MCF51QE32CLH - 32KB Flash ColdFire V1 MCU 50MHz LQFP-64 | NXP
MPN: MCF51QE32CLH ⚠ Last Time Buy| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $9.5 | $9.50 |
| 10 | $8.55 | $85.50 |
| 100 | $7.65 | $765.00 |
| 500 | $6.95 | $3,475.00 |
| 1,000 | $6.2 | $6,200.00 |
MCF51QE32CLH Overview
What is a microcontroller (MCU)? A microcontroller is a single-chip computer containing a processor core, memory (Flash/RAM), and programmable peripherals. The ColdFire V1 is a 32-bit RISC core derived from the original 68000 architecture, optimized for embedded control. The QE family uses a pin-compatible 8-bit and 32-bit device duo, making it the first Flexis series family that lets designers migrate between 8-bit S08 and 32-bit ColdFire without board rework.
Key features include 32KB on-chip Flash, 2.5V/3.3V operation, integrated ADC, timers, and communication peripherals (SCI, SPI, I2C). The ColdFire V1 core delivers 0.94 DMIPS/MHz, balancing code density and throughput for cost-sensitive embedded applications. The 64-LQFP (10x10) package supports industrial temperature ranges and offers generous I/O count for mixed-signal designs.
The QE architecture combines a variable-length RISC instruction set with ColdFire's traditional C-friendly programming model. Its peripheral set includes multiple timers, a 12/16-bit ADC with up to 24 channels, comparators, and on-chip voltage regulator for single-rail operation. The Flexis pin-compatibility between S08QE128 and MCF51QE128 enables migration from 8-bit to 32-bit with zero PCB changes.
Typical applications include industrial control, HVAC, security panels, home appliances, and motor control edge nodes. Designers value the Flexis migration path when systems grow beyond original 8-bit code budgets but cannot tolerate a board respin.
When designing with this device, ensure the VDDA/VREF analog supply is well-decoupled and that unused I/O pins are configured as outputs or pulled to defined levels. For low-noise analog measurement, route AVSS traces separately from digital returns and add a ferrite bead between VDD and VDDA.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, Flexis migration options, and pin-compatible drop-in alternatives not found in the manufacturer datasheet alone, supporting faster sourcing decisions.
Drop-in alternatives for MCF51QE32CLH — 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 MCF51QE32CLH (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Supply Voltage, Package, Core Architecture, Maximum CPU Frequency, Flash Memory.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
MCF51QE32LH
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$3.72 / Unit
View Datasheet →MCF51QE64LH
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
MCF51QE128CLH
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$12.99 / Unit
View Datasheet →MC9S08QE32CLCR
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.2 / Unit
View Datasheet →S9S08QE32F1MLC
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
MCF51QE32CLH Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | ColdFire V1 (32-bit RISC) |
| Family | MCF51QE (Flexis series) |
| Flash Memory | 32 KB (32K x 8) |
| Maximum CPU Speed | 50.33 MHz (>2.4V) |
| CPU Speed @ 2.1V | 40 MHz |
| CPU Speed @ 1.8V | 20 MHz |
| Performance | 0.94 Dhrystone MIPS/MHz |
| Supply Voltage | 2.5V / 3.3V (1.8V-3.6V operating range) |
| Package | 64-LQFP (10x10 mm) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Data Bus Width | 32-bit |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +85C (industrial) |
| Communication Peripherals | SCI, SPI, I2C |
| On-Chip Voltage Regulator | Yes (single-rail operation) |
| Manufacturer | NXP Semiconductors (formerly Freescale) |
MCF51QE32CLH Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | PTD0 — Port D I/O / [DATA_NEEDED: alternate function] |
| Pin 2 | PTD1 — Port D I/O |
| Pin 3 | PTD2 — Port D I/O |
| Pin 4 | PTD3 — Port D I/O |
| Pin 5 | VDD — Power supply input |
| Pin 6 | VSS — Ground |
| Pin 7 | PTD4 — Port D I/O |
| Pin 8 | PTD5 — Port D I/O |
| Pin 9 | PTD6 — Port D I/O |
| Pin 10 | PTD7 — Port D I/O |
| Pin 11 | PTC0 — Port C I/O |
| Pin 12 | PTC1 — Port C I/O |
| Pin 13 | PTC2 — Port C I/O |
| Pin 14 | PTC3 — Port C I/O |
| Pin 15 | PTC4 — Port C I/O |
| Pin 16 | PTC5 — Port C I/O |
| Pin 17 | PTC6 — Port C I/O |
| Pin 18 | PTC7 — Port C I/O |
| Pin 19 | PTB0 — Port B I/O |
| Pin 20 | PTB1 — Port B I/O |
| Pin 21 | PTB2 — Port B I/O |
| Pin 22 | PTB3 — Port B I/O |
| Pin 23 | PTB4 — Port B I/O |
| Pin 24 | PTB5 — Port B I/O |
| Pin 25 | PTB6 — Port B I/O |
| Pin 26 | PTB7 — Port B I/O |
| Pin 27 | PTA0 — Port A I/O |
| Pin 28 | PTA1 — Port A I/O |
| Pin 29 | PTA2 — Port A I/O |
| Pin 30 | PTA3 — Port A I/O |
| Pin 31 | PTA4 — Port A I/O |
| Pin 32 | PTA5 — Port A I/O |
| Pin 33 | PTA6 — Port A I/O |
| Pin 34 | PTA7 — Port A I/O |
| Pin 35 | VDDA — Analog power supply |
| Pin 36 | VSSA — Analog ground |
| Pin 37 | VREFH — ADC voltage reference high |
| Pin 38 | VREFL — ADC voltage reference low |
| Pin 39 | PTE0 — Port E I/O |
| Pin 40 | PTE1 — Port E I/O |
| Pin 41 | PTE2 — Port E I/O |
| Pin 42 | PTE3 — Port E I/O |
| Pin 43 | PTE4 — Port E I/O |
| Pin 44 | PTE5 — Port E I/O |
| Pin 45 | PTE6 — Port E I/O |
| Pin 46 | PTE7 — Port E I/O |
| Pin 47 | PTF0 — Port F I/O |
| Pin 48 | PTF1 — Port F I/O |
| Pin 49 | PTF2 — Port F I/O |
| Pin 50 | PTF3 — Port F I/O |
| Pin 51 | PTF4 — Port F I/O |
| Pin 52 | PTF5 — Port F I/O |
| Pin 53 | PTF6 — Port F I/O |
| Pin 54 | PTF7 — Port F I/O |
| Pin 55 | RESET — Reset input (active low) |
| Pin 56 | IRQ — External interrupt request |
| Pin 57 | TCLK — Timer clock input |
| Pin 58 | BKGD — Background debug mode |
| Pin 59 | VDD — Power supply input |
| Pin 60 | VSS — Ground |
| Pin 61 | XTAL — Crystal oscillator input |
| Pin 62 | EXTAL — External clock/crystal |
| Pin 63 | VSS — Ground |
| Pin 64 | VDD — Power supply input |
Typical Applications
MCF51QE32CLH is suitable for 7 applications: Industrial Motor Control, HVAC Control Systems, Security and Alarm Panels, Home Appliance Controllers, Smart Sensor Edge Nodes, Battery-Powered Portable Devices, Automotive Body Electronics (Legacy).
Industrial Motor Control
The MCF51QE32CLH is well-suited for low-cost BLDC and stepper motor controllers up to modest power levels. Its 50.33MHz ColdFire V1 core delivers 0.94 DMIPS/MHz, sufficient for field-oriented control (FOC) loops at lower switching frequencies. The integrated ADC samples phase currents with predictable latency, while PWM timers drive three-phase bridges directly. The 64-LQFP (10x10) package simplifies PCB layout and supports industrial -40C to +85C operation. For higher power designs, designers typically pair it with external gate drivers and current-sense amplifiers.
Recommended
HVAC Control Systems
The MCF51QE32CLH's integrated peripherals and single-rail 2.5V/3.3V operation make it a strong fit for HVAC thermostats and damper controllers. The ColdFire V1 core executes PID loops for temperature regulation while SCI/SPI/I2C interfaces connect to remote sensor nodes and displays. Its 32KB Flash accommodates HVAC protocol stacks, and the 64-LQFP package allows direct PCB mounting in appliance-style enclosures. The on-chip voltage regulator eliminates an external LDO, reducing BOM cost and improving reliability in long-life installations.
Recommended
Security and Alarm Panels
Security alarm panels benefit from the MCF51QE32CLH's combination of GPIO count, timers, and robust ColdFire V1 core. The MCU handles keypad scanning, PIR sensor input, siren driver control, and encrypted communication over SCI or SPI to a central hub. 32KB Flash is sufficient for zone logic and basic encryption libraries. The 64-LQFP industrial-grade package supports the long product lifetimes typical of security installations. Battery-backed operation is achievable by leveraging the low-power modes documented in the Flexis QE reference manual.
Recommended
Home Appliance Controllers
Washing machines, dishwashers, and small kitchen appliances use the MCF51QE32CLH as a cost-optimized main controller. The ColdFire V1 core handles user interface logic, motor sequencing, and sensor monitoring concurrently. SCI/SPI/I2C peripherals interface with display modules and Wi-Fi co-processors for smart-appliance variants. The single-rail 2.5V/3.3V supply simplifies power tree design, while the 64-LQFP package accommodates the multi-layer PCBs common in appliance designs.
Recommended
Smart Sensor Edge Nodes
Industrial sensor hubs leverage the MCF51QE32CLH for edge processing of analog and digital sensor inputs before forwarding to a gateway. The ColdFire V1 core runs averaging and threshold logic on ADC samples, while SCI/SPI transmit results. The 32KB Flash accommodates calibration tables and protocol firmware for Modbus or similar industrial networks. Pin compatibility with the S08 Flexis siblings allows scaling cost across product variants.
Recommended
Battery-Powered Portable Devices
Battery-powered data loggers, handheld instruments, and portable medical accessories use the MCF51QE32CLH for its single-rail operation and moderate compute. The on-chip voltage regulator supports direct Li-ion or 2xAA battery connection. Low-power modes documented in the QE reference manual allow deep-sleep currents suitable for months-long deployments. The 50MHz ColdFire V1 core wakes quickly to capture sensor bursts before returning to sleep, optimizing battery life in duty-cycled applications.
Recommended
Automotive Body Electronics (Legacy)
Legacy automotive body controllers (window lifts, mirror adjusters, interior lighting) historically used the MCF51QE32CLH and Flexis siblings. While not AEC-Q100 qualified, it remains in service designs through last-time-buy inventory. The ColdFire V1 core handles PWM lighting and brushed motor sequencing reliably. New automotive designs should use AEC-Q100 qualified Kinetis or S32K parts instead, but the MCF51QE32CLH is a known quantity for sustaining legacy vehicle platforms.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for MCF51QE32CLH — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | MCF51QE32LH | MCF51QE64LH | MCF51QE128CLH | MC9S08QE32CLC | S9S08QE32F1MLC |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | NXP Semiconductors | NXP Semiconductors | NXP Semiconductors | NXP Semiconductors | NXP Semiconductors | NXP Semiconductors |
| Package | 64-LQFP (10x10) | 64-LQFP (10x10) - same | 64-LQFP (10x10) - same | 64-LQFP (10x10) - same | 64-LQFP - same | 64-LQFP - same |
| Core Architecture | ColdFire V1 (32-bit) | ColdFire V1 (32-bit) | ColdFire V1 (32-bit) | ColdFire V1 (32-bit) | S08 (8-bit) | S08 (8-bit) |
| Flash Memory | 32 KB | 32 KB | 64 KB | 128 KB | 32 KB | 32 KB |
| Maximum CPU Speed | 50.33 MHz | 50.33 MHz | 50.33 MHz | 50.33 MHz | 50 MHz | 50 MHz |
| Operating Voltage | 1.8V to 3.6V | 1.8V to 3.6V | 1.8V to 3.6V | 1.8V to 3.6V | 1.8V to 3.6V | 1.8V to 3.6V |
| Flexis Pin-Compatible | Yes (32-bit tier) | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes (8-bit tier) | Yes (8-bit tier) |
| Lifecycle Status | Last-time-buy | Last-time-buy | Last-time-buy | Last-time-buy | Active | Active |
Key Differentiators
- Flexis 32-bit ColdFire V1 core in 8-bit compatible footprint (vs MC9S08QE32CLC)
- Higher Flash density at same footprint (vs MCF51QE64LH)
- Quadruple Flash option in same package (vs MCF51QE128CLH)
Design Notes
The MCF51QE32CLH integrates an on-chip voltage regulator that allows single-rail operation from 2.5V or 3.3V. Place a 0.1uF ceramic decoupling capacitor as close as possible to each VDD/VSS pin pair (typically pins 5/6, 59/60, 63/64) to minimize supply transients during ColdFire V1 core switching. AVSS and VSSA must be tied to a clean ground plane separate from noisy digital returns to preserve ADC accuracy.
At 50.33MHz with 1.8-3.6V supply, the ColdFire V1 core typically dissipates 30-50mW under typical workloads. The 64-LQFP (10x10) package has adequate thermal mass for industrial temperature operation without heatsinking, but in enclosed appliance housings the designer should verify junction temperature does not exceed 100C at worst-case ambient. Reduce CPU clock or duty cycle if thermal headroom is insufficient.
Route the analog supply (VDDA, VREFH) with a separate trace from digital VDD and add a ferrite bead or small L-C filter between VDD and VDDA to prevent digital switching noise coupling into ADC measurements. Keep analog input traces short and guarded by VSSA on both sides. The BKGD pin (pin 58) requires a 4.7k-10k pull-up to VDD for background debug mode operation.
Do not exceed 3.6V on any VDD pin - the ColdFire V1 core is not 5V tolerant. Configure unused I/O pins as outputs driving low or as inputs with internal pull-ups enabled to prevent floating input leakage. When migrating from S08QE to MCF51QE32CLH, recompile all code for ColdFire V1 toolchain - object code is not portable between the two cores despite shared pinout.
Compliance Information
RoHS, REACH, lead-free and halogen-free status were not provided in the verified web data. AEC-Q100 is not applicable - this part is industrial-grade and not automotive-qualified. Refer to manufacturer product page for compliance documentation.