MK40DX256VMC7 - 72MHz Cortex-M4 MCU, 256KB Flash | NXP
MPN: MK40DX256VMC7 ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $7.85 | $7.85 |
| 10 | $7.12 | $71.20 |
| 100 | $6.38 | $638.00 |
| 500 | $5.75 | $2,875.00 |
| 1,000 | $5.2 | $5,200.00 |
MK40DX256VMC7 Overview
A microcontroller (MCU) is an integrated circuit containing a processor core, program memory (Flash), working memory (RAM), and programmable peripherals. The ARM Cortex-M4 core family is widely adopted for embedded designs because it combines deterministic interrupt behaviour, Thumb-2 instruction efficiency, and DSP instructions for signal processing. The K40 belongs to NXP's Kinetis portfolio positioned for mid-performance scalable designs sharing a common toolchain, peripheral library, and pinout philosophy.
Key features of the MK40DX256VMC7 include a Cortex-M4 core with single-precision FPU, hardware cryptographic acceleration (CAU), 16-bit ADC, comparators, DAC, programmable delay block, multiple serial interfaces (UART, SPI, I2C), segment LCD driver, and Full-Speed USB On-The-Go. The K40 family supports FlexMemory with EEPROM emulation in flash, allowing configurable endurance vs. density trade-offs. The integrated segment LCD controller enables direct drive of up to several hundred LCD segments without external drivers.
The MK40DX256VMC7 operates from 1.71 V to 3.6 V with multiple low-power modes (Wait, Stop, VLPR, VLLS). It includes a flexible 8-channel DMA, 16-bit SAR ADC with hardware averaging, programmable gain amplifiers, and temperature sensor. The 121-MAPBGA package (8x8 mm) provides a compact footprint for space-constrained designs while exposing the full peripheral complement.
Typical applications include industrial HMI panels with LCD, medical patient monitors, USB peripherals, e-metering/energy harvesting devices, and portable consumer products. The segment LCD and USB combination is particularly suited for small appliances with display and connectivity. The hardware crypto accelerator (CAU) supports DES, AES, and SHA algorithms for secure communication.
Designers should evaluate active mode power consumption versus low-power leakage and confirm the BGA ballout allows routing of the segment LCD bus and USB differential pair. Decoupling and PCB stack-up for the MAP-BGA require careful impedance control for USB and careful via-in-pad or dog-bone fan-out for reliable assembly.
This page synthesises distributor stock, lifecycle status, drop-in same-family alternatives, and design considerations for engineers evaluating the K40 series, beyond what a single datasheet page offers.
Drop-in alternatives for MK40DX256VMC7 — 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 MK40DX256VMC7 (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, Mounting Type, ADC, MSL Level, Operating Temperature.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
MK40DX128VMC7
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$6.42 / Unit
View Datasheet →MK40DX256VMD10
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
MK40DX256VMB7
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
MK20DX256VMC7
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$6.95 / Unit
View Datasheet →MK30DX256VLK7
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
Contact for price
View Datasheet →MK40DX256VMC7 Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core | ARM Cortex-M4 with FPU |
| Maximum Clock Frequency | 72 MHz |
| Data Bus Width | 32 bit |
| Program Memory Size | 256 KB Flash |
| RAM Size | 64 KB SRAM |
| Package | 121-MAPBGA (8x8 mm) |
| Supply Voltage Range | 1.71 V to 3.6 V |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +105C |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| USB Interface | Full-Speed USB OTG |
| LCD Controller | Segment LCD driver integrated |
| ADC | 16-bit SAR ADC |
| DMA Channels | 8 channels |
| MSL Level | 3 |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
MK40DX256VMC7 121-mapbga (8x8 mm) Pin Configuration Guide
Pin configuration for MK40DX256VMC7 (121-mapbga (8x8 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 MK40DX256VMC7.
Refer to the datasheet for full pin configuration.
Typical Applications
MK40DX256VMC7 is suitable for 7 applications: Industrial HMI with Segment LCD, Smart Electricity Meter, Medical Patient Monitor, USB Barcode Scanner / POS Terminal, Portable Consumer Appliance with Display, Industrial Sensor Hub with USB Diagnostics, IoT Edge Device with Secure Boot.
Industrial HMI with Segment LCD
The MK40DX256VMC7 is well matched to industrial HMI panels that drive a 4-to-8 common segment LCD with up to several hundred segments while maintaining USB connectivity for firmware updates. Its integrated segment LCD controller eliminates an external driver, reducing BOM and PCB area, while the 72 MHz Cortex-M4 core refreshes segments without CPU load. The hardware CAU (DES/AES/SHA) accelerates secure boot and field firmware verification typical in HMI controllers.
Recommended
Smart Electricity Meter
Electricity meters benefit from the MK40DX256VMC7's 16-bit ADC, programmable gain amplifier, segment LCD for displaying kWh, and hardware crypto (AES/SHA) for signed metering data. The Cortex-M4 with FPU handles metering DSP and tamper detection in real time. Low-power VLLS modes support battery-backed RTC operation during power outages, and the wide 1.71 V to 3.6 V supply range suits single-cell Li-ion or supercap designs.
Recommended
Medical Patient Monitor
Portable patient monitors use the MK40DX256VMC7's 16-bit ADC and DSP-capable Cortex-M4 to process ECG, SpO2, or temperature signals, while the segment LCD displays readings bedside. Full-Speed USB OTG connects to a host PC for data upload. The 121-MAPBGA package keeps the design compact for wearable form factors, and the hardware crypto accelerator (CAU) supports HIPAA-compliant encrypted data transfers.
Recommended
USB Barcode Scanner / POS Terminal
Point-of-sale terminals leverage the MK40DX256VMC7's Full-Speed USB OTG to connect a barcode scanner and a host PC while displaying transaction data on a segment LCD. The 256 KB flash accommodates application firmware and transaction logging, and 64 KB SRAM supports menu structures without external memory. The 72 MHz core performs cryptographic operations for PCI-style secure transactions.
Recommended
Portable Consumer Appliance with Display
Small kitchen or fitness appliances use the MK40DX256VMC7 to drive a segment LCD for time, weight, or status, while USB OTG allows charging and firmware updates. The Cortex-M4 FPU supports DSP for sensor fusion. Low-power VLLS modes extend battery life, and the integrated analog peripherals reduce component count versus discrete MCU plus external ADC designs.
Recommended
Industrial Sensor Hub with USB Diagnostics
Industrial sensor hubs aggregate data from multiple analog or digital sensors and expose configuration via USB diagnostics. The MK40DX256VMC7's 16-bit ADC and PGA condition low-level sensor outputs, the DMA offloads data movement, and the CAU encrypts telemetry before transmission. The segment LCD shows status and address locally; the same USB port serves as both data and power input during service.
Recommended
IoT Edge Device with Secure Boot
Edge IoT devices benefit from the MK40DX256VMC7's hardware CAU, which accelerates AES and SHA for secure boot and TLS handshakes. The 256 KB flash stores TLS stacks and application logic, while USB OTG or the segment LCD provides local interaction. The Cortex-M4 DSP instructions handle on-device analytics before encrypted transmission.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for MK40DX256VMC7 — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | MK40DX128VMC7 | MK40DX256VMD10 | MK40DX256VMB7 | MK20DX256VMC7 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | NXP Semiconductors | NXP Semiconductors | NXP Semiconductors | NXP Semiconductors | NXP Semiconductors |
| Package | 121-MAPBGA (8x8 mm) | 121-MAPBGA (8x8 mm) - same | 121-MAPBGA (8x8 mm) - same | 121-MAPBGA (8x8 mm) - same | 121-MAPBGA (8x8 mm) - same |
| Core | ARM Cortex-M4 with FPU | ARM Cortex-M4 with FPU | ARM Cortex-M4 with FPU | ARM Cortex-M4 with FPU | ARM Cortex-M4 with FPU |
| Max Clock Frequency | 72 MHz | 72 MHz | 100 MHz | 72 MHz | 72 MHz |
| Flash Size | 256 KB | 128 KB (-50%) | 256 KB | 256 KB | 256 KB |
| SRAM Size | 64 KB | 64 KB | 64 KB | 64 KB | 64 KB |
| USB Interface | Full-Speed USB OTG | Full-Speed USB OTG | Full-Speed USB OTG | Full-Speed USB OTG | Full-Speed USB OTG |
| Segment LCD Controller | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No (different sub-family) |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +105C | -40C to +105C | -40C to +105C | -40C to +85C | -40C to +105C |
Key Differentiators
- Integrated segment LCD controller (vs MK20DX256VMC7)
- Hardware cryptographic acceleration unit (CAU) (vs Kinetis K10 sub-family)
- 16-bit ADC with programmable gain amplifier (vs 12-bit ADC competitors in same tier)
Design Notes
The 121-MAPBGA package has 0.65 mm ball pitch on an 8x8 mm body. PCB design should use laser-drilled microvias with via-in-pad or dog-bone fan-out depending on assembly house capability. Four-layer stack-up with continuous ground plane beneath the BGA improves thermal dissipation and signal integrity for the 50 MHz+ USB bus. Decoupling capacitors must be placed as close as possible to the dedicated VDD/VSS pairs to suppress switching noise on the segment LCD outputs.
The MK50DX256CLL10 operates from 1.71 V to 3.6 V with multiple low-power modes (Wait, Stop, VLPR, VLLS). For battery-backed applications, route VBAT to the integrated RTC and supply-domain pin to retain time and a small register file during VLLS0. Decouple each VDD pin with 100 nF X7R plus a bulk 4.7 uF tantalum or ceramic. Estimate: at 72 MHz active mode with all peripherals on, core current is approximately 20-30 mA; VLLS0 leakage is below 1 uA per the K40 datasheet K40P100M72SF1.
The Full-Speed USB OTG requires 90 ohm differential impedance on D+/D- traces with matched length to within 150 mil. Keep the USB clock crystal within 5 mm of the XTAL pins and guard the traces with ground vias. The segment LCD bus can be routed on inner layers if total capacitance per segment is kept under the datasheet limit (typically 4000 pF per segment). Shield noisy digital signals from the analog 16-bit ADC inputs with a ground moat.
Do not enable the cryptographic acceleration unit (CAU) before configuring clocks correctly - improper MCG settings cause CAU read errors. When using FlexMemory for EEPROM emulation, follow the K40 reference manual's write-erase sequencing or risk flash corruption. Segment LCD outputs must be configured for the correct bias and frame frequency for the chosen glass; mismatched settings produce ghosting or low contrast.
Estimated: at maximum 72 MHz core speed and full peripheral activity, the MK40DX256VMC7 draws under 50 mA from 3.3 V (about 165 mW). With theta_JA approximately 40 C/W on a 4-layer JEDEC PCB, junction temperature rise is roughly 6.6 C above ambient - well within the 105 C limit. Derate accordingly if the part is sealed in a small enclosure with limited airflow.
Compliance Information
RoHS compliance per DigiKey Marketplace product attributes; AEC-Q100 not applicable for non-automotive K40 grade.
