NXP Semiconductors MK30DX256VLL7

Overview

MK30DX256VLL7 from NXP Semiconductors (formerly Freescale) is a Kinetis K30 series 32-bit ARM Cortex-M4 microcontroller with DSP extension, 256 KB flash, 64 KB RAM, and 72 MHz max CPU frequency. It operates from 1.71–3.6 V across –40 to 105°C, integrates dual 16-bit SAR ADCs with PGA, 12-bit DAC, CAN, five UARTs, and LCD controller - deployed in industrial motor control and smart sensor edge nodes.

For engineers reviewing the MK30DX256VLL7 datasheet, MK30DX256VLL7 pinout, MK30DX256VLL7 application, or MK30DX256VLL7 equivalent, key selection criteria include its 72 MHz real-time performance under extended temperature, integrated analog subsystem for sensor signal conditioning, low-power stop modes down to 1.47 µA, and LQFP-100 package compatibility with industrial PCB layouts.

Technical Context

The MK30DX256VLL7 implements an ARM Cortex-M4 core with DSP instructions and no FPU, paired with a Multi-Purpose Clock Generator supporting crystal oscillators at 3–32 MHz and 32 kHz. Its memory subsystem includes 256 KB on-chip flash with FlexMemory partitioning capability and 64 KB SRAM.

Peripherals are managed via a 16-channel DMA controller with 63 request sources, and power optimization is enabled through eight low-power modes including VLLS1–VLLS3 (sub-2 µA). The device integrates hardware CRC, 128-bit unique ID, and security features aligned with industrial functional safety requirements.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

LQFP-100 (14 mm × 14 mm, 0.5 mm pitch) package with exposed thermal pad - provides mechanical stability, thermal dissipation for sustained 72 MHz operation, and standard reflow compatibility.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with MK30DX128VLL7, the MK30DX256VLL7 provides double flash for feature-rich firmware and bootloader redundancy; compared with MK30DX256VMC7, it offers LQFP-100's ease of prototyping and rework without sacrificing memory or peripheral capability.

Availability

MK30DX256VLL7 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial motor control, smart sensor edge nodes, and automotive body electronics requiring stable component supply across extended temperature and long product lifecycles.

Supply support for MK30DX256VLL7 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 expertise in ARM-based microcontrollers and edge processing.

The Kinetis K30 family was designed for cost-sensitive industrial and automotive applications demanding robust analog integration, extended temperature operation, and scalable memory - positioning MK30DX256VLL7 as a mainstream solution for deterministic real-time control.

FAQ

What is the maximum operating frequency of the MK30DX256VLL7?

The MK30DX256VLL7 has a maximum CPU clock frequency of 72 MHz, achieved using the internal Multi-Purpose Clock Generator with external crystal or internal FLL. 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 execution in industrial control applications. The MK30DX256VLL7 maintains this rating without derating under worst-case thermal or voltage conditions.

Does the MK30DX256VLL7 include a hardware floating-point unit (FPU)?

No, the MK30DX256VLL7 implements the ARM Cortex-M4 core with DSP extensions but does not include a hardware floating-point unit. It supports efficient fixed-point arithmetic and SIMD instructions for signal processing tasks. Applications requiring floating-point computation must use software libraries or external co-processors. This design choice reduces silicon area and power consumption while maintaining strong deterministic performance for motor control and sensor fusion - consistent with the MK30DX256VLL7's target industrial use cases.

What package type and pin count does the MK30DX256VLL7 use?

The MK30DX256VLL7 uses a 100-pin LQFP package (14 mm × 14 mm, 0.5 mm pitch) with exposed thermal pad, designated by the "LL" suffix in its part number. This package provides robust thermal performance for sustained 72 MHz operation and facilitates manual soldering, rework, and standard SMT assembly. Pin assignments match the K30 family's standardized signal multiplexing, ensuring layout compatibility across other LQFP-100 K30 variants like MK30DX128VLL7.

How much SRAM does the MK30DX256VLL7 provide, and is it battery-backed?

The MK30DX256VLL7 includes 64 KB of general-purpose SRAM, none of which is battery-backed. However, it supports low-leakage stop modes (VLLS1–VLLS3) where RAM contents are retained using only 1.47–28.1 µA, depending on mode and temperature. For persistent data storage, the device offers FlexMemory - a user-configurable portion of flash that emulates EEPROM with byte-level erase - eliminating the need for external nonvolatile memory in many MK30DX256VLL7 implementations.

Which communication interfaces are supported by the MK30DX256VLL7?

The MK30DX256VLL7 supports CAN, two SPI modules, two I²C modules, five UART modules, and one I²S module - all accessible via pin multiplexing on its 100-pin LQFP package. These interfaces operate concurrently and are managed by the 16-channel DMA controller to offload CPU bandwidth. The CAN module complies with ISO 11898-1 and supports bit rates up to 1 Mbps, making the MK30DX256VLL7 suitable for industrial fieldbus and automotive body network applications without external transceivers beyond physical layer drivers.