NXP Semiconductors MK30DX256VMC7

Overview

MK30DX256VMC7 from NXP Semiconductors (formerly Freescale) is a Kinetis K30 series 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 MK30DX256VMC7 datasheet, MK30DX256VMC7 pinout, MK30DX256VMC7 application, or MK30DX256VMC7 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 CAN 2.0B interface for robust fieldbus communication.

Technical Context

The MK30DX256VMC7 implements an ARM Cortex-M4 core with DSP instructions and single-precision FPU support, 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 and 64 KB SRAM, enabling secure firmware updates and data logging.

Peripherals are organized around a high-throughput crossbar switch: eight-channel PWM timer for motor control, two quadrature decoder timers, real-time clock with battery backup, hardware CRC engine, and TSI-based capacitive touch sensing. The analog domain features two independent 16-bit SAR ADCs each with programmable gain amplifier (up to ×64), a 12-bit DAC, three analog comparators with internal 6-bit DAC references, and precision voltage reference.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: 121-pin MAPBGA (8 mm × 8 mm, MC suffix). Pinout validated per K30 Sub-Family Data Sheet Rev. 3, Section 8.2 - includes dedicated JTAG/SWD debug pins (TMS, TCK, TDI, TDO, nRESET), dual CAN transceiver pins (CAN0_TX/CAN0_RX, CAN1_TX/CAN1_RX), and multiplexed analog/digital I/O with configurable slew rate and drive strength.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with MK30DX256VMC7, MK30DN256VMC7 reduces cost by removing DSP/FPU but retains identical analog and communication peripheral sets, while MK22FN512VLH12 trades MAPBGA compactness for LQFP ease-of-handling and adds USB - making it preferable for development-stage prototypes needing host connectivity.

Availability

MK30DX256VMC7 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial motor control, smart sensor nodes, and automotive body electronics requiring stable component supply across extended temperature and long product lifecycles.

Supply support for MK30DX256VMC7 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 applications, with deep expertise in ARM-based microcontrollers and edge processing.

The Kinetis K30 family - including MK30DX256VMC7 - was designed specifically for cost-sensitive, high-reliability industrial and automotive applications demanding integrated analog precision, real-time responsiveness, and extended-temperature operation without external support components.

FAQ

What is the maximum operating frequency of the MK30DX256VMC7?

The MK30DX256VMC7 achieves a maximum CPU frequency of 72 MHz in normal run mode, enabled by its ARM Cortex-M4 core and multi-purpose clock generator. This frequency is sustained across the full –40 to 105°C temperature range and 1.71–3.6 V supply voltage, supporting deterministic real-time control tasks such as motor commutation and sensor fusion. The MK30DX256VMC7 also supports lower-frequency low-power modes including VLPR (4 MHz) and LLS (sub-µA).

Does the MK30DX256VMC7 support CAN FD or only classical CAN?

The MK30DX256VMC7 integrates a classical CAN 2.0B controller compliant with ISO 11898-1, supporting bit rates up to 1 Mbps. It does not support CAN FD features such as variable bit rate or extended data length. For CAN FD applications, designers should consider newer Kinetis families like KE1x or S32K1xx. The MK30DX256VMC7's CAN module remains fully interoperable with legacy automotive and industrial CAN networks.

How much SRAM does the MK30DX256VMC7 include, and is it battery-backed?

The MK30DX256VMC7 includes 64 KB of on-chip SRAM, none of which is battery-backed. However, it provides a dedicated 2 KB of VBAT domain RAM that retains data during deep-sleep modes (VLLS0–VLLS3) when powered by the VBAT pin (1.71–3.6 V). This VBAT RAM preserves critical state - such as RTC timestamps or calibration coefficients - across full power cycles. The main 64 KB SRAM is lost unless retained via RUN or VLPR mode operation.

What analog-to-digital converter resolution and features does the MK30DX256VMC7 offer?

The MK30DX256VMC7 integrates two independent 16-bit successive approximation register (SAR) ADCs, each with a programmable gain amplifier (PGA) offering gains of ×1, ×2, ×4, ×8, ×16, ×32, and ×64. Each ADC supports up to 32 single-ended or 16 differential channels, with hardware-triggered conversions synchronized to PWM or timer events. The MK30DX256VMC7 also includes a 12-bit DAC and three analog comparators with internal 6-bit DAC references - forming a complete analog front-end for sensor signal conditioning.

Is the MK30DX256VMC7 pin-compatible with other K30 family members like MK30DX128VMC7?

Yes, the MK30DX256VMC7 is pin-compatible with the MK30DX128VMC7 and MK30DX64VMC7 within the same MC (121-pin MAPBGA) package variant. All share identical pin assignments, electrical characteristics, and peripheral multiplexing - allowing hardware reuse across flash-size variants. This compatibility enables scalable design: a single PCB can support 64 KB, 128 KB, or 256 KB flash versions of the MK30DX256VMC7 family without layout changes.