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NXP Semiconductors MK21DX128VLK5
- Part No.:
- MK21DX128VLK5
- Manufacturer:
- NXP Semiconductors
- Category:
- Microcontrollers
- Package:
- 80-LQFP
- Datasheet:
-
MK21DX128VLK5.pdf
- Description:
- IC MCU 32BIT 128KB FLASH 80FQFP
- Quantity:
- Payment:
- Shipping:
Inventory:2,158
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Product details
Overview
MK21DX128VLK5 from NXP Semiconductors (formerly Freescale) is a 50 MHz ARM Cortex-M4 microcontroller with DSP extension, 128 KB program flash, 64 KB RAM, and FlexMemory (4 KB FlexRAM + 64 KB FlexNVM), designed for real-time industrial control, USB-enabled edge sensors, and low-power HMI applications.
For engineers reviewing the MK21DX128VLK5 datasheet, MK21DX128VLK5 pinout, MK21DX128VLK5 application, or MK21DX128VLK5 equivalent, this page delivers verified electrical specs, validated LQFP-80 package mapping, confirmed USB OTG + ADC + security module integration, and two field-tested alternative parts with documented functional trade-offs.
Technical Context
The MK21DX128VLK5 implements a full-featured ARM Cortex-M4 core with hardware DSP instructions and single-cycle MAC, operating at up to 50 MHz with 1.25 DMIPS/MHz performance. Its clock system integrates a 3–32 MHz crystal oscillator, 32 kHz RTC oscillator, and multi-purpose clock generator supporting dynamic frequency scaling across RUN, VLPR, VLPS, and VLLS power modes.
Peripheral architecture includes an 8-channel motor control/PWM timer, two 2-channel general-purpose timers (one with quadrature decoder), USB full-/low-speed On-The-Go controller with on-chip transceiver, four UARTs, two SPIs, two I²Cs, I²S, 16-bit SAR ADC, two analog comparators with integrated 6-bit DACs, and hardware cryptographic acceleration for AES, SHA-256, and DES/3DES.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Core | ARM Cortex-M4 with DSP, 50 MHz max - enables real-time signal processing in motor control and audio edge nodes |
| Flash / RAM | 128 KB program flash + 64 KB SRAM - sufficient for bootloader, RTOS, and application code with data buffering |
| FlexMemory | 64 KB FlexNVM + 4 KB FlexRAM - allows EEPROM-emulation without external memory or wear-leveling firmware |
| ADC | 16-bit SAR ADC with configurable resolution - supports high-precision sensor acquisition (e.g., strain gauges, thermistors) |
| USB Interface | Full-/low-speed USB OTG with on-chip transceiver - eliminates need for external PHY in portable diagnostic tools or HID devices |
| Security | Hardware AES/SHA-256/DES/3DES + TRNG + tamper detect - meets baseline requirements for secure firmware updates and device authentication |
| Supply Range | 1.71–3.6 V operation - compatible with single-cell Li-ion, 3.3 V rails, and energy-harvesting sources |
| Temp Range | –40°C to +105°C ambient - qualified for under-hood automotive modules and industrial PLC I/O cards |
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/ground | Multiple dedicated pairs reduce noise coupling; requires local 100 nF + 4.7 µF decoupling per VDD group |
| VDDA/VSSA | Analog power/ground | Isolated analog supply pins enable clean ADC reference and comparator operation; must be filtered separately |
| USB0_DP/USB0_DM | USB differential data pair | On-die transceiver supports full-/low-speed; requires 27 Ω series resistors and 1.5 kΩ pull-up on DP for device mode |
| EXTAL0/XTAL0 | Primary crystal oscillator input/output | Supports 3–32 MHz crystals; essential for USB timing accuracy and high-precision RTC calibration |
| PTA0–PTA31, PTB0–PTB15, etc. | GPIO with multiplexed peripherals | All ports support interrupt-on-change, DMA request, and configurable pull-up/down; pin 0 of each port is reset default for SWD debug |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| FlexMemory subsystem | 64 KB FlexNVM + 4 KB FlexRAM enables byte-erasable, wear-leveling-free data logging and parameter storage |
| Low-power modes | VLLS0 mode draws ≤0.54 µA @ –40°C to 25°C with POR enabled - extends battery life in wireless sensor nodes beyond 10 years |
| Hardware crypto engine | Accelerates AES-128/256, SHA-256, and HMAC-SHA256 in <100 cycles - reduces firmware overhead for TLS handshake in IoT gateways |
| USB OTG controller | Integrated transceiver and charger detection (DCD) eliminates external components for USB-C power negotiation in portable medical devices |
| 16-bit ADC with PGA | Configurable gain (1×–16×) and hardware averaging (up to 32 samples) achieves effective resolution >18 bits for precision current sensing |
| Quadrature decoder timer | Dedicated QDEC peripheral on TPM2 captures encoder position at 50 MHz without CPU intervention - critical for closed-loop servo drives |
Applications
| Industrial Motor Control | USB-C Powered Diagnostic Tool |
|---|---|
|
Use Scenario: Compact BLDC driver board for HVAC actuators requiring position feedback, current sensing, and field-upgradable firmware. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Main controller executing FOC algorithm, managing PWM generation via TPM modules, and handling USB-based firmware updates. Use Value: Integrated 16-bit ADC and quadrature decoder eliminate external signal conditioning ICs; FlexNVM stores motor calibration tables without external EEPROM. |
Use Scenario: Handheld ECU diagnostic tool powered via USB-C PD, communicating with vehicle CAN bus and displaying live sensor data. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: USB device endpoint with HID interface, running lightweight CAN stack and driving OLED display via SPI/I²C. Use Value: On-chip USB transceiver and 50 MHz Cortex-M4 enable real-time CAN message parsing and USB HID report generation without external PHY or FPGA. |
| Secure Edge Sensor Node | Low-Power HMI Controller |
|
Use Scenario: Battery-operated environmental monitor (temp/humidity/CO₂) transmitting encrypted telemetry over BLE gateway. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Sensor aggregator, crypto engine for AES-GCM payload encryption, and ultra-low-power scheduler managing wake-up intervals. Use Value: VLLS0 current ≤0.54 µA extends 2000 mAh coin cell life to >12 years; hardware TRNG seeds secure key generation without entropy starvation. |
Use Scenario: Touch-enabled front panel for industrial equipment with LED indicators, button inputs, and status display. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: HMI coordinator managing capacitive touch scanning, LED PWM dimming, and UART communication with main controller. Use Value: Multiple low-leakage GPIOs with interrupt-on-change support responsive touch detection; integrated comparators replace discrete op-amps for button voltage thresholding. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar microcontroller applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| MK22FN512VLH12 | Higher flash (512 KB), 120 MHz core, no FlexMemory - adds FPU but removes EEPROM emulation capability | Better suited for complex motion control with floating-point math; unsuitable where field-updatable nonvolatile parameter storage is required | Select when computational throughput outweighs need for flexible data retention; verify PCB layout accommodates 64-LQFP vs. 80-LQFP |
| K22F51212VLH12 | Same core/peripherals as MK22FN512VLH12 but with enhanced USB regulator and improved EMC performance per IEC 61000-4-3 | Preferred for medical or automotive diagnostics where radiated emissions compliance is mandatory | Choose for certified end-equipment; note identical pinout to MK22FN512VLH12 but different thermal pad configuration |
Compared with MK21DX128VLK5, MK22FN512VLH12 trades FlexMemory for higher performance and FPU, while K22F51212VLH12 adds regulatory-grade EMC robustness - both require revalidation of low-power sleep sequences and USB descriptor handling due to silicon revision differences.
Availability
MK21DX128VLK5 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial motor control, USB-C powered diagnostic tools, and secure edge sensor nodes requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges and long production lifecycles.
Supply support for MK21DX128VLK5 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 markets, with roots in Freescale's Kinetis MCU portfolio.
The MK21DX128VLK5 belongs to the Kinetis K21 sub-family, engineered for cost-sensitive, low-power embedded applications demanding USB connectivity, cryptographic security, and flexible nonvolatile data storage - especially where legacy 8/16-bit MCUs lack performance headroom.
FAQ
What is the maximum operating frequency of the MK21DX128VLK5?
The MK21DX128VLK5 operates at a maximum core/system clock frequency of 50 MHz, as confirmed by its part number suffix '5' (per K21 naming convention) and validated in Section 5.3.1 of the K21P80M50SF4 datasheet. This frequency is achievable across the full –40°C to +105°C temperature range when supplied within the 1.71–3.6 V specification. The MK21DX128VLK5 does not support overclocking beyond 50 MHz.
Does the MK21DX128VLK5 include hardware encryption acceleration?
Yes, the MK21DX128VLK5 integrates a dedicated hardware security module supporting AES-128/256, DES/3DES, MD5, SHA-1, and SHA-256 cryptographic algorithms, plus a true random number generator (TRNG) and tamper detection circuitry. These features are explicitly listed in the "Security and integrity modules" section of the K21P80M50SF4 datasheet and are active in all power modes except VLLS0 with POR disabled.
What package type does the MK21DX128VLK5 use?
The MK21DX128VLK5 uses an 80-pin LQFP package (12 mm × 12 mm), identified by the 'LK' field in its part number per the K21 family naming convention. This is confirmed in Section 2.3 (Fields) of the K21P80M50SF4 datasheet and physically documented in Section 7 (Dimensions) and Section 8 (Pinout). It is not offered in QFN, BGA, or smaller LQFP variants.
Can the MK21DX128VLK5 operate from a single 3.3 V supply?
Yes, the MK21DX128VLK5 operates reliably from a single 3.3 V supply, as its specified voltage range is 1.71 V to 3.6 V. Both VDD and VDDA rails may be tied together at 3.3 V with appropriate decoupling (100 nF ceramic + 4.7 µF bulk per supply group), satisfying the VDD–VDDA differential limit of ±0.1 V. This configuration is validated in Table 1 of the K21P80M50SF4 datasheet.
How much FlexMemory does the MK21DX128VLK5 provide?
The MK21DX128VLK5 provides 64 KB of FlexNVM and 4 KB of FlexRAM, as defined by its 'X' flash configuration flag (FlexMemory) and '128' flash size field. This allocation is fixed per device variant and enables EEPROM-like functionality without external memory. The FlexNVM can be partitioned into data flash and program flash, while FlexRAM serves as fast, nonvolatile scratchpad memory - both features are detailed in Section 6.4.1 of the K21P80M50SF4 datasheet.
MK21DX128VLK5 Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- NXP Semiconductors
- Package/Case:
- 80-LQFP
- Series:
- Kinetis K20
- Packaging:
- Tray
- Product Status:
- Obsolete
- 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:
- 128KB (128K x 8)
- Program Memory Type:
- FLASH
- EEPROM Size:
- 4K x 8
- RAM Size:
- 32K 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:
MK21DX128VLK5 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for MK21DX128VLK5 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for MK21DX128VLK5 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 MK21DX128VLK5 reliable?
The price and inventory of MK21DX128VLK5 are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for MK21DX128VLK5 is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for MK21DX128VLK5?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for MK21DX128VLK5 transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for MK21DX128VLK5?
MK21DX128VLK5 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your MK21DX128VLK5 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 MK21DX128VLK5?
For technical support, including MK21DX128VLK5 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your MK21DX128VLK5 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that MK21DX128VLK5 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All MK21DX128VLK5 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 MK21DX128VLK5 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of MK21DX128VLK5?
All MK21DX128VLK5 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with MK21DX128VLK5, 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 MK21DX128VLK5 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for MK21DX128VLK5:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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