NXP Semiconductors MK20DX256VMB7

Overview

MK20DX256VMB7 from NXP (formerly Freescale) is a Kinetis K20-series ARM Cortex-M4 microcontroller with DSP extension, designed for embedded control and signal processing in industrial and automotive applications. It integrates 256 KB flash, 64 KB RAM, dual 16-bit SAR ADCs with PGA, 12-bit DAC, USB OTG, CAN, four UARTs, and operates from 1.71–3.6 V across –40 to 105°C.

For engineers reviewing the MK20DX256VMB7 datasheet, MK20DX256VMB7 pinout, MK20DX256VMB7 application, or MK20DX256VMB7 equivalent, key selection considerations include its 72 MHz max CPU frequency, 81-pin MAPBGA package, low-power operation down to 1.47 µA in VLLS1 mode, integrated analog peripherals, and support for real-time control via quadrature decoders and PWM timers.

Technical Context

The MK20DX256VMB7 implements a 32-bit ARM Cortex-M4 core with DSP instructions and single-precision FPU support, paired with a multi-purpose clock generator supporting crystal oscillators at 3–32 MHz and 32 kHz. Its memory subsystem includes 256 KB on-chip flash with error correction, 64 KB SRAM, and FlexMemory for EEPROM emulation.

System-level features include a 16-channel DMA controller servicing up to 63 request sources, hardware CRC module, 128-bit unique chip ID, and a low-leakage wakeup unit enabling ultra-low-power stop modes. Peripheral integration spans USB full-/low-speed OTG with on-chip transceiver, FlexCAN, I²C, SPI, I²S, and TSI-based touch sensing.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: 81-pin MAPBGA (8 mm × 8 mm), ball pitch 0.8 mm, 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 MK20DX256VMB7, MK20DX128VMB7 offers identical peripheral integration and low-power behavior at reduced flash capacity, while MK20DN256VMB7 sacrifices DSP capability and floating-point performance for lower gate count and power - neither is pin-compatible nor drop-in replaceable due to core and instruction set differences.

Availability

MK20DX256VMB7 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial motor control, automotive body electronics, medical monitoring devices, and smart energy metering requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges and long production lifecycles.

Supply support for MK20DX256VMB7 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 MK20DX256VMB7 belongs to the Kinetis K20 family, engineered for real-time embedded control in harsh environments - emphasizing mixed-signal integration, ultra-low-power operation, and functional safety readiness for industrial and automotive use cases.

FAQ

What is the maximum operating frequency of the MK20DX256VMB7?

The MK20DX256VMB7 supports a maximum CPU core and system clock frequency of 72 MHz. This is achieved using the internal MCG clock generator in FEE mode with an external 3–32 MHz crystal. The bus clock runs up to 50 MHz, and flash access is optimized for 25 MHz operation. All timing specifications in the datasheet assume this 72 MHz configuration unless otherwise noted for low-power modes.

Does the MK20DX256VMB7 include USB functionality, and what type is supported?

Yes, the MK20DX256VMB7 integrates a full-/low-speed USB On-The-Go (OTG) controller with an on-chip transceiver. It supports USB 2.0 device, host, and OTG roles without requiring an external PHY. The USB_DP and USB_DM pins are dedicated differential I/Os compliant with USB electrical specifications, and the controller includes dedicated endpoints, buffers, and interrupt handling for real-time enumeration and data transfer.

What analog peripherals are integrated into the MK20DX256VMB7?

The MK20DX256VMB7 integrates two independent 16-bit SAR ADCs, each with a programmable gain amplifier (PGA) offering gains up to ×64, a 12-bit DAC, three analog comparators (each with a built-in 6-bit DAC and programmable reference input), and a precision voltage reference module. These peripherals share common analog supply (VDDA/VSSA) and support simultaneous sampling, hardware triggering via PDB, and low-power operation down to 1.71 V.

What low-power modes does the MK20DX256VMB7 support, and what is the lowest current consumption?

The MK20DX256VMB7 supports 10 distinct low-power modes, including VLPR, VLPW, STOP, VLPS, LLS, and VLLS1–VLLS3. In VLLS1 mode (very low-leakage stop mode 1), it achieves 1.47 µA typical current at 3.0 V and –40 to 25°C ambient, retaining RAM and selected registers while disabling all clocks except the 32 kHz RTC oscillator. Wakeup is possible via GPIO, RTC alarm, or comparator events.

Is the MK20DX256VMB7 pin-compatible with other K20 family members?

No, the MK20DX256VMB7 is not universally pin-compatible across the K20 family. While it shares the 81-pin MAPBGA (MB) package with variants like MK20DX128VMB7 and MK20DX64VMB7, pin assignments differ based on flash size, peripheral enablement, and silicon revision. Signal multiplexing varies per part number; for example, certain ADC or UART functions may be assigned to different pins. Always verify pinout using the official K20 Sub-Family Data Sheet Rev. 2, Section 8.