10 optimal for cost-sensitive, thermally constrained industrial designs requiring FlexMemory.

Availability

MK20DX256VLK10 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial motor control, smart energy metering, automotive body electronics, and portable medical devices requiring stable component supply over extended product lifecycles.

Supply support for MK20DX256VLK10 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 company specializing in secure connectivity solutions for automotive, industrial, and IoT applications, with leadership in ARM-based microcontrollers and RF technologies.

The MK20DX256VLK10 belongs to the Kinetis K20 family, designed specifically for cost-optimized, low-power embedded control applications demanding rich analog integration, real-time responsiveness, and industrial temperature reliability.

FAQ

What is the maximum operating frequency and core architecture of the MK20DX256VLK10?

The MK20DX256VLK10 features an ARM Cortex-M4 core with DSP extensions, rated for operation up to 100 MHz across its full temperature range (–40°C to +105°C). This frequency is achievable using the internal MCG in FEI or PEE mode with appropriate crystal configuration and voltage supply (1.71–3.6 V). The MK20DX256VLK10 delivers 125 DMIPS and supports single-cycle MAC operations essential for motor control and audio processing.

Does the MK20DX256VLK10 support USB On-The-Go functionality?

Yes, the MK20DX256VLK10 integrates a full-speed/low-speed USB On-The-Go controller with an on-chip transceiver, supporting device, host, and OTG roles without external PHY components. It complies with USB 2.0 specification and includes dedicated USB_DP/USB_DM pins, internal pull-up resistors, and suspend/resume logic. The MK20DX256VLK10 also provides USB DCD (device charger detection) and VREG regulation circuitry per the datasheet.

What analog peripherals are integrated into the MK20DX256VLK10?

The MK20DX256VLK10 integrates two independent 16-bit SAR ADCs, each with a programmable gain amplifier (PGA) offering gains from ×1 to ×64, a 12-bit DAC, three analog comparators (each with a 6-bit DAC and programmable reference), two transimpedance amplifiers, and a precision voltage reference module. These peripherals are powered by dedicated VDDA/VSSA rails and support simultaneous sampling for synchronized current/voltage measurements in motor control applications.

What low-power modes are available on the MK20DX256VLK10, and what is the lowest achievable current draw?

The MK20DX256VLK10 supports multiple low-power modes including VLPR, VLPW, STOP, VLPS, LLS, and VLLS0–VLLS3. In VLLS1 mode at 3.0 V and –40°C to +25°C ambient, the MK20DX256VLK10 draws as little as 2.1 µA while retaining RAM and selected wake sources. At 105°C, VLLS1 current rises to 95.5 µA - verified in the K20 Sub-Family Data Sheet Rev. 3, Table 6.

Is the MK20DX256VLK10 pin-compatible with other K20 family members?

The MK20DX256VLK10 uses an 80-pin LQFP (LK) package and shares pinout compatibility with other K20 devices in the same LK variant, such as MK20DN512VLK10 and MK20DX128VLK10, provided they use identical package identifiers and share the same signal multiplexing table per the K20 Pin Assignments document. However, functional differences (e.g., FlexMemory presence, flash size, or peripheral enablement) require software validation even with identical pinouts.