NXP Semiconductors MK50DX256CLK10

Overview

MK50DX256CLK10 from NXP (formerly Freescale) is a 100 MHz ARM Cortex-M4 microcontroller with DSP instructions, 256 KB flash, 64 KB SRAM, and FlexMemory (256 KB FlexNVM + 4 KB FlexRAM). It features dual 16-bit ADCs (19+3 SE/DP and 16+3 SE/DP channels), two 12-bit DACs, three analog comparators, two op-amps, two transimpedance amplifiers, USB OTG LS/FS with device charger detect, six UARTs, three SPI modules, two I²C interfaces, and a segment LCD controller supporting up to 320 segments. It targets low-power industrial HMI and sensor fusion applications.

For engineers reviewing the MK50DX256CLK10 datasheet, MK50DX256CLK10 pinout, MK50DX256CLK10 application, or MK50DX256CLK10 equivalent, this page delivers verified technical context, package mapping, functional pin roles, real-world use cases, and validated alternative options - all grounded in the official K50 Family Product Brief Rev. 8 (May 2011) and part number decoding rules.

Technical Context

The MK50DX256CLK10 implements an ARM Cortex-M4 core with hardware-accelerated DSP instructions but no floating-point unit. Its memory subsystem integrates main program flash (256 KB), FlexNVM (256 KB configurable as data flash or EEPROM backup), and FlexRAM (4 KB usable as high-endurance EEPROM or system RAM), enabling concurrent code execution and bootloader/data segregation without external storage.

Peripherals include two independent 16-bit SAR ADCs with programmable gain amplifiers and differential inputs, dual 12-bit DACs for analog output generation, and a full-speed USB OTG interface with integrated transceiver and device charger detection - all operating across the full 1.71–3.6 V supply range and –40°C to +85°C temperature grade.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

80-pin LQFP (12 mm × 12 mm, 0.5 mm pitch), RoHS-compliant, with exposed thermal pad. Pinout conforms to K50 family standard for CLK-series devices in LQFP-80 package per Table 2 and Figure 2 of K50 Family Product Brief Rev. 8.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with MK50DN512ZCLL10 and MK51DX256CLK7, MK50DX256CLK10 uniquely balances 100 MHz deterministic performance, 256 KB FlexNVM for robust data logging, and full peripheral feature set in an 80-pin LQFP - making it optimal for HMI and sensor fusion systems requiring both speed and nonvolatile configurability.

Availability

MK50DX256CLK10 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial HMI panels, smart energy meters, portable medical sensor hubs, and factory automation nodes requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and consistent parametric performance across production batches.

Supply support for MK50DX256CLK10 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 formed from the spin-off of Freescale Semiconductor and Philips' semiconductor division, specializing in secure connectivity solutions for automotive, industrial, and IoT markets.

The Kinetis K50 family was designed specifically for low-power, mixed-signal industrial human-machine interface and sensor processing applications - integrating segment LCD controllers, high-resolution analog peripherals, and USB OTG with charger detection in a scalable ARM Cortex-M4 platform.

FAQ

What is the maximum CPU frequency and core type of the MK50DX256CLK10?

The MK50DX256CLK10 operates at a maximum CPU frequency of 100 MHz and uses an ARM Cortex-M4 core with DSP instruction support. It does not include a floating-point unit (FPU). This configuration delivers deterministic real-time performance for signal processing tasks while maintaining low power consumption - a key design goal of the Kinetis K50 family as documented in the K50 Family Product Brief Rev. 8.

Does the MK50DX256CLK10 support USB Device Charger Detection (DCD)?

Yes, the MK50DX256CLK10 includes hardware-level USB Device Charger Detect (DCD) functionality within its integrated USB OTG controller. This allows the MK50DX256CLK10 to automatically distinguish between standard USB hosts and dedicated charging ports (e.g., wall adapters), enabling appropriate current draw without external circuitry - a confirmed feature listed in Table 3 and Table 5 of the K50 Family Product Brief.

What memory resources are available on the MK50DX256CLK10 besides main flash?

In addition to 256 KB of main program flash, the MK50DX256CLK10 includes 256 KB of FlexNVM and 4 KB of FlexRAM. FlexNVM can be partitioned for data flash or EEPROM backup; FlexRAM serves as high-endurance EEPROM (up to 10M cycles) or additional system RAM. This architecture is explicitly defined in Section 4.2 of the K50 Family Product Brief Rev. 8 for all K50X sub-family devices including MK50DX256CLK10.

Which package type and pin count does the MK50DX256CLK10 use?

The MK50DX256CLK10 uses an 80-pin LQFP package (12 mm × 12 mm, 0.5 mm pitch), designated by "LK" in the part number decoding scheme (Figure 3). This matches the "CLK" prefix and is confirmed in Table 2 and Table 5 of the K50 Family Product Brief Rev. 8, where MK50DX256CLK10 is listed under the 80 LQFP (12x12) column.

What analog peripherals are integrated into the MK50DX256CLK10?

The MK50DX256CLK10 integrates dual 16-bit SAR ADCs (ADC0 with 19 SE + 3 DP channels; ADC1 with 16 SE + 3 DP channels), two 12-bit DACs, three analog comparators, two operational amplifiers, two transimpedance amplifiers, and a programmable voltage reference. These are fully specified in Table 5 of the K50 Family Product Brief Rev. 8 and enable high-precision sensor interfacing without external signal conditioning.