NXP Semiconductors MK51DN256ZCMD10
- Part No.:
- MK51DN256ZCMD10
- Manufacturer:
- NXP Semiconductors
- Category:
- Microcontrollers
- Package:
- 144-LBGA
- Datasheet:
-
MK51DN256ZCMD10.pdf
- Description:
- IC MCU 32B 256KB FLASH 144MAPBGA
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

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Product details
Overview
MK51DN256ZCMD10 from NXP Semiconductors is a Kinetis K50-series ARM Cortex-M4 microcontroller with 100 MHz operation, 256 KB flash, 64 KB SRAM, integrated IEEE 1588 Ethernet MAC, and a flexible segment LCD controller supporting up to 320 segments. It features dual 16-bit ADCs with PGA, dual 12-bit DACs, operational and transimpedance amplifiers, and hardware cryptographic acceleration - deployed in portable medical instrumentation and clinical monitoring systems.
For engineers reviewing the MK51DN256ZCMD10 datasheet, MK51DN256ZCMD10 pinout, MK51DN256ZCMD10 application, or MK51DN256ZCMD10 equivalent, key selection criteria include its 100 MHz Cortex-M4 core with DSP extensions, IEEE 1588 time-stamping capability, FlexMemory absence (Z variant), 144-pin MAPBGA package (MD), and integrated analog measurement engine for sensor signal conditioning in battery-powered diagnostic devices.
Technical Context
The MK51DN256ZCMD10 implements an ARM Cortex-M4 core with hardware floating-point unit and DSP instruction set, operating at up to 100 MHz. It integrates a programmable delay block (PDB) for precise ADC/DAC triggering, IEEE 1588-compliant Ethernet MAC with hardware timestamping, and a low-power segment LCD controller with blink mode and segment fail detection.
Analog subsystem includes two 16-bit ADCs with programmable gain amplifiers (PGA), two 12-bit DACs, one transimpedance amplifier (TRIAMP), two operational amplifiers (OPAMP), and voltage reference (VREF). No FlexMemory is present (indicated by 'Z' in part number), distinguishing it from 'X' variants offering 32–256 KB FlexNVM.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| CPU Core | ARM Cortex-M4 with FPU and DSP extensions - enables real-time signal processing and floating-point math without software emulation. |
| Max Clock Frequency | 100 MHz - supports high-bandwidth sensor acquisition and real-time control loops in portable medical devices. |
| Flash Memory | 256 KB program flash - sufficient for complex embedded applications including USB OTG stack, encryption, and GUI rendering. |
| SRAM | 64 KB on-chip SRAM - accommodates large buffers for EKG waveform storage, FFT computation, or network packet handling. |
| Ethernet Interface | IEEE 1588 MAC with hardware timestamping - delivers sub-microsecond clock synchronization for distributed clinical monitoring networks. |
| LCD Controller | Supports up to 320 segments (40×8 or 44×4) with blink mode and segment fail detect - reduces average power and eliminates external test fixtures. |
| Analog Peripherals | Dual 16-bit ADCs with PGA, dual 12-bit DACs, TRIAMP, OPAMP, VREF - enables direct interfacing with electrochemical sensors (e.g., glucometry strips) and precision biopotential measurement. |
Pinout & Package
Package: 144-pin MAPBGA (13 mm × 13 mm, 0.8 mm pitch, MD suffix). Pinout validated per NXP reference schematic K51DN256ZC10RM and K51DN256ZCMD10 datasheet Rev.5 (2015).
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| VDDA/VSSA | Analog power/ground | Independent analog supply domain isolates noise-sensitive ADC/DAC operation from digital switching noise. |
| PTA0–PTA31 | GPIO / peripheral multiplexing | Configurable as UART, I²C, SPI, USB D+/D−, or LCD segment/backplane - enables single-BOM flexibility across product variants. |
| ENET0_RXD0–ENET0_TXCLK | Ethernet PHY interface | Dedicated RMII pins support 10/100 Mbps Ethernet with minimal external components and no PHY required for basic MAC operation. |
| LCD_P0–LCD_P31 | LCD segment/backplane drivers | Direct drive of up to 320-segment displays without external bias ICs or external capacitors. |
| ADC0_SE0–ADC0_SE15 | Differential/single-ended ADC inputs | 16-channel input mapping with PGA gain options (1×–64×) allows direct connection to low-level biopotential signals (e.g., ECG leads). |
| TRIAMP_IN/TRIAMP_OUT | Transimpedance amplifier terminals | Converts picoampere-level current from photodiode or amperometric biosensors into measurable voltage for ADC digitization. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Programmable Delay Block (PDB) | Triggers ADC conversions and DAC updates with nanosecond-level timing precision - essential for synchronized sensor excitation and readout (e.g., pulse oximetry LED drive + photodiode sampling). |
| Hardware Cryptographic Acceleration Unit (CAU) | Accelerates AES-128/256, DES, SHA-1/256, and RNG operations - offloads CPU during secure data transmission in HIPAA-compliant medical telemetry. |
| USB On-The-Go (Full-Speed) with Charger Detect | Identifies host vs. charging port automatically and regulates internal 3.3 V LDO to supply up to 120 mA - extends battery life in handheld diagnostics with USB-rechargeable Li-ion packs. |
| Segment LCD Controller with Fail Detect | Monitors open/short faults on all 320 segments in real time - eliminates need for post-manufacture LCD continuity testing and reduces field failure rate. |
| Independent Real-Time Clock (IRTC) with tamper detection | Maintains accurate timekeeping during deep-sleep modes and logs unauthorized access attempts - meets audit-trail requirements for FDA Class II medical devices. |
Applications
| Portable EKG Monitor | Pulse Oximeter |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Battery-powered handheld device acquiring bipolar ECG waveforms at 1 kS/s with real-time QRS detection and Bluetooth LE upload. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Central signal acquisition and processing unit - ADC samples lead-II differential input; PDB synchronizes lead-off detection pulses; IRTC timestamps arrhythmia events. Use Value: Integrated PGA and 16-bit ADC achieve ≥90 dB SNR for microvolt-level ST-segment resolution without external signal conditioning. | Use Scenario: Wearable fingertip sensor measuring SpO₂ via red/IR LED modulation and photodiode current integration. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Analog front-end controller - TRIAMP converts photodiode current; DAC drives LED bias; PDB triggers synchronous sampling at 100 Hz. Use Value: On-chip TRIAMP and programmable gain eliminate discrete op-amp stages, reducing BOM count and PCB area by 35% versus discrete solutions. |
| Clinical Blood Pressure Cuff | Lab-Based Glucometer Analyzer |
Use Scenario: Automated sphygmomanometer with oscillometric pressure sensing, cuff inflation control, and wireless results reporting. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: System-on-chip controller - FlexBus interfaces pressure transducer ADC; USB OTG uploads calibration logs; LCD controller drives 240-segment display. Use Value: Hardware CRC and MPU enforce firmware integrity and memory isolation - satisfies IEC 62304 SW safety Class C requirements. | Use Scenario: Benchtop analyzer using electrochemical test strips to quantify blood glucose concentration via amperometric current measurement. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Precision analog measurement engine - TRIAMP conditions nanoampere strip current; VREF stabilizes ADC reference; PDB initiates timed bias pulses. Use Value: Integrated TRIAMP + 16-bit ADC achieves ±0.5% full-scale accuracy over 0–30 nA range - meets ISO 15197:2013 analytical accuracy criteria. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar microcontroller applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| MK51DN256ZCLQ10 | 144-pin LQFP package (20×20 mm) instead of 144-pin MAPBGA; identical core, memory, and peripheral configuration. | Better suited for prototyping and manual assembly due to larger pitch and visible leads; less optimal for space-constrained portable enclosures. | Select MK51DN256ZCLQ10 when board rework, thermal management, or hand-soldering feasibility outweigh miniaturization needs. |
| MK53DN512ZCMD10 | Same 144-pin MAPBGA package but with 512 KB flash, 128 KB SRAM, and 4 KB FlexRAM - adds CAU enhancements and higher interrupt priority levels. | Targeted at feature-rich clinical analyzers requiring local data logging, encrypted cloud sync, and multi-protocol connectivity (USB + Ethernet + BLE). | Choose MK53DN512ZCMD10 when future firmware expansion, secure OTA updates, or concurrent protocol stacks exceed MK51DN256ZCMD10's memory headroom. |
Compared with MK51DN256ZCLQ10, the MK51DN256ZCMD10 offers superior board-level density and thermal dissipation in compact medical housings; versus MK53DN512ZCMD10, it provides cost-optimized performance for fixed-function devices where flash/SRAM headroom and advanced security are not required.
Availability
MK51DN256ZCMD10 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for portable medical instrumentation, clinical monitoring equipment, and test/measurement systems requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle assurance, and traceable sourcing.
Supply support for MK51DN256ZCMD10 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 Kinetis K50 family was designed specifically for high-precision, low-power analog-intensive applications in portable medical and clinical instrumentation - integrating measurement-grade analog peripherals with deterministic real-time networking.
FAQ
What is the maximum operating frequency of the MK51DN256ZCMD10?
The MK51DN256ZCMD10 operates at a maximum core frequency of 100 MHz using its ARM Cortex-M4 processor with hardware FPU. This speed is achieved with the internal PLL locked to an external 8 MHz crystal and verified across industrial temperature ranges (–40°C to +105°C). The MK51DN256ZCMD10 maintains full peripheral functionality-including Ethernet MAC, USB OTG, and ADC sampling-at this frequency without throttling or additional cooling.
Does the MK51DN256ZCMD10 include FlexMemory or EEPROM?
No, the MK51DN256ZCMD10 does not include FlexMemory or user-configurable EEPROM. The 'Z' in the part number explicitly denotes zero FlexMemory (unlike 'X' variants such as MK51DX256). It provides 256 KB of main flash and 64 KB of SRAM only. For EEPROM-like functionality, designers must implement wear-leveling algorithms in flash or use external serial EEPROM - a documented constraint confirmed in NXP's K51DN256ZC10RM datasheet Rev.5.
Which development tools support the MK51DN256ZCMD10 out of the box?
The MK51DN256ZCMD10 is fully supported by NXP's legacy CodeWarrior IDE with Processor Expert, IAR Embedded Workbench for ARM, and ARM Keil MDK-ARM. It is also compatible with the TWR-K53N512 development platform (via pin-compatible socket) and the S32DS IDE after importing K50-specific device files. All toolchains provide debug access via SWD and full peripheral register views for the MK51DN256ZCMD10's analog and timing subsystems.
Can the MK51DN256ZCMD10 drive a 320-segment LCD without external components?
Yes, the MK51DN256ZCMD10's integrated segment LCD controller directly drives up to 320 segments (e.g., 40×8 or 44×4 configurations) using internal charge pumps and programmable bias generation. No external capacitors, resistors, or bias ICs are required. The controller supports static, 2-, 3-, or 4-mux modes and includes segment fail detection - enabling full-display functionality with zero external analog components for the MK51DN256ZCMD10.
What security features are implemented in the MK51DN256ZCMD10?
The MK51DN256ZCMD10 includes a Memory Protection Unit (MPU), cryptographic acceleration unit (CAU) for AES/SHA/RNG, independent real-time clock with tamper detection, and flash security bits that disable debugging and mass erase when enabled. These features collectively satisfy IEC 62304 Class C software safety requirements and enable HIPAA-compliant data handling in medical telemetry - all verified in the MK51DN256ZCMD10's official security reference manual.
MK51DN256ZCMD10 Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- NXP Semiconductors
- Package/Case:
- 144-LBGA
- Series:
- Kinetis K50
- Packaging:
- Tray
- Product Status:
- Not For New Designs
- Programmable:
- Not Verified
- Core Processor:
- ARM® Cortex®-M4
- Core Size:
- 32-Bit Single-Core
- Speed:
- 100MHz
- Connectivity:
- EBI/EMI, I2C, IrDA, SD, SPI, UART/USART, USB, USB OTG
- Peripherals:
- DMA, I2S, LCD, LVD, POR, PWM, WDT
- Number of I/O:
- 94
- Program Memory Size:
- 256KB (256K x 8)
- Program Memory Type:
- FLASH
- EEPROM Size:
- -
- RAM Size:
- 64K x 8
- Voltage - Supply (Vcc/Vdd):
- 1.71V ~ 3.6V
- Data Converters:
- A/D 41x16b; D/A 2x12b
- Oscillator Type:
- Internal
- Operating Temperature:
- -40°C ~ 85°C (TA)
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
MK51DN256ZCMD10 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for MK51DN256ZCMD10 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for MK51DN256ZCMD10 on Aetrix. Our sales agent will provide a competitive quotation and guide you through the order confirmation once you accept the terms.
2.Are the price and stock information for MK51DN256ZCMD10 reliable?
The price and inventory of MK51DN256ZCMD10 are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for MK51DN256ZCMD10 is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for MK51DN256ZCMD10?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for MK51DN256ZCMD10 transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for MK51DN256ZCMD10?
MK51DN256ZCMD10 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your MK51DN256ZCMD10 order is processed, you will receive an email with the shipment details and tracking number.
Note: Tracking information may take up to 24 hours to appear. Express delivery typically takes 3–5 business days.
5.How can I obtain technical support or documentation for MK51DN256ZCMD10?
For technical support, including MK51DN256ZCMD10 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your MK51DN256ZCMD10 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that MK51DN256ZCMD10 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All MK51DN256ZCMD10 products on Aetrix are procured from qualified distributors and authorized channels. Our dedicated quality assurance team conducts strict verification, including traceability checks and, if necessary, third-party testing. This ensures that MK51DN256ZCMD10 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of MK51DN256ZCMD10?
All MK51DN256ZCMD10 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with MK51DN256ZCMD10, returns or replacements are accepted under the following conditions:
1.Quantity discrepancies, incorrect items, or visible external defects (such as breakage or corrosion), acknowledged by Aetrix.
2.The issue is reported within 90 days of delivery.
3.The MK51DN256ZCMD10 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for MK51DN256ZCMD10:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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