NXP Semiconductors MK28FN2M0CAU15R

Overview

MK28FN2M0CAU15R from NXP Semiconductors is a high-performance ARM® Cortex®-M4 microcontroller featuring 2 MB flash, 1 MB SRAM, dual USB controllers (High-Speed + crystal-less Full-Speed), SDRAM controller, QuadSPI interface with XIP support, and Power Management Controller with Core Voltage Bypass. It targets cost-sensitive, power-aware embedded systems requiring rich human-machine interfaces and external memory expansion - such as smart home hubs and wearable displays.

For engineers reviewing the MK28FN2M0CAU15R datasheet, MK28FN2M0CAU15R pinout, MK28FN2M0CAU15R application, or MK28FN2M0CAU15R equivalent, this page delivers verified technical context, real-world design implications of its 150 MHz core, 210-pin WLCSP package, low-power timer suite, cryptographic acceleration unit, and voltage domain isolation for VDDIO_E and VBAT.

Technical Context

The MK28FN2M0CAU15R implements an ARM Cortex-M4 core with DSP extensions and single-precision FPU, operating up to 150 MHz in HSRUN mode at 1.47 V VDD_CORE. Its memory subsystem includes dual-bank 2 MB flash with 8 KB I/D cache, 1 MB SRAM, 32 KB boot ROM, and hardware-accelerated CRC and cryptographic engines (AES, SHA-256, DES).

It integrates dual QuadSPI interfaces supporting SDR/DDR/octal serial NOR flash with eXecution-In-Place, a 32-bit SDRAM controller, FlexBus interface, and independent voltage domains: VDD (1.71–3.6 V), VDDIO_E (1.71–3.6 V), VDD_CORE (1.17–1.47 V), and VBAT (1.71–3.6 V). The PMC enables external PMIC integration via Core Voltage Bypass for system-level power optimization.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MK28FN2M0CAU15R uses a 210-ball Wafer-Level Chip-Scale Package (WLCSP) with 0.4 mm pitch, footprint 6.9 mm × 6.9 mm × 0.6 mm, optimized for space-constrained portable designs. Pin assignments follow NXP's K28F signal multiplexing scheme with dedicated domains for VDD, VDDIO_E, VBAT, and analog inputs.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar high-memory, low-power ARM Cortex-M4 MCU applications.

Compared with MK28FN2M0VMI15, the MK28FN2M0CAU15R trades thermal margin and package size for ultra-compact integration; versus IMXRT1062CVL5B, it offers integrated flash, lower active power at sub-150 MHz workloads, and hardware-optimized low-power states - making it superior for battery-constrained, cost-sensitive edge nodes.

Availability

MK28FN2M0CAU15R is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for smart home hubs, wearable displays, low-end graphic systems, and consumer audio accessories requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and validated WLCSP assembly processes.

Supply support for MK28FN2M0CAU15R 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, IoT, mobile, and communication infrastructure markets.

The Kinetis K28F MCU sub-family - including MK28FN2M0CAU15R - was designed to extend software-compatible scalability across NXP's ARM Cortex-M portfolio, emphasizing large embedded memory, external memory expansion, and multi-domain power management for next-generation edge devices.

FAQ

What is the maximum operating frequency of the MK28FN2M0CAU15R core?

The MK28FN2M0CAU15R features an ARM Cortex-M4 core with DSP extensions and single-precision FPU, rated for up to 150 MHz in High-Speed Run (HSRUN) mode when VDD_CORE is supplied at 1.33–1.47 V. At 1.2 V VDD_CORE, the maximum frequency is 120 MHz in standard RUN mode. These frequencies are validated across the full –40°C to +85°C ambient range for the 210-pin WLCSP package.

Does the MK28FN2M0CAU15R support execution-in-place (XIP) from external flash?

Yes, the MK28FN2M0CAU15R supports eXecution-In-Place (XIP) from external serial NOR flash via its dual QuadSPI interfaces. Each QuadSPI block supports SDR and DDR protocols, octal configurations, and configurable latency tuning - enabling direct code fetch at up to 80 MHz SDR or 40 MHz DDR rates without SRAM buffering. This capability is confirmed in the K28F Reference Manual and validated in the MK28FN2M0CAU15R silicon revision 2N96T.

What are the key power domains and their voltage ranges for MK28FN2M0CAU15R?

The MK28FN2M0CAU15R defines four independent power domains: VDD (1.71–3.6 V) for Ports A–D; VDDIO_E (1.71–3.6 V) for Port E and QuadSPI; VDD_CORE (1.17–1.47 V) for core logic; and VBAT (1.71–3.6 V) for RTC retention. VDDIO_E isolation allows interfacing with 1.8 V peripherals without level shifters, while PMC Core Voltage Bypass enables external PMIC control of VDD_CORE for dynamic efficiency tuning.

How does the MK28FN2M0CAU15R handle USB connectivity?

The MK28FN2M0CAU15R integrates two fully independent USB controllers: one with High-Speed/Full-Speed/Low-Speed PHY (USB0), and another crystal-less Full-Speed/Low-Speed transceiver (USB1). USB0 requires external 90 Ω differential routing and ESD protection; USB1 eliminates the 48 MHz crystal, reducing BOM and board area. Both support host/device roles and are validated per USB 2.0 specification in the K28F datasheet Rev. 4.

Is the MK28FN2M0CAU15R pin-compatible with other Kinetis K28F variants?

No, the MK28FN2M0CAU15R is not pin-compatible with other Kinetis K28F variants due to its unique 210-ball WLCSP package (6.9 mm × 6.9 mm, 0.4 mm pitch), which differs physically and electrically from the 169-pin MAPBGA used in MK28FN2M0VMI15. Signal mapping, ball pitch, thermal pad configuration, and solder reflow profile are distinct - requiring separate PCB layout and assembly validation.