NXP Semiconductors MK20DX256VMC10

Overview

MK20DX256VMC10 from NXP (formerly Freescale) is a 32-bit ARM Cortex-M4 microcontroller with DSP extensions, operating up to 100 MHz, featuring 256 KB on-chip flash, 64 KB RAM, dual 16-bit SAR ADCs with integrated PGA, USB OTG, two CAN interfaces, and low-power operation from –40°C to 105°C. It targets industrial control, motor drive, and sensor fusion applications requiring deterministic real-time response and mixed-signal integration.

For engineers reviewing the MK20DX256VMC10 datasheet, MK20DX256VMC10 pinout, MK20DX256VMC10 application, or MK20DX256VMC10 equivalent, key selection considerations include its 100 MHz Cortex-M4 core with hardware DSP, FlexBus external memory interface, 121-pin MAPBGA package, VLLS3 stop-mode current of ≤23 µA at 3.0 V, and dual ADC support with programmable gain up to ×64.

Technical Context

The MK20DX256VMC10 implements an ARM Cortex-M4 core with single-cycle MAC and SIMD instructions, paired with a multi-purpose clock generator supporting crystal oscillators (3–32 MHz and 32 kHz), internal reference, and PLL-based frequency synthesis. Its memory subsystem includes 256 KB program flash with error correction, 64 KB SRAM, and EzPort serial programming interface.

Peripherals are organized into low-power domains: two independent 16-bit SAR ADCs each with PGA and 6-bit DAC reference, eight-channel PWM timer with motor control features, two quadrature decoder timers, RTC with battery backup, and communication stacks including USB full/low-speed OTG, dual CAN 2.0B controllers, five UARTs, three SPIs, two I²Cs, SDHC, and I²S - all accessible via configurable pin multiplexing.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: 121-pin MAPBGA (8 mm × 8 mm, 0.8 mm pitch, MC suffix). Pin assignments follow K20 Sub-Family pinout mapping with 100+ configurable GPIOs, multiple peripheral function overlays, and dedicated power/ground ball layout per JEDEC MO-277.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with MK20DX256VMC10, K20DN512VLL10 offers more on-chip memory but lacks FlexBus and uses a larger LQFP package, while KEA128MT64xxx trades performance and feature depth for cost and simplicity - making MK20DX256VMC10 optimal for balanced mixed-signal, connectivity-rich, and low-power industrial edge nodes.

Availability

MK20DX256VMC10 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial motor control, automotive body electronics, and portable medical instrumentation requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges and long production lifecycles.

Supply support for MK20DX256VMC10 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 MK20DX256VMC10 belongs to the Kinetis K20 family - designed specifically for cost-effective, energy-efficient, mixed-signal microcontroller applications demanding real-time performance, rich analog integration, and broad connectivity in harsh environments.

FAQ

What is the maximum operating frequency of the MK20DX256VMC10?

The MK20DX256VMC10 operates at a maximum CPU frequency of 100 MHz, achieved via its ARM Cortex-M4 core with integrated PLL. This frequency is supported across the full –40°C to +105°C ambient temperature range and 1.71–3.6 V supply voltage, with flash execution optimized using prefetch and cache features. The MK20DX256VMC10 maintains deterministic timing at this speed for real-time control loops and signal processing workloads.

Does the MK20DX256VMC10 support USB device and host functionality?

Yes, the MK20DX256VMC10 integrates a full-/low-speed USB On-The-Go (OTG) controller with an on-chip transceiver, enabling both device and host roles without external PHY components. It supports standard USB classes including CDC, HID, and MSC, and includes dedicated DMA channels and buffer descriptors to offload USB protocol handling from the Cortex-M4 core - a capability confirmed in the K20 Sub-Family Data Sheet Rev. 3 (2013) section 6.8.1.

What analog peripherals are integrated into the MK20DX256VMC10?

The MK20DX256VMC10 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 6-bit DAC and programmable reference), two transimpedance amplifiers, and a precision voltage reference. These are documented in the K20 Sub-Family Data Sheet sections 6.6.1–6.6.4 and enable high-fidelity sensor interfacing, closed-loop analog control, and self-calibration routines within the MK20DX256VMC10.

What low-power modes does the MK20DX256VMC10 support, and what is its lowest active current?

The MK20DX256VMC10 supports seven low-power modes, including RUN, WAIT, VLPR, STOP, VLPS, LLS, and VLLS variants. Its lowest active current is 1.12 mA in Very-Low-Power Run (VLPR) mode at 3.0 V with all peripheral clocks disabled. In deepest sleep, VLLS3 mode draws ≤23 µA at 3.0 V (–40°C to 25°C), retaining RAM and selected registers - values verified in Table 6 of the K20 Sub-Family Data Sheet Rev. 3.

Is the MK20DX256VMC10 pin-compatible with other K20 family members?

No, the MK20DX256VMC10 is not pin-compatible with other K20 variants due to its 121-pin MAPBGA (MC) package - distinct from LQFP (LF/LH/LK/LL) and smaller BGA (MP) packages used by MK20DN512VLL10, MK20DX128VLH7, or MK20DX64VLH4. Pin assignments, power ball layout, and thermal pad configuration are unique to the MC package; migration requires PCB redesign. This is confirmed by package identifier "MC" in the part number and Figure 8-2 of the K20 Sub-Family Data Sheet.