NXP Semiconductors MK40DN512VLQ10

Overview

MK40DN512VLQ10 from NXP Semiconductors (formerly Freescale) is a 100 MHz ARM Cortex-M4 microcontroller with DSP extensions, 512 KB on-chip flash memory, 128 KB RAM, and integrated analog peripherals including dual 16-bit SAR ADCs, two 12-bit DACs, and programmable gain amplifiers - deployed in industrial motor control systems requiring real-time signal processing and mixed-signal I/O.

For engineers reviewing the MK40DN512VLQ10 datasheet, MK40DN512VLQ10 pinout, MK40DN512VLQ10 application, or MK40DN512VLQ10 equivalent, key selection considerations include its -40 to 105°C extended temperature rating, dual CAN 2.0B interfaces, FlexBus external memory interface, USB On-The-Go controller, and support for low-power stop modes down to 2.1 µA in VLLS1 mode.

Technical Context

The MK40DN512VLQ10 implements an ARM Cortex-M4 core with hardware DSP instructions and single-cycle MAC operations, operating at up to 100 MHz with a 1.25 DMIPS/MHz performance metric. Its clock system integrates a multi-purpose clock generator (MCG), 3–32 MHz main crystal oscillator, and 32 kHz RTC oscillator - enabling precise timing across run, wait, and multiple low-leakage stop modes.

System-level integration includes a 16-channel DMA controller supporting up to 63 request sources, memory protection unit (MPU) with multi-master protection, and hardware CRC module. Analog subsystems feature two independent 16-bit SAR ADCs each with integrated PGA (gain up to ×64), two 12-bit DACs, three analog comparators with embedded 6-bit DACs, and transimpedance amplifiers - all sharing a common voltage reference and operating within the 1.71–3.6 V supply range.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: 144-pin LQFP (20 mm × 20 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 K22FN512VLH12 and STM32F407VGT6, the MK40DN512VLQ10 provides unique integration of FlexBus, segment LCD, and TSI in a 100 MHz M4 platform - making it optimal for cost-constrained, mixed-signal HMI applications where external component count must be minimized.

Availability

MK40DN512VLQ10 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial motor control, smart energy metering, automotive body electronics, and portable medical monitoring requiring stable component supply across long product lifecycles.

Supply support for MK40DN512VLQ10 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 leadership in ARM-based microcontrollers and edge processing.

The K40 series - including MK40DN512VLQ10 - was designed for high-integration industrial control and human-machine interface applications, emphasizing analog/mixed-signal capability, low-power operation, and robust communication peripheral sets.

FAQ

What is the maximum operating frequency and core type of the MK40DN512VLQ10?

The MK40DN512VLQ10 features an ARM Cortex-M4 core with DSP extensions, rated for a maximum operating frequency of 100 MHz. This delivers 1.25 Dhrystone MIPS per MHz and supports single-cycle MAC operations. The core operates within a 1.71–3.6 V supply range and is qualified for ambient temperatures from -40 to 105°C - making MK40DN512VLQ10 suitable for demanding real-time control tasks in industrial and automotive environments.

Does the MK40DN512VLQ10 support external memory expansion?

Yes, the MK40DN512VLQ10 includes a FlexBus external bus interface supporting 8-bit or 16-bit parallel connections to SRAM, NOR flash, and FPGA peripherals. This interface operates synchronously with the system clock and is fully configurable for wait states, address/data multiplexing, and chip select timing - enabling seamless expansion beyond its 512 KB on-chip flash and 128 KB RAM. The MK40DN512VLQ10's FlexBus is a key differentiator versus many competing Cortex-M4 MCUs lacking this capability.

What analog peripherals are integrated into the MK40DN512VLQ10?

The MK40DN512VLQ10 integrates dual 16-bit SAR ADCs, each with a programmable gain amplifier (PGA) offering gains up to ×64, two 12-bit DACs, three analog comparators (each with an embedded 6-bit DAC and programmable reference), two transimpedance amplifiers, and a shared voltage reference module. These resources support high-precision sensor conditioning, closed-loop analog control, and mixed-signal signal chain design - all without external op-amps or ADC drivers. This analog integration is central to the MK40DN512VLQ10's role in motor control and medical instrumentation.

Which communication interfaces does the MK40DN512VLQ10 provide?

The MK40DN512VLQ10 provides two Controller Area Network (CAN) 2.0B modules, six UARTs, three SPI modules, two I²C modules, a USB full-/low-speed On-The-Go controller with on-chip transceiver, a Secure Digital host controller (SDHC), and an I²S audio interface. It also supports FlexBus for parallel external memory. This comprehensive set enables protocol bridging (e.g., CAN-to-USB), multi-interface data loggers, and HMI-rich systems - distinguishing MK40DN512VLQ10 from MCUs with limited peripheral concurrency.

What low-power capabilities does the MK40DN512VLQ10 offer?

The MK40DN512VLQ10 supports seven low-power modes: RUN, VLPR, WAIT, STOP, VLPS, LLS, and VLLSx. In VLLS1 mode, it achieves 2.1 µA typical current at 3.0 V and -40 to 25°C; VLLS3 draws just 3.0 µA while retaining RTC, 4 KB RAM, and wake-on-CAN. These modes are managed by the Low-Leakage Wakeup Unit (LLWU) and support fast wake times - as low as 5.0 µs from STOP to RUN. This makes MK40DN512VLQ10 ideal for battery-powered and energy-harvesting applications requiring extended standby life.