NXP Semiconductors MKE18F256VLH16

Overview

MKE18F256VLH16 from NXP Semiconductors is a 64-pin LQFP ARM® Cortex®-M4 microcontroller operating up to 168 MHz with single-precision FPU, 256 KB ECC-protected flash, 32 KB ECC SRAM, and integrated FlexNVM (64 KB data flash + 4 KB emulated EEPROM). It targets motor control, industrial sensing, and low-power HMI systems requiring deterministic real-time response and robust memory integrity.

For engineers reviewing the MKE18F256VLH16 datasheet, MKE18F256VLH16 pinout, MKE18F256VLH16 application, or MKE18F256VLH16 equivalent, key selection criteria include its 58 GPIOs (8 high-drive), triple 12-bit ADCs (1 MSPS), dual FlexCAN interfaces, low-power peripherals active in Stop/VLPS modes (LPUART/LPSPI/LPI2C), and hardware-based security features including Flash Access Control and ECC on all memory arrays.

Technical Context

The MKE18F256VLH16 implements an ARMv7-M architecture with Thumb®-2 ISA, DSP extensions, and a configurable NVIC supporting 92 IRQ sources. Its clock system integrates FIRC (48 MHz ±1%), SIRC (8/2 MHz ±3%), OSC32 (32 kHz), and PLL for precise frequency synthesis up to 168 MHz core clock and 84 MHz bus clock.

Power management includes PMC-controlled HSRUN/RUN/VLPR/WAIT/VLPW/STOP/VLPS modes, with AWIC enabling wake-up from Stop/VLPS via LPTMR, RTC, CMP, ADC, FlexIO, or pin interrupts. All memory subsystems-flash, SRAM, FlexNVM, and FlexRAM-feature ECC for single-bit correction and multi-bit error detection.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

64-pin LQFP package (10 mm × 10 mm, 0.5 mm pitch, 1.4 mm height), 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 MKE18F256VLH16, MKE18F256VLL16 offers greater I/O scalability in a larger package, while MKE16F256VLH16 reduces feature set and cost for basic CAN connectivity - both require PCB redesign and firmware adaptation due to pinout and peripheral differences.

Availability

MKE18F256VLH16 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for motor control systems, industrial sensor nodes, smart building HMIs, and automotive body electronics requiring stable component supply across extended product lifecycles.

Supply support for MKE18F256VLH16 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, with over 40 years of microcontroller innovation.

The KE1xF family, including MKE18F256VLH16, was designed for cost-sensitive industrial and automotive applications demanding high reliability, low-power operation, and integrated analog/motor control peripherals - targeting replacement of legacy 8/16-bit MCUs in safety-aware systems.

FAQ

What is the maximum operating frequency and core architecture of the MKE18F256VLH16?

The MKE18F256VLH16 features an ARM Cortex-M4 core with single-precision floating-point unit (FPU) and DSP extensions, operating at up to 168 MHz. This delivers 1.25 Dhrystone MIPS per MHz and enables efficient execution of real-time control algorithms, digital filtering, and sensor fusion tasks without external co-processors.

Does the MKE18F256VLH16 support error-correcting code (ECC) on its memory subsystems?

Yes, the MKE18F256VLH16 implements ECC on all embedded memory arrays: 256 KB flash, 32 KB SRAM, 64 KB FlexNVM, and 4 KB FlexRAM. ECC provides automatic single-bit error correction and multi-bit error detection - a critical feature for industrial and automotive applications where memory corruption must be prevented or rapidly recovered.

How many analog-to-digital converters does the MKE18F256VLH16 integrate, and what are their key capabilities?

The MKE18F256VLH16 integrates three independent 12-bit SAR ADC modules, each supporting up to 16 single-ended analog inputs and sampling at up to 1 MSPS. Each ADC includes hardware averaging, self-calibration, temperature sensor input, and configurable trigger sources - enabling simultaneous high-accuracy acquisition across multiple sensors in motor control or environmental monitoring systems.

Can the MKE18F256VLH16 operate in low-power modes while maintaining communication functionality?

Yes, the MKE18F256VLH16 supports full peripheral operation in Wait mode and selective peripheral activity in Stop/VLPS modes. LPUART, LPSPI, LPI2C, FlexCAN, RTC, LPTMR, and ADC remain functional using SIRC or OSC32 clocks - allowing continuous telemetry, sensor polling, or CAN bus monitoring while consuming sub-100 μA in VLPS mode.

What debug interface does the MKE18F256VLH16 provide, and is it compatible with standard development tools?

The MKE18F256VLH16 uses a 2-pin Serial Wire Debug (SWD) interface (SWD_DIO and SWD_CLK), fully compliant with ARM CoreSight standards. It is natively supported by NXP MCUXpresso IDE, SEGGER J-Link, and other ARM SWD-compatible debug probes - enabling flash programming, real-time variable inspection, and instruction trace without requiring JTAG header space.