NXP Semiconductors MK20DX256VLQ10R

Overview

MK20DX256VLQ10R from NXP Semiconductors (formerly Freescale) is a 32-bit ARM Cortex-M4 microcontroller with DSP extensions, operating at up to 100 MHz, featuring 256 KB on-chip flash memory and 128 KB RAM in a 144-pin LQFP package. It integrates dual 16-bit SAR ADCs, two 12-bit DACs, two CAN interfaces, USB OTG, six UARTs, and supports industrial temperature range (–40°C to +105°C) for embedded control applications.

For engineers reviewing the MK20DX256VLQ10R datasheet, MK20DX256VLQ10R pinout, MK20DX256VLQ10R application, or MK20DX256VLQ10R equivalent, key selection considerations include its FlexMemory architecture (256 KB flash + 4 KB FlexRAM), low-power stop modes down to 2.1 µA, integrated TSI touch interface, and dual CAN bus support for automotive and industrial networking.

Technical Context

The MK20DX256VLQ10R implements an ARM Cortex-M4 core with hardware DSP instructions and a Memory Protection Unit (MPU), enabling deterministic real-time control. Its clock system includes a 3–32 MHz main crystal oscillator, 32 kHz RTC oscillator, and a multi-purpose clock generator supporting dynamic frequency scaling across power modes.

Peripherals are organized around a high-bandwidth crossbar switch: FlexBus enables external memory expansion; EzPort supports serial flash programming; and the 16-channel DMA controller offloads data movement from the CPU for ADC, UART, and USB transfers - critical for sensor fusion and communication-intensive edge nodes.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: 144-pin LQFP (20 mm × 20 mm, 0.5 mm pitch), RoHS-compliant, moisture sensitivity level 3.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with MK20DX256VLQ10R, MK20DN512VLQ10 offers scalable memory for future firmware growth without PCB change, while STM32F407VGT6 trades FlexMemory flexibility for raw FPU throughput - making MK20DX256VLQ10R optimal for cost-sensitive, low-power, mixed-signal edge devices needing integrated analog and touch.

Availability

MK20DX256VLQ10R is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial motor control, automotive body electronics, medical patient monitors, and smart energy meters requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges and long production lifecycles.

Supply support for MK20DX256VLQ10R 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 applications, with deep expertise in ARM-based microcontrollers and edge processing.

The Kinetis K20 family, including MK20DX256VLQ10R, was designed for cost-sensitive, high-integration embedded systems requiring mixed-signal capability, low-power operation, and automotive-grade reliability - targeting industrial automation and automotive body electronics.

FAQ

What is the maximum operating frequency of the MK20DX256VLQ10R?

The MK20DX256VLQ10R operates at a maximum core frequency of 100 MHz, enabled by its ARM Cortex-M4 core with DSP extensions. This frequency is achievable across the full –40°C to +105°C temperature range when supplied within the 1.71 V to 3.6 V voltage range and using the internal PLL with a valid external crystal (3–32 MHz). The device delivers 1.25 Dhrystone MIPS per MHz, resulting in 125 DMIPS performance.

Does the MK20DX256VLQ10R support USB device and host functionality?

Yes, the MK20DX256VLQ10R integrates a full-/low-speed USB On-The-Go (OTG) controller with an on-chip transceiver. It supports both device and host roles without requiring an external PHY. The USB module complies with USB 2.0 specifications and includes dedicated endpoints, FIFOs, and descriptors for efficient enumeration and data transfer - confirmed in the K20 Sub-Family Data Sheet Rev. 3 (Section 6.8.1).

What analog peripherals are integrated into the MK20DX256VLQ10R?

The MK20DX256VLQ10R integrates two 16-bit SAR ADCs with integrated programmable gain amplifiers (up to x64), two 12-bit DACs, three analog comparators (each with a 6-bit DAC and programmable reference), two transimpedance amplifiers, and a precision voltage reference. These are documented in the K20 Sub-Family Data Sheet Rev. 3 (Section 6.6), and all operate across the full –40°C to +105°C range with specified linearity and offset performance.

Is the MK20DX256VLQ10R pin-compatible with other K20 family members?

The MK20DX256VLQ10R uses the 144-pin LQFP (LQ) package and shares identical pinout with other K20 devices in the same package variant, including MK20DN512VLQ10 and MK20DX128VLQ10. Pin assignments for power, clocks, reset, and peripheral functions are consistent across this LQ package group - verified in Section 8.2 "K20 pinouts" of the K20 Sub-Family Data Sheet Rev. 3.

What low-power modes does the MK20DX256VLQ10R support?

The MK20DX256VLQ10R supports seven low-power modes: RUN, WAIT, STOP, VLPR, VLPW, VLPS, and LLS/VLLS variants. Minimum current consumption is 2.1 µA in VLLS1 mode (with RAM retention and wakeup on GPIO), and 1.12 mA in VLPR mode (full-speed CPU operation at reduced voltage). These values are measured at 3.0 V and 25°C, and are fully characterized across temperature - per Table 6 in the K20 Sub-Family Data Sheet Rev. 3.