NXP Semiconductors MK21FN1M0VLQ12

Overview

MK21FN1M0VLQ12 from NXP Semiconductors (formerly Freescale) is a 120 MHz ARM Cortex-M4-based microcontroller with integrated FPU, 1 MB flash, 128 KB SRAM, DryIce tamper detection, and USB LS/FS OTG 2.0 with embedded 3.3 V/120 mA LDO - designed for secure, low-power electronic point-of-sale terminals requiring full state retention at 5.1 μA static current and 5 μs wakeup.

For engineers reviewing the MK21FN1M0VLQ12 datasheet, MK21FN1M0VLQ12 pinout, MK21FN1M0VLQ12 application, or MK21FN1M0VLQ12 equivalent, this page delivers verified technical context on its tamper-protected operation, dual 16-bit ADCs, CAN 2.0B interface, six UARTs, and 121-pin MAPBGA package - all confirmed against Kinetis K21F Sub-Family Data Sheet Rev 4 (05/2014).

Technical Context

The MK21FN1M0VLQ12 implements an ARM Cortex-M4 core with hardware floating-point unit and DSP instruction set, delivering 1.25 Dhrystone MIPS/MHz. Its memory subsystem includes 1 MB on-chip flash with error correction and 128 KB SRAM with MPU protection across multiple bus masters.

Security is enforced via DryIce tamper detection with active/passive pin monitoring, temperature, clock, and supply voltage sensing; hardware AES encryption; true random-number generation; and 128-bit unique chip ID. Clocking supports 3–32 MHz crystal input, PLL/FLL, and multiple internal oscillators including 32 kHz RTC oscillator.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: 121-pin MAPBGA, 8 mm × 8 mm × 1.4 mm, 0.65 mm pitch - compatible with standard PCB assembly processes and high-density layouts for compact payment terminals.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with MK21FX512AVMC12, the MK21FN1M0VLQ12 provides double flash capacity for secure dual-image bootloaders; versus MK22FN512VLH12, it adds DryIce, USB LDO, and 25 extra I/Os - making it uniquely suited for certified payment terminals requiring tamper-resistance and peripheral scalability.

Availability

MK21FN1M0VLQ12 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for electronic point-of-sale terminals, secure access control systems, and industrial HMI panels requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle assurance, and traceable sourcing for medical and financial-grade deployments.

Supply support for MK21FN1M0VLQ12 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 applications, with deep expertise in ARM-based microcontrollers and embedded security.

The Kinetis K21F family - including MK21FN1M0VLQ12 - was engineered for cost-sensitive, tamper-resistant applications such as electronic point-of-sale systems, combining low-power operation, USB OTG, and hardware security modules in a scalable ARM Cortex-M4 platform.

FAQ

What is the maximum operating frequency of the MK21FN1M0VLQ12 core?

The MK21FN1M0VLQ12 features an ARM Cortex-M4 core with floating-point unit rated for up to 120 MHz operation. This frequency is achievable under PEE (Phase-Locked Loop Engaged) clock mode with appropriate voltage (1.71–3.6 V) and temperature (–40 to 105°C ambient) conditions, as specified in Table 9 of the K21F Data Sheet Rev 4.

Does the MK21FN1M0VLQ12 include hardware tamper detection?

Yes, the MK21FN1M0VLQ12 integrates the DryIce tamper detection module, which monitors active and passive pins, die temperature, clock frequency, and supply voltage. Any anomaly triggers immediate secure erase of sensitive memory regions and asserts tamper interrupts - a key requirement for PCI PTS v5.0-certified payment terminals.

What USB capabilities does the MK21FN1M0VLQ12 support?

The MK21FN1M0VLQ12 supports USB 2.0 Low-Speed and Full-Speed On-The-Go (OTG) operation with an integrated 3.3 V, 120 mA LDO regulator. It includes USB Device Charger Detection (DCD) and complies with USB 2.0 specification - enabling self-powered peripheral mode without external voltage regulation.

What are the low-power modes supported by the MK21FN1M0VLQ12?

The MK21FN1M0VLQ12 supports seven power modes: RUN, WAIT, VLPR, VLPW, STOP, VLPS, and four Very-Low-Leakage Stop (VLLS0–VLLS3) modes. The deepest mode, VLLS0 with POR detect disabled, draws just 268 nA at 3.0 V while retaining full SRAM and register state - ideal for battery-backed secure storage applications.

Is the MK21FN1M0VLQ12 pin-compatible with other Kinetis K21F variants?

Yes, the MK21FN1M0VLQ12 shares the same 121-pin MAPBGA package (8 × 8 mm, 0.65 mm pitch) and pinout with MK21FX512AVMC12 and MK21FN1M0AVMC12, enabling direct PCB reuse across flash-size variants. Pin assignments for power, reset, clocks, USB, CAN, and GPIO are functionally identical per K21 Signal Multiplexing documentation.