MCF51QE128CLH - ColdFire V1 32-bit MCU, 128KB Flash, 50MHz | NXP
MPN: MCF51QE128CLH ✗ End of Life| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $14.99 | $14.99 |
| 10 | $14.49 | $144.90 |
| 100 | $13.99 | $1,399.00 |
| 500 | $13.49 | $6,745.00 |
| 1,000 | $12.99 | $12,990.00 |
MCF51QE128CLH Overview
A microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer that integrates a processor core, memory, and peripherals on one die, sitting within the broader hierarchy of embedded processors: MCU -> microcontroller -> embedded processor -> semiconductor. The ColdFire V1 architecture is an entry-level 32-bit core derived from the 68000 family, positioned at the low end of NXP's 32-bit ColdFire controller portfolio.
The MCF51QE128 belongs to the QE family, the first family in NXP's Flexis series, which was an industry first offering pin-for-pin, development-tool, and peripheral-set compatibility between 8-bit and 32-bit devices. This means designers can migrate between MC9S08QE128 (8-bit) and MCF51QE128 (32-bit) parts without changing the PCB footprint or peripheral code structure.
Key features include a 24-channel, 12-bit ADC for precision analog acquisition, PWM channels for motor control and power conversion, JTAG boundary scan for production test, and a supply range of 2.5V/3.3V operation. The 50.33 MHz maximum CPU frequency at voltages above 2.4V (40 MHz above lower thresholds) provides substantial processing headroom for a low-cost 32-bit controller.
Typical applications include industrial control and automation, consumer appliances, motor control with the ADC and PWM peripherals, building automation, and legacy designs requiring low-power 32-bit processing. The QE family's backward compatibility makes it a natural upgrade path from 8-bit HCS08 designs.
Design consideration: this part is End of Life per NXP's official product page, so new designs should verify last-time-buy windows and plan migration to NXP Kinetis ARM Cortex-M parts or existing stock. The 64-LQFP package requires standard 0.5 mm pitch SMD assembly processes.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in alternatives, EOL lifecycle guidance, and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet alone.
Drop-in alternatives for MCF51QE128CLH — 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 MCF51QE128CLH (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Core, Series, Package, Maximum CPU Frequency, Supply Voltage.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
MCF51AG128CLH
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
MCF51MM128VLK
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
Contact for price
View Datasheet →MCF51AC256BCLKE
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$3.05 / Unit
View Datasheet →MCF51JE128VLK
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$6.95 / Unit
View Datasheet →MCF51AC128CCFGE
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
MCF51QE128CLH Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Processor | ColdFire V1 (32-bit) |
| Core Architecture | 32-bit RISC (ColdFire, 68000-derived) |
| Maximum CPU Frequency | 50.33 MHz (above 2.4V); 40 MHz (lower voltage range) |
| Flash Memory | 128KB (128K x 8), 131KB total program Flash |
| Data RAM | 8KB |
| I/O Lines | 72 |
| ADC | 24-channel, 12-bit |
| PWM Channels | Yes |
| Supply Voltage | 2.5V / 3.3V |
| Boundary Scan / JTAG | Yes |
| Package | 64-LQFP (10x10 mm) |
| Terminal Pitch | 0.5 mm |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Family / Series | Flexis QE (MCF51QE128) |
| Lifecycle Status | End of Life (per NXP product page) |
| Packaging (tray) | Tray |
MCF51QE128CLH 64-lqfp (10x10 mm) Pin Configuration Guide
Pin configuration for MCF51QE128CLH (64-lqfp (10x10 mm) package). This digital IC includes GPIO, communication interfaces (UART, SPI, I2C), and power pins. Refer to the manufacturer datasheet for alternate pin functions and configuration options. Essential for embedded system design and PCB layout.
No detailed pinout data available for MCF51QE128CLH.
Refer to the datasheet for full pin configuration.
Typical Applications
MCF51QE128CLH is suitable for 6 applications: Industrial Control and Automation, Motor Control, Consumer Appliances, Building Automation and Metering, 8-bit to 32-bit Migration (Flexis Platform), Portable and Low-Power Instrumentation.
Industrial Control and Automation
The MCF51QE128CLH fits industrial control nodes that need deterministic 32-bit processing with rich analog acquisition: its 50.33 MHz ColdFire V1 core handles control loops and communication stacks, while the 24-channel, 12-bit ADC digitizes multiple sensor inputs such as pressure, temperature, and current sensing without an external ADC. The 72 GPIO lines drive relays, indicators, and digital I/O racks directly. In PLC remote I/O modules or factory sensor nodes, the part is placed as the main controller with 3.3V operation, PWM channels driving actuator or backlight stages, and JTAG boundary scan enabling in-circuit production test. Because the QE family is pin-compatible with the 8-bit MC9S08QE128, OEMs can ship low-cost 8-bit variants and 32-bit variants on one PCB. Note the device is EOL, so new industrial designs should favor supported Kinetis parts and use the MCF51QE128CLH for sustaining engineering with secured stock.
Recommended
Motor Control
For low- to mid-complexity motor control such as BLDC fans, pumps, and small appliances, the MCF51QE128CLH provides the essential peripheral pair: PWM channels generate the inverter drive signals, and the 24-channel, 12-bit ADC samples phase currents, bus voltage, and position-sensor inputs (hall or BEMF-derived) with enough resolution for field-oriented or six-step commutation. Running at 50.33 MHz above 2.4V, the ColdFire V1 core executes current-loop and speed-loop computations within typical 10-20 kHz PWM periods for these power classes. The 3.3V operation simplifies interfacing with gate-driver ICs and current-sense amplifiers. Designers should budget Flash carefully - 128KB accommodates sensorless FOC plus communication, but not advanced observers with heavy math libraries. Since the part is End of Life per NXP, new motor-control platforms should select Kinetis MCUs with dedicated FlexTimer and ADC hardware, reserving this device for maintenance of existing product lines with last-time-buy inventory.
Recommended
Consumer Appliances
Home appliances - dishwashers, refrigerators, coffee machines, and HVAC controllers - benefit from the MCF51QE128CLH's balance of low cost, 32-bit processing, and integrated analog. The 24-channel 12-bit ADC reads NTC thermistors, user-interface potentiometers, and current monitors across multiple zones; the PWM channels drive triac firing circuits, heaters, or fan motors; and 72 GPIOs handle button matrices, displays, and relay banks from one chip. Its 128KB Flash stores user-interface code, communication protocols, and compensation tables with room to spare, and Flexis pin-compatibility with the 8-bit MC9S08QE128 lets appliance makers offer feature-tiered products on a single PCB layout. Operation at 2.5V or 3.3V supports modern low-power standby designs. Because NXP has moved this part to End of Life, appliance platforms should verify remaining stock before committing firmware development, or design new tiers on Kinetis derivatives.
Recommended
Building Automation and Metering
In building automation nodes - thermostats, damper controllers, occupancy sensors, and submeters - the MCF51QE128CLH offers the analog integration and low-power operation these battery-assisted or always-on devices demand. The 12-bit, 24-channel ADC handles multiple temperature, humidity, and current channels; the low-power modes extend battery life in wireless sensor configurations; and 72 GPIO lines interface keypads, LCD segments, and actuators. The 50.33 MHz ColdFire V1 core runs protocol stacks (for example Modbus or proprietary RF links via external radios) with more headroom than 8-bit alternatives. Metering-oriented derivatives in the same Flexis family, such as the MM series with programmable gain amplifier, provide upgrade paths on similar footprints. Given the EOL status declared on NXP's product page, integrators should secure broker stock for field-service spares and plan new building-automation designs on supported NXP Kinetis or other actively manufactured MCUs.
Recommended
8-bit to 32-bit Migration (Flexis Platform)
The defining application of the MCF51QE128CLH is the 8-bit to 32-bit migration path on NXP's Flexis Controller Continuum. According to NXP, the QE family is the first offering pin-for-pin, development-tool, and peripheral-set compatibility between 8-bit and 32-bit devices: an MC9S08QE128 and the MCF51QE128 share the 64-LQFP footprint, register-level peripheral concepts, and toolchain (CodeWarrior). Engineers facing computational limits - heavier control algorithms, larger protocol stacks, more filtering - can drop the 32-bit ColdFire V1 part onto the existing 8-bit PCB without respinning layout, then incrementally port firmware module by module. This dramatically de-risks performance upgrades in cost-sensitive products. The 128KB Flash and 8KB RAM provide roughly an order-of-magnitude code-space increase over typical 8-bit parts. Although the platform itself is now End of Life, this migration pattern remains the documented method for updating legacy Flexis QE products still in the field.
Recommended
Portable and Low-Power Instrumentation
Handheld instruments, dataloggers, and portable measurement devices leverage the MCF51QE128CLH's 2.5V/3.3V operation, low-power modes, and integrated 12-bit ADC to minimize component count and battery drain. The 24-channel ADC multiplexes battery-voltage monitoring, sensor arrays, and user controls; PWM channels generate contrast, backlight, or buzzer drive; and the 50.33 MHz core executes averaging, calibration, and display-update routines quickly enough to allow deep sleep between measurements. The 128KB Flash holds firmware plus calibration tables and multi-language UI strings. JTAG boundary scan supports production test of dense portable PCBs. Designs benefit from the QE family's low active current at reduced voltage/frequency operating points. However, with NXP listing this device as End of Life, portable-product teams should evaluate Kinetis L-series Cortex-M0+ parts (which exceed this device's efficiency) for new designs and treat remaining MCF51QE128CLH stock as sustaining-inventory for legacy handheld platforms.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for MCF51QE128CLH — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | MCF51AG128CLH | MCF51MM128VLK | MCF51AC256BCLKE | MCF51JE128VLK |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 64-LQFP (10x10 mm, 0.5 mm pitch) | 64-LQFP - same | 64-LQFP - same | 64-LQFP - same | 64-LQFP - same |
| Brand | 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 |
| Flash Memory | 128KB | 128KB | 128KB | 256KB | 128KB |
| CPU Frequency | 50.33 MHz | 50.33 MHz class | 50.33 MHz class | 50.33 MHz class | 50.33 MHz class |
| Special Peripherals | PWM, JTAG boundary scan | Touch sensing, CAN emphasis | Programmable gain amplifier | Larger Flash for feature-rich firmware | USB device peripheral |
Key Differentiators
- Flexis 8/32-bit pin compatibility (vs MCF51AC256BCLKE)
- 24-channel 12-bit ADC integration (vs MCF51JE128VLK)
- Balanced memory configuration (vs MCF51AC256BCLKE)
- Honest trade-off: EOL status (vs MKL26Z128VMC4)
Design Notes
The MCF51QE128CLH is End of Life per NXP's official product page. Before committing any new firmware development or production build, secure last-time-buy quantities from authorized distributors and register for NXP's PCN (product change notice) notifications for the discontinuance schedule. Avoid mixing date codes from independent brokers in one production run without incoming inspection, and validate any substitute against the Flexis QE data sheet Rev. 7 pin tables before layout release.
The device supports 2.5V and 3.3V operation with frequency-dependent constraints: up to 50.33 MHz CPU operation is specified above 2.4V, with a 40 MHz limit at lower supply voltages per the MCF51QE128 data sheet. If your design toggles between voltage domains or uses a buck regulator for power savings, implement a clock-frequency reduction routine before dropping below the voltage threshold for the target frequency, or the core may violate timing and exhibit erratic behavior.
The 64-LQFP (10x10 mm, 0.5 mm pitch) package requires standard fine-pitch SMD assembly. Place 0.1 uF decoupling ceramic capacitors at each VDD pin pair, as close to the package as routing allows, plus one bulk 4.7-10 uF capacitor near the supply entry. Because the part is footprint-compatible with 8-bit Flexis QE siblings, design the land pattern to NXP case 840F and keep ADC reference routing (VREFH/VREFL) as a clean, star-grounded pair away from PWM switching currents.
The 24-channel 12-bit ADC achieves its specified accuracy only with a low-impedance source or a suitable RC anti-aliasing filter on each sampled channel; long, unfiltered traces coupled to PWM-driven motor or triac lines will show code noise. Separate analog port pins from PWM switching traces on adjacent LQFP pins where possible, and use the internal ADC software-sample-and-average features to recover effective resolution in noisy appliance and motor-control environments.
Compliance Information
RoHS/lead-free status was not explicitly stated in the provided web data; NXP's product page includes an Environmental Quality section - verify compliance details on the official NXP part page before procurement.