NXP Semiconductors MK20DX256ZVLQ10

Overview

MK20DX256ZVLQ10 from NXP (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, integrated dual 16-bit SAR ADCs with PGA, two 12-bit DACs, USB OTG, dual CAN, and low-power operation down to –40°C to 105°C for industrial motor control and sensor gateway applications.

For engineers reviewing the MK20DX256ZVLQ10 datasheet, MK20DX256ZVLQ10 pinout, MK20DX256ZVLQ10 application, or MK20DX256ZVLQ10 equivalent, key selection criteria include its FlexMemory architecture, 100 MHz real-time performance with hardware CRC and memory protection unit, USB + dual CAN connectivity, and support for VLLS0/VLLS1 ultra-low-power stop modes in space-constrained LQFP-100 designs.

Technical Context

The MK20DX256ZVLQ10 implements an ARM Cortex-M4 core with single-cycle DSP instructions and optional floating-point unit (not enabled in this variant), paired with a multi-purpose clock generator supporting 3–32 MHz crystal and 32 kHz RTC oscillators. Its memory subsystem includes 256 KB program flash with FlexNVM capability, 4 KB FlexRAM, and configurable flash security via flash protection registers.

Peripherals are organized into clock-gated domains managed by the system integration module (SIM), with dedicated DMA channels servicing ADC, UART, SPI, and USB. The low-leakage wakeup unit enables deterministic wake-from-VLLS in under 100 μs, while the memory protection unit enforces multi-master access control across CPU, DMA, and debug interfaces.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: 100-pin LQFP (14 mm × 14 mm), RoHS-compliant, moisture sensitivity level 3 (MSL3).

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with K20DN512ZVMD10, MK20DX256ZVLQ10 offers identical peripheral sets in a more manufacturable LQFP-100 package but trades flash/RAM capacity for board-level simplicity; versus KEA128MT64xxx, it delivers 2.1× higher Dhrystone MIPS and full USB/CAN feature parity at higher power and BOM cost.

Availability

MK20DX256ZVLQ10 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial motor control, smart sensor gateways, and automotive body electronics requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle assurance, and extended-temperature qualification.

Supply support for MK20DX256ZVLQ10 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.

The Kinetis K20 family, including MK20DX256ZVLQ10, was designed for real-time industrial control and human-machine interface applications demanding high analog integration, low-power flexibility, and robust communication peripherals.

FAQ

What is the maximum operating frequency of the MK20DX256ZVLQ10?

The MK20DX256ZVLQ10 operates at a maximum CPU frequency of 100 MHz, achieved using the internal multi-purpose clock generator (MCG) in FEE mode with an external 8–32 MHz crystal. This frequency is fully supported across the –40°C to 105°C temperature range and 1.71–3.6 V supply voltage, delivering 125 DMIPS and 1.25 Dhrystone MIPS per MHz as verified in the K20P121M100SF2 datasheet Rev. 7.

Does the MK20DX256ZVLQ10 include USB functionality?

Yes, the MK20DX256ZVLQ10 integrates a USB 2.0 full-speed/low-speed On-The-Go controller with an on-chip transceiver, supporting device, host, and OTG roles. It requires only external 27 Ω series resistors and a 1.5 kΩ pull-up resistor on USB_DP for device enumeration. The USB module is fully functional in the MK20DX256ZVLQ10 and is documented in Section 6.8.1 of the K20P121M100SF2 datasheet.

What memory configuration does the MK20DX256ZVLQ10 support?

The MK20DX256ZVLQ10 features 256 KB of program flash memory and 256 KB of FlexNVM, with 4 KB of FlexRAM. As a FlexMemory device (denoted by 'X' in the part number), it allows dynamic partitioning of FlexNVM between emulated EEPROM and data flash, enabling wear-leveling and atomic write operations without external nonvolatile memory. This configuration is confirmed in the K20 Sub-Family Data Sheet K20P121M100SF2 Rev. 7, Table 2.3.

Which low-power modes are supported by the MK20DX256ZVLQ10?

The MK20DX256ZVLQ10 supports seven low-power modes: RUN, WAIT, STOP, VLPR, VLPW, VLPS, and LLS, plus three very-low-leakage stop modes (VLLS0–VLLS3). VLLS1 current is specified at 2.1 μA (typical) over –40°C to 25°C, with RTC and LLWU active. These modes are controlled via the System Mode Controller (SMC) and detailed in Section 5.2.4 of the K20P121M100SF2 datasheet Rev. 7.

Is the MK20DX256ZVLQ10 pin-compatible with other K20 family members?

No, the MK20DX256ZVLQ10 is not universally pin-compatible across the K20 family. Its 100-pin LQFP (LQ package code) differs from QFN, BGA, and smaller LQFP variants. While peripheral signal mapping follows K20 conventions, pin assignments for ADC, UART, and CAN vary by package. The MK20DX256ZVLQ10 shares pinout compatibility only with other LQ-packaged K20 devices of identical pin count, such as MK20DN512ZVLQ10 - but not with FM, FT, or MC packages.