NXP Semiconductors P87C591VFA/00,512

Overview

P87C591VFA/00,512 from Philips Semiconductors is an OTP-based 8-bit microcontroller integrating a CAN 2.0B controller, 16 KB on-chip program memory, 512 bytes on-chip RAM, 10-bit ADC with six analog inputs, two PWM outputs, and dual DPTR addressing - designed for automotive and industrial CAN bus nodes requiring real-time control, sensor interfacing, and robust communication.

For engineers reviewing the P87C591VFA/00,512 datasheet, P87C591VFA/00,512 pinout, P87C591VFA/00,512 application, or P87C591VFA/00,512 equivalent, this device delivers deterministic CAN frame handling at up to 1 Mbit/s, full-duplex UART with programmable baud rate, I²C master/slave support, and low-power operation across −40°C to +85°C - critical for embedded control in harsh environments.

Technical Context

The P87C591VFA/00,512 implements a fully static 80C51-compatible CPU core with accelerated 500 ns instruction cycle at 12 MHz, enhanced by a dedicated PeliCAN controller derived from the SJA1000 architecture. It supports CAN 2.0B with both 11-bit standard and 29-bit extended identifiers, and features a 64-byte receive FIFO plus 13-byte transmit buffer for protocol stack compatibility (e.g., CANopen, DeviceNet).

Its peripheral set includes three 16-bit timers (T0/T1/T2), watchdog timer T3, programmable I/O port modes (pseudo-bidirectional, push-pull, open-drain), and dual DPTR registers enabling efficient external memory access - all coordinated via 4-level priority interrupt system with 15 sources and configurable acceptance filtering "on the fly".

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: PLCC44 (SOT187-2), 44-lead plastic leaded chip carrier, body size 16.6 × 16.6 × 4.0 mm.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with the NXP SJA1000T and Infineon C505CA, the P87C591VFA/00,512 uniquely combines 80C51 software compatibility, integrated CAN 2.0B, dual DPTR, and I²C in a single PLCC44 package - delivering higher integration density and lower system-level development risk for new CAN node designs.

Availability

P87C591VFA/00,512 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive body electronics, industrial CAN gateways, smart sensor nodes, and motor feedback controllers requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges and long production lifecycles.

Supply support for P87C591VFA/00,512 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

Philips Semiconductors (now NXP Semiconductors) is a global semiconductor leader known for automotive-grade mixed-signal ICs, CAN technology leadership, and industrial microcontrollers with high reliability and long-term support.

The P87C591VFA/00,512 belongs to the P8xC591 family - engineered specifically for embedded CAN applications in automotive and industrial environments where integration, real-time determinism, and extended temperature operation are mandatory.

FAQ

What is the maximum CAN bus speed supported by the P87C591VFA/00,512?

The P87C591VFA/00,512 supports up to 1 Mbit/s CAN bus speed when operating with an 8 MHz crystal oscillator. This performance is achieved through its enhanced PeliCAN controller core and optimized timing registers, enabling compliance with high-speed CAN physical layer standards such as ISO 11898-2 in automotive applications.

Does the P87C591VFA/00,512 include on-chip program memory, and what type is it?

Yes, the P87C591VFA/00,512 includes 16 KB of on-chip One-Time Programmable (OTP) memory. This non-volatile memory stores firmware and retains contents without power. Programming requires 12.75 V on the VPP pin (shared with EA), and security bits prevent unauthorized readout - making it suitable for production firmware deployment.

How many analog input channels does the ADC in the P87C591VFA/00,512 support?

The P87C591VFA/00,512 integrates a 10-bit successive-approximation ADC with six multiplexed analog input channels: ADC0 through ADC5. These map to pins P1.2, P1.3, P1.4, P1.5, P1.6, and P1.7 - allowing simultaneous connection of multiple sensors such as temperature, voltage, or current sense circuits without external multiplexing.

Can the P87C591VFA/00,512 operate in low-power modes while maintaining CAN and ADC functionality?

Yes, the P87C591VFA/00,512 supports Idle Mode where the CPU clock is halted but peripherals including the CAN controller, ADC, and timers remain active. The ADC continues sampling, and CAN messages trigger interrupts to wake the CPU - enabling energy-efficient operation in battery-powered or thermally constrained CAN nodes.

What package type is used for the P87C591VFA/00,512, and is it RoHS-compliant?

The P87C591VFA/00,512 uses a PLCC44 (SOT187-2) package - a 44-lead plastic leaded chip carrier with J-leads. While the original 2000 datasheet predates RoHS, current Aetrix Electronics inventory complies with EU RoHS Directive 2011/65/EU and REACH SVHC regulations, with lead-free finish and halogen-free molding compound verified per IPC-J-STD-609.