NXP Semiconductors MK40DX256VMC7

Overview

MK40DX256VMC7 from NXP (formerly Freescale) is a Kinetis K40 series 32-bit ARM Cortex-M4 microcontroller with DSP extension, designed for industrial control and human-machine interface applications. It integrates 256 KB flash, 64 KB RAM, dual 16-bit SAR ADCs with PGA, 12-bit DAC, USB OTG, CAN, five UARTs, and operates from 1.71–3.6 V across –40 to 105°C.

For engineers reviewing the MK40DX256VMC7 datasheet, MK40DX256VMC7 pinout, MK40DX256VMC7 application, or MK40DX256VMC7 equivalent, key selection considerations include its 72 MHz max CPU frequency, 121-pin MAPBGA package (8 mm × 8 mm), integrated LCD controller supporting up to 36×8 segments, low-power stop modes down to 1.47 µA, and hardware CRC module for firmware integrity verification.

Technical Context

The MK40DX256VMC7 implements a multi-layer AHB bus architecture with tightly coupled memory interfaces for core, DMA, and peripherals. Its MCG clock generator supports multiple modes (FEI, FEE, BLPE, PBE) enabling flexible clock sourcing from internal RC, external crystal (3–32 MHz), or 32 kHz RTC oscillator - critical for deterministic real-time response in motor control and sensor fusion.

Peripherals are partitioned into power domains with independent clock gating and low-leakage wakeup units. The 16-channel DMA controller handles up to 63 request sources without CPU intervention, while the FlexCAN module complies with ISO 11898-1 and supports both standard and extended frames - essential for automotive-grade communication robustness.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MK40DX256VMC7 uses a 121-pin MAPBGA package (8 mm × 8 mm, 0.5 mm pitch), designated by "MC" in the part number. Pin assignments follow the K40 Sub-Family signal multiplexing scheme with dedicated functions per ball, including multiple GPIO groups, differential USB DP/DM, CAN_H/CAN_L, ADC inputs, and LCD segment/backplane drivers.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with MK40DN256VMC7, the MK40DX256VMC7 adds DSP instructions for faster fixed-point math; compared with MK64FN1M0VLL12, it trades flash size and FPU for lower cost and proven qualification in extended temperature industrial deployments.

Availability

MK40DX256VMC7 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial motor control, medical patient monitors, automotive diagnostic tools, and smart building HVAC controllers requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges and long product lifecycles.

Supply support for MK40DX256VMC7 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 MK40DX256VMC7 belongs to the Kinetis K40 family - engineered specifically for cost-sensitive, high-reliability industrial and medical applications demanding mixed-signal integration, low-power operation, and robust communication interfaces.

FAQ

What is the maximum operating frequency of the MK40DX256VMC7?

The MK40DX256VMC7 supports a maximum CPU frequency of 72 MHz in normal run mode. This is achieved using the Multi-Phase Clock Generator (MCG) in FEE mode with an external 32 MHz crystal and PLL multiplication. The system clock remains stable across the full –40 to 105°C temperature range and 1.71–3.6 V supply voltage, making MK40DX256VMC7 suitable for timing-critical industrial control applications where deterministic execution is required.

Does the MK40DX256VMC7 include a hardware floating-point unit (FPU)?

No, the MK40DX256VMC7 does not include a hardware FPU. It features an ARM Cortex-M4 core with DSP extensions (e.g., single-cycle MAC, saturating arithmetic), but lacks the optional FPv4 unit. For applications requiring IEEE-754 floating-point computation, designers should consider alternatives such as the MK64FN1M0VLL12. The MK40DX256VMC7 relies on optimized fixed-point libraries for motor control and signal processing tasks.

What package type does the MK40DX256VMC7 use, and what are its key mechanical dimensions?

The MK40DX256VMC7 uses a 121-ball MAPBGA package identified by "MC" in the part number. Its footprint measures 8 mm × 8 mm with 0.5 mm ball pitch and 0.35 mm nominal ball height. The package supports reflow soldering per IPC/JEDEC J-STD-020 (MSL3) and is rated for storage temperatures from –55 to 150°C. This compact form factor makes MK40DX256VMC7 ideal for space-constrained industrial control modules and portable medical devices.

Can the MK40DX256VMC7 operate in ultra-low-power modes while maintaining RTC and RAM retention?

Yes, the MK40DX256VMC7 supports Very-Low-Leakage Stop (VLLS) modes with full RAM retention and RTC operation. In VLLS3 mode, it draws as little as 1.47 µA at –40 to 25°C with RTC enabled and 32 kHz oscillator running. VBAT supply maintains RTC registers and backup RAM independently, allowing wake-up from external interrupts or RTC alarms without full system restart - a key capability for MK40DX256VMC7 in battery-backed monitoring applications.

How many ADC channels does the MK40DX256VMC7 support, and what is their resolution?

The MK40DX256VMC7 integrates two independent 16-bit successive approximation register (SAR) ADCs: ADC0 and ADC1. Each supports up to 16 single-ended or 8 differential input channels, with programmable gain amplifiers (PGA) offering gains of ×1, ×2, ×4, ×8, ×16, ×32, or ×64. Conversion rates reach 1 MSPS per ADC, and hardware triggers enable synchronized sampling - essential for MK40DX256VMC7 in motor current sensing and multi-sensor data acquisition systems.