NXP Semiconductors MK51DN512CMC10

Overview

MK51DN512CMC10 from NXP (formerly Freescale) is a 32-bit ARM Cortex-M4 microcontroller with DSP extensions, operating at up to 100 MHz, featuring 512 KB on-chip program flash memory, 128 KB RAM, and integrated analog peripherals including dual 16-bit SAR ADCs, two 12-bit DACs, and programmable gain amplifiers - deployed in industrial motor control systems requiring deterministic real-time response and mixed-signal integration.

For engineers reviewing the MK51DN512CMC10 datasheet, MK51DN512CMC10 pinout, MK51DN512CMC10 application, or MK51DN512CMC10 equivalent, key selection considerations include its 121-pin MAPBGA package, -40°C to +85°C temperature grade, FlexNVM absence (flash-only configuration), USB OTG support, and low-power stop modes down to 2.1 µA in VLLS1 mode.

Technical Context

The MK51DN512CMC10 implements an ARM Cortex-M4 core with hardware-accelerated DSP instructions and a Memory Protection Unit (MPU) supporting multi-master protection. Its clock system integrates a 3–32 MHz crystal oscillator, 32 kHz RTC oscillator, and a multi-purpose clock generator enabling flexible frequency synthesis for peripheral domain partitioning.

System-level features include a 16-channel DMA controller servicing up to 63 request sources, eight-channel PWM timer with motor control capability, and dual 16-bit ADCs each with integrated PGA (gain up to ×64), enabling direct sensor signal conditioning without external amplification in closed-loop control applications.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: 121-pin MAPBGA (8 mm × 8 mm, 0.5 mm pitch, MC suffix). Pinout validated per K51 Sub-Family Data Sheet Rev. 3, Section 8.2 (MK51DN512CMC10-specific assignment table).

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with MK51DN512CMC10, KL27Z128VLH4 offers lower cost and power but sacrifices DSP performance and analog integration, while MKE15Z128VLH7 adds AEC-Q100 compliance at the expense of USB OTG, LCD, and ultra-low-power stop modes critical for portable industrial devices.

Availability

MK51DN512CMC10 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial motor control, smart energy metering, medical patient monitoring, and building automation systems requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle assurance, and full-temperature-range qualification.

Supply support for MK51DN512CMC10 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 headquartered in Eindhoven, Netherlands, specializing in secure connectivity solutions for automotive, industrial, and IoT markets.

The K51 series belongs to NXP's Kinetis L-family microcontrollers, designed specifically for cost-optimized, low-power industrial applications demanding rich analog integration, USB connectivity, and robust real-time performance in harsh environments.

FAQ

What is the maximum operating frequency of the MK51DN512CMC10?

The MK51DN512CMC10 operates at a maximum CPU frequency of 100 MHz, enabled by its ARM Cortex-M4 core with DSP extensions. This frequency is supported across the full 1.71–3.6 V supply range and -40°C to +85°C ambient temperature, delivering 1.25 Dhrystone MIPS per MHz. The device achieves this speed using the MCG clock generator in FEE mode with appropriate PLL configuration, as specified in the K51 Sub-Family Data Sheet Rev. 3.

Does the MK51DN512CMC10 include FlexMemory or only standard flash?

The MK51DN512CMC10 contains 512 KB of program flash memory only, with no FlexNVM or FlexRAM. Its part number encoding confirms this: the 'N' in position 5 indicates "Program flash only", distinguishing it from 'X' variants that integrate FlexMemory. Therefore, MK51DN512CMC10 does not support EEPROM emulation or data flash functionality - all non-volatile storage is allocated to executable code space.

What package type and pin count does the MK51DN512CMC10 use?

The MK51DN512CMC10 uses a 121-pin MAPBGA package (8 mm × 8 mm, 0.5 mm pitch), identified by the 'MC' suffix in its part number. This package is documented in Section 7.1 and Figure 8-2 of the K51 Sub-Family Data Sheet Rev. 3, and provides full access to all peripherals including USB DP/DM, dual ADC inputs, eight PWM channels, and 32-bit GPIO ports.

Can the MK51DN512CMC10 operate in ultra-low-power modes with RTC active?

Yes, the MK51DN512CMC10 supports VLLS3 (Very-Low-Leakage Stop Mode 3) with RTC active, drawing as little as 3.0 µA at 3.0 V and -40°C to +25°C. In this mode, the 32 kHz oscillator remains enabled, allowing timekeeping and wake-up from external interrupts or RTC alarms. The MK51DN512CMC10 retains its 128 KB RAM contents and 128-bit unique ID during VLLS3 entry/exit, enabling rapid resume without full reinitialization.

Which communication interfaces are supported by the MK51DN512CMC10?

The MK51DN512CMC10 supports USB full-/low-speed On-The-Go with on-chip transceiver, three SPI modules, two I²C modules, six UART modules, Secure Digital host controller (SDHC), and I²S module. These interfaces are electrically characterized per Sections 6.8.1–6.8.9 of the K51 Sub-Family Data Sheet Rev. 3, with timing specifications validated across voltage and temperature ranges. No external PHY or level shifters are required for USB or I²C operation.