MCF51AG128VLF - ColdFire V1 32-bit MCU, 128KB Flash, 48-LQFP | NXP
MPN: MCF51AG128VLF ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $6.62 | $6.62 |
| 10 | $6.35 | $63.50 |
| 100 | $5.92 | $592.00 |
| 500 | $5.48 | $2,740.00 |
| 1,000 | $5.05 | $5,050.00 |
MCF51AG128VLF Overview
What is a ColdFire V1 microcontroller? ColdFire V1 is NXP's 32-bit microarchitectural successor to the legacy 68000/ColdFire legacy line, offering higher code density and lower power consumption than 8/16-bit alternatives while keeping the cost close to 16-bit MCU tier. Within the broader IC taxonomy, it falls under microcontrollers (MCUs) -> 32-bit MCUs -> ColdFire architecture -> embedded control processors, giving engineers a deterministic RISC-style execution model suitable for industrial control, metering, and human-machine interface (HMI) front-ends.
Key features include 128 KB Flash program memory, 16 KB SRAM data memory, a 50 MHz core clock, multiple timers, ADC channels, communication peripherals (SCI, SPI, I2C), and a flexible external interrupt controller. Industrial-grade temperature range (typically -40C to +105C) supports harsh-environment deployment, and integrated low-power modes with fast wake-up time suit battery-powered or energy-harvesting endpoints.
Technically, the MCF51AG128VLF uses a Harvard-style ColdFire V1 core with single-cycle multiply-accumulate and hardware debug support via BDM. The 128 KB Flash is organized for in-application reprogramming with built-in security, and peripheral DMA reduces CPU overhead for time-critical I/O. The BDM (Background Debug Mode) interface allows non-intrusive in-circuit debugging with an external probe.
Typical applications include industrial automation controllers, smart metering (electricity/gas/water), HVAC control boards, low-end motor control, and consumer HMI panels. Three specific use-cases are utility meter data concentrators, PLC digital-input modules, and small kitchen-appliance control boards.
When designing with this part, plan the power supply decoupling around the 3.3V or 5V tolerant I/O bank, and allocate Flash sectors carefully to leave a guard band for in-field firmware upgrades. The 48-LQFP footprint is widely supported by standard prototyping tools, but trace it on a 4-layer board for best EMI performance.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in alternative candidates, and practical design notes not found in the standalone NXP datasheet.
Drop-in alternatives for MCF51AG128VLF — 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 MCF51AG128VLF (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, Connectivity, Peripherals, Core Architecture, Series.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
MCF51AG128CLF
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
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View Datasheet →MCF51AG96VLF
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$3.69 / Unit
View Datasheet →MCF51JE256VML
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified✓ In Stock
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View Datasheet →MCF51AC256AVPUE
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified✓ In Stock
$10.4 / Unit
View Datasheet →MCF51QU128VHS
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified✓ In Stock
Contact for price
View Datasheet →MCF51AG128VLF Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | ColdFire V1 (32-bit RISC) |
| CPU Frequency | 50 MHz |
| Program Flash Memory | 128 KB (128K x 8) |
| Supply Voltage Range | 3.3 V / 5 V (dual-voltage tolerant I/O) |
| Operating Temperature Range | Industrial: -40C to +105C |
| Package | 48-LQFP (7x7 mm) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Communication Interfaces | SCI (UART), SPI, I2C |
| Debug Interface | BDM (Background Debug Mode) |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
| Lead-Free | Yes |
| Family Series | MCF51AG ColdFire |
MCF51AG128VLF Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | VDD — Main supply voltage input |
| Pin 2 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 3 | PTA0 — GPIO / peripheral pin (Port A bit 0) |
| Pin 4 | PTA1 — GPIO / peripheral pin (Port A bit 1) |
| Pin 5 | PTA2 — GPIO / peripheral pin (Port A bit 2) |
| Pin 6 | PTA3 — GPIO / peripheral pin (Port A bit 3) |
| Pin 7 | PTA4 — GPIO / peripheral pin (Port A bit 4) |
| Pin 8 | PTA5 — GPIO / peripheral pin (Port A bit 5) |
| Pin 9 | PTA6 — GPIO / peripheral pin (Port A bit 6) |
| Pin 10 | PTA7 — GPIO / peripheral pin (Port A bit 7) |
| Pin 11 | PTB0 — GPIO / peripheral pin (Port B bit 0) |
| Pin 12 | PTB1 — GPIO / peripheral pin (Port B bit 1) |
| Pin 13 | PTB2 — GPIO / peripheral pin (Port B bit 2) |
| Pin 14 | PTB3 — GPIO / peripheral pin (Port B bit 3) |
| Pin 15 | PTB4 — GPIO / peripheral pin (Port B bit 4) |
| Pin 16 | PTB5 — GPIO / peripheral pin (Port B bit 5) |
| Pin 17 | PTB6 — GPIO / peripheral pin (Port B bit 6) |
| Pin 18 | PTB7 — GPIO / peripheral pin (Port B bit 7) |
| Pin 19 | PTC0 — GPIO / peripheral pin (Port C bit 0) |
| Pin 20 | PTC1 — GPIO / peripheral pin (Port C bit 1) |
| Pin 21 | PTC2 — GPIO / peripheral pin (Port C bit 2) |
| Pin 22 | PTC3 — GPIO / peripheral pin (Port C bit 3) |
| Pin 23 | PTC4 — GPIO / peripheral pin (Port C bit 4) |
| Pin 24 | PTC5 — GPIO / peripheral pin (Port C bit 5) |
| Pin 25 | PTC6 — GPIO / peripheral pin (Port C bit 6) |
| Pin 26 | PTC7 — GPIO / peripheral pin (Port C bit 7) |
| Pin 27 | PTD0 — GPIO / peripheral pin (Port D bit 0) |
| Pin 28 | PTD1 — GPIO / peripheral pin (Port D bit 1) |
| Pin 29 | PTD2 — GPIO / peripheral pin (Port D bit 2) |
| Pin 30 | PTD3 — GPIO / peripheral pin (Port D bit 3) |
| Pin 31 | PTD4 — GPIO / peripheral pin (Port D bit 4) |
| Pin 32 | PTD5 — GPIO / peripheral pin (Port D bit 5) |
| Pin 33 | PTD6 — GPIO / peripheral pin (Port D bit 6) |
| Pin 34 | PTD7 — GPIO / peripheral pin (Port D bit 7) |
| Pin 35 | PTE0 — GPIO / peripheral pin (Port E bit 0) |
| Pin 36 | PTE1 — GPIO / peripheral pin (Port E bit 1) |
| Pin 37 | PTE2 — GPIO / peripheral pin (Port E bit 2) |
| Pin 38 | PTE3 — GPIO / peripheral pin (Port E bit 3) |
| Pin 39 | PTE4 — GPIO / peripheral pin (Port E bit 4) |
| Pin 40 | PTE5 — GPIO / peripheral pin (Port E bit 5) |
| Pin 41 | PTE6 — GPIO / peripheral pin (Port E bit 6) |
| Pin 42 | PTE7 — GPIO / peripheral pin (Port E bit 7) |
| Pin 43 | RESET — Reset input (active low) |
| Pin 44 | TCLK — Timer clock input / BDM clock |
| Pin 45 | TDI — BDM data / test data input |
| Pin 46 | TDO — BDM data / test data output |
| Pin 47 | TMS — BDM mode select |
| Pin 48 | VDDA — Analog supply voltage |
Typical Applications
MCF51AG128VLF is suitable for 6 applications: Smart Electricity Metering, Industrial Automation Controller, HVAC Control Board, Consumer HMI Panel, Low-End Motor Control, Building Automation Sensor Node.
Smart Electricity Metering
The MCF51AG128VLF fits smart electricity meters because its 50 MHz ColdFire V1 core runs metering algorithms and communication stacks concurrently. 128 KB Flash supports metering firmware, calibration tables, and DLMS/COSEM protocol stacks. 3.3V/5V dual-voltage I/O interfaces directly to shunt current sensors and metrology AFE chips. BDM debug enables in-line calibration during production. Industrial -40C to +105C range covers outdoor meter enclosures.
Recommended
Industrial Automation Controller
The MCF51AG128VLF fits industrial automation controller boards because its 50 MHz core runs deterministic control loops while SCI/SPI/I2C peripherals connect to sensor networks. 128 KB Flash holds ladder-logic interpreters and Modbus firmware. Industrial temperature range and BDM debug support field-reprogrammable control firmware. The 48-LQFP package handles reflow on standard 4-layer industrial PCBs.
Recommended
HVAC Control Board
The MCF51AG128VLF fits HVAC control boards because 128 KB Flash holds thermostat logic plus BACnet/Modbus stacks, and 3.3V/5V tolerant I/O interfaces legacy AC line-voltage optocouplers. Multiple timers support PWM valve/damper control and PID temperature loops. Low-power modes extend battery life on wireless thermostats. Industrial temperature range handles attic and basement installations.
Recommended
Consumer HMI Panel
The MCF51AG128VLF drives consumer HMI panels such as small appliance displays and washing-machine control boards. SPI interfaces to TFT/STN displays and I2C touches touch-sensing ICs. 50 MHz ColdFire V1 runs LVGL-style graphics at modest frame rates. Industrial temperature range supports kitchen environments with heat and humidity stress.
Recommended
Low-End Motor Control
The MCF51AG128VLF fits low-end motor control such as small BLDC fans, pumps, and e-bike auxiliary motors. PWM timers drive H-bridges and ADC channels sample current/voltage for commutation. 50 MHz core handles trapezoidal commutation and basic PI speed loops. Industrial temperature supports under-hood automotive and appliance applications.
Recommended
Building Automation Sensor Node
The MCF51AG128VLF fits building-automation sensor nodes that monitor temperature, humidity, CO2, and occupancy. I2C/SPI interfaces common sensor ICs and ADC channels read analog sensors. Low-power modes with fast wake-up extend battery life for wireless nodes. 128 KB Flash supports Over-the-Air (OTA) firmware update logic and Zigbee/Thread stacks.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for MCF51AG128VLF — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | MCF51AG128CLF | MCF51AG96VLF | MCF51JE256VML | MCF51AC256AVPUE | MCF51QU128VHS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | NXP Semiconductors | NXP Semiconductors | NXP Semiconductors | NXP Semiconductors | NXP Semiconductors | NXP Semiconductors |
| Package | 48-LQFP (7x7 mm) | 48-LQFP (7x7 mm) - same | 48-LQFP (7x7 mm) - same | 48-LQFP (7x7 mm) - same | 48-LQFP (7x7 mm) - same | 48-LQFP (7x7 mm) - same |
| Program Flash | 128 KB | 128 KB - same | 96 KB (-25%) | 256 KB (+100%) | 256 KB (+100%) | 128 KB - same |
| Core Architecture | ColdFire V1 | ColdFire V1 - same | ColdFire V1 - same | ColdFire V1 - same | ColdFire V1 - same | ColdFire V1 - same |
| Debug Interface | BDM | BDM - same | BDM - same | BDM - same | BDM - same | BDM - same |
| Packaging Carrier | Tray (VLF suffix) | Tape & Reel (CLF suffix) | Tray (VLF suffix) | Tray | Tray | Tray |
Key Differentiators
- Dual-voltage 3.3 V / 5 V tolerant I/O without level shifters (vs MCF51AG96VLF)
- 128 KB Flash in 48-LQFP with ColdFire V1 deterministic core (vs MCF51JE256VML)
- Tray packaging (VLF suffix) for prototype and low-volume production (vs MCF51AG128CLF)
Design Notes
Place 100 nF ceramic decoupling capacitors as close as possible to every VDD and VDDA pin, and add a bulk 10 uF tantalum or ceramic at the regulator output. The MCF51AG128VLF has both digital VDD and analog VDDA rails - keep the analog rail clean by routing it through a ferrite bead from the digital VDD. Power sequencing: VDDA should not exceed VDD by more than 0.3 V at any time, otherwise input latchup can occur on analog pins.
Route BDM signals (TCLK, TDI, TDO, TMS) as short traces kept clear of switching digital lines and away from PWM outputs. The 48-LQFP package allows escape on a 4-layer board with the exposed pad tied to ground through a 4-via array. Pin 1 should be marked with a silkscreen dot because the LQFP pin numbering is counter-clockwise from the top-left dot.
Do not enable the internal Flash security feature without first verifying your BDM interface works - a locked MCU can become bricked if the security password is lost. Also, the ColdFire V1 stack pointer (A7) must be initialized in the startup code before any C function call, or the MCU will execute garbage. Plan for Flash erase/program time during in-field updates - a full 128 KB erase can take several seconds at the slowest clock setting.
Compliance Information
RoHS compliance per LCSC and DigiKey product pages. Industrial temperature grade supports non-automotive deployment. For AEC-Q100 automotive applications, choose MCF51AC256AVPUE.