NXP Semiconductors MK20DX256VLK7

Overview

MK20DX256VLK7 from NXP Semiconductors (formerly Freescale) is a 32-bit ARM Cortex-M4 microcontroller with DSP extensions, 256 KB on-chip flash, 64 KB RAM, and integrated USB OTG, CAN, dual ADCs, DAC, and TSI. It operates from 1.71–3.6 V across –40 to 105°C and targets industrial control, motor drive, and human-machine interface applications requiring deterministic real-time performance.

For engineers reviewing the MK20DX256VLK7 datasheet, MK20DX256VLK7 pinout, MK20DX256VLK7 application, or MK20DX256VLK7 equivalent, key selection criteria include its 72 MHz max CPU frequency, dual 16-bit SAR ADCs with PGA, 12-bit DAC, low-power stop modes down to 1.47 µA, and LQFP-80 package compatibility with K20 family toolchains and SDKs.

Technical Context

The MK20DX256VLK7 implements a multi-clock architecture with MCG supporting FEE/FBE/BLPE modes, enabling flexible clock source selection between internal RC, external crystal (3–32 MHz), and 32 kHz RTC oscillator. Its memory subsystem includes FlexMemory for EEPROM emulation and configurable flash partitioning.

Peripheral integration centers on deterministic timing: eight-channel TPM/PWM timers, two quadrature decoder timers, RTC with calendar, and carrier modulator transmitter for IR control. Communication is supported via USB full/low-speed OTG (with on-chip transceiver), two SPI, two I²C, four UART, I²S, and one FlexCAN module compliant with ISO 11898-1.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: 80-pin LQFP (12 mm × 12 mm), RoHS-compliant, moisture sensitivity level 3, rated for –40°C to +105°C ambient operation.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with MK20DX256VLK7, MK20DX128VLK7 offers identical peripheral set and pinout at lower memory cost, while MK20DN512VLK10 delivers higher clock speed and flash for scalable firmware-neither is pin-compatible with MK20DX256VLK7 due to differing flash configuration bits and voltage regulator settings.

Availability

MK20DX256VLK7 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial motor control, smart sensor nodes, automotive body electronics, and medical diagnostic interfaces requiring stable component supply and long-term manufacturability.

Supply support for MK20DX256VLK7 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 markets, with leadership in ARM-based microcontrollers and radio technologies.

The MK20DX256VLK7 belongs to the Kinetis K20 family, designed specifically for cost-sensitive, low-power industrial and consumer applications demanding rich analog integration, real-time responsiveness, and robust communication interfaces.

FAQ

What is the maximum operating frequency of the MK20DX256VLK7?

The MK20DX256VLK7 supports a maximum CPU core frequency of 72 MHz in normal run mode. This is achieved using the Multipurpose Clock Generator (MCG) in FEE mode with an external crystal or internal reference. The bus clock runs at up to 36 MHz, and flash access is optimized for this speed with appropriate wait states configured in the Flash Configuration Register (FTFL_FCCOB).

Does the MK20DX256VLK7 include a hardware floating-point unit (FPU)?

No, the MK20DX256VLK7 does not include a hardware FPU. It uses the ARM Cortex-M4 core with DSP extensions only - supporting single-cycle MAC, saturating arithmetic, and SIMD instructions for efficient fixed-point computation. Applications requiring IEEE-754 floating-point operations must use software libraries or select an MK20FX or K6x series part with integrated FPU.

How many analog-to-digital converters does the MK20DX256VLK7 integrate?

The MK20DX256VLK7 integrates two independent 16-bit successive approximation register (SAR) ADC modules (ADC0 and ADC1). Each ADC supports up to 16 single-ended or 8 differential channels, includes a programmable gain amplifier (PGA) with gains from x1 to x64, and features hardware trigger synchronization and DMA request generation.

What low-power modes are supported by the MK20DX256VLK7?

The MK20DX256VLK7 supports six low-power modes: VLPR, VLPW, LLS, STOP, VLPS, and three VLLS variants (VLLS0–VLLS3). The deepest retention mode is VLLS1, drawing as little as 1.47 µA at 3.0 V and –40°C to 25°C, retaining RAM and selected registers while disabling all clocks except the 32 kHz RTC oscillator.

Is the MK20DX256VLK7 pin-compatible with other K20 family members?

The MK20DX256VLK7 is pin-compatible with other 80-pin LQFP K20 devices sharing the LK package identifier (e.g., MK20DX128VLK7, MK20DN512VLK10), provided they use identical pin multiplexing configurations and voltage domains. However, flash size, clock configuration defaults, and certain peripheral enable bits differ - requiring firmware adaptation even when hardware layout is reused.