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NXP Semiconductors MK21DN512AVLK5
- Part No.:
- MK21DN512AVLK5
- Manufacturer:
- NXP Semiconductors
- Category:
- Microcontrollers
- Package:
- 80-LQFP
- Datasheet:
-
MK21DN512AVLK5.pdf
- Description:
- IC MCU 32BIT 512KB FLASH 80FQFP
- Quantity:
- Payment:
- Shipping:
Inventory:4,807
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Product details
Overview
MK21DN512AVLK5 from NXP Semiconductors (formerly Freescale) is a 32-bit ARM Cortex-M4 core microcontroller with DSP extensions, operating up to 50 MHz, featuring 512 KB program flash, 64 KB RAM, and integrated USB OTG, ADC, timers, and cryptographic accelerators - deployed in industrial motor control, medical sensor hubs, and secure IoT edge nodes.
For engineers reviewing the MK21DN512AVLK5 datasheet, MK21DN512AVLK5 pinout, MK21DN512AVLK5 application, or MK21DN512AVLK5 equivalent, key selection criteria include its -40°C to 105°C extended temperature grade, FlexMemory absence (N = flash-only), LQFP-80 package, 50 MHz max CPU frequency, and hardware AES/SHA-256 support for firmware integrity verification.
Technical Context
The MK21DN512AVLK5 implements an ARM Cortex-M4 core with single-cycle DSP instructions and no FPU (D = DSP-only, not F). Its clock system integrates a multi-purpose clock generator (MCG) supporting internal and external oscillators (3–32 MHz main, 32 kHz RTC), enabling precise low-power mode transitions including VLLS0 with POR detect enabled.
Memory architecture separates 512 KB of program flash (no FlexNVM) from 64 KB SRAM and includes 4 KB FlexRAM only on FlexMemory variants - absent here. Peripheral set includes eight-channel PWM timer, dual I²C/SPI, four UARTs, I²S, and USB full-/low-speed OTG with on-chip transceiver and charger detection.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| CPU Core | ARM Cortex-M4 with DSP, no FPU - enables real-time signal processing in motor control without floating-point overhead |
| Max Clock Frequency | 50 MHz - supports deterministic 20 ns instruction cycle time for time-critical control loops |
| Flash Memory | 512 KB program flash only (N variant) - sufficient for bootloader + RTOS + application with field-upgrade space |
| RAM | 64 KB SRAM - accommodates stack, heap, and real-time data buffers for multi-threaded sensor fusion |
| Operating Voltage | 1.71–3.6 V - compatible with single-cell Li-ion, 3.3 V logic rails, and energy-harvesting power supplies |
| Temperature Range | -40°C to +105°C - qualified for under-hood automotive, industrial PLC, and outdoor gateway environments |
| USB Interface | Full-/low-speed On-The-Go with integrated transceiver - eliminates external PHY, reduces BOM for host/peripheral dual-role devices |
| Crypto Acceleration | Hardware AES-128/256, SHA-1/256, DES/3DES - offloads encryption from CPU, enabling secure OTA updates with <5 ms signature verify latency |
Pinout & Package
Package: 80-pin LQFP (12 mm × 12 mm), RoHS-compliant, moisture sensitivity level 3 (MSL3).
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| VDD, VSS | Digital power supply and ground | Multiple dedicated pairs reduce IR drop and noise coupling in high-speed operation |
| VDDA, VSSA | Analog power and ground | Isolated analog domain enables clean 16-bit ADC sampling without digital switching noise |
| EXTAL, XTAL | Main crystal oscillator input/output | Supports 3–32 MHz crystals for precise timing; required for USB clock accuracy |
| RTC_XTAL, RTC_EXTAL | 32 kHz RTC crystal interface | Enables autonomous wake-up from VLLS0 at sub-μA current with ±20 ppm stability |
| USB0_DP, USB0_DM | USB differential data lines | On-die transceiver meets USB 2.0 full-speed electrical specs - no external termination needed |
| PTA0–PTA31, PTB0–PTB15, etc. | GPIO with multiplexed peripherals | Up to 64 configurable pins with programmable pull-ups/pull-downs and 25 mA drive strength per pin |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Low-power modes (VLLS0–VLLS3) | VLLS0 draws 0.54 μA @ –40°C to 25°C with POR detect enabled - extends battery life in wireless sensor nodes beyond 10 years |
| Hardware CRC module | Accelerates checksum calculation over memory blocks or communication payloads at >20 MB/s - ensures fast firmware image validation |
| 16-bit SAR ADC | 16-channel, 16-bit resolution with hardware averaging - delivers <±1 LSB INL for precision current/voltage sensing in motor drives |
| Eight-channel PWM timer | Independent dead-time insertion, fault protection inputs, and center-aligned mode - directly controls 3-phase inverter gate drivers |
| Secure boot with tamper detect | Hardware-based secure storage and tamper response (e.g., zeroize keys on case breach) - meets IEC 62443-3-3 SL2 requirements |
| 128-bit unique ID | Factory-programmed per-die serial number - enables device identity binding for cloud authentication and license enforcement |
Applications
| Industrial Motor Control | Medical Sensor Hub |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Closed-loop control of BLDC motors in HVAC compressors with real-time torque ripple suppression. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary controller executing FOC algorithm, managing PWM generation, ADC sampling, and CAN/UART diagnostics. Use Value: 50 MHz Cortex-M4 with DSP delivers 1.25 DMIPS/MHz throughput to run dual-loop PI controllers within 50 μs cycle time. | Use Scenario: Aggregating ECG, SpO₂, and temperature data from multiple analog sensors in portable patient monitors. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Central data acquisition unit performing synchronized 16-bit ADC sampling, digital filtering, and encrypted BLE transmission. Use Value: Integrated 16-bit SAR ADC with hardware averaging achieves <100 nV RMS noise floor - meets AAMI EC13 clinical accuracy requirements. |
| Secure IoT Edge Node | Automotive Body Controller |
Use Scenario: Tamper-resistant gateway for smart metering, performing local anomaly detection and signed firmware updates. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Root-of-trust execution environment handling AES-256 decryption, SHA-256 hashing, and secure boot verification. Use Value: Hardware crypto engine reduces OTA update verification time by 92% vs. software-only implementation - critical for constrained battery-powered nodes. | Use Scenario: Door module controlling window lift, mirror adjustment, and interior lighting with LIN bus communication. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Low-voltage, high-reliability MCU managing PWM dimming, switch debouncing, and LIN physical layer timing. Use Value: -40°C to 105°C rating and VLLS2 stop mode (1.77 μA) ensure operation across vehicle thermal zones with minimal quiescent drain. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar microcontroller applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| MKE15Z64VLH4 | ARM Cortex-M0+, 48 MHz, 64 KB flash, no USB OTG, no crypto acceleration | Lacks hardware USB transceiver and AES engine - requires external PHY and software crypto | Select when cost sensitivity outweighs USB integration and security needs |
| MIMXRT1021DAG5A | ARM Cortex-M7, 500 MHz, 256 KB SRAM, no on-chip flash, external QSPI required | Higher performance but lacks integrated flash and operates at 1.0 V core - demands complex power sequencing | Select for Linux-capable edge AI inference where external memory bandwidth justifies added complexity |
Compared with MK21DN512AVLK5, MKE15Z64VLH4 offers lower cost and power but sacrifices USB integration and security; MIMXRT1021DAG5A delivers 10× CPU performance but increases BOM cost, layout complexity, and power design effort - making MK21DN512AVLK5 optimal for balanced real-time control with embedded security.
Availability
MK21DN512AVLK5 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial motor control, medical sensor hubs, and secure IoT edge nodes requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges and long product lifecycles.
Supply support for MK21DN512AVLK5 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 specializing in secure connectivity solutions for automotive, industrial, and IoT markets, with deep expertise in ARM-based microcontrollers and edge processing.
The Kinetis K21 family - including MK21DN512AVLK5 - was designed for robust, low-power embedded control in harsh environments, emphasizing mixed-signal precision, real-time responsiveness, and hardware-enforced security.
FAQ
What is the maximum operating frequency of the MK21DN512AVLK5?
The MK21DN512AVLK5 operates at a maximum CPU frequency of 50 MHz, as confirmed in the K21 Sub-Family Data Sheet Rev. 4.1. This frequency is achievable across the full -40°C to 105°C ambient temperature range and 1.71–3.6 V supply voltage, with the MCG configured in FEI or PEE mode. The MK21DN512AVLK5 does not support higher frequencies like 72 MHz or 100 MHz - those require different speed grades (CC field = 7 or 10) and silicon revisions.
Does the MK21DN512AVLK5 include FlexMemory (FlexNVM/FlexRAM)?
No, the MK21DN512AVLK5 does not include FlexMemory. Its part number encoding confirms this: the 'N' in position 5 (MK21DN512...) indicates "Program flash only", whereas 'X' would denote flash + FlexMemory. Therefore, this device provides 512 KB of program flash and 64 KB of general-purpose SRAM, but no FlexNVM or FlexRAM - features reserved for MK21DX-series variants.
What package type and pin count does the MK21DN512AVLK5 use?
The MK21DN512AVLK5 uses an 80-pin LQFP package (12 mm × 12 mm), identified by the 'LK' suffix in its part number per the K21 naming convention. This package provides full peripheral access including USB DP/DM, multiple UART/I²C/SPI channels, ADC inputs, and GPIOs - validated in the official K21 Pinouts section (Section 8.2) of the datasheet. It is not offered in QFN, BGA, or smaller LQFP variants.
Which USB capabilities does the MK21DN512AVLK5 support?
The MK21DN512AVLK5 integrates a full-/low-speed USB On-The-Go controller with an on-chip transceiver, supporting device, host, and OTG roles without external PHY components. It also includes USB Device Charger Detect (DCD) per USB Battery Charging Specification v1.2. The MK21DN512AVLK5 does not support high-speed (480 Mbps) USB - that capability is exclusive to Kinetis K6x and later families.
What security features are implemented in hardware on the MK21DN512AVLK5?
The MK21DN512AVLK5 includes hardware-based security modules: a CRC accelerator, tamper detection circuitry with secure storage, a true random-number generator (TRNG), and cryptographic engines supporting DES, 3DES, AES-128/256, MD5, SHA-1, and SHA-256. It also provides a factory-programmed 128-bit unique identification number. These features are documented in Section 6.5 of the K21 Sub-Family Data Sheet and enable secure boot, firmware signing, and runtime integrity checks - all executed without CPU intervention.
MK21DN512AVLK5 Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- NXP Semiconductors
- Package/Case:
- 80-LQFP
- Series:
- Kinetis K20
- Packaging:
- Bulk
- Product Status:
- Active
- Programmable:
- Not Verified
- Core Processor:
- ARM® Cortex®-M4
- Core Size:
- 32-Bit Single-Core
- Speed:
- 50MHz
- Connectivity:
- I2C, IrDA, SPI, UART/USART, USB, USB OTG
- Peripherals:
- DMA, I2S, LVD, POR, PWM, WDT
- Number of I/O:
- 60
- Program Memory Size:
- 512KB (512K x 8)
- Program Memory Type:
- FLASH
- EEPROM Size:
- -
- RAM Size:
- 64K x 8
- Voltage - Supply (Vcc/Vdd):
- 1.71V ~ 3.6V
- Data Converters:
- A/D 20x16b
- Oscillator Type:
- Internal
- Operating Temperature:
- -40°C ~ 105°C (TA)
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
MK21DN512AVLK5 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for MK21DN512AVLK5 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for MK21DN512AVLK5 on Aetrix. Our sales agent will provide a competitive quotation and guide you through the order confirmation once you accept the terms.
2.Are the price and stock information for MK21DN512AVLK5 reliable?
The price and inventory of MK21DN512AVLK5 are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for MK21DN512AVLK5 is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for MK21DN512AVLK5?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for MK21DN512AVLK5 transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for MK21DN512AVLK5?
MK21DN512AVLK5 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your MK21DN512AVLK5 order is processed, you will receive an email with the shipment details and tracking number.
Note: Tracking information may take up to 24 hours to appear. Express delivery typically takes 3–5 business days.
5.How can I obtain technical support or documentation for MK21DN512AVLK5?
For technical support, including MK21DN512AVLK5 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your MK21DN512AVLK5 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that MK21DN512AVLK5 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All MK21DN512AVLK5 products on Aetrix are procured from qualified distributors and authorized channels. Our dedicated quality assurance team conducts strict verification, including traceability checks and, if necessary, third-party testing. This ensures that MK21DN512AVLK5 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of MK21DN512AVLK5?
All MK21DN512AVLK5 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with MK21DN512AVLK5, returns or replacements are accepted under the following conditions:
1.Quantity discrepancies, incorrect items, or visible external defects (such as breakage or corrosion), acknowledged by Aetrix.
2.The issue is reported within 90 days of delivery.
3.The MK21DN512AVLK5 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for MK21DN512AVLK5:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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