NXP Semiconductors SCF5250CAG120

Overview

SCF5250CAG120 from NXP Semiconductors (formerly Freescale) is a 32-bit ColdFire V2 microprocessor designed as a system controller/decoder for portable and automotive CD and hard disk audio players. It operates at 120 MHz, integrates 128 KB on-chip SRAM, features an Enhanced Multiply-Accumulate (EMAC) unit, and supports hardware CD-ROM sector decode compliant with CD-ROM and CD-ROM XA standards. Its 144-pin LQFP package with -40°C to +85°C industrial temperature range targets embedded audio decoding and file management systems.

For engineers reviewing the SCF5250CAG120 datasheet, SCF5250CAG120 pinout, SCF5250CAG120 application, or SCF5250CAG120 equivalent, key selection considerations include its 120 MHz ColdFire V2 core performance (110+ Dhrystone MIPS), integrated I²S/IEC958 audio interfaces, SDRAM controller, dual UARTs, QSPI, and on-chip 1.2V regulator - all optimized for low-power compressed audio playback without external DRAM in CD-based designs.

Technical Context

The SCF5250CAG120 implements a decoupled two-pipeline ColdFire V2 core (IFP + OEP) with 8 KB direct-mapped instruction cache enabling 107 MIPS at 120 MHz. Its EMAC unit executes 32×32-bit integer multiplies in one clock cycle and supports 48-bit accumulate operations for audio signal processing.

It integrates a glueless 16-bit SDRAM controller (up to 32 MB), three Philips I²S/SEIAJ serial audio interfaces, one IEC958 digital audio input and output, and a dedicated hardware CD-ROM encoder/decoder block that performs sector sync recognition, descrambling, and CRC verification - eliminating software overhead for CD data path handling.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

SCF5250CAG120 uses a 144-pin LQFP (Lead-Free Quad Flat Package) with 0.5 mm pitch, measuring 20 mm × 20 mm. The package supports thermal dissipation up to 1.5 W under typical audio decoder operation and includes dedicated power/ground pin distribution for analog/digital separation.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar microprocessor-based audio controller applications.

Compared with MPC5604B and SH7264, the SCF5250CAG120 uniquely combines 120 MHz ColdFire V2 performance, hardware CD-ROM decode, triple I²S, and SPDIF I/O in a single industrial-grade LQFP package - making it irreplaceable for cost-sensitive, low-power CD-based audio systems requiring minimal external components.

Availability

SCF5250CAG120 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for portable media players, automotive infotainment head units, and industrial audio recorders requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges and long production lifecycles.

Supply support for SCF5250CAG120 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 company formed from the spin-off of Philips' semiconductor division, specializing in secure connectivity solutions for automotive, industrial, and IoT markets.

The SCF5250CAG120 belongs to NXP's ColdFire microprocessor family, engineered specifically for high-efficiency audio decoding and system control in resource-constrained portable and automotive entertainment systems.

FAQ

What is the maximum supported sampling frequency for the I²S interfaces on the SCF5250CAG120?

The SCF5250CAG120 supports I²S bit clock frequencies up to one-third of the internal system clock, which is 120 MHz. Therefore, the maximum bit clock is 40 MHz. At standard stereo 32-bit I²S format, this enables sampling rates up to 1.25 MHz - though practical limits for consumer audio are governed by external DAC capabilities and PCB layout. The SCF5250CAG120 itself imposes no minimum sampling frequency restriction.

Does the SCF5250CAG120 include built-in MP3 decoding capability?

The SCF5250CAG120 does not include licensed MP3 decoding firmware or hardware acceleration. However, its 120 MHz ColdFire V2 core, EMAC unit, and 128 KB SRAM enable efficient software-based MP3 decode - especially when combined with the hardware CD-ROM engine to offload disc I/O. For royalty-included MP3 support, Freescale offered variants like SCF5250DAG120 and SCF5250EAG120, but SCF5250CAG120 requires external licensing or open-source decoder integration.

Can the SCF5250CAG120 operate without external SDRAM?

Yes. The SCF5250CAG120 can operate entirely from its 128 KB on-chip SRAM, which is sufficient for Windows Media Audio (WMA) decoding in CD applications without external DRAM. Its SDRAM controller is optional and used only when expanding system memory beyond 128 KB - for example, to buffer large MP3 libraries or support complex GUI layers. Boot ROM and internal SRAM eliminate dependency on external memory for basic audio playback.

What is the function of the audio bus inside the SCF5250CAG120?

The internal audio bus in the SCF5250CAG120 acts as a digital audio data switch fabric. It connects all I²S receivers and transmitters, allowing audio data to be routed directly between interfaces (e.g., I²S input → SPDIF output) without CPU involvement. Six CPU-accessible registers let the core read from or write to the bus, enabling real-time audio processing such as mixing or filtering. This architecture reduces latency and frees the ColdFire core for system-level tasks.

Is the SCF5250CAG120 pin-compatible with other SCF5250 variants like SCF5250AG120?

Yes. The SCF5250CAG120 shares identical pin assignment, electrical specifications, and feature set with SCF5250AG120, differing only in operating temperature range (-40°C to +85°C vs. -20°C to +70°C) and lead-free compliance. Both use the same 144-pin LQFP package and support identical peripheral mappings, register sets, and boot modes - enabling drop-in replacement in industrial designs where extended temperature tolerance is required.