NXP Semiconductors PCF51JF128VLH

Overview

PCF51JF128VLH from NXP Semiconductors (formerly Freescale) is a ColdFire V1-based 32-bit microcontroller with 128 KB on-chip flash, 50 MHz CPU clock, and integrated USB OTG controller. It operates from 1.71–3.6 V across –40°C to +105°C, features hardware cryptographic acceleration (CAU), 12-bit ADC/DAC, and supports low-power operation down to 1.8 µA in VLLS3 mode. It targets industrial control and secure embedded systems requiring robust timing, analog integration, and USB connectivity.

For engineers reviewing the PCF51JF128VLH datasheet, PCF51JF128VLH pinout, PCF51JF128VLH application, or PCF51JF128VLH equivalent, this page delivers verified technical context, validated pin assignments for the 64-pin LQFP package, real-world power mode trade-offs, security module capabilities, and direct alternative part comparisons - all grounded in Rev. 7 (03/2015) official documentation.

Technical Context

The PCF51JF128VLH implements a ColdFire V1 core with Dhrystone 2.1 performance of 0.99 DMIPS/MHz from flash and 1.10 DMIPS/MHz from RAM. Its multipurpose clock generator (MCG) supports multiple oscillator inputs (1 kHz–32 MHz) and flexible PLL configurations to derive system, bus, and peripheral clocks - including dedicated USB clock domain requiring ≥20 MHz core frequency.

It integrates a full-featured analog subsystem (12-bit SAR ADC, 12-bit DAC, comparator with 6-bit DAC, VREF), four programmable DMA channels, and a low-leakage wakeup unit (LLWU) enabling deterministic wake-from-stop latency as low as 92 µs. The hardware CAU accelerates AES, DES, SHA-1, and CRC operations without CPU intervention.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

PCF51JF128VLH is housed in a 64-pin LQFP package (10 mm × 10 mm, 0.5 mm pitch), RoHS-compliant and moisture sensitivity level 3 (MSL3). Pin assignments are defined per signal multiplexing groups in Section 8 of the official datasheet (Rev. 7).

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with PCF51JF128VLH, K22FN512VLH12 offers higher clock speed and ARM toolchain maturity but sacrifices ColdFire's low-latency debug and CAU-based security acceleration; MCF52259CAG80 provides greater flash and CPU headroom but increases footprint and power, making it less suitable for compact, battery-operated designs.

Availability

PCF51JF128VLH is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial motor control, secure IoT edge nodes, medical handheld diagnostics, automotive body electronics, and low-power sensor hubs requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges and long product lifecycles.

Supply support for PCF51JF128VLH 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 heritage in microcontrollers dating back to Motorola and Freescale.

The PCF51JF128VLH belongs to the ColdFire V1 microcontroller family, designed specifically for cost-sensitive, ultra-low-power embedded applications demanding integrated analog, USB connectivity, and hardware security - targeting industrial control, medical devices, and smart sensors.

FAQ

What is the maximum operating frequency of the PCF51JF128VLH core?

The PCF51JF128VLH supports a maximum core clock frequency of 50 MHz in normal run mode. This is achieved using the Multipurpose Clock Generator (MCG) in FEI or FBE modes with appropriate crystal or external clock sources. In Very Low-Power Run (VLPR) mode, the maximum core frequency is reduced to 2 MHz to minimize dynamic power consumption while retaining full peripheral functionality.

Does the PCF51JF128VLH include an integrated USB transceiver?

Yes, the PCF51JF128VLH includes a full/low-speed USB On-The-Go controller with an integrated transceiver. This eliminates the need for an external PHY chip and supports both device and host roles. The USB_DP and USB_DM pins are routed directly to the internal transceiver and require only standard 27 Ω series resistors and a 1.5 kΩ pull-up on DP for device enumeration - as confirmed in Section 6.8.1 of the Rev. 7 datasheet.

What low-power modes are supported by the PCF51JF128VLH, and what is the lowest achievable current draw?

The PCF51JF128VLH supports 10 distinct low-power modes, including VLLS1–VLLS3 (Very Low-Leakage Stop). In VLLS3 mode at 3.0 V and –40°C to 25°C ambient, the typical current draw is 1.8 µA - verified in Table 5 of the datasheet. This mode retains RAM content and allows wake-up via LLWU-configured pins or internal modules, making it ideal for battery-backed real-time clock or sensor wake-on-event applications.

Is the PCF51JF128VLH pin-compatible with other members of the MCF51JF family?

No, the PCF51JF128VLH is not universally pin-compatible across the MCF51JF family. While it shares the 64-pin LQFP (LH) package with MCF51JF128VHS, it differs from MCF51JF64VLF (48-LQFP) and MCF51JF32VFM (32-QFN). Pin assignments vary between packages, and even within the same package type (e.g., LH vs. HS), signal multiplexing and power pin placement differ - requiring individual PCB layout verification per variant.

What hardware security features does the PCF51JF128VLH provide?

The PCF51JF128VLH includes a hardware Cryptographic Acceleration Unit (CAU) supporting AES-128/256, DES, SHA-1, and CRC-32; a true Random Number Generator (RNGB); and a 128-bit unique identification number per chip. These features enable secure boot, encrypted firmware updates, and authenticated communication without consuming CPU cycles - all documented in Sections 5.5 and 6.5 of the Rev. 7 datasheet.