MK51DX128CLK7 - Kinetis K51 ARM Cortex-M4 MCU 128KB | NXP
MPN: MK51DX128CLK7 ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $8.5 | $8.50 |
| 10 | $7.65 | $76.50 |
| 100 | $6.8 | $680.00 |
| 500 | $6.1 | $3,050.00 |
| 1,000 | $5.45 | $5,450.00 |
MK51DX128CLK7 Overview
A microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer that integrates a CPU core, program memory (typically Flash), data memory (SRAM), and a rich peripheral set on one die. The Kinetis K50 family sits within NXP's K-series ARM Cortex-M4 microcontrollers, which belong to the broader 32-bit embedded MCU category. Kinetis K50 parts target industrial and automotive motor-control and human-machine interface applications where USB connectivity and analog integration matter alongside deterministic real-time performance.
Key features of the MK51DX128CLK7 include 128 KB of on-chip flash, 32 KB SRAM, dual-bank flash architecture for field upgrades, a 12-bit ADC, and integrated USB 2.0 full-speed On-The-Go. The Cortex-M4 core includes a single-precision hardware floating-point unit and a Nested Vectored Interrupt Controller (NVIC) supporting deterministic interrupt latency. An external memory bus is exposed for expanding memory or interfacing to parallel peripherals.
The 72 MHz ARM Cortex-M4 core delivers 1.25 DMIPS/MHz, providing efficient signal-processing headroom for motor-control algorithms, sensor fusion, or basic audio processing. The part operates from 1.71 V to 3.6 V, supporting battery-backed designs. The 80-LQFP (12x12) package is a low-profile surface-mount package from the LQFP family with generous thermal dissipation for industrial environments.
Typical applications include industrial motor control, factory automation, building control panels, security alarm panels, point-of-sale terminals, USB peripherals, and portable medical devices. The K51 derivative within K50 specifically targets USB-connected and user-interface-focused designs.
When designing with the MK51DX128CLK7, ensure the supply rail has sufficient decoupling (typically 100 nF plus 4.7 uF bulk) placed within 5 mm of the package. The 80-LQFP (12x12) footprint simplifies hand-rework and optical inspection compared to fine-pitch QFN parts.
This page synthesizes authorized distributor pricing, drop-in alternatives within the Kinetis K50 family, and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet. Refer to the NXP Kinetis K50 reference manual for full peripheral register definitions.
Drop-in alternatives for MK51DX128CLK7 — 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 MK51DX128CLK7 (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
MK50DX128CLK7
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
MK51DX256CLK7
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
MK51DX128VLK7
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
MK51DX128CLK7 Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Processor | ARM Cortex-M4 |
| Core Size | 32-Bit |
| Maximum Clock Frequency | 72 MHz |
| Program Memory Size | 128 KB (128K x 8) |
| Program Memory Type | FLASH |
| RAM Size | 32 KB |
| Number of I/O | 39 |
| Package | 80-LQFP (12x12 mm) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Connectivity | I2C, IrDA, SPI, UART/USART, USB, USB OTG |
| Peripherals | DMA, I2S, LVD, POR, PWM, WDT |
| Supply Voltage | 1.71 V to 3.6 V |
| Data Converters | A/D 25x12b, D/A 1x12b |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +85C |
| Series | Kinetis K50 |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
| Lead-Free / Halogen-Free | Yes |
MK51DX128CLK7 80-lqfp (12x12 mm) Pin Configuration Guide
Pin configuration for MK51DX128CLK7 (80-lqfp (12x12 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 MK51DX128CLK7.
Refer to the datasheet for full pin configuration.
Typical Applications
MK51DX128CLK7 is suitable for 6 applications: Industrial Motor Control, USB-Connected HID Peripherals, Building Automation Control Panels, Security Alarm Panels, Point-of-Sale Terminals, Portable Medical Monitoring Devices.
Industrial Motor Control
The MK51DX128CLK7 fits industrial motor control thanks to its 72 MHz ARM Cortex-M4 core with hardware FPU, integrated 12-bit ADC with 25 channels for current/voltage sensing, and dedicated PWM modules for 3-phase inverter drive. The 128 KB flash supports field-oriented control (FOC) firmware with sensorless algorithms. Compared with 8-bit alternatives, the Cortex-M4's 1.25 DMIPS/MHz allows 1 kHz FOC loops with substantial headroom. The -40C to +85C operating range supports factory-floor deployment. Companion gate drivers like MC33937 interface the MK51DX128CLK7's PWM outputs directly to IGBT/MOSFET bridges.
Recommended
USB-Connected HID Peripherals
The MK51DX128CLK7's integrated USB 2.0 full-speed OTG transceiver is ideal for USB HID peripherals such as keyboards, mice, joysticks, and custom input devices. The 72 MHz Cortex-M4 core easily handles USB protocol stacks and HID report processing while maintaining low latency. 32 KB SRAM accommodates USB descriptors and runtime data structures without external memory. The device operates at USB-compliant 3.3 V on the VBUS rail with proper ESD protection on D+/D- lines.
Recommended
Building Automation Control Panels
Building automation panels benefit from the MK51DX128CLK7's combination of USB OTG for configuration, UART/USART for RS-485 networking, and the 12-bit ADC for analog sensor inputs (temperature, humidity, light). The 128 KB dual-bank flash supports secure over-the-air firmware updates via the building network. Low-power modes (VLPS, STOP) extend battery life in wireless sensor nodes powered by 2x AA cells. The LQFP-80 package is friendly to hand-rework during panel prototyping.
Recommended
Security Alarm Panels
The MK51DX128CLK7's 39 GPIO pins easily accommodate multiple zone inputs (PIR sensors, door contacts, glass-break detectors) and relay/keypad outputs found in security alarm panels. Hardware AES via the integrated CAU coprocessor accelerates encrypted communication with monitoring stations. The watchdog timer (WDT) and low-voltage detect (LVD) provide robust fault recovery required by UL security standards. Battery-backed RTC with 32 KB SRAM retention preserves event logs during AC mains loss.
Recommended
Point-of-Sale Terminals
POS terminals leverage the MK51DX128CLK7's USB OTG for magnetic-stripe reader and printer interfaces, while the integrated I2S peripheral supports audio prompts and chip-card reader beepers. The 128 KB flash stores firmware with multiple locale variants, and 32 KB SRAM buffers transaction data. The 80-LQFP package with 0.5 mm pitch accommodates both volume production and engineering rework typical of POS product lifecycles.
Recommended
Portable Medical Monitoring Devices
Portable medical devices benefit from the MK51DX128CLK7's low-power modes (VLPS at 4 mA, STOP at <1 mA), 12-bit ADC for vital-sign acquisition, and integrated USB for data download to clinician PCs. The Cortex-M4's deterministic interrupt response supports real-time ECG/PPG sampling at 1 kSPS. The wide operating voltage (1.71 V to 3.6 V) enables direct operation from single-cell Li-ion or 2x AA batteries. IEC 60730 Class B firmware libraries are available from NXP.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for MK51DX128CLK7 — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | MK50DX128CLK7 | MK51DX256CLK7 | MK51DX128VLK7 | MK21FN1M0VLQ12 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 80-LQFP (12x12) | 80-LQFP (12x12) - same | 80-LQFP (12x12) - same | 80-LQFP (12x12) - same | 144-LQFP - different |
| Brand | NXP Semiconductors | NXP Semiconductors - same | NXP Semiconductors - same | NXP Semiconductors - same | NXP Semiconductors - same |
| Core | ARM Cortex-M4 72 MHz | ARM Cortex-M4 72 MHz - same | ARM Cortex-M4 72 MHz - same | ARM Cortex-M4 72 MHz - same | ARM Cortex-M4 100 MHz |
| Flash | 128 KB | 128 KB - same | 256 KB (+100%) | 128 KB - same | 1 MB (+700%) |
| SRAM | 32 KB | 32 KB - same | 32 KB - same | 32 KB - same | 128 KB (+300%) |
| USB OTG | Yes (FS OTG) | No | Yes (FS OTG) | Yes (FS OTG) | Yes (FS OTG) |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +85C | -40C to +85C - same | -40C to +85C - same | -40C to +105C | -40C to +105C |
Key Differentiators
- Integrated USB 2.0 full-speed OTG without external PHY (vs MK50DX128CLK7)
- Dual-bank flash for field firmware upgrades (vs MK51DX128VLK7)
- Higher-density memory variant in same package (vs MK51DX256CLK7)
Design Notes
The MK51DX128CLK7 has three main supply rails: VDD (digital core, 1.71-3.6 V), VDDA (analog, 1.71-3.6 V), and VREFH (ADC reference, up to VDDA). Place a 100 nF decoupling capacitor within 5 mm of each VDD pin and a 4.7 uF bulk capacitor near the package. Tie VDDA to VDD via a ferrite bead for noise isolation. The internal voltage regulator generates the 1.2 V core supply from VDD; no external core LDO is required.
At 72 MHz, the K50 MCU core typically dissipates 100-150 mW. The 80-LQFP package has theta_JA of approximately 50 C/W on a standard JEDEC 4-layer board. This means a maximum junction temperature rise of 7.5C above ambient at full CPU load - well within the 125C junction limit. However, total power increases substantially when all peripherals and ADCs are active simultaneously; budget 250 mW for worst-case continuous-conversion firmware.
Route the 25 MHz crystal traces as short as possible (under 5 mm) and guard them with a ground pour on both sides of the PCB. Place the 32.768 kHz RTC crystal adjacent to the RTC pins with similar trace-length matching. Keep ADC analog inputs (PTE0-PTE3, etc.) routed away from switching digital signals; use a separate analog ground island if precision ADC readings matter.
Do not leave unused clock pins floating - tie them to ground to prevent spurious oscillator startup. The USB D+/D- lines require 15 kV ESD protection (e.g., USBLC6-2SC6) for production designs. The NMI pin and RESET_b require external pull-ups; without them the part may intermittently fail to start. Brown-out reset (LVD) must be enabled in the system configuration before relying on the internal regulator.
Compliance Information
RoHS and lead-free confirmed per NXP product page. Not AEC-Q100 qualified - select MK51DX128VLK7 (or higher temp grade) for harsh industrial environments. Kinetis K50 series designed for industrial automation per IEC 60730.