NXP Semiconductors MK50DX256CLL7

Overview

MK50DX256CLL7 from NXP Semiconductors (formerly Freescale) is a Kinetis K50-series 32-bit ARM Cortex-M4 microcontroller with DSP extension, 256 KB on-chip flash, 128 KB RAM, and 100-pin LQFP package. It operates from 1.71–3.6 V across –40 to +85°C, integrates dual 16-bit SAR ADCs with PGA, 12-bit DAC, USB OTG, five UARTs, and low-power timers - deployed in industrial sensor nodes requiring deterministic real-time control and mixed-signal acquisition.

For engineers reviewing the MK50DX256CLL7 datasheet, MK50DX256CLL7 pinout, MK50DX256CLL7 application, or MK50DX256CLL7 equivalent, key selection considerations include its 72 MHz max CPU frequency, 100-pin LQFP-14×14 mm package, integrated USB transceiver, dual ADC architecture with programmable gain amplifiers, and support for multiple low-power stop modes down to 1.47 µA (VLLS1).

Technical Context

This MCU implements an ARM Cortex-M4 core with DSP instructions and no FPU. Its clock system includes a 3–32 MHz main crystal oscillator, 32 kHz RTC oscillator, and multi-purpose clock generator supporting flexible PLL-based frequency synthesis. Memory subsystem comprises 256 KB program flash with FlexMemory capability, 128 KB SRAM, and configurable flash security.

Peripheral integration targets embedded control with analog front-end capability: two independent 16-bit SAR ADCs each with integrated PGA (up to ×64), one 12-bit DAC, three analog comparators with embedded 6-bit DACs, two op-amps, and one transimpedance amplifier. Communication interfaces include USB full-/low-speed OTG with on-chip transceiver, two SPI, two I²C, five UART, and I²S modules.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: 100-pin LQFP (14 mm × 14 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 MK50DX256CLL7, K22FN512VLH12 adds FPU and flash but increases active power; STM32F405RGT6 offers higher performance and memory but lacks on-die analog signal conditioning - making MK50DX256CLL7 optimal for cost-sensitive, analog-rich industrial edge nodes where mixed-signal integration reduces BOM count and layout complexity.

Availability

MK50DX256CLL7 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial sensor nodes, portable medical monitors, smart building controllers, and motor drive reference designs requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and consistent parametric performance across temperature extremes.

Supply support for MK50DX256CLL7 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 heritage in Freescale's Kinetis portfolio.

The Kinetis K50 family - including MK50DX256CLL7 - was designed for cost-optimized, analog-intensive embedded control applications demanding high integration, low power, and robust real-time performance in harsh environments.

FAQ

What is the maximum operating frequency of the MK50DX256CLL7?

The MK50DX256CLL7 operates at a maximum system and core clock frequency of 72 MHz. This is achieved using the internal PLL driven by the main crystal oscillator (3–32 MHz) or internal reference clock. The 72 MHz limit applies across the full –40 to +85°C ambient temperature range and 1.71–3.6 V supply voltage, as specified in the K50 Sub-Family Data Sheet Rev. 3.

Does the MK50DX256CLL7 include a hardware floating-point unit (FPU)?

No, the MK50DX256CLL7 implements an ARM Cortex-M4 core with DSP extensions but does not include a hardware FPU. Its part number suffix "D" (as in MK50D…) denotes the DSP-enabled M4 variant without FPU; FPU-equipped variants use the "F" suffix (e.g., MK50FN…). All floating-point operations on MK50DX256CLL7 execute in software using the CMSIS-DSP library.

What analog peripherals are integrated into the MK50DX256CLL7?

The MK50DX256CLL7 integrates two independent 16-bit SAR ADCs, each with a programmable gain amplifier (PGA) supporting gains up to ×64; one 12-bit DAC; three analog comparators (each with an embedded 6-bit DAC and programmable reference); two operational amplifiers; one transimpedance amplifier; and a precision voltage reference. These are documented in Section 6.6 of the K50 Sub-Family Data Sheet.

What low-power modes does the MK50DX256CLL7 support, and what is the lowest current draw?

The MK50DX256CLL7 supports seven low-power modes: RUN, WAIT, STOP, VLPS, LLS, VLLS1, VLLS2, and VLLS3. The lowest active-retention current is 1.47 µA in VLLS1 mode at –40 to +25°C and 3.0 V supply, as measured with RTC and 32 kHz oscillator disabled. Full details appear in Table 6 of the K50 Sub-Family Data Sheet Rev. 3.

Is the MK50DX256CLL7 pin-compatible with other Kinetis K50 family members?

Pin compatibility within the K50 family is package-dependent and not guaranteed across all variants. The MK50DX256CLL7 uses a 100-pin LQFP (LL package), and pinouts for this package are defined in Section 8.2 of the K50 Sub-Family Data Sheet. While some K50 variants share the LL package, differences in peripheral mapping, power pin allocation, and reset configuration require verification against the specific device's signal multiplexing table before substitution.