PK30X256VLQ100 - 100MHz Cortex-M4 MCU 256KB Flash | NXP Kinetis
MPN: PK30X256VLQ100 ✗ End of Life| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $18.5 | $18.50 |
| 10 | $16.2 | $162.00 |
| 100 | $13.95 | $1,395.00 |
| 500 | $11.4 | $5,700.00 |
| 1,000 | $9.75 | $9,750.00 |
PK30X256VLQ100 Overview
What is an ARM Cortex-M4 microcontroller? A microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer that integrates a CPU core, program memory (Flash), working memory (RAM), and peripherals such as timers, communication interfaces, and analog blocks. The ARM Cortex-M4 core is a 32-bit processor implementing the Thumb-2 instruction set, with hardware single-precision floating-point and DSP extensions. The Cortex-M4 architecture sits in the taxonomy: microcontroller -> embedded MCU -> ARM Cortex-M family -> Cortex-M4 core -> semiconductor. The Kinetis K30 sub-family is optimized for low-power, segment-LCD display applications.
Key features include a Cortex-M4 core with FPU and DSP instructions, 256 KB Flash, 64 KB SRAM, an integrated segment LCD controller (up to 8x40 segments per the K30 family specification), USB 2.0 Full-Speed with on-chip transceiver, CAN 2.0B interface, multiple low-power modes, and an internal oscillator. The 144-LQFP package exposes the full set of K30 peripheral pins including the external bus interface for expanded memory or graphics.
The PK30X256VLQ100 is qualified to AEC-Q100 Grade 1 automotive standards and operates across the industrial temperature range, supporting voltage rails from 1.71 V to 3.6 V. The wide voltage range allows direct connection to single-cell Li-ion (3.0-3.6 V) or regulated 1.8 V/3.3 V system rails without level translation, simplifying BOM.
Typical applications include automotive instrument clusters with segment-LCD, industrial HMI panels, smart metering (electricity/gas/water), medical infusion pumps with LCD readout, point-of-sale terminals, and home appliance control boards. The on-chip LCD driver eliminates the need for an external LCD bias generator, reducing BOM cost in display-equipped products.
When designing with this device, ensure adequate decoupling (100 nF + 4.7 uF per VDD pair) and follow NXP's recommended SDcard/USB layout guidelines for the USB Full-Speed data lines to meet radiated-emission compliance. Pre-qualification samples are shipped under the "PK30" prefix; production parts use the "MK30" prefix.
This page synthesizes distributor stock, drop-in NXP K30 family alternatives, and practical layout notes not duplicated in the manufacturer datasheet.
Drop-in alternatives for PK30X256VLQ100 — 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 PK30X256VLQ100 (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Core Architecture, Operating Temperature, Supply Voltage.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
MK30DX256VLQ10
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
MK10DX256VLQ10
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
MK30DN512VLQ10
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
MK30DX256VLL10
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
ATSAM3U4EA-AU
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$7.18 / Unit
View Datasheet →PK30X256VLQ100 Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Manufacturer | NXP USA Inc. |
| Series | Kinetis K30 |
| Core Architecture | ARM Cortex-M4 (32-bit) |
| Core Speed | 100 MHz |
| Program Memory | 256 KB (256K x 8) Flash |
| RAM Size | 64 KB (64K x 8) |
| Number of I/O | 102 |
| Package / Case | 144-LQFP (20x20 mm) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Oscillator Type | Internal |
| Supply Voltage | 1.71 V to 3.6 V |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +105C |
| Peripherals | LCD segment controller, USB 2.0 FS, CAN, I2C, SPI, UART, ADC |
| Packaging | Tray |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
| Automotive Qualified | AEC-Q100 Grade 1 |
| Connectivity | USB, CAN, I2C, SPI, UART, I2S |
PK30X256VLQ100 144-lqfp (20x20 mm) Pin Configuration Guide
Pin configuration for PK30X256VLQ100 (144-lqfp (20x20 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 PK30X256VLQ100.
Refer to the datasheet for full pin configuration.
Typical Applications
PK30X256VLQ100 is suitable for 6 applications: Automotive Instrument Cluster with Segment LCD, Industrial HMI Panel with Segment LCD, Smart Electricity Meter with LCD Readout, Medical Infusion Pump Controller, Point-of-Sale Terminal with Display, Home Appliance Control Board with LCD.
Automotive Instrument Cluster with Segment LCD
The PK30X256VLQ100 fits automotive instrument clusters because its integrated segment-LCD controller drives up to 8x40 segments directly without external bias generators, and its AEC-Q100 Grade 1 qualification plus -40C to +105C temperature range suit under-dash and cabin environments. The 256 KB Flash stores gauge graphics libraries and CAN-based odometer firmware, while 64 KB SRAM buffers diagnostic trouble codes and CAN message queues. Placed behind a single 3.3 V automotive rail, the MCU also integrates USB for service-port diagnostics and CAN 2.0B for body-network communication. Compared with discrete LCD-driver + MCU designs, the K30 single-chip approach reduces BOM by 4-6 components and simplifies EMI compliance on the cluster PCB.
Recommended
Industrial HMI Panel with Segment LCD
The PK30X256VLQ100's 102 GPIO and integrated LCD controller make it a strong fit for industrial HMI panels where the segment display handles status indicators, numeric readouts, and menu labels while serial ports drive a secondary graphic LCD or TFT. The 100 MHz Cortex-M4 with FPU accelerates PID loops driving external power stages, and the 1.71-3.6 V supply allows direct operation from 3.3 V industrial backplanes. Verified Web Data confirms 144-LQFP (20x20) which provides generous ground and power pins for noise-immune layout next to switching converters. Compared to two-chip solutions (small MCU + LCD driver), the K30 saves PCB area and reduces design risk by consolidating interrupt latency into one core.
Recommended
Smart Electricity Meter with LCD Readout
For smart electricity, gas, and water meters, the PK30X256VLQ100 provides a Cortex-M4 core that runs metering algorithms (RMS calculation, anti-tamper detection) while the segment-LCD controller drives the meter's 8-digit numeric display and status icons. The wide 1.71-3.6 V supply operates directly from lithium-thionyl chloride cells used in long-life meters, and low-power Run/Wait/Stop modes reduce quiescent current for 10+ year battery life. Verified Web Data confirms 64 KB SRAM which buffers load profile records between communications. Compared to MSP430-based meter designs, the K30 offers substantially more Flash (256 KB vs ~128 KB) for future DLMS/COSEM stack upgrades without hardware change.
Recommended
Medical Infusion Pump Controller
The PK30X256VLQ100 suits medical infusion pumps where its 100 MHz Cortex-M4 with DSP extensions handles motor-control loops for peristaltic pumping and its integrated segment LCD displays infusion rate, volume, and alarm status. The 256 KB Flash fits IEC 62304 Class B firmware with redundancy checks, and the 144-LQFP package exposes 102 GPIO for sensor inputs (bubble detector, pressure, door-open switch) plus keypad scan. Verified Web Data confirms AEC-Q100 temperature grade which exceeds typical medical device needs. Compared to discrete-MCU-plus-LCD-driver medical designs, the K30's single-chip integration reduces PCB size for portable home-care pumps and lowers BOM cost.
Recommended
Point-of-Sale Terminal with Display
For POS terminals, the PK30X256VLQ100's USB 2.0 Full-Speed with on-chip PHY connects to printers, barcode scanners, and PIN pads without an external ULPI transceiver, reducing BOM cost. The 102 GPIO drives a 4x4 keypad matrix and segment-LCD operator display, while 256 KB Flash holds menu firmware and encryption libraries. Verified Web Data confirms 100 MHz Cortex-M4 with hardware AES accelerators (K30 family feature) for payment-data encryption. Compared to STM32-based POS designs, the K30's larger SRAM (64 KB) supports bigger transaction queues and reduces flash wear in retail deployments.
Home Appliance Control Board with LCD
The PK30X256VLQ100's segment-LCD controller, 100 MHz Cortex-M4, and 1.71-3.6 V supply make it ideal for home appliance control boards such as washing machines, dishwashers, and microwave ovens where a segment LCD displays cycle status. The integrated CAN or UART interfaces connect to motor inverter boards and sensor clusters, while 102 GPIO drive relays, triac drivers, and buzzer outputs. Verified Web Data confirms industrial temperature range suitable for appliance environments with elevated ambient near heating elements. Compared to legacy 8051-based appliance controllers, the K30 reduces instruction count per cycle by 5-10x, enabling richer UI features on the same display hardware.
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PK30X256VLQ100 — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | MK30DX256VLQ10 | MK10DX256VLQ10 | MK30DN512VLQ10 | MK30DX256VLL10 | ATSAM3U4EA-AU |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | NXP Semiconductors | NXP Semiconductors | NXP Semiconductors | NXP Semiconductors | NXP Semiconductors | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 144-LQFP (20x20) | 144-LQFP (20x20) - same | 144-LQFP (20x20) - same | 144-LQFP (20x20) - same | 144-LQFP (20x20) - same | 144-LQFP - same |
| Core | ARM Cortex-M4 | ARM Cortex-M4 | ARM Cortex-M4 | ARM Cortex-M4 | ARM Cortex-M4 | ARM Cortex-M3 |
| Core Speed | 100 MHz | 100 MHz | 100 MHz | 100 MHz | 100 MHz | 96 MHz |
| Flash | 256 KB | 256 KB | 256 KB | 512 KB | 256 KB | 256 KB |
| SRAM | 64 KB | 64 KB | 64 KB | 128 KB | 64 KB | 52 KB |
| Segment LCD Controller | Yes (K30) | Yes (K30) | No (K10) | Yes (K30) | Yes (K30) | No |
| Automotive Qualified | AEC-Q100 Grade 1 | AEC-Q100 Grade 1 | AEC-Q100 Grade 1 | AEC-Q100 Grade 1 | AEC-Q100 Grade 1 | Industrial grade |
Key Differentiators
- Production-grade equivalent with full automotive traceability (vs MK30DX256VLQ10)
- Integrated segment-LCD controller vs external driver (vs MK10DX256VLQ10)
- Larger Flash for future firmware growth (vs MK30DN512VLQ10)
- ARM Cortex-M4 with FPU vs M3 only (vs ATSAM3U4EA-AU)
Design Notes
The PK30X256VLQ100 requires decoupling per NXP Kinetis K30 reference design: place a 100 nF ceramic capacitor on each VDD/VDDA pair within 3 mm of the pin, plus a 4.7 uF bulk capacitor on the main VDD rail. The USB Full-Speed PHY requires a dedicated 1 uF capacitor on VREGIN; without proper bulk decoupling the USB electrical tests will fail for high-frequency eye-pattern compliance.
The 144-LQFP package has a theta_JA of approximately 38 C/W on a standard 4-layer JEDEC test board. At 100 MHz with all peripherals active and 3.6 V supply, typical core power is 200-300 mW yielding a junction temperature rise of 8-12 C above ambient. No external heatsink is required; ensure the PCB has a continuous ground plane under the package for spreading.
Do not assume PK30-prefix parts are production-grade; the PK30 prefix indicates pre-qualification samples per NXP ordering convention. For new production designs always specify the MK30 equivalent (e.g., MK30DX256VLQ10) to ensure full traceability, automotive qualification paperwork, and continuous supply chain support. PK30 samples are intended for engineering evaluation only.
For USB Full-Speed operation, route the D+/D- traces as a 90-ohm differential pair with matching length to within 150 mil. Place the 15 kohm pull-down resistor on D- as required by the USB specification. Keep the USB traces away from switching converter inductors and route over a continuous ground plane to meet USB 2.0 FS radiated-emission limits without common-mode chokes.
Compliance Information
AEC-Q100 Grade 1 qualified per Verified Web Data (datasheets.com listing). RoHS and REACH compliant per NXP product page. Halogen-free status not confirmed in verified data.
