NXP Semiconductors MKE16F256VLL16

Overview

MKE16F256VLL16 from NXP Semiconductors is a 168 MHz ARM® Cortex®-M4 microcontroller with 256 KB flash, 32 KB SRAM, and ECC protection on both memories-designed for industrial motor control, power conversion, and real-time embedded systems requiring deterministic interrupt response and floating-point computation.

For engineers reviewing the MKE16F256VLL16 datasheet, MKE16F256VLL16 pinout, MKE16F256VLL16 application, or MKE16F256VLL16 equivalent, key selection criteria include its 100-pin LQFP package, integrated FPU/DSP, dual FlexCAN interface (1 channel), low-power peripherals operating in Stop/VLPS modes, and hardware-based memory protection via FAC and MPU.

Technical Context

The MKE16F256VLL16 implements an ARMv7-M architecture with Thumb®-2 ISA, delivering 1.25 Dhrystone MIPS per MHz and supporting single-precision floating-point operations via integrated FPU. Its system clock generator (SCG) enables dynamic switching between FIRC (48 MHz), SIRC (2/8 MHz), OSC (4–40 MHz), and PLL-derived clocks up to 168 MHz.

Peripheral timing is synchronized using three Programmable Delay Blocks (PDB) and four FlexTimer modules (FTM), each supporting deadtime insertion and fault inputs-critical for motor gate drive control. The device supports wake-up from VLPS/Stop modes via LPUART, LPSPI, LPI2C, ADC, CMP, RTC, and GPIO interrupts using the Asynchronous Wake-up Interrupt Controller (AWIC).

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: 100-pin LQFP (VLL), 14 × 14 × 1.4 mm body, 0.5 mm pitch, RoHS-compliant.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with MKE16F256VLL16, the MKE16F256VLH16 reduces footprint and I/O at the cost of FlexCAN and ADC scalability, while the MKE18F256VLL16 maintains pin compatibility but extends connectivity and sensing-making it a direct upgrade path for CAN-rich or high-channel-count applications.

Availability

MKE16F256VLL16 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial motor control, automotive body electronics, smart power converters, and factory automation I/O modules requiring stable component supply across extended product lifecycles.

Supply support for MKE16F256VLL16 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 specializing in secure connectivity solutions for automotive, industrial, and IoT applications.

The KE1xF family targets cost-sensitive, high-reliability embedded systems-delivering ARM Cortex-M4 performance with industrial-grade memory integrity, low-power operation, and automotive-qualified packaging.

FAQ

What is the maximum operating frequency of the MKE16F256VLL16?

The MKE16F256VLL16 operates at up to 168 MHz using its ARM Cortex-M4 core with integrated FPU and DSP extensions. This frequency is achieved via the System Clock Generator (SCG) and Phase-Locked Loop (PLL), supporting real-time deterministic execution for motor control and power conversion algorithms. The MKE16F256VLL16 achieves 1.25 Dhrystone MIPS per MHz, delivering ~210 DMIPS performance.

Does the MKE16F256VLL16 support CAN FD or only classical CAN?

The MKE16F256VLL16 integrates one FlexCAN 2.0B module compliant with ISO 11898-1, supporting classical CAN up to 1 Mbps-but does not support CAN FD features such as variable bit rates or extended data length. Its FlexCAN implementation includes 16 message buffers, programmable acceptance filtering, and loopback/self-test modes. For CAN FD requirements, designers should consider NXP's S32K1xx or newer KEA1x families.

How does ECC memory protection work on the MKE16F256VLL16?

The MKE16F256VLL16 implements hardware-based ECC on both 256 KB flash and 32 KB SRAM, detecting and correcting single-bit errors on every read access and reporting multi-bit errors via status flags. This eliminates silent data corruption risks in mission-critical firmware execution and runtime variables-especially important in automotive and industrial environments subject to radiation or voltage transients. ECC is enabled by default and cannot be disabled.

Can the MKE16F256VLL16 operate in deep-sleep modes while maintaining CAN bus activity?

No-the MKE16F256VLL16 supports CAN wake-up from Stop/VLPS modes but does not maintain active CAN communication during those states. Its single FlexCAN module is disabled in Stop/VLPS; however, the Asynchronous Wake-up Interrupt Controller (AWIC) detects dominant bits on the CAN bus and triggers a wake event. Once awakened, the core reinitializes CAN and resumes normal operation-enabling low-power listening with <2 μA quiescent current.

What debug interfaces are supported by the MKE16F256VLL16?

The MKE16F256VLL16 supports Serial Wire Debug (SWD) and JTAG via its SWJ-DP debug port, with full integration of Debug Watchpoint and Trace (DWT), Instrumentation Trace Macrocell (ITM), and Flash Patch and Breakpoint (FPB) units. It also includes a built-in boot ROM with UART/I²C/SPI-based programming-allowing firmware updates without debug hardware. All debug features comply with ARM CoreSight standards and are accessible through standard IDEs like MCUXpresso IDE and IAR Embedded Workbench.