MCF5208CVM166 Overview
The MCF5208CVM166 is a highly integrated 32-bit microprocessor based on the Version 2 ColdFire microarchitecture. It operates at a core frequency of 166 MHz. A standout feature of the MCF5208 compared to its counterparts is the inclusion of a 10/100 Mbps Fast Ethernet Controller.
To facilitate diverse system integration, the MCF5208 provides a comprehensive suite of peripherals, including up to three UARTs, a queued SPI (QSPI), and a low-power management module to optimize energy consumption. Housed in a compact CVM (MAPBGA) package, this microprocessor maintains reliable operation under the rigorous DC/AC electrical and timing specifications.
MCF5208CVM166 Key Specs
Parameter | Value |
Part Number | MCF5208CVM166 |
Description | IC MCU 32BIT ROMLESS 196MAPBGA |
Lead Free Status / RoHS Status | Lead free / RoHS Compliant |
Moisture Sensitivity Level (MSL) | 3 (168 Hours) |
Core Processor | Coldfire V2 |
Package | 196-LBGA |
Operating Temperature | -40°C ~ 85°C (TA) |
Voltage - Supply (Vcc/Vdd) | 1.4 V ~ 3.6 V |
Number of I/O | 50 |
RAM Size | 16K x 8 |
Connectivity | EBI/EMI, Ethernet, I²C, SPI, UART/USART |
Series | MCF520x |
Core Size | 32-Bit |
Speed | 166.67MHz |
Base Part Number | MCF5208 |
MCF5208CVM166 Pinout
The MCF5208CVM166 comes in a 196-LBGA package with pins organized into functional groups. The top (rows A–D) houses FEC (Fast Ethernet Controller) pins, such as TXEN and RXDV, along with QSPI pins. The left and central areas contain SDRAM controller pins (e.g., SD_CKE, SD_WE, D0–D31), while the right side hosts address bus pins (A0–A23). This layout facilitates signal grouping on the PCB and reduces interference.
The central region also features numerous VSS (ground) pins, creating a solid ground plane for improved thermal dissipation and EMI performance. IVDD (core power) and EVDD (I/O power) are evenly distributed to ensure stable power across different voltage domains. Additional pins include I2C, UART, JTAG debug interfaces, and PLL-specific power pins.
MCF5208CVM166 Core Architecture
The MCF5208CVM166 core is based on the high-efficiency V2 ColdFire microarchitecture, featuring a 32-bit RISC design with a maximum frequency of 166.67 MHz and a performance of approximately 159 MIPS (Dhrystone 2.1). The core integrates an enhanced multiply-accumulate unit (eMAC) and a hardware division module, delivering high efficiency for complex signal processing and high-speed arithmetic operations.
It includes 16 KB internal SRAM, 8 KB configurable cache, and a 16-channel DMA controller to reduce CPU load during intensive data transfers. A flexible dual-channel SDR/DDR SDRAM controller allows scalable external memory expansion based on system needs.
The MCF5208CVM166 enables efficient automated data transfer, optimizes bus bandwidth utilization, and ensures high real-time performance and determinism in industrial control and networking applications.
MCF5208CVM166 Advantages & Limitations
The MCF5208CVM166, part of NXP’s (formerly Freescale) ColdFire series, excels in industrial applications. However, with evolving computational demands, it faces limitations in performance headroom and modern memory compatibility.
Advantages
l Built-in 10/100 Mbps FEC, supporting industrial networks without extra chips.
l 166 MHz V2 ColdFire core + 16-channel DMA for efficient data throughput and reduced CPU interrupt load.
l Integrated eMAC and hardware divider, accelerating industrial signal processing and basic DSP tasks.
l Supports CodeWarrior compiler, simulators, and ready-to-use driver libraries.
l Dedicated low-power module reduces energy consumption in idle states, suitable for industrial environments.
Limitations
l 16 KB SRAM + 8 KB cache offers limited support for large real-time OS or heavy data buffering.
l Supports only older SDR/DDR, not high-speed DDR3/DDR4, limiting memory bandwidth.
l Single-core architecture cannot handle highly complex computations or multiple high-load tasks simultaneously.
l Lacks 2D/3D graphics acceleration, unsuitable for complex GUIs or high-resolution displays.
MCF5208CVM166 Applications
Industrial Automation
The MCF5208CVM166 is widely used as a core controller in programmable logic controllers (PLCs), industrial robots, and automated production lines. Its high real-time performance, low latency, and stable processing capability enable accurate sensor data acquisition and precise control execution, ensuring efficient, reliable, and safe production processes. The integrated DMA controller and rich I/O interfaces make it well suited for multitasking in complex industrial environments.
Networking and Communication Equipment
With an integrated 10/100 Mbps Fast Ethernet Controller (FEC), the MCF5208CVM166 directly supports industrial Ethernet and embedded networking devices without the need for external network chips. Combined with high data throughput and DMA capabilities, it can handle multi-channel real-time data transfer and network communication, making it ideal for industrial gateways, data acquisition terminals, and embedded communication modules.
Measurement and Test Systems
In laboratory and industrial test systems, the MCF5208CVM166 is commonly used in data acquisition instruments and automated test equipment. Its efficient DMA channels and low-latency core allow rapid collection and processing of sensor data while maintaining real-time performance and accuracy. This makes it well suited for high-precision measurement, fast signal processing, and dynamic data logging applications.
Embedded Control Systems
The MCF5208CVM166 serves as a core controller in industrial control cabinets, smart meters, energy management systems, and building automation systems. Its high level of integration, multiple peripheral interfaces, and stable performance enable complex logic processing, real-time monitoring, and coordinated multi-device control, ensuring long-term reliability of embedded systems.
Automotive Electronics (Non-Graphics-Intensive)
In automotive applications, the MCF5208CVM166 can be used in body control units (BCU), engine control modules (ECU), and in-vehicle network communication units. While it is not designed for high-resolution graphical interfaces, its real-time performance, stability, and industrial-grade reliability make it suitable for critical automotive control tasks such as sensor data processing, network message handling, and real-time control logic execution.
MCF5208CVM166 Package
The package dimensions for the MCF5208CVM166 device is shown below.
