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NXP Semiconductors MK21FX512AVMD12R
- Part No.:
- MK21FX512AVMD12R
- Manufacturer:
- NXP Semiconductors
- Category:
- Microcontrollers
- Package:
- 144-LBGA
- Datasheet:
-
MK21FX512AVMD12R.pdf
- Description:
- KINETIS K21: 120MHZ CORTEX-M4F M
- Quantity:
- Payment:
- Shipping:
Inventory:2,892
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Product details
Overview
MK21FX512AVMD12 from NXP (formerly Freescale) is a 120 MHz ARM® Cortex®-M4-based microcontroller with FPU, 512 KB flash, 128 KB SRAM, USB LS/FS OTG 2.0 with integrated 3.3 V/120 mA LDO, DryIce tamper detection, and CAN interface - designed for cost-sensitive, low-power electronic point-of-sale (EPOS) systems requiring robust security and mixed-signal capability.
For engineers reviewing the MK21FX512AVMD12 datasheet, MK21FX512AVMD12 pinout, MK21FX512AVMD12 application, or MK21FX512AVMD12 equivalent, key selection considerations include its 144-pin MAPBGA package, –40 to 105°C industrial temperature range, 1.71–3.6 V supply, 268 nA lowest static mode current, and hardware encryption support for secure firmware execution.
Technical Context
The MK21FX512AVMD12 implements a full-featured ARM Cortex-M4 core with DSP extensions and single-precision floating-point unit (FPU), enabling real-time signal processing in resource-constrained EPOS terminals. Its clock system integrates PLL, FLL, and multiple internal oscillators, supporting dynamic frequency scaling from 4 MHz (VLPR mode) up to 120 MHz (PEE mode).
Security is enforced via DryIce tamper detection with active/passive pin monitoring, temperature, clock, and supply voltage supervision, plus hardware AES encryption, CRC module, and 128-bit unique chip ID. Analog subsystem includes dual 16-bit SAR ADCs, dual 12-bit DACs, three comparators, and voltage reference - all operating within the same 1.71–3.6 V supply domain.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Core | ARM Cortex-M4 with FPU, 120 MHz max - delivers 1.25 Dhrystone MIPS/MHz for deterministic real-time control |
| Memory | 512 KB flash + 128 KB SRAM - sufficient for secure bootloader, application code, and runtime data in EPOS firmware |
| USB Interface | USB 2.0 LS/FS OTG with embedded 3.3 V/120 mA LDO - eliminates external regulator for host/peripheral power delivery |
| Power Efficiency | 268 nA VLLS0 mode with POR detect disabled - enables multi-year battery life in tamper-monitored standby |
| Operating Range | –40 to 105°C ambient, 1.71–3.6 V supply - qualified for industrial-grade retail and kiosk deployments |
| Analog Peripherals | Two 16-bit SAR ADCs, two 12-bit DACs, three analog comparators - supports precision sensor interfacing and analog feedback loops |
| Security Modules | DryIce tamper detection, hardware AES, CRC, RNG, 128-bit UID - meets EPOS anti-tampering and secure boot requirements |
Pinout & Package
Package: 144-pin MAPBGA (13 mm × 13 mm × 1.7 mm, 1.0 mm pitch). Pinout validated per Freescale Document K21P144M120SF5V2, Section 5.2 "K21 Pinouts" and package drawing 98ASA00222D1.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| VDD, VDDA, VSS, VSSA | Power and ground rails | Digital/analog supply separation ensures noise immunity for ADC/DAC operation at full resolution |
| USB0_DP / USB0_DM | USB 2.0 differential data pair | Full-speed/low-speed compliant; requires 27 Ω series termination per trace for EMI control |
| CAN0_TX / CAN0_RX | CAN 2.0B controller interface | Direct connection to external transceiver; supports 1 Mbps automotive/industrial bus communication |
| ADC0_SE0–ADC0_SE15 | Analog input channels | 16-channel 16-bit SAR ADC with programmable gain and hardware averaging for sensor signal conditioning |
| PTA0–PTA31, PTB0–PTB17, etc. | Multi-function GPIO | Configurable as UART/I²C/SPI/CMP/DAC outputs; supports digital glitch filtering and edge-triggered interrupts |
| EXTAL / XTAL | 32 kHz crystal oscillator inputs | Enables precise RTC operation and low-power clock source for wake-up from VLLS modes |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Floating-point unit (FPU) | Single-precision IEEE 754 compliance accelerates math-intensive tasks like barcode decoding or EMV transaction verification |
| DryIce tamper detection | Monitors physical intrusion, voltage glitches, clock anomalies, and temperature excursions - triggers secure erase on violation |
| Hardware AES encryption | Accelerates secure boot, firmware update authentication, and encrypted storage without CPU overhead |
| Flexible low-power modes | Seven power modes including VLLS0 (268 nA) and LLS (5.1 μA) - enables rapid wake-up (<5 μs) while preserving full RAM state |
| Integrated USB regulator | On-chip 3.3 V/120 mA LDO powers USB PHY and peripherals - reduces BOM count and layout complexity |
Applications
| Electronic Point-of-Sale (EPOS) Terminals | Secure Payment Kiosks |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Compact countertop terminal processing EMV chip cards, contactless NFC, and receipt printing under strict PCI PTS v6.0 requirements. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary application MCU managing secure transaction flow, USB host for peripheral attachment, and real-time tamper response. Use Value: DryIce tamper detection and hardware AES meet PCI PTS physical security mandates; 512 KB flash hosts certified payment stack and secure bootloader. | Use Scenario: Unattended self-service kiosk accepting card payments, QR code scanning, and biometric verification in public transit or retail environments. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Central controller coordinating CAN-connected peripherals (card reader, printer, display), USB OTG for field updates, and RTC-backed audit logging. Use Value: Dual 16-bit ADCs monitor environmental sensors (temperature/humidity); CAN interface enables modular, daisy-chained peripheral architecture. |
| Industrial HMI Panels | Low-Power IoT Gateways |
Use Scenario: Ruggedized human-machine interface panel in factory automation, displaying real-time process data and accepting operator inputs. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Real-time UI processor with touch controller interface, serial comms to PLCs, and local data buffering during network outages. Use Value: 120 MHz Cortex-M4 with FPU renders graphics and runs protocol stacks (Modbus TCP/RTU); 128 KB SRAM supports frame buffer and command queue. | Use Scenario: Battery-powered edge gateway aggregating BLE/Zigbee sensor data and forwarding via cellular or Ethernet to cloud platforms. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Low-power concentrator MCU with USB device mode for configuration, I²C/SPI for sensor hub, and RTC for scheduled wake-up and data batching. Use Value: 268 nA VLLS0 mode extends 10-year battery life; six UARTs enable concurrent legacy serial sensor integration without external level shifters. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar microcontroller applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| MK21FN1M0AVMD12 | 1 MB flash, same 512 KB SRAM, identical package and peripherals - no change in pinout or software compatibility | Required when firmware image exceeds 512 KB or secure boot partitioning demands larger flash allocation | Select when future firmware growth or dual-bank OTA updates necessitate >512 KB program memory. |
| MK64FX512VLQ12 | 120 MHz Cortex-M4, 512 KB flash, 128 KB SRAM, but in 144-pin LQFP (20×20 mm) - different mechanical footprint and thermal profile | Better suited for prototyping or cost-sensitive designs where BGA rework is impractical and PCB space allows larger package | Choose for manual assembly, thermal testing, or legacy LQFP-based designs needing M4/FPU upgrade path. |
Compared with MK21FN1M0AVMD12, the MK21FX512AVMD12 trades flash capacity for tighter BOM control in volume production; versus MK64FX512VLQ12, it offers superior thermal performance and smaller board area at the cost of assembly complexity.
Availability
MK21FX512AVMD12 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for electronic point-of-sale terminals, secure payment kiosks, and industrial HMI panels requiring stable component supply across extended product lifecycles.
Supply support for MK21FX512AVMD12 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 deep heritage in ARM-based microcontrollers.
The Kinetis K21F family - including MK21FX512AVMD12 - was engineered specifically for cost-optimized, tamper-resistant embedded applications such as EPOS, where low-power operation, USB connectivity, and hardware security coexist in a single die.
FAQ
What is the maximum operating frequency of the MK21FX512AVMD12 core?
The MK21FX512AVMD12 features an ARM Cortex-M4 core with floating-point unit rated for up to 120 MHz operation. This frequency is achievable in PEE (Phase-Locked Loop Engaged) mode with appropriate clock configuration and supply voltage (≥2.7 V). At lower voltages (1.71–2.7 V), maximum frequency is reduced per electrical specifications in the datasheet.
Does the MK21FX512AVMD12 support USB device charging detection?
Yes, the MK21FX512AVMD12 includes a dedicated USB Device Charger Detect (DCD) module compliant with USB Battery Charging Specification v1.2. It enables automatic identification of SDP (Standard Downstream Port), CDP (Charging Downstream Port), and DCP (Dedicated Charging Port) sources - critical for reliable power negotiation in portable EPOS terminals using MK21FX512AVMD12.
What low-power modes are available on the MK21FX512AVMD12 and what is the lowest current draw?
The MK21FX512AVMD12 supports seven low-power modes, including VLLS0 (Very-Low-Leakage Stop Mode 0). With POR detect circuit disabled, VLLS0 draws just 268 nA at 3.0 V and 25°C - the lowest static current mode. Full RAM retention and fast 5 μs wake-up time are maintained, making MK21FX512AVMD12 ideal for battery-backed tamper monitoring.
Is the MK21FX512AVMD12 pin-compatible with other Kinetis K21 devices in the same package?
Yes, MK21FX512AVMD12 is pin-compatible with MK21FN1M0AVMD12 (1 MB flash) and MK21FX512AVLQ12 (144-pin LQFP variant) within the K21F family. All share identical signal multiplexing, peripheral mapping, and electrical characteristics per Freescale Document K21P144M120SF5V2 - enabling seamless migration between flash densities or package types without PCB redesign for MK21FX512AVMD12.
What security features does the MK21FX512AVMD12 provide for tamper protection?
The MK21FX512AVMD12 integrates DryIce tamper detection with active/passive pin monitoring, temperature sensing, clock glitch detection, and supply voltage supervision. Upon violation, it can trigger secure erase of protected memory regions. Additional layers include hardware AES encryption, CRC engine, true random number generator, and 128-bit unique chip ID - collectively satisfying EPOS-specific anti-tampering requirements in MK21FX512AVMD12.
MK21FX512AVMD12R Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- NXP Semiconductors
- Package/Case:
- 144-LBGA
- Series:
- Kinetis K21F
- Packaging:
- Tape & Reel (TR)
- Product Status:
- Active
- Programmable:
- -
- Core Processor:
- ARM® Cortex®-M4
- Core Size:
- 32-Bit
- Speed:
- 120MHz
- Connectivity:
- CANbus, I2C, SAI, SPI, UART/USART, USB, USB OTG
- Peripherals:
- DMA, I2S, PWM, WDT
- Number of I/O:
- 104
- Program Memory Size:
- 512KB (512K x 8)
- Program Memory Type:
- FLASH
- EEPROM Size:
- -
- RAM Size:
- 128K x 8
- Voltage - Supply (Vcc/Vdd):
- 1.71V ~ 3.6V
- Data Converters:
- -
- Oscillator Type:
- Internal
- Operating Temperature:
- -40°C ~ 105°C (TA)
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
MK21FX512AVMD12R FAQ
1.How can I place an order for MK21FX512AVMD12R through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for MK21FX512AVMD12R 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 MK21FX512AVMD12R reliable?
The price and inventory of MK21FX512AVMD12R are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for MK21FX512AVMD12R is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for MK21FX512AVMD12R?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for MK21FX512AVMD12R transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for MK21FX512AVMD12R?
MK21FX512AVMD12R orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your MK21FX512AVMD12R 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 MK21FX512AVMD12R?
For technical support, including MK21FX512AVMD12R datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your MK21FX512AVMD12R requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that MK21FX512AVMD12R is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All MK21FX512AVMD12R 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 MK21FX512AVMD12R meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of MK21FX512AVMD12R?
All MK21FX512AVMD12R units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with MK21FX512AVMD12R, 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 MK21FX512AVMD12R part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for MK21FX512AVMD12R:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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