NXP Semiconductors MK30DX256VLH7

Overview

MK30DX256VLH7 from NXP Semiconductors (formerly Freescale) is a Kinetis K30-series ARM Cortex-M4 microcontroller with DSP extension, 256 KB on-chip flash, 64 KB RAM, and 64-pin LQFP package. It operates from 1.71–3.6 V across –40 to 105°C, supports dual 16-bit SAR ADCs with integrated PGA, CAN 2.0B interface, and real-time clock - deployed in industrial motor control and smart sensor nodes.

For engineers reviewing the MK30DX256VLH7 datasheet, MK30DX256VLH7 pinout, MK30DX256VLH7 application, or MK30DX256VLH7 equivalent, key selection considerations include its 72 MHz max CPU frequency, FlexMemory support, low-power stop modes down to 1.47 µA, and integrated LCD controller for embedded HMI interfaces.

Technical Context

The MK30DX256VLH7 implements a 32-bit ARM Cortex-M4 core with hardware floating-point unit (FPU) and DSP instructions, paired with a multi-purpose clock generator supporting crystal oscillators at 3–32 MHz and 32 kHz. Its memory subsystem includes 256 KB program flash with FlexMemory partitioning capability and 64 KB SRAM.

Peripheral integration includes three UARTs, two I²C modules, SPI, I²S, eight-channel PWM timer, two quadrature decoder timers, and a dedicated FlexCAN module compliant with ISO 11898-1. Analog subsystem features two independent 16-bit SAR ADCs each with programmable gain amplifier (up to ×64), 12-bit DAC, and three analog comparators with internal 6-bit DAC references.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: 64-pin LQFP (10 mm × 10 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 MK30DX256VLH7, MK30DN256VLH7 trades FPU capability for lower cost and identical footprint, while KL27Z128VLH7 sacrifices flash size, FlexMemory, and LCD support to achieve deeper sleep and smaller die - making each alternative optimal only within distinct power/performance/feature trade-off boundaries.

Availability

MK30DX256VLH7 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial motor control, smart utility metering, automotive body electronics, and portable medical sensor nodes requiring stable component supply across extended product lifecycles.

Supply support for MK30DX256VLH7 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 company specializing in secure connectivity solutions for automotive, industrial, and IoT applications, with headquarters in Eindhoven, Netherlands.

The Kinetis K30 family - including MK30DX256VLH7 - was designed for cost-sensitive, high-integration embedded control applications demanding mixed-signal precision, real-time responsiveness, and robust low-power operation in harsh environments.

FAQ

What is the maximum operating frequency of the MK30DX256VLH7?

The MK30DX256VLH7 has a maximum CPU frequency of 72 MHz, achieved using the internal MCG clock generator in FEE mode with an external 8 MHz crystal and PLL multiplication. This frequency is fully supported across the full –40 to 105°C temperature range and 1.71–3.6 V supply voltage, enabling deterministic real-time control loops in motor and power conversion applications. The MK30DX256VLH7 maintains timing compliance without derating under worst-case conditions.

Does the MK30DX256VLH7 support CAN FD or only classical CAN?

The MK30DX256VLH7 integrates a FlexCAN module compliant with ISO 11898-1:2015, supporting Classical CAN 2.0A/B only - it does not support CAN FD data rates or extended frame formats. Its CAN controller operates at up to 1 Mbps with programmable bit timing and hardware message filtering. For CAN FD implementation, designers must select a newer Kinetis or S32K series device. The MK30DX256VLH7 remains widely used in legacy automotive and industrial networks relying on standard CAN.

How much FlexMemory is available on the MK30DX256VLH7?

The MK30DX256VLH7 includes FlexMemory - a user-configurable portion of its 256 KB flash that can be allocated as emulated EEPROM (data flash) or additional program flash. Up to 4 KB of FlexMemory is available for EEPROM emulation with byte-level write capability and 100k-cycle endurance, managed by the Flash Memory Controller (FTFL) and supported by Kinetis SDK drivers. This eliminates the need for external serial EEPROM in applications requiring nonvolatile parameter storage. The MK30DX256VLH7's FlexMemory architecture is fixed at factory and cannot be increased beyond 4 KB.

What LCD configuration does the MK30DX256VLH7 support?

The MK30DX256VLH7's integrated segment LCD controller supports two configurations: 36 frontplane × 8 backplane (288 segments) or 40 frontplane × 4 backplane (160 segments), selectable via configuration registers. It provides internal charge pump, software-controlled contrast, and static/dynamic drive modes - all implemented without external components. This capability is enabled only on the 64-pin LQFP (LH) and larger packages; the MK30DX256VLH7 specifically uses the LH package and fully exposes all LCD pins. The MK30DX256VLH7's LCD controller is commonly used in utility meters and industrial HMIs.

Is the MK30DX256VLH7 pin-compatible with other K30 family members?

Yes, the MK30DX256VLH7 is pin-compatible with other K30 family members sharing the same 64-pin LQFP (LH) package, including MK30DX128VLH7 and MK30DX64VLH7. All share identical pin assignments for power, clocks, reset, JTAG/SWD debug, and peripheral signals such as UART, I²C, SPI, CAN, ADC, and GPIO. Firmware and PCB layout can be reused across these variants, differing only in flash/RAM size and certain peripheral enablement flags. This compatibility simplifies scaling designs from prototype to production across performance tiers. The MK30DX256VLH7 retains full functional equivalence at the pin level.