MCF52100CAE66 - 32-bit ColdFire V2 MCU, 66MHz, 64KB Flash | NXP
MPN: MCF52100CAE66 ✗ End of Life| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $9.85 | $9.85 |
| 10 | $8.74 | $87.40 |
| 100 | $7.42 | $742.00 |
| 500 | $6.18 | $3,090.00 |
| 1,000 | $5.09 | $5,090.00 |
MCF52100CAE66 Overview
A microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer that integrates a CPU core, program and data memory, and a range of peripherals on one die. The ColdFire V2 core is a variable-length RISC architecture derived from the original Motorola 68000 family; it pairs familiar 68k-style programming with deterministic interrupt behaviour and a compact code footprint. Within the broader taxonomy, this part is an embedded microcontroller, sitting under 32-bit MCU and ColdFire-family microcontrollers, and is part of the power management and embedded computing category tree.
Key features include 64 KB on-chip flash, 16 KB SRAM, a 12-bit ADC, three UARTs, one SPI port, two I2C buses, DMA, PWM, low-voltage detect (LVD), power-on reset (POR), and a watchdog timer. The 43 general-purpose I/O lines and 16-bit timers allow direct interface to sensors, displays, and motor-control front ends. Industrial-grade temperature range (-40C to +85C) and a 3.0 V to 3.6 V supply complete the embedded-friendly profile.
The ColdFire V2 core runs the same instruction set as other V2 devices, allowing code reuse across the family. Integrated DMA offloads peripheral data movement from the CPU, while the on-chip 12-bit ADC supports up to 8 input channels and simplifies mixed-signal designs without an external converter. The combination of rich connectivity and on-chip memory keeps BOM cost low for industrial controllers.
Typical applications include industrial control and factory floor nodes, building automation (HVAC, lighting, security panels), point-of-sale and payment terminals, USB-less human-machine interfaces (HMI) with character displays, and low-power sensor hubs. The wide peripheral mix also suits motor control sub-systems, medical instrumentation, and smart energy metering front ends.
When designing with this part, pay attention to power-rail decoupling (place 100 nF plus 4.7 uF bulk caps close to VDD pins), expose JTAG test points even in production for firmware recovery, and budget flash endurance for the target firmware update cycle. Note that this device has no integrated USB, so USB connectivity requires an external transceiver or a sibling ColdFire part.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in ColdFire V2 alternatives, and practical design notes that go beyond the manufacturer datasheet, giving engineers a one-stop reference for selecting and sourcing the MCF52100CAE66.
Drop-in alternatives for MCF52100CAE66 — 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 MCF52100CAE66 (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, Core, Core Architecture, RAM, Timers.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
MCF52210CAE66
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
MCF52211CAE66
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$9.25 / Unit
View Datasheet →MCF5213CAF80
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$10.6 / Unit
View Datasheet →MCF52212CAE50
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$6.74 / Unit
View Datasheet →MCF52258CAG66
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$13.65 / Unit
View Datasheet →MCF52100CAE66 Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core | ColdFire V2 |
| Core Size | 32-bit |
| Max CPU Frequency | 66 MHz |
| Performance (Dhrystone 2.1) | 76 MIPS |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 64 KB (64K x 8) |
| RAM | Up to 16 KB |
| Supply Voltage | 3.0 V to 3.6 V |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +85 C (industrial) |
| Package | 64-pin LQFP (10x10 mm) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Number of I/O | 43 |
| Connectivity | I2C, SPI, UART/USART |
| Number of UART | 3 |
| Number of I2C | 2 |
| Number of SPI | 1 |
| Peripherals | DMA, LVD, POR, PWM, WDT |
| ADC | 12-bit |
| Timers | 16-bit |
| Terminal Form | Gull Wing |
| Package Code | QFP |
| Series | MCF521xx |
| Part Status | End of Life (per NXP product page) |
MCF52100CAE66 Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | VDD — Supply voltage |
| Pin 2 | VSS — Ground |
| Pin 3 | PTD0 — Port D I/O / UART1 Tx |
| Pin 4 | PTD1 — Port D I/O / UART1 Rx |
| Pin 5 | PTD2 — Port D I/O / UART1 RTS |
| Pin 6 | PTD3 — Port D I/O / UART1 CTS |
| Pin 7 | PTD4 — Port D I/O |
| Pin 8 | PTD5 — Port D I/O / PWM0 |
| Pin 9 | PTD6 — Port D I/O / PWM1 |
| Pin 10 | PTD7 — Port D I/O / PWM2 |
| Pin 11 | PTA0 — Port A I/O / I2C0 SCL |
| Pin 12 | PTA1 — Port A I/O / I2C0 SDA |
| Pin 13 | PTA2 — Port A I/O / I2C1 SCL |
| Pin 14 | PTA3 — Port A I/O / I2C1 SDA |
| Pin 15 | PTA4 — Port A I/O |
| Pin 16 | PTA5 — Port A I/O |
| Pin 17 | PTA6 — Port A I/O |
| Pin 18 | PTA7 — Port A I/O |
| Pin 19 | PTB0 — Port B I/O / ADC0 |
| Pin 20 | PTB1 — Port B I/O / ADC1 |
| Pin 21 | PTB2 — Port B I/O / ADC2 |
| Pin 22 | PTB3 — Port B I/O / ADC3 |
| Pin 23 | PTB4 — Port B I/O / ADC4 |
| Pin 24 | PTB5 — Port B I/O / ADC5 |
| Pin 25 | PTB6 — Port B I/O / ADC6 |
| Pin 26 | PTB7 — Port B I/O / ADC7 |
| Pin 27 | PTC0 — Port C I/O |
| Pin 28 | PTC1 — Port C I/O |
| Pin 29 | PTC2 — Port C I/O |
| Pin 30 | PTC3 — Port C I/O |
| Pin 31 | PTC4 — Port C I/O / SPI MOSI |
| Pin 32 | PTC5 — Port C I/O / SPI MISO |
| Pin 33 | PTC6 — Port C I/O / SPI SCK |
| Pin 34 | PTC7 — Port C I/O / SPI SS |
| Pin 35 | UART2_Tx — UART2 transmit |
| Pin 36 | UART2_Rx — UART2 receive |
| Pin 37 | UART0_Tx — UART0 transmit |
| Pin 38 | UART0_Rx — UART0 receive |
| Pin 39 | IRQ1 — External interrupt 1 |
| Pin 40 | IRQ2 — External interrupt 2 |
| Pin 41 | IRQ3 — External interrupt 3 |
| Pin 42 | IRQ4 — External interrupt 4 |
| Pin 43 | IRQ5 — External interrupt 5 |
| Pin 44 | IRQ6 — External interrupt 6 |
| Pin 45 | IRQ7 — External interrupt 7 |
| Pin 46 | RSTOUT — Reset output |
| Pin 47 | RESET — Reset input (active low) |
| Pin 48 | TEST — Test mode (factory only) |
| Pin 49 | TCLK — Timer clock input |
| Pin 50 | VDD — Supply voltage |
| Pin 51 | VSS — Ground |
| Pin 52 | EXTAL — External clock crystal input |
| Pin 53 | XTAL — External clock crystal output |
| Pin 54 | VDDSYNTH — PLL supply |
| Pin 55 | VSSSYNTH — PLL ground |
| Pin 56 | JTAG_TDI — JTAG test data in |
| Pin 57 | JTAG_TDO — JTAG test data out |
| Pin 58 | JTAG_TMS — JTAG test mode select |
| Pin 59 | JTAG_TCK — JTAG test clock |
| Pin 60 | JTAG_TRST — JTAG test reset |
| Pin 61 | PWM3 — PWM output 3 |
| Pin 62 | PWM4 — PWM output 4 |
| Pin 63 | PWM5 — PWM output 5 |
| Pin 64 | VDD — Supply voltage |
Typical Applications
MCF52100CAE66 is suitable for 6 applications: Industrial Control and Factory Automation Nodes, Building Automation (HVAC, Lighting, Security Panels), Point-of-Sale Terminals and Payment Peripherals, Human-Machine Interface Controllers (HMI), Low-Power Sensor Hubs and Data Loggers, Smart Energy Metering Front Ends.
Industrial Control and Factory Automation Nodes
The MCF52100CAE66's 66 MHz ColdFire V2 core, three UARTs, two I2C buses, and on-chip 12-bit ADC make it a strong fit for industrial control nodes that aggregate sensor data and drive actuators. With 64 KB of flash, engineers can host a real-time control loop plus a Modbus RTU or CANopen lite stack without external memory. The 43 GPIOs allow direct drive of optocouplers, relay coils, and status LEDs, reducing BOM cost on the field I/O stage. Industrial temperature range (-40 C to +85 C) and LVD/POR support unattended deployments on factory floors where brown-outs and EMI are routine. The ColdFire MCU's deterministic interrupt latency suits closed-loop motor and process control where worst-case response time matters.
Recommended
Building Automation (HVAC, Lighting, Security Panels)
Building automation controllers need a mix of UARTs for BMS trunks, ADC channels for temperature and light sensors, and PWM outputs for dimmers or valve actuators, all of which the MCF52100CAE66 provides natively. The 16 KB SRAM comfortably buffers BACnet or LonWorks-style message frames without external memory. Three UARTs let one MCU serve as a sub-controller for HVAC, lighting, and security sub-buses simultaneously, simplifying the panel layout. The 16-bit timer and PWM modules drive triac-based dimmers and proportional valves with deterministic edge timing. Operating from a 3.3 V rail with industrial-temperature silicon, the part drops directly into DIN-rail and wall-mounted enclosures.
Recommended
Point-of-Sale Terminals and Payment Peripherals
POS terminals need a deterministic MCU that can drive a character/graphic display, scan a keypad, and route UART traffic to a payment PIN pad or printer. The MCF52100CAE66's 12-bit ADC handles battery monitoring and thermal sensing, while two UARTs separately serve the main comm port and the printer. ColdFire V2's compact 68k-style instruction set keeps firmware size well within the 64 KB flash budget, leaving room for a real-time operating system or a vendor-specific protocol stack. The industrial temperature grade survives the thermal stress of enclosed retail housings. PWM outputs drive the backlight of an LCD or the buzzer for transaction prompts without extra glue logic.
Recommended
Human-Machine Interface Controllers (HMI)
Small HMIs with character LCDs, keypads, and status LEDs benefit from the MCF52100CAE66's mix of GPIO, PWM (for backlight and buzzer), and timers. The ColdFire V2 core easily drives a state-machine menu system and debounces a 4x4 keypad in real time without DMA. Three UARTs connect to a parent PLC or remote I/O block, while the SPI port drives a graphical LCD or external flash for assets and fonts. Industrial temperature support and on-chip LVD/POR suit unattended cabinet-mounted HMIs where brown-outs are common. With 64 KB of flash, designers can include localized UI strings and icon tables without external memory.
Recommended
Low-Power Sensor Hubs and Data Loggers
Battery-backed sensor hubs need a low-power MCU that can wake on a sensor interrupt, take an ADC reading, and return to sleep. The MCF52100CAE66's WAIT and STOP low-power modes, combined with the LVD and watchdog timer, fit unattended sensor nodes that log temperature, humidity, or vibration. The 12-bit ADC handles most transducer outputs directly, while two I2C buses connect to digital sensors such as accelerometers or environmental chips. Three UARTs support local configuration and wired backhaul. Industrial-grade silicon keeps the node accurate in outdoor enclosures across seasons.
Recommended
Smart Energy Metering Front Ends
Smart energy meters split the workload between a metrology AFE and an MCU that runs the protocol stack and display logic. The MCF52100CAE66 provides 64 KB flash for DLMS/COSEM or IEC 62056 stacks, plus UART and SPI for the optical port and PLC modem. The 12-bit ADC and PWM modules can drive the metrology calibration and a metrology-isolated front end. The ColdFire V2 core runs the metering state machine deterministically, while the 43 GPIOs manage LCD segments and LED indicators. The industrial temperature range and LVD/POR suit unattended meter deployments across climate zones.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for MCF52100CAE66 — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | MCF52210CAE66 | MCF52211CAE66 | MCF5213CAF80 | MCF52212CAE50 | MCF52258CAG66 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | NXP Semiconductors | NXP Semiconductors | NXP Semiconductors | NXP Semiconductors | NXP Semiconductors | NXP Semiconductors |
| Package | 64-pin LQFP (10x10 mm) | 64-pin LQFP (10x10 mm) - same | 64-pin LQFP (10x10 mm) - same | 64-pin LQFP (10x10 mm) - same | 64-pin LQFP (10x10 mm) - same | 64-pin LQFP (10x10 mm) - same |
| Core | ColdFire V2 32-bit | ColdFire V2 32-bit - same | ColdFire V2 32-bit - same | ColdFire V2 32-bit - same | ColdFire V2 32-bit - same | ColdFire V2 32-bit - same |
| Max CPU Frequency | 66 MHz | 66 MHz - same | 66 MHz - same | 80 MHz (+21%) | 50 MHz (-24%) | 66 MHz - same |
| Flash Memory | 64 KB | 128 KB (+100%) | 128 KB (+100%) | 128 KB (+100%) | 128 KB (+100%) | 256 KB (+300%) |
| RAM | Up to 16 KB | Up to 16 KB | Up to 16 KB | Up to 32 KB | Up to 32 KB | Up to 32 KB |
| USB Peripheral | No | No | Yes (USB 2.0 FS device) | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| UART Count | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +85 C | -40 C to +85 C - same | -40 C to +85 C - same | -40 C to +85 C - same | -40 C to +85 C - same | -40 C to +85 C - same |
| Lifecycle Status | End of Life | End of Life | End of Life | Active (last-time-buy variants) | End of Life | Active |
Key Differentiators
- Pin-compatible upgrade path to 128 KB flash within the same MCF521xx family (vs MCF52100CAE66 vs MCF52210CAE66)
- Higher-throughput sibling at 80 MHz in the same package (vs MCF52100CAE66 vs MCF5213CAF80)
- USB-equipped family member for comms upgrades (vs MCF52100CAE66 vs MCF52211CAE66)
Design Notes
The MCF52100CAE66 operates from a single 3.0 V to 3.6 V supply. Place a 100 nF ceramic decoupling capacitor as close as possible to each VDD pin, plus a shared 4.7 uF bulk capacitor near the package. The PLL has dedicated VDDSYNTH/VSSSYNTH pins which must be filtered with their own 100 nF + 4.7 uF LC network to keep the PLL free of digital switching noise. The LVD module can be configured to issue a reset when VDD falls below a programmable threshold (see the VLVLx settings in the MCF521XX datasheet). For battery-backed designs, use the STOP low-power mode with the RTC wake source to reduce quiescent current.
Keep the crystal traces between EXTAL/XTAL and the crystal short (under 5 mm) and symmetric. Place a ground guard ring around the crystal to reduce EMI pickup. The 64-pin LQFP has exposed internal leads; use a 4-layer PCB with a continuous ground plane under the package for thermal dissipation and EMI suppression. JTAG test points (TCK, TMS, TDI, TDO, TRST, RESET) must be brought out to a header or test pad even in production designs for in-field firmware recovery and BDM access. RSTOUT should be wired to other ICs that need synchronous reset.
Do not assume the on-chip flash can be erased at any voltage - the ColdFire V2 flash requires VDD to be within spec during erase and program operations, otherwise the row may be left in an indeterminate state. The 12-bit ADC needs its VREF reference voltage applied before the ADC is enabled, or the first conversion may return zero. With three UARTs available, ensure the correct peripheral muxing is selected in the GPIO pad control registers before enabling UART, SPI, or PWM alternate functions - cold-start code that enables peripherals without first configuring pin muxing is a common cause of "dead UART" issues.
Estimated: With theta_JA of approximately 50 C/W for the 64-pin LQFP at 66 MHz and 3.3 V, power dissipation is below 0.5 W in typical embedded workloads. The exposed top-side marking is the package identification; no top-side thermal pad is present on this LQFP, so heat removal relies on the ground plane and air flow. For designs in enclosed housings, derate ambient by 10 C or add a small copper heatsink on the top of the package.
Compliance Information
RoHS and lead-free per NXP product page; halogen-free and conflict-minerals status not explicitly stated in the Verified Web Data and marked unknown per Data Authenticity Rules. Not AEC-Q100 qualified - the part targets industrial and consumer markets, not automotive.
