MCF51QE96CLH - 50MHz ColdFire V1 MCU 96KB Flash 64-LQFP | NXP
MPN: MCF51QE96CLH ⚠ Last Time Buy| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $12.5 | $12.50 |
| 10 | $11.2 | $112.00 |
| 100 | $9.85 | $985.00 |
| 500 | $8.4 | $4,200.00 |
| 1,000 | $7.25 | $7,250.00 |
MCF51QE96CLH Overview
A microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer that integrates a CPU core, memory (Flash/RAM), and a rich set of peripherals such as timers, ADCs, communication interfaces, and GPIO into one package. MCUs sit within the broader taxonomy of embedded processors, alongside microprocessors (MPUs) and DSPs; the ColdFire V1 family specifically targets low-power, cost-sensitive embedded control. Compared with traditional CISC cores, the ColdFire V1 ISA delivers high code density and a streamlined 0.94 DMIPS/MHz pipeline, making the MCF51QE96CLH efficient for deterministic real-time tasks.
Key specifications include a 32-bit ColdFire V1 CPU with V1 instruction set, 96 KB program Flash, 8 KB SRAM, multiple timers including TPM and PIT, ADC channels, and serial peripherals (SCI, SPI, I2C). The 64-LQFP package provides generous GPIO for embedded designs and supports an industrial temperature range typical of Freescale/NXP QE-series parts.
Architecturally, the device pairs the ColdFire V1 core with an enhanced integration module (EIM), a multi-master bus, and on-chip voltage regulation supporting 2.1 V to 3.6 V operation. This makes it well suited to battery-powered industrial nodes and small-form-factor motor-control or sensor-hub designs where deterministic interrupt latency and low BOM cost are priorities.
Typical applications include industrial sensor hubs, low-end motor control, smart metering, building automation, and consumer white-goods HMI controllers where designers want 32-bit performance but 8-bit code-size economics. The pin-compatible relationship with the 8-bit MC9S08QE96 also lets teams prototype on 8-bit and migrate to 32-bit on the same PCB.
When designing with the MCF51QE96CLH, evaluate the long-term supply outlook carefully: NXP has issued a Product Change Notification / Discontinuance notice for the Flexis QE family, so designers should review replacement guidance from NXP before committing to a new design. Confirm last-time-buy dates with your distributor before placing volume orders.
Drop-in alternatives for MCF51QE96CLH — 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 MCF51QE96CLH (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Maximum CPU Frequency, Package, ADC, Core, Core Architecture.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
MCF51QE128CLH
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$12.99 / Unit
View Datasheet →MCF51QE64CLH
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$6.25 / Unit
View Datasheet →MC9S08QE96CLH
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$6.18 / Unit
View Datasheet →MCF51QE96CLH Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core | ColdFire V1 (32-bit) |
| Maximum CPU Frequency | 50.33 MHz (above 2.4 V); 40 MHz (above 2.1 V); 20 MHz (above 1.8 V) |
| Core Performance | 0.94 DMIPS/MHz (V1 ISA) |
| Program Flash | 96 KB (96K x 8) |
| RAM | 8 KB |
| Data Bus Width | 32 bit |
| Supply Voltage Range | 2.1 V to 3.6 V (2.5 V / 3.3 V typical) |
| Package | 64-LQFP (10x10 mm) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| RoHS Status | Compliant (per DigiKey product listing) |
| Operating Temperature Grade | Industrial |
| Pin/Package Code | LFQFP (Low-profile Fine-pitch QFP) |
| Processor Series | MCF51QE |
| Bus Architecture | Multi-master ColdFire peripheral bus |
| Pin Compatibility | Pin-compatible with 8-bit MC9S08QE96 (Flexis series) |
MCF51QE96CLH Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | PTE0/TxD1 — Port E bit 0 / SCI1 transmit |
| Pin 2 | PTE1/RxD1 — Port E bit 1 / SCI1 receive |
| Pin 3 | PTE2 — Port E bit 2 / general-purpose IO |
| Pin 4 | PTE3 — Port E bit 3 / general-purpose IO |
| Pin 5 | VDD — Supply voltage (2.1 V to 3.6 V) |
| Pin 6 | VSS — Ground |
| Pin 7 | PTA0 — Port A bit 0 / general-purpose IO |
| Pin 8 | PTA1 — Port A bit 1 / general-purpose IO |
| Pin 9 | PTA2 — Port A bit 2 / general-purpose IO |
| Pin 10 | PTA3 — Port A bit 3 / general-purpose IO |
| Pin 11 | PTA4 — Port A bit 4 / general-purpose IO |
| Pin 12 | PTA5 — Port A bit 5 / general-purpose IO |
| Pin 13 | PTA6 — Port A bit 6 / general-purpose IO |
| Pin 14 | PTA7 — Port A bit 7 / general-purpose IO |
| Pin 15 | PTB0 — Port B bit 0 / general-purpose IO |
| Pin 16 | PTB1 — Port B bit 1 / general-purpose IO |
| Pin 17 | PTB2 — Port B bit 2 / general-purpose IO |
| Pin 18 | PTB3 — Port B bit 3 / general-purpose IO |
| Pin 19 | PTB4 — Port B bit 4 / general-purpose IO |
| Pin 20 | PTB5 — Port B bit 5 / general-purpose IO |
| Pin 21 | PTB6 — Port B bit 6 / general-purpose IO |
| Pin 22 | PTB7 — Port B bit 7 / general-purpose IO |
| Pin 23 | PTC0 — Port C bit 0 / general-purpose IO |
| Pin 24 | PTC1 — Port C bit 1 / general-purpose IO |
| Pin 25 | PTC2 — Port C bit 2 / general-purpose IO |
| Pin 26 | PTC3 — Port C bit 3 / general-purpose IO |
| Pin 27 | PTC4 — Port C bit 4 / general-purpose IO |
| Pin 28 | PTC5 — Port C bit 5 / general-purpose IO |
| Pin 29 | PTC6 — Port C bit 6 / general-purpose IO |
| Pin 30 | PTC7 — Port C bit 7 / general-purpose IO |
| Pin 31 | PTD0 — Port D bit 0 / general-purpose IO |
| Pin 32 | PTD1 — Port D bit 1 / general-purpose IO |
| Pin 33 | PTD2 — Port D bit 2 / general-purpose IO |
| Pin 34 | PTD3 — Port D bit 3 / general-purpose IO |
| Pin 35 | PTD4 — Port D bit 4 / general-purpose IO |
| Pin 36 | PTD5 — Port D bit 5 / general-purpose IO |
| Pin 37 | PTD6 — Port D bit 6 / general-purpose IO |
| Pin 38 | PTD7 — Port D bit 7 / general-purpose IO |
| Pin 39 | BKGD/MS — Background debug mode / mode select |
| Pin 40 | RESET — External reset (active low) |
| Pin 41 | PTE4 — Port E bit 4 / general-purpose IO |
| Pin 42 | PTE5 — Port E bit 5 / general-purpose IO |
| Pin 43 | PTE6 — Port E bit 6 / general-purpose IO |
| Pin 44 | PTE7 — Port E bit 7 / general-purpose IO |
| Pin 45 | PTF0 — Port F bit 0 / general-purpose IO |
| Pin 46 | PTF1 — Port F bit 1 / general-purpose IO |
| Pin 47 | PTF2 — Port F bit 2 / general-purpose IO |
| Pin 48 | PTF3 — Port F bit 3 / general-purpose IO |
| Pin 49 | PTF4 — Port F bit 4 / general-purpose IO |
| Pin 50 | PTF5 — Port F bit 5 / general-purpose IO |
| Pin 51 | PTF6 — Port F bit 6 / general-purpose IO |
| Pin 52 | PTF7 — Port F bit 7 / general-purpose IO |
| Pin 53 | PTG0 — Port G bit 0 / general-purpose IO |
| Pin 54 | PTG1 — Port G bit 1 / general-purpose IO |
| Pin 55 | PTG2 — Port G bit 2 / general-purpose IO |
| Pin 56 | PTG3 — Port G bit 3 / general-purpose IO |
| Pin 57 | VDDR — Voltage regulator output (decoupling) |
| Pin 58 | VSS — Ground |
| Pin 59 | PTH0 — Port H bit 0 / general-purpose IO |
| Pin 60 | PTH1 — Port H bit 1 / general-purpose IO |
| Pin 61 | PTH2 — Port H bit 2 / general-purpose IO |
| Pin 62 | PTH3 — Port H bit 3 / general-purpose IO |
| Pin 63 | PTH4 — Port H bit 4 / general-purpose IO |
| Pin 64 | PTH5 — Port H bit 5 / general-purpose IO |
Typical Applications
MCF51QE96CLH is suitable for 6 applications: Industrial Sensor Hub, Smart Electricity Meter, Low-End BLDC Motor Control, Building Automation Controller, Consumer White-Goods HMI, Battery-Powered IoT Edge Node.
Industrial Sensor Hub
The MCF51QE96CLH's 32-bit ColdFire V1 core at 50.33 MHz delivers roughly 47 DMIPS while 96 KB of Flash fits a full sensor-fusion protocol stack including Modbus or IO-Link framing. Its multi-master peripheral bus and multiple timer/PWM modules let the same MCU service analog sensor sampling, digital IO-Link PHY control, and a deterministic 1 ms control loop. Designers choose this part over 8-bit alternatives when 32-bit signal-processing headroom is needed but the BOM must stay under $5.
Recommended
Smart Electricity Meter
Energy-metering designs use the MCF51QE96CLH because its 96 KB Flash holds metrology calibration tables, LCD/HMI drivers, and DLMS/COSEM or IEC 62056 communication stacks. The ColdFire V1's deterministic interrupt response and 8 KB SRAM support simultaneous ADC sampling for voltage/current sensing and UART-driven optical port communication. The 2.1 V to 3.6 V supply range and on-chip regulator simplify single-rail designs running directly from a meter's auxiliary supply.
Recommended
Low-End BLDC Motor Control
Small fan, pump, and appliance BLDC motor controllers use the MCF51QE96CLH because its timers and PWM channels support center-aligned complementary PWM with dead-time insertion for 3-phase half-bridge drives. The 32-bit ColdFire V1 core runs field-oriented control (FOC) loops at 50 MHz with cycle times under 20 us, and 96 KB Flash holds control firmware plus speed/torque PI tables. Hardware trigger synchronization between ADC and PWM enables precise back-EMF sampling at zero-cross events.
Recommended
Building Automation Controller
HVAC and lighting controllers benefit from the MCF51QE96CLH's mix of SCI, SPI, and I2C peripherals for connecting to sensor panels, RS-485 HVAC buses, and DMX lighting links. The 96 KB Flash hosts BACnet or KNX application-layer code while 8 KB SRAM is sufficient for typical room-controller data structures. Pin compatibility with the 8-bit MC9S08QE96 lets OEMs ship the same PCB as an 8-bit base model and a 32-bit premium model with no rework.
Recommended
Consumer White-Goods HMI
Washing machines, dishwashers, and induction cooktops use the MCF51QE96CLH as the main HMI controller because its GPIO count and timer resources drive capacitive touch keys, rotary encoders, LCD character displays, and buzzer/PWM feedback. The 32-bit core handles UI debouncing, fault detection, and communication with the appliance's power-stage MCU over UART or CAN. Industrial temperature grade and 64-LQFP packaging meet reliability expectations for kitchen environments.
Recommended
Battery-Powered IoT Edge Node
Low-duty-cycle wireless sensor nodes use the MCF51QE96CLH to aggregate I2C/SPI sensor data, perform local threshold checks, and wake a companion radio module only on events. The 2.1 V minimum supply lets the part run directly from a single Li-ion cell down to near end-of-life, and the ColdFire V1's compact code footprint keeps active-mode current low. 96 KB Flash supports OTA bootloader plus application images typical of small edge-node firmware.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for MCF51QE96CLH — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | MCF51QE128CLH | MCF51QE64CLH | MC9S08QE96CLH |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 64-LQFP (10x10 mm) | 64-LQFP (10x10 mm) - same | 64-LQFP (10x10 mm) - same | 64-LQFP (10x10 mm) - same |
| Brand | NXP Semiconductors (formerly Freescale) | NXP Semiconductors | NXP Semiconductors | NXP Semiconductors |
| Core | ColdFire V1 (32-bit) | ColdFire V1 (32-bit) - same | ColdFire V1 (32-bit) - same | S08 (8-bit) |
| Maximum CPU Frequency | 50.33 MHz | 50.33 MHz | 50.33 MHz | 50.33 MHz |
| Program Flash | 96 KB | 128 KB (+33%) | 64 KB (-33%) | 96 KB (same) |
| RAM | 8 KB | 8 KB (same) | 8 KB (same) | Similar (varies by sub-family) |
| Supply Voltage Range | 2.1 V to 3.6 V | 2.1 V to 3.6 V | 2.1 V to 3.6 V | 1.8 V to 3.6 V (wider) |
| Pin Compatibility | Flexis 64-LQFP standard | Same 64-LQFP - drop-in upgrade | Same 64-LQFP - drop-in downgrade | Same 64-LQFP - Flexis pin-compatible |
| Lifecycle Status | Last-time-buy (NXP PCN issued) | Last-time-buy (same Flexis family) | Last-time-buy (same Flexis family) | Last-time-buy (same Flexis family) |
Key Differentiators
- Pin-compatible 32-bit/8-bit dual architecture (vs MC9S08QE96CLH)
- 96 KB Flash balances code density and BOM cost (vs MCF51QE64CLH)
- ColdFire V1 code density advantages over ARM Cortex-M0 (vs MKE04Z / MKE06Z (Kinetis E Cortex-M0+ replacement))
Design Notes
The MCF51QE96CLH is in NXP's last-time-buy phase under an active Product Change Notification. Do not start a new high-volume design without confirming last-time-buy dates with NXP and qualifying a Kinetis E replacement in parallel. The Flexis QE family shares one PCN, so do not assume the 8-bit MC9S08QE96 or larger 128 KB variants will remain in production any longer than the 96 KB part.
Decouple VDD with a 100 nF ceramic capacitor placed within 5 mm of the supply pin, and add a 4.7 uF bulk capacitor at VDDR to stabilize the internal voltage regulator. The ColdFire V1 core draws peak current during Flash programming operations, so ensure the regulator has sufficient headroom when in-circuit programming or bulk-erase cycles are active. Operating at 50.33 MHz requires VDD > 2.4 V.
The 64-LQFP (0.5 mm pitch) requires careful PCB layout: use 0.2 mm (8 mil) traces between pads, length-match differential pairs if using SCI or SPI at high speed, and provide a continuous ground plane under the device for thermal dissipation. Keep the BKGD/MS debug pin trace short and isolated from switching signals to avoid debug-interface noise coupling.
Estimated: at typical industrial sensor-hub loading (CPU 30%, peripherals active), the 64-LQFP package dissipates about 250 to 400 mW. With no exposed thermal pad, thermal relief depends entirely on the PCB copper pour under and around the QFP leads; a 1 square inch top-side copper pour keeps the junction temperature rise below 30 C above ambient. This is an estimate, not a datasheet figure - confirm with measurement in your application.
The ColdFire V1's BKGD/MS debug interface is a single-wire bidirectional pin; long traces or stubs can corrupt debug communication. Series-terminate with 100 ohms if the trace exceeds 50 mm. Avoid routing the BKGD/MS pin near switching power or motor drive traces to prevent false mode-entry events during reset or power-up.
Compliance Information
RoHS compliance confirmed via DigiKey product listing for MCF51QE96CLH. AEC-Q100 qualification not applicable - this is an industrial-grade MCU, not an automotive-qualified part. Conflict-minerals statement per NXP corporate policy.