NXP Semiconductors

MK21FX512VLQ12 - 120MHz Cortex-M4 MCU 512KB | NXP

N.º de pieza: MK21FX512VLQ12 ✗ Fin de vida
En stock Se envía en 1-3 días hábiles
144-LQFP (20 x 20 mm) Package 120 MHz Speed 512 KB (512K x 8) Flash Memory
Desde $5.55 USD / unidad
MOQ: 1 |
Precio actualizado: 2026-10-18
Precios por volumen
Cant. Precio unitario Total
1 $8.42 $8,42
10 $7.58 $75,80
100 $6.74 $674,00
500 $6.1 $3.050,00
1.000 $5.55 $5.550,00
ℹ️ Todos los precios están en USD

MK21FX512VLQ12 Descripción general

The NXP Semiconductors MK21FX512VLQ12 is a 32-bit ARM Cortex-M4 microcontroller of the Kinetis K21 (120 MHz) family, delivering 120 MHz core frequency, 512 KB flash program memory plus 128 KB FlexMem (configurable flash/EEPROM), and 128 KB SRAM, housed in a 144-pin LQFP (20 x 20 mm) surface-mount package. It belongs to the Kinetis K-series MCU portfolio originally developed by Freescale Semiconductor.

A microcontroller unit (MCU) is a single-chip embedded processor that integrates a CPU core, memory arrays, and a rich set of peripherals on one die, sitting within the broader hierarchy of semiconductor devices as a system-on-chip for embedded control. Unlike a general-purpose processor, an MCU executes dedicated firmware for real-time control, sensing, and connectivity tasks in a power-efficient manner.

Key features of the MK21FX512VLQ12 include hardware cryptography and tamper detection for security-sensitive designs, a USB full-/low-speed On-The-Go controller with on-chip transceiver and device charger-detect capability, and a floating-point unit inherited from the Cortex-M4 core for efficient DSP and motor-control mathematics.

The communication peripheral set comprises two SPI modules, two I2C modules, four UART modules, and an I2S audio interface, enabling multi-bus system designs without external expanders. Analog integration covers high-speed ADCs and comparators per the K21 sub-family datasheet, and flexible clocking supports low-power operation targets typical of cost-sensitive industrial applications.

Typical applications include industrial automation and control nodes, IoT edge devices, robotics controllers, consumer appliances, and secure portable equipment where the anti-tamper and hardware encryption engine reduces bill-of-materials cost for security.

Design consideration: as this device is listed NRND (Not Recommended for New Designs) by NXP, new designs should evaluate pin-compatible successors or confirm long-term supply before committing; the 144-LQFP requires careful decoupling of the multiple VDD/VSS pairs per the manufacturer datasheet.

This page synthesizes distributor listings, lifecycle status, drop-in alternatives, and practical design guidance not found in the manufacturer datasheet alone, with pricing verified as of 2026-10-18.

Alternativas directas para MK21FX512VLQ12 — mismo encapsulado, compatible pin a pin. Se excluyen las piezas de otro encapsulado que requieren retrabajo de la PCB.

Variantes de esta serie

Modelos de la misma serie compatibles directamente con MK21FX512VLQ12 (mismo factor de forma y huella) — difiere en Mounting Type, Package.

NXP Semiconductors
Mounting Type: Surface Mount (LQFP)
Package: 144-LQFP (20x20 mm)
Comparar con MK21FX512VLQ12 →

Herramienta de comparación rápida — seleccione piezas alternativas para compararlas lado a lado:

MK21FX512VLQ10

✅ Sustitución directa ⚠️ Especificaciones sin verificar
📦 144-LQFP
max core clock 100 MHz vs 120 MHz (-17%), identical memory, peripherals and 144-LQFP footprint, pin-to-pin compatible

📋 Alternativa de referencia (no en el catálogo)

MK21FN1M0VLQ12

✅ Sustitución directa ⚠️ Especificaciones sin verificar
NXP Semiconductors
📦 144-LQFP
ARM Cortex-M4 with FPU and DSP · 32-bit · 120 MHz · 1 MB (1M x 8) · 128 KB · 144-LQFP (20x20 mm) · 1.71 V to 3.6 V · USB 2.0 Full-Speed device/host/OTG with on-chip PHY

✓ En stock

$9.2 / unidad

Ver hoja de datos →

MK21DX256VLQ5

✅ Sustitución directa ⚠️ Especificaciones sin verificar
📦 144-LQFP
flash 256 KB (-50%), SRAM 64 KB (-50%), max clock 100 MHz (-17%), same 144-LQFP pinout, reduced security feature set

📋 Alternativa de referencia (no en el catálogo)

MK21DN512VLQ5

✅ Sustitución directa ⚠️ Especificaciones sin verificar
📦 144-LQFP
max clock 100 MHz (-17%), 512 KB flash split as 256 KB program flash + FlexNVM, same 144-LQFP footprint

📋 Alternativa de referencia (no en el catálogo)

MK22FX512VLQ12

✅ Sustitución directa ⚠️ Especificaciones sin verificar
📦 144-LQFP
K22 sub-family, same 120 MHz Cortex-M4 and 512 KB flash, minor peripheral and pinout multiplexing differences within 144-LQFP

📋 Alternativa de referencia (no en el catálogo)

MK21FX512VLQ12 Valores máximos y características eléctricas

Core Processor ARM Cortex-M4 (Cortex-M4F)
Core Size 32-bit
Frecuencia de reloj máxima 120 MHz
Program Memory Size 512 KB (512K x 8) Flash
FlexMem Size 128 KB (configurable flash/EEPROM)
RAM Size 128 KB
Encapsulado 144-LQFP (20 x 20 mm)
Tipo de montaje Surface Mount
USB Controller USB full-/low-speed OTG with on-chip transceiver and charger detect
SPI Modules 2
I2C Modules 2
UART Modules 4
I2S Module 1
Security Features Hardware encryption, tamper detection
Nivel MSL 3 (168 Hours)
HTSUS Code 8542.31.0001
REACH Status REACH Unaffected
Product Family Kinetis K21 120 MHz (K21F sub-family)

Guía de configuración de pines de MK21FX512VLQ12 144-lqfp (20 x 20 mm)

Configuración de pines para MK21FX512VLQ12 (encapsulado 144-lqfp (20 x 20 mm)). Este CI digital incluye GPIO, interfaces de comunicación (UART, SPI, I2C) y pines de alimentación. Consulte la hoja de datos del fabricante para conocer las funciones alternativas de los pines y las opciones de configuración. Esencial para el diseño de sistemas embebidos y el diseño de PCB.

Diagrama de patillaje del encapsulado 144-lqfp (20 x 20 mm) para MK21FX512VLQ12

No hay datos detallados de patillaje disponibles para MK21FX512VLQ12.

Consulte la hoja de datos para ver la configuración completa de patillas.

Aplicaciones típicas

MK21FX512VLQ12 es adecuado para 6 aplicacións: Industrial Automation and Control, IoT Edge Devices, Robotics Controllers, Secure Portable and Payment Devices, Consumer Appliances, Test and Measurement Equipment.

🏭

Industrial Automation and Control

The MK21FX512VLQ12 fits industrial control nodes where its 120 MHz Cortex-M4 with hardware FPU executes PID and field-oriented control loops deterministically, while four UARTs and two SPI modules link drives, sensors, and HMIs. The 128 KB SRAM buffers communication stacks and logging data, and industrial operating ratings support factory-floor environments. Designers should note the NRND status and plan migration paths for long-lifetime industrial programs; existing control boards benefit from the rich K21 peripheral mix without external interface chips.

🧩

IoT Edge Devices

For IoT edge nodes, the MK21FX512VLQ12 combines a 120 MHz core with low-power operating modes typical of the Kinetis K21 family, so sensor sampling, protocol translation, and local decision logic run efficiently. The 512 KB flash holds wireless connectivity stacks and OTA bootloader code, while 128 KB FlexMem emulates EEPROM for calibration and configuration storage. Hardware encryption offloads TLS-style cipher workloads from firmware. USB OTG simplifies commissioning and firmware updates in the field via a standard connector.

🔧

Robotics Controllers

Robotics motion controllers benefit from the MK21FX512VLQ12's 120 MHz Cortex-M4F floating-point core, which executes kinematics and servo loop mathematics in hardware rather than software emulation. Multiple SPI and UART channels coordinate encoders, motor drivers, and host links simultaneously, while high-speed ADCs sample current shunts for torque control. The 144-LQFP exposes ample GPIO for limit switches and safety interlocks. Its industrial portfolio heritage (Freescale Kinetis) provides mature toolchain and SDK support for robotics teams.

🔐

Secure Portable and Payment Devices

The K21F sub-family's differentiator is on-chip hardware encryption plus tamper detection, making the MK21FX512VLQ12 attractive for portable terminals, metering, and licensed equipment that must protect keys and firmware. The USB OTG controller with charger detect enables both data transfer and charging negotiation from one port, important in battery-powered handhelds. The 128 KB FlexMem stores transaction logs in emulated EEPROM with wear leveling. Its 120 MHz core keeps cryptographic and UI response times short without a second processor.

📺

Consumer Appliances

Cost-sensitive appliance control boards use the MK21FX512VLQ12 for its balance of 120 MHz performance, generous 512 KB flash for UI frameworks and communication stacks, and integrated analog for temperature and current sensing. Four UARTs handle touch panels, Wi-Fi modules, and cloud gateways concurrently; I2C manages sensors and EEPROMs. The 144-LQFP package provides the I/O count for displays, relays, and keypad matrices in a single controller, reducing board-level component count versus multi-chip alternatives.

🖥️

Test and Measurement Equipment

Bench instruments and data loggers exploit the MK21FX512VLQ12's high-speed ADCs, precise timing peripherals, and USB OTG port for PC connectivity. The 120 MHz Cortex-M4 with FPU performs calibration math, FFT-based analysis, and trigger logic in real time, while 128 KB SRAM sustains deep sample buffering. Two SPI modules stream results to displays or external converters, and I2S supports audio-band measurement front ends. The 144-pin LQFP delivers the pin count needed for multi-channel analog front ends on one controller.

What is the MK21FX512VLQ12 microcontroller?
The MK21FX512VLQ12 is an NXP Kinetis K21 32-bit ARM Cortex-M4 microcontroller running at 120 MHz with 512 KB flash, 128 KB FlexMem, and 128 KB SRAM in a 144-pin LQFP package. According to the NXP product page, it targets cost-sensitive applications requiring low-power functionality and features hardware encryption and tamper detection.
Is MK21FX512VLQ12 still in production or is it NRND?
The MK21FX512VLQ12 is listed as NRND (Not Recommended for New Designs) on the official NXP product page. Existing designs may continue to be built while stock remains at distributors such as DigiKey and Mouser, but NXP recommends that new designs select an active successor part. Verify remaining lifetime with your NXP distributor before committing to volume production.
What is the flash and RAM capacity of the MK21FX512VLQ12?
The MK21FX512VLQ12 provides 512 KB of flash program memory (512K x 8), plus a 128 KB FlexMem region that can be partitioned between flash and EEPROM emulation, and 128 KB of SRAM. According to DigiKey's product listing, the memory configuration is 512KB (512K x 8) FLASH with 32-bit 120 MHz Cortex-M4 execution.
What package does the MK21FX512VLQ12 come in?
The MK21FX512VLQ12 is supplied in a 144-lead LQFP (Low-Profile Quad Flat Package) measuring 20 x 20 mm, with gull-wing terminals and a square body. Per Partstack's parametric data, the package code is LFQFP with 144 terminals, industrial temperature grade, and MSL 3 (168 hours) moisture sensitivity.
What USB features does the MK21FX512VLQ12 support?
The MK21FX512VLQ12 integrates a USB full-/low-speed On-The-Go (OTG) controller with an on-chip transceiver and USB device charger-detect capability. According to the Freescale K21P80M50SF4 technical data sheet (Rev. 4.1, 08/2013), this allows direct USB device, host, or dual-role connectivity without an external PHY, simplifying USB-connected embedded designs.
What communication interfaces does the MK21FX512VLQ12 have?
The MK21FX512VLQ12 offers two SPI modules, two I2C modules, four UART modules, and one I2S audio module, per the Freescale K21 technical data sheet. This multi-protocol suite allows simultaneous connection of sensors (I2C/SPI), external modems or RS-485 links (UART), and digital audio codecs (I2S) within a single MCU.
What is the price of MK21FX512VLQ12?
XAIPART pricing for the MK21FX512VLQ12 starts at approximately $8.42 USD at quantity 1, dropping to about $5.55 at 1,000 units, as of 2026-10-18. Distributor inventory and pricing vary; Octopart currently aggregates offers from 6 distributors for this part. Request a quote on this page for volume pricing and confirmed lead times.
Where can I buy MK21FX512VLQ12 online?
The MK21FX512VLQ12 can be purchased from XAIPART directly on this page, and is also listed at DigiKey (product 4234747, ships today), Mouser, and six distributors tracked by Octopart. Because the part is NRND, stock is finite - confirm quantity availability and remaining inventory before placing production orders, and consider securing last-time-buy volumes.
What is the best drop-in replacement for MK21FX512VLQ12?
Within the same NXP Kinetis K21 family and identical 144-LQFP footprint, the MK21FX512VLQ10 is the closest drop-in variant, differing mainly in maximum core clock (100 MHz versus 120 MHz). The MK21FN1M0VLQ12 offers the same package and speed with 1 MB flash. Because the part is NRND, also evaluate NXP's official successor recommendations via the NXP cross-reference tool.
What is the difference between MK21FX512VLQ12 and MK21FX512VMC12?
The MK21FX512VLQ12 and MK21FX512VMC12 share the same K21F silicon (120 MHz Cortex-M4, 512 KB flash, 128 KB SRAM) but differ in package: the VLQ12 is a 144-pin LQFP while the VMC12 is a 64-pin MAPBGA. They are NOT pin-compatible - the VLQ12 offers far more I/O pins, so a PCB redesign is required to swap between them.
Is MK21FX512VLQ12 suitable for motor control applications?
Yes, the MK21FX512VLQ12 is well suited to digital motor control thanks to its ARM Cortex-M4 core with hardware FPU for fast floating-point control loops at 120 MHz, plus high-speed ADCs and PWM timers per the K21 sub-family datasheet. The four UARTs and two SPIs also support communication with motor drivers and industrial fieldbus interfaces common in automation equipment.
What are the key specifications of MK21FX512VLQ12 that engineers should know?
Key specifications: 32-bit ARM Cortex-M4 core at 120 MHz; 512 KB flash + 128 KB FlexMem; 128 KB SRAM; USB full/low-speed OTG with on-chip transceiver and charger detect; 2x SPI, 2x I2C, 4x UART, 1x I2S; hardware encryption with tamper detection; 144-LQFP (20x20 mm) package; MSL 3; NRND lifecycle status per NXP.
Where can I download the MK21FX512VLQ12 datasheet PDF?
The official MK21FX512VLQ12 documentation is available from NXP's product page at nxp.com/part/MK21FX512VLQ12, which links the K21 sub-family technical data sheet (Freescale document number K21P80M50SF4, Rev. 4.1, 08/2013, 78 pages per archive listings). Always download from the manufacturer site to ensure you have the latest revision.
What security features does the MK21FX512VLQ12 provide?
The MK21FX512VLQ12 includes hardware encryption and tamper detection, per the official NXP product description. The hardware cryptographic accelerator offloads encryption from software, while tamper detection helps protect key material in secure products such as payment terminals, metering equipment, and licensed devices - features that distinguish the K21F sub-family from standard K-series parts.
What is the NXP equivalent for MK21FX512VLQ12 for new designs?
For new designs, the closest same-brand equivalents are other Kinetis K21 family members in the same 144-LQFP footprint, such as the MK21FN1M0VLQ12 (1 MB flash, 120 MHz) or MK21FX512VLQ10 (100 MHz). Since the MK21FX512VLQ12 is NRND, consult NXP's official cross-reference tool at nxp.com/products/cross-reference for the currently recommended active successor, which may be a newer Kinetis or MCX generation requiring software review.

Datos de referencia de ingeniería para MK21FX512VLQ12 — comparación, orientación de diseño e información de cumplimiento.

Guía de selección

Choose the MK21FX512VLQ12 when you need a pin-compatible K21 part with the top 120 MHz speed grade, 512 KB flash, 128 KB SRAM, and the K21F hardware encryption/tamper features in a 144-LQFP footprint - ideal for secure industrial, IoT, and portable designs. Choose the MK21FX512VLQ10 if your code fits under 100 MHz and you want identical pinout with margin on supply. Choose the MK21FN1M0VLQ12 only for firmware above 512 KB (RTOS plus wireless stacks). Avoid the MK21DX256VLQ5 (256 KB flash, 64 KB RAM) unless cost dominates and security is not required. Critically, all K21 alternatives inherit the NRND status, so for genuinely new designs consult NXP's cross-reference tool for the recommended active successor and budget migration effort for peripheral driver changes.

Comparación con alternativas

Parámetro Este producto MK21FX512VLQ10 MK21FN1M0VLQ12 MK21DX256VLQ5 MK21DN512VLQ5 MK22FX512VLQ12
Package 144-LQFP (20 x 20 mm) 144-LQFP - same 144-LQFP - same 144-LQFP - same 144-LQFP - same 144-LQFP - same
Brand NXP Semiconductors NXP Semiconductors NXP Semiconductors NXP Semiconductors NXP Semiconductors NXP Semiconductors
Core / Max Clock Cortex-M4, 120 MHz Cortex-M4, 100 MHz Cortex-M4, 120 MHz Cortex-M4, 100 MHz Cortex-M4, 100 MHz Cortex-M4, 120 MHz
Flash 512 KB 512 KB 1 MB 256 KB 512 KB (split program/FlexNVM) 512 KB
SRAM 128 KB 128 KB 128 KB 64 KB 128 KB 128 KB

Diferenciadores clave

  • Hardware encryption with tamper detection (frente a MK21DX256VLQ5)
  • Fastest K21 144-LQFP speed grade (frente a MK21FX512VLQ10)
  • Balanced memory without over-provisioning (frente a MK21FN1M0VLQ12)

Notas de diseño

The 144-LQFP (20 x 20 mm) exposes multiple VDD/VSS pairs that must each be decoupled with 100 nF ceramic capacitors placed within 2-3 mm of the pins, plus bulk capacitance near the regulator. Follow the power connection guidelines in the K21 technical data sheet (K21P80M50SF4 Rev. 4.1): keep VDDA/VSSA on a quiet analog island with an RC or ferrite filter from the digital rail to preserve ADC accuracy. Use 0.5 mm pitch escape routing and allow at least 4 mil trace/space.

This part is NRND per the NXP product page. Before releasing a new PCB revision around the MK21FX512VLQ12, confirm supply lifetime with NXP and arrange a last-time-buy buffer, or pre-qualify a drop-in K21 family variant (e.g., MK21FX512VLQ10 in the same 144-LQFP footprint). Also note the SWD/JTAG debug muxing and EZPORT boot modes: pull the appropriate boot configuration pins correctly at reset or the device may enter bootloader instead of executing flash code.

Estimated: at 120 MHz with all peripherals active, K21-family core current is typically in the tens of mA (verify exact IDD from the datasheet power tables for your configuration). At 3.3 V and ~50 mA, dissipation is ~0.17 W; the 144-LQFP theta_JA of roughly 40-50 C/W over a standard JEDEC 4-layer board yields only ~8 C junction rise, so no heatsink is required. Ensure your board follows the datasheet-recommended thermal pad/via pattern if operating at the top of the industrial temperature range.

Información de cumplimiento

RoHS
Unknown
REACH
Compliant
AEC-Q100
Not Applicable
Libre de plomo
Unknown
Libre de halógenos
Unknown
Minerales en conflicto
Unknown

REACH status: REACH Unaffected (per Rochester Electronics listing). HTSUS: 8542.31.0001. RoHS/lead-free status not stated in provided data - verify on NXP product page.

Datos verificados el: 2026-10-18 — datos verificados y seleccionados por el equipo de ingeniería de componentes de XAIPART

Búsquedas relacionadas

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Componentes & términos relacionados

NXP Semiconductors Freescale Semiconductor MK21FX512VLQ12 MK21FX512VLQ10 MK21FN1M0VLQ12 MK21DX256VLQ5 MK22FX512VLQ12 Kinetis K21 ARM Cortex-M4 microcontroller 32-bit MCU 144-LQFP LQFP package family surface mount USB On-The-Go SPI I2C UART I2S FlexMem hardware encryption tamper detection NRND REACH industrial automation IoT edge devices
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