MCF53281CVM240 - ColdFire V3 MPU, 240MHz, 256-MAPBGA | NXP
MPN: MCF53281CVM240 ✗ End of Life| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $38.72 | $38.72 |
| 10 | $35.1 | $351.00 |
| 100 | $31.85 | $3,185.00 |
| 250 | $28.4 | $7,100.00 |
| 500 | $25.2 | $12,600.00 |
MCF53281CVM240 Overview
A ColdFire microprocessor is a 32-bit variable-length RISC processor core derived from the original Motorola 68000 architecture. ColdFire V3 devices target embedded applications requiring deterministic performance with low power. The MCF532x sits within the NXP ColdFire MPU taxonomy: ColdFire -> 32-bit embedded MPU -> microprocessor -> integrated circuit. This category hierarchy helps engineers and AI knowledge graphs reason about fit-for-purpose when comparing against ARM Cortex-M or other 32-bit MCU/MPU families.
Key features include the Version 3 ColdFire variable-length RISC core, system debug via JTAG (IEEE 1149.1) for board-level test, an integrated LCD controller for direct TFT/STN panel drive, Ethernet MAC, USB On-The-Go, CAN, and security peripherals. The 240 MHz core delivers sufficient throughput for graphical HMI rendering and real-time industrial control loops on a single chip, reducing bill-of-materials relative to discrete controller-plus-MCU designs.
The MCF532x family shares a common peripheral set across package-compatible variants. The ROMless design requires external program memory (typically SDRAM or NOR flash) connected through the external bus interface, giving system designers freedom to size memory to use case rather than committing to a fixed on-chip flash density. The 256-MAPBGA (17x17 mm) package supports the wide external memory bus plus rich peripheral pinout.
Typical applications include industrial HMI panels, building automation controllers, point-of-sale terminals, factory-automation HMIs, and networked control gateways that benefit from integrated LCD, Ethernet, and USB-OTG. The part is also used in medical patient-interface displays and security/alarm panels requiring on-board graphical capability.
When designing with this MPU, confirm external SDRAM timing and trace length against the MCF53281 datasheet, and verify PCB layer stackup supports the 256-ball BGA escape. Designers should also plan JTAG header placement early for bring-up and production test.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in MCF532x family alternatives, and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet alone.
Drop-in alternatives for MCF53281CVM240 — 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 MCF53281CVM240 (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Core Architecture, Program Memory Type, Package, Debug Interface, Mounting Type.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
MCF5329CVM240
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$25.6 / Unit
View Datasheet →MCF5328CVM240
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$35 / Unit
View Datasheet →MCF5329CVM240J
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$25.95 / Unit
View Datasheet →MCF53281CVM240 Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core | ColdFire V3 (variable-length RISC, 32-bit) |
| Core Architecture | Version 3 ColdFire |
| Maximum Core Frequency | 240 MHz |
| Program Memory Type | ROMless (external memory required) |
| On-chip Program Memory | None |
| RAM Size | 32K x 8 (256 Kbit on-chip SRAM) |
| Number of I/O | 94 |
| Package | 256-MAPBGA (17x17 mm) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Oscillator Type | External |
| Integrated LCD Controller | Yes (first LCD controller integrated on ColdFire family) |
| Debug Interface | JTAG (IEEE 1149.1), BDM |
| Operating Temperature Grade | Industrial |
| Packaging | Tray |
| Connectivity | Ethernet MAC, USB OTG, CAN |
MCF53281CVM240 256-mapbga (17x17 mm) Pin Configuration Guide
Pin configuration for MCF53281CVM240 (256-mapbga (17x17 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 MCF53281CVM240.
Refer to the datasheet for full pin configuration.
Typical Applications
MCF53281CVM240 is suitable for 6 applications: Industrial HMI Panels, Building Automation Controllers, Point-of-Sale Terminals, Factory Automation HMIs, Medical Patient-Interface Displays, Security and Alarm Panels.
Industrial HMI Panels
The MCF53281CVM240 is purpose-built for industrial HMI panels because it integrates the first LCD controller on a ColdFire device, per NXP. The 240 MHz ColdFire V3 core drives STN/TFT panels directly without an external graphics controller, while the 32 KB on-chip SRAM supports framebuffer headroom for menus and diagnostics. Ethernet MAC and CAN connectivity allow the panel to communicate with PLCs and factory-automation networks on the same chip. Drop-in compatibility with MCF5329CVM240 means long-term supply risk is manageable for legacy HMI designs.
Recommended
Building Automation Controllers
Building automation controllers use the MCF53281CVM240 to combine an on-board graphical display with multi-protocol connectivity in a single chip. The integrated LCD controller eliminates a separate graphics MCU, while Ethernet MAC, USB OTG, and CAN let the controller bridge BACnet, Modbus, and proprietary HVAC buses. The 240 MHz core handles scheduling algorithms, while 32 KB on-chip SRAM keeps response latency low for real-time control. The 256-MAPBGA package exposes the full peripheral set in a compact 17x17 mm footprint suitable for wall-mount controllers.
Recommended
Point-of-Sale Terminals
POS terminals benefit from the MCF53281CVM240's integrated LCD controller and rich peripheral mix. The 240 MHz core runs the user interface, transaction processing, and cryptographic security on a single ColdFire V3 device. USB OTG supports barcode scanners and receipt printers, while Ethernet handles payment-network connectivity. The ROMless architecture lets POS vendors deploy encrypted firmware images in external NOR flash, supporting PCI-compliant secure boot. Pin-compatible with MCF5329CVM240 for second-source supply.
Recommended
Factory Automation HMIs
Factory automation HMI displays rely on the MCF53281CVM240 to drive operator panels while interfacing with PLCs over Ethernet and CAN. The integrated LCD controller reduces BOM cost versus a discrete graphics controller plus separate MCU, while the 240 MHz ColdFire V3 core handles real-time control loops and graphical rendering concurrently. The 256-MAPBGA package supports the wide external memory bus for large HMI assets. Industrial temperature operation aligns with factory floor environments.
Recommended
Medical Patient-Interface Displays
Medical patient-interface displays use the MCF53281CVM240 to deliver on-device graphical feedback for infusion pumps, patient monitors, and diagnostic equipment. The integrated LCD controller drives the bedside panel directly, while Ethernet and USB OTG enable connectivity to hospital networks and clinician handhelds. The ColdFire V3 deterministic architecture supports real-time vital-sign display updates. Drop-in compatibility with MCF5329CVM240 simplifies long-term support for medical device OEMs with multi-year lifecycles.
Recommended
Security and Alarm Panels
Security and alarm panels use the MCF53281CVM240 to combine a graphical keypad/display with Ethernet, USB, and sensor-bus connectivity on one ColdFire V3 MPU. The 240 MHz core supports encrypted sensor data handling, while the integrated LCD controller eliminates a separate UI controller. The 256-MAPBGA package exposes the full security peripheral set in a compact footprint for wall-mounted alarm panels. Compatible with the MCF5329CVM240 for second-source security.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for MCF53281CVM240 — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | MCF5329CVM240 | MCF5328CVM240 | MCF5329CVM240J |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 256-MAPBGA (17x17 mm) | 256-MAPBGA (17x17 mm) - same | 256-MAPBGA (17x17 mm) - same | 256-MAPBGA (17x17 mm) - same |
| Brand | NXP Semiconductors | NXP Semiconductors | NXP Semiconductors | NXP Semiconductors |
| Core Architecture | ColdFire V3 (32-bit) | ColdFire V3 (32-bit) - same | ColdFire V3 (32-bit) - same | ColdFire V3 (32-bit) - same |
| Maximum Core Frequency | 240 MHz | 240 MHz - same | 240 MHz - same | 240 MHz - same |
| Program Memory Type | ROMless | ROMless - same | ROMless - same | ROMless - same |
| On-chip SRAM | 32 KB (32K x 8) | 32 KB | 32 KB | 32 KB |
| Integrated LCD Controller | Yes | Yes - same | Yes - same | Yes - same |
Key Differentiators
- First integrated LCD controller on ColdFire (vs MCF5329CVM240)
- NRND status requires migration planning (vs MCF5328CVM240)
- Industrial temperature grade option (vs MCF5329CVM240J)
Design Notes
The 256-MAPBGA (17x17 mm) package requires a multilayer PCB (typically 6+ layers) with microvia or via-in-pad escape for reliable fan-out at 240 MHz. Per NXP layout guidelines, route the external memory bus (SDRAM/NOR flash) on inner layers with matched trace lengths, and place decoupling capacitors as close to each power pin as possible. Confirm PCB stackup with your fab house before pin escape to avoid costly respins.
The MCF53281CVM240 is ROMless - firmware MUST reside in external memory. Plan the external bus interface timing carefully against the MCF53281 datasheet AC characteristics, and validate SDRAM initialization code against the NXP reference BSP. Pin compatibility with MCF5329CVM240 and MCF5328CVM240 means firmware should target the family rather than a single silicon revision.
Place the JTAG header at the board edge for production test access - the ColdFire V3 debug interface uses JTAG (IEEE 1149.1) plus BDM for background debug mode. Keep JTAG traces short and away from switching power and high-speed SDRAM signals to avoid noise coupling during bring-up. Add test points for the oscillator inputs to validate external clock integrity.
Compliance Information
Compliance status (RoHS, REACH, lead-free, halogen-free) not provided in Verified Web Data - marked [DATA_NEEDED]. AEC-Q100 not applicable for industrial MPU. Industrial temperature grade confirmed per Verified Web Data.
