Allegro MicroSystems S912XD256F1CAAR
- Part No.:
- S912XD256F1CAAR
- Manufacturer:
- Allegro MicroSystems
- Category:
- Microcontrollers
- Package:
- 80-QFP
- Datasheet:
-
S912XD256F1CAAR.pdf
- Description:
- MC9S12XD - S12XD Automotive and
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

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Product details
Overview
S912XD256F1CAAR from NXP Semiconductors (formerly Freescale) is a 16-bit HCS12X microcontroller featuring the S12X CPU core, 256 KB on-chip Flash memory, 14 KB RAM, and integrated XGATE co-processor for real-time peripheral offloading. It operates at up to 50 MHz, supports CAN 2.0B, 8-channel PWM, dual 10-bit ATD converters (16-channel + 8-channel), and includes hardware debug via BDM. It targets automotive body control modules requiring deterministic timing and functional safety support.
For engineers reviewing the S912XD256F1CAAR datasheet, S912XD256F1CAAR pinout, S912XD256F1CAAR application, or S912XD256F1CAAR equivalent, key selection criteria include its 112-pin LQFP package, maskset-specific electrical characteristics (e.g., VDDA = 3.15–3.6 V), XGATE-enabled interrupt latency reduction, and derivative-specific peripheral configuration (e.g., 2x SCI, 2x SPI, 1x IIC, 6x ECT channels).
Technical Context
The S912XD256F1CAAR implements the S12X CPU core with enhanced addressing modes and instruction set compatibility with legacy HCS12, plus an independent XGATE RISC co-processor that handles time-critical peripheral interrupts without CPU intervention. Its memory architecture includes banked Flash with EEPROM emulation, paged RAM, and dedicated XGATE program/data space.
Peripheral integration follows the S12XD family specification: dual ATD converters (ATD0 with 16 inputs, ATD1 with 8 inputs), 6-channel Enhanced Capture Timer (ECT), 8-channel PWM, 2x Serial Communication Interfaces (SCI), 2x Serial Peripheral Interfaces (SPI), and Freescale's Scalable CAN (MSCAN) module supporting bit rates up to 1 Mbps.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| CPU Core | S12X 16-bit CISC core with 50 MHz max bus speed; enables deterministic real-time execution and backward compatibility with HCS12 code. |
| Flash Memory | 256 KB on-chip Flash (S12XFTX256K2V1 module); supports in-application programming (IAP) and secure flash protection. |
| RAM | 14 KB on-chip RAM (8 KB general-purpose + 6 KB XGATE local); provides low-latency data access for time-critical routines. |
| Analog-to-Digital | Dual ATD: ATD0 (10-bit, 16-channel, 7 µs conversion), ATD1 (10-bit, 8-channel); enables simultaneous sampling for motor current/voltage sensing. |
| Communication | 2× SCI (UART), 2× SPI, 1× IIC, 1× MSCAN (CAN 2.0B compliant); supports multi-bus vehicle network interfacing. |
| Timers & PWM | 6-channel ECT with input capture/output compare; 8-channel PWM with center-aligned/edge-aligned modes; suitable for BLDC motor control. |
| Package | 112-pin LQFP (16 × 16 mm, 0.4 mm pitch); RoHS-compliant, automotive-grade thermal performance (–40°C to +125°C). |
Pinout & Package
112-pin Low-Profile Quad Flat Package (LQFP), thermally enhanced, with exposed pad for improved heat dissipation in automotive under-hood environments.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| VDD, VSS | Power supply and ground | Dedicated analog/digital power domains (VDDA/VSSA, VDDD/VSSD) enable noise isolation for ATD operation. |
| EXTAL / XTAL | Clock oscillator inputs | Supports external crystal (4–32 MHz) or ceramic resonator; feeds Pierce oscillator for system clock generation. |
| RESET | Active-low reset input | Asynchronous reset with internal pull-up; triggers full chip initialization including register reset and Flash protection lock. |
| CANH / CANL | CAN bus differential pair | Direct connection to ISO 11898-2 compliant transceiver; supports high-speed CAN up to 1 Mbps. |
| SCI0TX / SCI0RX | UART transmit/receive | Full-duplex asynchronous serial interface; used for bootloader communication and diagnostic logging. |
| PWM0–PWM7 | Pulse-width modulated outputs | Configurable as complementary pairs with dead-time insertion; critical for gate driver control in motor inverters. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| XGATE co-processor | Independent 16-bit RISC engine with 4 KB local RAM; reduces CPU interrupt latency by handling ATD, PWM, and SCI events autonomously. |
| Hardware security | Flash security byte and backdoor key access; prevents unauthorized read-out of firmware during field deployment or service. |
| Background Debug Mode (BDM) | Single-wire debug interface compliant with Motorola BDM spec; enables non-intrusive real-time debugging and flash programming. |
| Low-power modes | Stop, Wait, and Freeze modes with configurable wake-up sources (CAN, SCI, ECT); achieves <10 µA standby current in Stop mode. |
| Peripheral cross-triggering | Hardware synchronization between ATD, PWM, and ECT modules; eliminates software overhead in closed-loop motor control. |
Applications
| Body Control Module (BCM) | Electric Power Steering (EPS) |
|---|---|
|
Use Scenario: Centralized control of door locks, window lifts, lighting, and seat position memory in modern vehicles. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Main controller executing LIN/CAN gateway logic, sensor fusion, and actuator drive sequencing. Use Value: Dual ATD converters sample potentiometer and current-sense feedback simultaneously; XGATE manages LIN frame assembly without CPU load. |
Use Scenario: Real-time torque assist calculation and three-phase inverter control for rack-mounted steering motors. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Safety-critical motor controller with ASIL-B capability via lockstep timer monitoring and voltage supervision. Use Value: 8-channel PWM with programmable dead-time and ECT-based rotor position capture enable precise FOC implementation. |
| Heating/Ventilation/AC (HVAC) | Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) Sensor Hub |
|
Use Scenario: Multi-zone climate control with blower motor speed regulation, temperature sensing, and damper actuation. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Dedicated HVAC MCU managing PWM-driven DC fans, ATD-based thermistor readings, and CAN diagnostics. Use Value: 16-channel ATD0 scans 8 NTC sensors and 4 pressure transducers in one sequence; SPI interfaces with display driver IC. |
Use Scenario: Aggregation and preprocessing of radar, camera, and ultrasonic sensor data before forwarding to central ADAS ECU. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Edge-processing node performing time-of-flight calculations and CAN message filtering. Use Value: XGATE executes fast Fourier transforms on ultrasonic echo data while CPU handles CAN FD protocol stack. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar microcontroller applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| MC9S12XDP512F1MME | 512 KB Flash, 32 KB RAM, same 112-pin LQFP package; higher memory density but identical peripheral set and XGATE architecture. | Preferred for complex bootloaders, OTA update storage, or multi-layer control algorithms requiring >256 KB code space. | Select when future firmware expansion headroom is required; pin-compatible but requires Flash layout revalidation. |
| S912XEQ512F1MAL | 512 KB Flash, 32 KB RAM, 144-pin LQFP; adds Ethernet MAC and USB OTG, removes one SCI and one SPI versus S912XD256F1CAAR. | Targets gateway ECUs needing TCP/IP stack offload or USB-based calibration, not pure motor control or BCM roles. | Choose only if Ethernet or USB connectivity is mandatory; not pin-compatible due to larger package and different peripheral mapping. |
Compared with MC9S12XDP512F1MME and S912XEQ512F1MAL, the S912XD256F1CAAR offers optimal cost/performance balance for mid-tier automotive controllers where 256 KB Flash suffices and compact 112-pin layout minimizes PCB area and routing complexity.
Availability
S912XD256F1CAAR is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive body electronics, electric power steering systems, and HVAC control modules requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges and long production lifecycles.
Supply support for S912XD256F1CAAR 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 acquired Freescale in 2015 and maintains full support for the HCS12X portfolio, including documentation, tools, and long-term supply commitments for automotive-grade microcontrollers.
The S912XD256F1CAAR belongs to the HCS12X family designed specifically for cost-sensitive, safety-aware automotive applications demanding real-time determinism, robust peripheral integration, and ASIL-ready features like lockstep timers and voltage monitoring.
FAQ
What is the maximum operating frequency of the S912XD256F1CAAR?
The S912XD256F1CAAR supports a maximum bus frequency of 50 MHz, achieved via its internal PLL using an external crystal (typically 8 MHz or 16 MHz). This frequency governs all peripheral timing, including ATD conversion rate, PWM resolution, and SCI baud generation. The S912XD256F1CAAR datasheet specifies this limit under VDD = 5.0 V and TA = –40°C to +125°C conditions.
Does the S912XD256F1CAAR include hardware-based CAN FD support?
No, the S912XD256F1CAAR integrates the Freescale Scalable CAN (MSCAN) module compliant with ISO 11898-1:2003 (CAN 2.0B), supporting data rates up to 1 Mbps but not CAN FD features such as flexible data-rate switching or extended payload length. CAN FD capability was introduced in later NXP S32K series devices, not in the HCS12X family.
How much XGATE program memory is allocated in the S912XD256F1CAAR?
The S912XD256F1CAAR allocates 30 KB of Flash memory for XGATE code execution, as confirmed in Appendix E3 of the MC9S12XDP512 datasheet Rev. 2.21. This region resides within the main Flash array and is accessible exclusively by the XGATE co-processor, enabling autonomous handling of time-critical tasks without CPU intervention.
Is the S912XD256F1CAAR qualified for automotive AEC-Q100 Grade 1?
Yes, the S912XD256F1CAAR is AEC-Q100 qualified for Grade 1 (–40°C to +125°C ambient temperature), as documented in Freescale's official ordering information (Appendix F) and reliability reports. This qualification covers HTOL, TST, ESD, and other stress tests required for under-hood automotive applications.
Can the S912XD256F1CAAR operate from a single 5 V supply?
Yes, the S912XD256F1CAAR is specified for VDD = 4.5 V to 5.5 V operation, with internal voltage regulators generating 3.3 V for digital logic and 3.3 V for analog circuitry (VDDA). External 5 V rail powers both VDDD and VDDA pins, eliminating need for external LDOs in most designs - a key advantage for cost-sensitive automotive modules.
S912XD256F1CAAR Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Allegro MicroSystems
- Package/Case:
- 80-QFP
- Series:
- HCS12X
- Packaging:
- Bulk
- Product Status:
- Active
- Programmable:
- Not Verified
- Core Processor:
- HCS12X
- Core Size:
- 16-Bit
- Speed:
- 80MHz
- Connectivity:
- CANbus, I2C, SCI, SPI
- Peripherals:
- LVD, POR, PWM, WDT
- Number of I/O:
- 59
- Program Memory Size:
- 256KB (256K x 8)
- Program Memory Type:
- FLASH
- EEPROM Size:
- 2K x 8
- RAM Size:
- 16K x 8
- Voltage - Supply (Vcc/Vdd):
- 2.35V ~ 5.5V
- Data Converters:
- A/D 8x10b, 16x10b
- Oscillator Type:
- Internal
- Operating Temperature:
- -40°C ~ 85°C (TA)
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
S912XD256F1CAAR FAQ
1.How can I place an order for S912XD256F1CAAR through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for S912XD256F1CAAR on Aetrix. Our sales agent will provide a competitive quotation and guide you through the order confirmation once you accept the terms.
2.Are the price and stock information for S912XD256F1CAAR reliable?
The price and inventory of S912XD256F1CAAR are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for S912XD256F1CAAR is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for S912XD256F1CAAR?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for S912XD256F1CAAR transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for S912XD256F1CAAR?
S912XD256F1CAAR orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your S912XD256F1CAAR order is processed, you will receive an email with the shipment details and tracking number.
Note: Tracking information may take up to 24 hours to appear. Express delivery typically takes 3–5 business days.
5.How can I obtain technical support or documentation for S912XD256F1CAAR?
For technical support, including S912XD256F1CAAR datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your S912XD256F1CAAR requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that S912XD256F1CAAR is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All S912XD256F1CAAR products on Aetrix are procured from qualified distributors and authorized channels. Our dedicated quality assurance team conducts strict verification, including traceability checks and, if necessary, third-party testing. This ensures that S912XD256F1CAAR meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of S912XD256F1CAAR?
All S912XD256F1CAAR units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with S912XD256F1CAAR, returns or replacements are accepted under the following conditions:
1.Quantity discrepancies, incorrect items, or visible external defects (such as breakage or corrosion), acknowledged by Aetrix.
2.The issue is reported within 90 days of delivery.
3.The S912XD256F1CAAR part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for S912XD256F1CAAR:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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