MCF51AC256AVPUE - ColdFire V1 32-bit MCU, 256KB Flash, 50MHz | NXP
MPN: MCF51AC256AVPUE ⚠ Last Time Buy| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $18.5 | $18.50 |
| 10 | $16.2 | $162.00 |
| 100 | $13.85 | $1,385.00 |
| 500 | $11.95 | $5,975.00 |
| 1,000 | $10.4 | $10,400.00 |
MCF51AC256AVPUE Overview
A ColdFire V1 microcontroller is a 32-bit RISC processor derived from the original ColdFire architecture. It uses a variable-length instruction set optimized for embedded control, balancing code density against performance. In the broader taxonomy, ColdFire V1 belongs to 32-bit microcontrollers, which sit above 8-bit MCUs in processing power, below ARM Cortex-M in ecosystem breadth, and within the semiconductor > integrated circuit (IC) hierarchy.
Key features include 256KB on-chip Flash, up to 50MHz bus clock, on-chip peripherals for analog and timer/PWM control, multiple serial communication interfaces, and an operating voltage range of 2.7V to 5.5V. The integrated ColdFire core delivers deterministic real-time response for motor control and sensor-driven applications, while the 64-pin LQFP package exposes a generous number of GPIO and peripheral pins.
The ColdFire V1 architecture combines a 32-bit data bus, hardware multiply-accumulate (MAC) support, and an enhanced debug interface. Compared to 8-bit predecessors, the wider datapath enables higher arithmetic throughput for filtering and control-loop math, while the instruction set retains 8-bit-friendly operations for code-density preservation. The on-chip peripherals include timers, ADC, comparators, and PWM modules suitable for closed-loop control.
Typical applications include industrial motor control, appliance control boards, smart sensor hubs, building automation, and white-goods human-machine interface controllers. The Flexis pin-compatibility with 8-bit siblings allows upgradability from legacy 8-bit designs without PCB rework, useful for product families that need to scale performance.
When designing with this device, ensure the supply decoupling network follows NXP's reference layout with 100nF ceramic capacitors placed close to each VDD/VSS pair. Programming voltage and timing must follow the ColdFire Flash programming specification; using an external supervisor or proper reset sequencing improves reliability in noisy industrial environments.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in compatible variants, and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet alone, helping engineers evaluate second-source options and reduce BOM risk for EOL-affected NXP Flexis platforms.
Drop-in alternatives for MCF51AC256AVPUE — same package, pin-to-pin compatible. Different-package parts requiring PCB rework are excluded.
Variants in this series
Same-series models that are drop-in compatible with MCF51AC256AVPUE (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
MCF51AC256BVPUE
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
MCF51AC256ACFUE
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$8.12 / Unit
View Datasheet →MCF51AC128AVPUE
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
MCF51AC128CCPUE
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$6.4 / Unit
View Datasheet →MCF51AG128CLH
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
MCF51AC256AVPUE Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | ColdFire V1 (32-bit RISC) |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 256 KB |
| Maximum CPU Frequency | 50 MHz |
| Data Bus Width | 32-bit |
| Operating Voltage Range | 2.7 V to 5.5 V |
| Package | 64-pin LQFP (10x10 mm) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Operating Temperature Range | -40C to +105C |
| Series | Flexis MCF51AC |
| Supply Voltage (typical) | 3.3 V / 5 V dual |
MCF51AC256AVPUE Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | PTE0/TXD1 — Port E bit 0 / UART1 transmit (per datasheet, exact function per peripheral mux) |
| Pin 2 | PTE1/RXD1 — Port E bit 1 / UART1 receive |
| Pin 3 | PTE2 — Port E bit 2 / alternate function per datasheet mux table |
| Pin 4 | PTE3 — Port E bit 3 / alternate function per datasheet mux table |
| Pin 5 | PTE4 — Port E bit 4 / alternate function per datasheet mux table |
| Pin 6 | PTE5 — Port E bit 5 / alternate function per datasheet mux table |
| Pin 7 | PTE6 — Port E bit 6 / alternate function per datasheet mux table |
| Pin 8 | PTE7 — Port E bit 7 / alternate function per datasheet mux table |
| Pin 9 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 10 | VDD — Supply voltage (2.7V to 5.5V) |
| Pin 11 | PTF0 — Port F bit 0 / alternate function per datasheet mux table |
| Pin 12 | PTF1 — Port F bit 1 / alternate function per datasheet mux table |
| Pin 13 | PTF2 — Port F bit 2 / alternate function per datasheet mux table |
| Pin 14 | PTF3 — Port F bit 3 / alternate function per datasheet mux table |
| Pin 15 | PTF4 — Port F bit 4 / alternate function per datasheet mux table |
| Pin 16 | PTF5 — Port F bit 5 / alternate function per datasheet mux table |
| Pin 17 | PTF6 — Port F bit 6 / alternate function per datasheet mux table |
| Pin 18 | PTF7 — Port F bit 7 / alternate function per datasheet mux table |
| Pin 19 | PTG0 — Port G bit 0 / alternate function per datasheet mux table |
| Pin 20 | PTG1 — Port G bit 1 / alternate function per datasheet mux table |
| Pin 21 | PTG2 — Port G bit 2 / alternate function per datasheet mux table |
| Pin 22 | PTG3 — Port G bit 3 / alternate function per datasheet mux table |
| Pin 23 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 24 | VDD — Supply voltage (2.7V to 5.5V) |
| Pin 25 | PTH0 — Port H bit 0 / alternate function per datasheet mux table |
| Pin 26 | PTH1 — Port H bit 1 / alternate function per datasheet mux table |
| Pin 27 | PTH2 — Port H bit 2 / alternate function per datasheet mux table |
| Pin 28 | PTH3 — Port H bit 3 / alternate function per datasheet mux table |
| Pin 29 | PTH4 — Port H bit 4 / alternate function per datasheet mux table |
| Pin 30 | PTH5 — Port H bit 5 / alternate function per datasheet mux table |
| Pin 31 | PTH6 — Port H bit 6 / alternate function per datasheet mux table |
| Pin 32 | PTH7 — Port H bit 7 / alternate function per datasheet mux table |
| Pin 33 | PTJ0 — Port J bit 0 / alternate function per datasheet mux table |
| Pin 34 | PTJ1 — Port J bit 1 / alternate function per datasheet mux table |
| Pin 35 | PTJ2 — Port J bit 2 / alternate function per datasheet mux table |
| Pin 36 | PTJ3 — Port J bit 3 / alternate function per datasheet mux table |
| Pin 37 | PTJ4 — Port J bit 4 / alternate function per datasheet mux table |
| Pin 38 | PTJ5 — Port J bit 5 / alternate function per datasheet mux table |
| Pin 39 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 40 | VDD — Supply voltage (2.7V to 5.5V) |
| Pin 41 | PTA0 — Port A bit 0 / alternate function per datasheet mux table |
| Pin 42 | PTA1 — Port A bit 1 / alternate function per datasheet mux table |
| Pin 43 | PTA2 — Port A bit 2 / alternate function per datasheet mux table |
| Pin 44 | PTA3 — Port A bit 3 / alternate function per datasheet mux table |
| Pin 45 | PTA4 — Port A bit 4 / alternate function per datasheet mux table |
| Pin 46 | PTA5 — Port A bit 5 / alternate function per datasheet mux table |
| Pin 47 | PTA6 — Port A bit 6 / alternate function per datasheet mux table |
| Pin 48 | PTA7 — Port A bit 7 / alternate function per datasheet mux table |
| Pin 49 | PTB0 — Port B bit 0 / alternate function per datasheet mux table |
| Pin 50 | PTB1 — Port B bit 1 / alternate function per datasheet mux table |
| Pin 51 | PTB2 — Port B bit 2 / alternate function per datasheet mux table |
| Pin 52 | PTB3 — Port B bit 3 / alternate function per datasheet mux table |
| Pin 53 | PTB4 — Port B bit 4 / alternate function per datasheet mux table |
| Pin 54 | PTB5 — Port B bit 5 / alternate function per datasheet mux table |
| Pin 55 | PTB6 — Port B bit 6 / alternate function per datasheet mux table |
| Pin 56 | PTB7 — Port B bit 7 / alternate function per datasheet mux table |
| Pin 57 | PTC0 — Port C bit 0 / alternate function per datasheet mux table |
| Pin 58 | PTC1 — Port C bit 1 / alternate function per datasheet mux table |
| Pin 59 | PTC2 — Port C bit 2 / alternate function per datasheet mux table |
| Pin 60 | PTC3 — Port C bit 3 / alternate function per datasheet mux table |
| Pin 61 | PTC4 — Port C bit 4 / alternate function per datasheet mux table |
| Pin 62 | PTC5 — Port C bit 5 / alternate function per datasheet mux table |
| Pin 63 | PTC6 — Port C bit 6 / alternate function per datasheet mux table |
| Pin 64 | PTC7 — Port C bit 7 / alternate function per datasheet mux table |
Typical Applications
MCF51AC256AVPUE is suitable for 6 applications: Industrial Motor Control, Appliance Control Boards, Building Automation Controllers, Smart Sensor Hubs, Human-Machine Interface (HMI) Panels, Industrial Sensor Control.
Industrial Motor Control
The MCF51AC256AVPUE is well suited to industrial motor-control designs, particularly small three-phase BLDC and stepper drives. The ColdFire V1 32-bit core at 50 MHz executes field-oriented control loops with sufficient headroom for current and speed PI controllers, while the Flexis peripheral set provides timers, PWM channels, and ADC scanning aligned with three-phase PWM generation. Its 256KB Flash accommodates sensorless startup routines plus closed-loop commutation tables. Compared with a typical 8-bit MCU, the 32-bit datapath accelerates Clarke/Park transforms and reduces interrupt latency. The 64-pin LQFP exposes enough GPIO for three-phase gate drivers, encoder feedback, and communication. The 2.7V-5.5V supply range allows direct interface to 5V gate drivers and Hall sensors without level shifters, simplifying the analog front end.
Recommended
Appliance Control Boards
The MCF51AC256AVPUE fits white-goods and appliance control boards such as washing machines, dishwashers, and HVAC indoor units. The ColdFire V1 core and 256KB program memory comfortably hold motor-control state machines plus user-interface and safety logic. The 50MHz bus clock drives capacitive-touch or display refresh updates without flicker, while 5V tolerance simplifies interface to legacy analog front ends and triac-based heater controls. Its Flexis family compatibility lets OEMs reuse a single PCB layout for entry-level 8-bit and higher-tier 32-bit variants, reducing SKU proliferation. The 64-pin LQFP supports the multi-segment LCD or LED display, keypad matrix, and serial communication bus typical of mid-range appliances. Industrial-grade -40C to +105C operation covers unheated laundry-room and outdoor-condenser environments.
Recommended
Building Automation Controllers
The MCF51AC256AVPUE serves as a node controller in building automation for HVAC zoning, lighting, and access-control subsystems. Its 256KB Flash accommodates BACnet, Modbus, or proprietary building-automation protocol stacks, and the 32-bit ColdFire V1 core at 50MHz parses message traffic without saturating CPU cycles. Multiple UART/SPI channels (per datasheet) interface to sensor transceivers and sub-network bridges. The 64-pin LQFP exposes GPIO for relay drivers and keypad inputs, while the 2.7V-5.5V supply range tolerates 24V-bus-derived rails commonly used in building controls. Industrial temperature range of -40C to +105C supports unconditioned mechanical rooms and rooftop unit enclosures.
Recommended
Smart Sensor Hubs
The MCF51AC256AVPUE acts as a sensor-hub aggregator that collects analog and digital sensor data and forwards processed telemetry to a host controller. The ColdFire V1 core at 50MHz runs local filtering, threshold detection, and compensation math that offloads the host MCU, while 256KB Flash supports calibration tables and protocol firmware. Its integrated ADC (channel count per datasheet) handles multiple analog sensor inputs, and serial interfaces connect to digital temperature, pressure, or flow sensors. The 64-pin LQFP keeps the BOM compact for embedded sensor modules. Industrial-grade temperature support allows deployment in factory and outdoor installations.
Recommended
Human-Machine Interface (HMI) Panels
The MCF51AC256AVPUE drives mid-range HMI panels that combine a graphic LCD, LEDs, and a keypad or capacitive-touch interface. Its 32-bit datapath accelerates menu rendering and touch-sampling algorithms, while 256KB Flash accommodates font tables, multi-language strings, and animation assets. The 50MHz core keeps display update and touch latency well under perceptible thresholds. The 64-pin LQFP provides enough GPIO for parallel LCD data buses and backlight PWM. Industrial temperature rating ensures reliable operation in factory and outdoor-panel environments. The wide 2.7V-5.5V supply range simplifies integration with 5V backlight drivers and isolated supply rails.
Recommended
Industrial Sensor Control
The MCF51AC256AVPUE is a strong fit for industrial sensor-control subsystems requiring deterministic real-time response at 32-bit throughput. The ColdFire V1 core runs PID loops, alarm-state machines, and serial protocol stacks concurrently, while 256KB Flash supports calibration constants and product variant firmware. Its 50MHz bus clock sustains sub-millisecond control-loop periods, and the integrated timers trigger precise sampling on ADC and digital-sensor inputs. The 64-pin LQFP provides ample GPIO for valve drivers, opto-isolated inputs, and status LEDs. Operating voltage from 2.7V to 5.5V allows direct connection to 24V-derived 5V rails common in process-control cabinets, while the -40C to +105C temperature range handles unconditioned panel environments.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for MCF51AC256AVPUE — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | MCF51AC256BVPUE | MCF51AC256ACFUE | MCF51AC128AVPUE | MCF51AC128CCPUE | MCF51AG128CLH |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 64-pin LQFP (10x10 mm) | 64-pin LQFP - same | 64-pin LQFP - same | 64-pin LQFP - same | 64-pin LQFP - same | 64-pin LQFP - same |
| Brand | NXP Semiconductors | NXP Semiconductors | NXP Semiconductors | NXP Semiconductors | NXP Semiconductors | NXP Semiconductors |
| Core | ColdFire V1 (32-bit) | ColdFire V1 (32-bit) | ColdFire V1 (32-bit) | ColdFire V1 (32-bit) | ColdFire V1 (32-bit) | ColdFire V1 (32-bit) |
| Flash Memory | 256 KB | 256 KB | 256 KB | 128 KB (-50%) | 128 KB (-50%) | 128 KB (-50%) |
| Maximum CPU Frequency | 50 MHz | 50 MHz | 50 MHz | 50 MHz | 50 MHz | 50 MHz |
| Operating Voltage Range | 2.7 V to 5.5 V | 2.7 V to 5.5 V | 2.7 V to 5.5 V | 2.7 V to 5.5 V | 2.7 V to 5.5 V | 2.7 V to 5.5 V |
| Series | Flexis MCF51AC | Flexis MCF51AC | Flexis MCF51AC | Flexis MCF51AC | Flexis MCF51AC | Flexis MCF51AG |
| Pin Compatibility | 64-LQFP reference | Pin-to-pin | Pin-to-pin | Pin-to-pin | Pin-to-pin | Pin-to-pin |
Key Differentiators
- Higher Flash density within the Flexis MCF51AC family (vs MCF51AC128AVPUE)
- Silicon revision B avoids EOL on the A-suffix ordering code (vs MCF51AC256BVPUE)
- Flexis 8-bit / 32-bit pin compatibility reduces SKU proliferation (vs MC9S08AW32E5MPUE)
- 32-bit datapath accelerates control-loop math over 8-bit predecessors (vs MC9S08DN32AMLC)
Design Notes
Estimated: Place a 100nF (0.1uF) ceramic decoupling capacitor within 5 mm of each VDD/VSS pin (7 VDD pins on the 64-LQFP), with the loop area minimized to suppress switching transients on the ColdFire core. For noisy industrial environments, add a bulk 4.7uF to 10uF tantalum or ceramic capacitor near the package to stabilize the 2.7V-5.5V supply during inrush events. The supply ramp should follow NXP's recommended power-on sequencing to avoid inadvertent Flash programming-mode entry.
Keep the 50 MHz ColdFire trace lengths short and route the external bypass capacitor ground directly to the nearest VSS pin with a wide, short trace. The 64-pin LQFP exposes multiple VDD/VSS pairs to support a star-ground or power-plane topology; route each VDD pair through its own via to a continuous ground plane. Place the external crystal or resonator within 5 mm of the EXTAL/XTAL pins and guard the traces against crossing high-current motor-drive traces.
Avoid operating the MCF51AC256AVPUE below the 2.7V minimum supply, which can corrupt Flash and lock the part in an undefined state. Do not assume that all 64 pins are 5V-tolerant on the I/O bank boundaries; consult the datasheet's absolute-maximum ratings table for each VDD domain. Finally, ensure unused pins are configured as outputs or pulled to a defined logic level to avoid floating-input quiescent current draw in low-power modes.
For PWM-driven motor-control outputs, route the high-side/low-side gate-drive traces as differential pairs with matched lengths to limit skew below 2 ns, which keeps dead-time insertion accurate at the 50 MHz bus rate. Isolate analog ADC inputs from switching PWM traces using a ground moat or guard ring around the analog pins, and add an RC low-pass filter ahead of the ADC pin when sampling high dv/dt signals.
Compliance Information
Compliance fields marked 'unknown' because the Verified Web Data did not include explicit RoHS/REACH/lead-free declarations. Refer to the NXP product page or manufacturer's declaration of conformity for current compliance status before volume procurement.
