NXP Semiconductors MK60DN256VLL10

Overview

MK60DN256VLL10 from NXP (formerly Freescale) is an ARM Cortex-M4 microcontroller with DSP extension, operating up to 100 MHz, featuring 256 KB on-chip flash memory, 128 KB RAM, and integrated analog peripherals including dual 16-bit SAR ADCs, 12-bit DAC, and programmable gain amplifiers - deployed in industrial motor control and smart sensor edge nodes.

For engineers reviewing the MK60DN256VLL10 datasheet, MK60DN256VLL10 pinout, MK60DN256VLL10 application, or MK60DN256VLL10 equivalent, key selection considerations include its -40°C to +105°C extended temperature rating, FlexBus external memory interface, IEEE 1588-capable Ethernet controller, dual CAN modules, and hardware cryptographic acceleration supporting AES/SHA-256.

Technical Context

The MK60DN256VLL10 implements a 32-bit ARM Cortex-M4 core with single-cycle DSP instructions and optional floating-point unit (not included in DN variant), paired with a multi-purpose clock generator supporting crystal oscillators at 3–32 MHz and 32 kHz. Its memory subsystem includes non-FlexMemory flash (256 KB), 128 KB SRAM, and EzPort serial programming interface.

System-level features include a 16-channel DMA controller with 63 request sources, memory protection unit (MPU), low-leakage wakeup unit, and hardware CRC engine. Analog integration comprises two independent 16-bit ADCs each with PGA (up to ×64), three analog comparators with embedded 6-bit DACs, transimpedance amplifiers, and voltage reference - all operating across the full 1.71–3.6 V supply range.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

LQFP-100 (14 mm × 14 mm, 0.5 mm pitch) package with exposed thermal pad - provides mechanical robustness, thermal dissipation for sustained 100 MHz operation, and compatibility with standard PCB assembly processes.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with K60DX256VLL10, MK60DN256VLL10 trades FlexMemory for higher flash density and lower cost in fixed-code applications; versus KEA128VLH4, it delivers 2.1× DMIPS/MHz, integrated Ethernet, and full cryptographic acceleration - justifying its use in secure, time-critical networked systems.

Availability

MK60DN256VLL10 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial motor control, smart grid sensor nodes, and building automation gateways requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges and long product lifecycles.

Supply support for MK60DN256VLL10 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 applications.

The K60 series targets high-performance, feature-rich microcontrollers for industrial automation and networked embedded systems - designed to integrate real-time control, connectivity, security, and analog signal processing in a single chip.

FAQ

What is the maximum operating frequency of the MK60DN256VLL10?

The MK60DN256VLL10 operates at up to 100 MHz using its ARM Cortex-M4 core with DSP extension. This frequency is supported across the full -40°C to +105°C ambient temperature range and 1.71–3.6 V supply voltage, with internal clock generation via the multi-purpose clock generator (MCG) in FEE mode. The MK60DN256VLL10 achieves 125 DMIPS at this speed, validated per the K60 Sub-Family Data Sheet Rev. 3.

Does the MK60DN256VLL10 include hardware cryptographic acceleration?

Yes, the MK60DN256VLL10 integrates a dedicated hardware security module supporting AES-128/256, DES/3DES, SHA-1, SHA-256, and MD5 algorithms. This engine operates independently of the CPU, enabling secure boot, encrypted firmware updates, and TLS offload without degrading real-time performance. The MK60DN256VLL10 also includes a hardware random-number generator and 128-bit unique chip ID for device authentication.

What analog peripherals are integrated into the MK60DN256VLL10?

The MK60DN256VLL10 integrates two independent 16-bit SAR ADCs, each with a programmable gain amplifier (PGA) offering gains up to ×64, a 12-bit DAC, three analog comparators (each with a 6-bit DAC and programmable reference), two transimpedance amplifiers, and a precision voltage reference. These peripherals operate across the full 1.71–3.6 V supply range and support simultaneous sampling - critical for motor current sensing and sensor signal conditioning in the MK60DN256VLL10.

Is the MK60DN256VLL10 pin-compatible with other K60 family members?

The MK60DN256VLL10 uses the LQFP-100 package (PP = LL in part number encoding) and shares identical pin assignments with other K60 devices in the same package variant, including MK60DN512VLL10 and MK60DX256VLL10. Signal multiplexing and electrical characteristics are consistent across the K60 Sub-Family Data Sheet Rev. 3, enabling layout reuse when migrating between flash sizes or FlexMemory variants within the LL package.

What communication interfaces does the MK60DN256VLL10 support?

The MK60DN256VLL10 supports Ethernet (MII/RMII with IEEE 1588 hardware timestamping), USB full/low-speed On-The-Go with on-chip transceiver, two CAN 2.0B modules, three SPI, two I²C, five UART, SDHC, and I²S interfaces. This comprehensive set enables mixed-protocol gateways, such as BACnet/IP-to-Modbus bridges, while the MK60DN256VLL10's FlexBus interface allows expansion to external memory or ASIC co-processors.