NXP Semiconductors MK21DN512VMC5

Overview

MK21DN512VMC5 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 on-chip flash memory, 128 KB RAM, and integrated analog peripherals including dual 16-bit SAR ADCs and two 12-bit DACs - deployed in industrial motor control and sensor fusion applications.

For engineers reviewing the MK21DN512VMC5 datasheet, MK21DN512VMC5 pinout, MK21DN512VMC5 application, or MK21DN512VMC5 equivalent, key selection criteria include its -40°C to 105°C extended temperature grade, 121-pin MAPBGA package, dual CAN interfaces, USB OTG support, and FlexBus external memory interface for real-time embedded systems requiring deterministic timing and mixed-signal integration.

Technical Context

The MK21DN512VMC5 implements an ARM Cortex-M4 core with hardware DSP instructions and single-cycle MAC operations, 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 non-volatile program flash with EEPROM emulation capability via FlexNVM (not present in this variant), and configurable wait-state flash access at 50 MHz.

System-level architecture integrates a 16-channel DMA controller with scatter-gather support, memory protection unit (MPU) with multi-master arbitration, low-leakage wakeup unit, and hardware CRC module. Analog subsystem features programmable gain amplifiers (x1–x64) embedded within each ADC channel, six analog comparators with integrated 6-bit DACs, and voltage reference trimming for precision measurement.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: 121-pin MAPBGA (8 mm × 8 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 MK21DN512VMF5, MK21DN512VMC5 trades 20°C higher max ambient for lower cost and qualification scope; versus MK22FN512VLH12, it omits FPU and higher clock speed but retains identical peripheral set and package - making it optimal for deterministic, cost-sensitive industrial control where fixed-point arithmetic meets performance targets.

Availability

MK21DN512VMC5 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial motor control, automotive body electronics, and medical sensor hub applications requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle assurance, and traceable sourcing from authorized channels.

Supply support for MK21DN512VMC5 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 K21 series belongs to NXP's Kinetis K2x family of general-purpose ARM Cortex-M4 MCUs, designed specifically for cost-sensitive, mixed-signal embedded applications demanding high integration, low power, and extended temperature operation.

FAQ

What is the maximum operating frequency of the MK21DN512VMC5?

The MK21DN512VMC5 operates at a maximum CPU frequency of 50 MHz. This is determined by its CC field value "5" in the part number encoding, confirmed in the K20 Sub-Family Data Sheet Rev. 7. The core achieves 1.25 Dhrystone MIPS per MHz, delivering deterministic real-time performance suitable for motor control and protocol stacks. MK21DN512VMC5 does not support higher frequencies like the 100 MHz variants in the same family.

Does the MK21DN512VMC5 include a floating-point unit (FPU)?

No, the MK21DN512VMC5 does not include a hardware floating-point unit. Its part number prefix "MK21DN" indicates a Cortex-M4 core with DSP extensions only ('D' = DSP, 'N' = no FlexMemory); FPU-equipped variants use the 'F' suffix (e.g., MK22FN). All floating-point operations on MK21DN512VMC5 must be handled in software, though its DSP instruction set accelerates fixed-point math efficiently.

What package type and pin count does the MK21DN512VMC5 use?

The MK21DN512VMC5 uses a 121-pin MAPBGA package (8 mm × 8 mm, 0.5 mm pitch), identified by the "MC" package code in its part number. This package provides 96 user-configurable GPIOs with full peripheral multiplexing, including dual CAN, USB, FlexBus, and multiple UART/SPI/I²C interfaces. Thermal and mechanical dimensions are documented in Section 7 of the K20 Sub-Family Data Sheet.

Can the MK21DN512VMC5 support external memory expansion?

Yes, the MK21DN512VMC5 supports external memory expansion via its FlexBus interface, which provides an 8/16-bit parallel bus with address, data, and control signals. It can interface with asynchronous SRAM, NOR flash, and peripherals such as FPGAs or display controllers. FlexBus timing is configurable per device, and the MK21DN512VMC5 datasheet specifies setup/hold/wait-state parameters for reliable operation up to 50 MHz bus clock.

What are the supported debug interfaces for the MK21DN512VMC5?

The MK21DN512VMC5 supports SWD (Serial Wire Debug) and JTAG interfaces for programming and debugging, compliant with ARM CoreSight standards. Pin assignments for SWDIO, SWCLK, and reset are defined in the K20 pinout documentation. Debug access remains functional across all low-power modes except VLLS0, and the device includes a dedicated debug trace port for real-time instruction tracing when enabled.