NXP Semiconductors MK60DX256VMC10

Overview

MK60DX256VMC10 from NXP Semiconductors (formerly Freescale) is a 32-bit ARM Cortex-M4 microcontroller with DSP extensions, designed for embedded control applications requiring integrated analog, communication, and security functions. It operates at up to 100 MHz, features 256 KB program flash + 256 KB FlexNVM + 4 KB FlexRAM + 128 KB SRAM, supports -40°C to 105°C ambient temperature, and integrates dual 16-bit SAR ADCs, two CAN interfaces, Ethernet MAC, USB OTG, and hardware AES/SHA encryption - deployed in industrial motor control systems.

For engineers reviewing the MK60DX256VMC10 datasheet, MK60DX256VMC10 pinout, MK60DX256VMC10 application, or MK60DX256VMC10 equivalent, key selection considerations include its FlexMemory architecture, IEEE 1588 timer support, 100 LQFP package with 100-pin I/O mapping, real-time clock with battery backup, and hardware cryptographic acceleration for secure firmware updates and device authentication.

Technical Context

The MK60DX256VMC10 implements an ARM Cortex-M4 core with single-cycle DSP instructions and optional floating-point unit (not enabled in this variant), paired with a multi-layer AHB bus matrix enabling concurrent access to flash, RAM, and peripherals. Its memory subsystem includes FlexNVM for EEPROM-emulation and data logging without external components.

Peripherals are organized into clock-gated domains managed by the System Integration Module (SIM), supporting dynamic power scaling across eight low-power modes including VLLS1–VLLS3. The MCG clock generator provides flexible sourcing from internal RC, external crystals (3–32 MHz and 32 kHz), or PLL-derived frequencies, with automatic failover and relock recovery.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: 100-pin LQFP (14 mm × 14 mm), 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 MK60DX256VMC10, MKE15Z256VLH7 offers lower power and cost but lacks Ethernet, FlexMemory, and DSP performance; MIMXRT1021DAG5A delivers higher compute throughput and display support but increases system complexity with external memory and removes integrated analog peripherals.

Availability

MK60DX256VMC10 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial motor control, smart energy metering, building automation gateways, and medical diagnostic equipment requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges and long product lifecycles.

Supply support for MK60DX256VMC10 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 deep expertise in ARM-based microcontrollers and edge processing.

The K60 series - including MK60DX256VMC10 - was engineered for high-integration industrial control applications demanding real-time performance, mixed-signal capability, and hardware security in harsh environments.

FAQ

What is the maximum operating frequency of the MK60DX256VMC10?

The MK60DX256VMC10 operates at a maximum CPU frequency of 100 MHz, achieved using the internal PLL with a 3–32 MHz crystal input. This frequency is fully supported across the full -40°C to +105°C temperature range and 1.71–3.6 V supply voltage, with all peripherals functional and timing specifications guaranteed per the K60 Sub-Family Data Sheet Rev. 3.

Does the MK60DX256VMC10 include on-chip flash memory and what type of nonvolatile memory does it support?

Yes, the MK60DX256VMC10 includes 256 KB of program flash memory and 256 KB of FlexNVM. FlexNVM can be configured as EEPROM emulation or data flash, providing byte-level write/erase capability with >100,000 endurance cycles - a key differentiator from standard flash used only for code storage. This architecture is confirmed in the K60 Sub-Family Data Sheet Section 4.3.

Which communication interfaces are integrated into the MK60DX256VMC10?

The MK60DX256VMC10 integrates Ethernet MAC (MII/RMII), two CAN 2.0B controllers, five UARTs, three SPI modules, two I²C interfaces, SDHC, I²S, and USB full-/low-speed On-The-Go. All interfaces are directly accessible via dedicated pins on the 100-pin LQFP package, with no external transceivers required for USB or UART - though external PHYs are needed for Ethernet and CAN physical layers.

What analog peripherals are included in the MK60DX256VMC10 and how are they configured?

The MK60DX256VMC10 includes two independent 16-bit SAR ADCs, each with an integrated programmable gain amplifier (PGA) offering gains up to x64, a 12-bit DAC, three analog comparators (each with a 6-bit DAC and reference input), two transimpedance amplifiers, and a precision voltage reference. These are documented in Sections 6.6.1–6.6.4 of the K60 Sub-Family Data Sheet and support simultaneous sampling and hardware-triggered conversions.

Is the MK60DX256VMC10 pin-compatible with other K60 family members?

No, the MK60DX256VMC10 is not universally pin-compatible across the K60 family. Its 100-pin LQFP (MC suffix) package shares pin count with other 100-pin variants (e.g., MK60DN512VLQ10), but signal mapping differs significantly due to varying peripheral sets and memory configurations. Pin compatibility must be verified per specific part number using the K60 Pin Multiplexing document - direct substitution without layout review is not supported.