NXP Semiconductors MK40DX256VLK7

Overview

MK40DX256VLK7 from NXP Semiconductors (formerly Freescale) is a Kinetis K40 Series ARM Cortex-M4F microcontroller with DSP extension and floating-point unit, featuring 256 KB on-chip flash, 64 KB SRAM, and operating at up to 72 MHz. It integrates dual 16-bit SAR ADCs with integrated PGA (up to ×64 gain), 12-bit DAC, USB OTG controller with on-chip transceiver, CAN 2.0B module, and supports industrial temperature range (–40°C to +105°C). It is used in motor control systems requiring real-time PWM, analog sensing, and fieldbus connectivity.

For engineers reviewing the MK40DX256VLK7 datasheet, MK40DX256VLK7 pinout, MK40DX256VLK7 application, or MK40DX256VLK7 equivalent, key selection considerations include its 80-pin LQFP package, 72 MHz Cortex-M4F core with FPU, dual ADC architecture with programmable gain, USB-CAN coexistence capability, and low-power stop modes down to 1.47 µA (VLLS1).

Technical Context

The MK40DX256VLK7 implements a multi-clock domain architecture with MCG (Multipurpose Clock Generator) supporting FEI/FBI/FEE/FBE/BLPE/PBE modes, enabling flexible clock source selection including 3–32 MHz crystal oscillator and 32 kHz RTC crystal. Its memory subsystem includes 256 KB program flash with FlexMemory partitioning support, 64 KB SRAM, and hardware CRC acceleration for firmware integrity verification.

Peripheral integration centers on deterministic real-time control: eight-channel TPM (motor control/general-purpose/PWM timer), two quadrature decoder timers, real-time clock with battery backup, and low-leakage wakeup unit for sub-µA wake-from-stop latency. The analog subsystem features two independent 16-bit ADCs each with dedicated PGA, 12-bit DAC, three analog comparators with internal 6-bit DAC references, and voltage reference module.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: 80-pin LQFP (12 mm × 12 mm), 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 MK40DX256VLK7, MK40DN256VLK7 trades FPU capability for lower unit cost and identical footprint/peripherals, while MKE15Z256VLK7 represents a generational shift toward Cortex-M0+ with reduced feature set - neither offers pin-to-pin or functional equivalence, making MK40DX256VLK7 irreplaceable where FPU, dual ADC, CAN, and USB coexistence are mandatory.

Availability

MK40DX256VLK7 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial motor control, smart metering, and medical device applications requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle assurance, and extended temperature qualification.

Supply support for MK40DX256VLK7 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, and mobile applications.

The MK40DX256VLK7 belongs to the Kinetis K40 family - a line of high-performance, low-power ARM Cortex-M4 microcontrollers designed specifically for real-time industrial control, human-machine interface, and fieldbus-connected edge devices.

FAQ

What is the maximum operating frequency of the MK40DX256VLK7?

The MK40DX256VLK7 operates at a maximum CPU frequency of 72 MHz. This is achieved using the MCG clock generator in FEE mode with an external 3–32 MHz crystal. At this speed, the MK40DX256VLK7 delivers 115 DMIPS and supports real-time execution of complex control algorithms, including motor FOC and sensor fusion, without throttling.

Does the MK40DX256VLK7 include a floating-point unit (FPU)?

Yes, the MK40DX256VLK7 integrates a single-precision ARM Cortex-M4F core with hardware FPU. This enables efficient execution of floating-point arithmetic required for trigonometric functions, matrix operations, and real-time signal processing - essential for applications like motor control and audio processing where software emulation would introduce unacceptable latency.

How much flash and RAM does the MK40DX256VLK7 have?

The MK40DX256VLK7 contains 256 KB of on-chip program flash memory and 64 KB of SRAM. The flash supports FlexMemory partitioning, allowing configurable EEPROM-like emulation. This memory capacity accommodates robust bootloader, application firmware, real-time data buffers, and non-volatile parameter storage in demanding industrial applications.

What analog peripherals are integrated into the MK40DX256VLK7?

The MK40DX256VLK7 integrates two independent 16-bit SAR ADCs, each with a programmable gain amplifier (PGA) offering gains of ×1 to ×64, a 12-bit DAC, three analog comparators (each with internal 6-bit DAC reference), and a precision voltage reference module. These enable high-fidelity sensor signal conditioning without external components.

Is the MK40DX256VLK7 qualified for industrial temperature operation?

Yes, the MK40DX256VLK7 is rated for ambient operating temperatures from –40°C to +105°C (indicated by the 'V' suffix in the part number). This qualification makes it suitable for under-hood automotive modules, industrial variable-frequency drives, and outdoor utility meters where thermal resilience is critical.