NXP expanded its MCX C portfolio with the MCX C15 and MCX C16 MCUs, built on the Arm Cortex-M23 core for entry-level industrial and IoT applications. Both devices are available now with a lead time of about 16 weeks.
Entry-level embedded designs have long forced a tradeoff between cost and analog performance, control capability, or scalability. The MCX C15 and C16 integrate a 16-bit SAR ADC, a high-speed comparator with built-in DAC, and FlexPWM for motor and power control, giving developers precision analog and control without moving to a higher-cost MCU class. An on-chip frequency reference oscillator, internal op-amp, and 16kB data flash cut external component count. The dedicated data flash stores configuration, calibration, or application data, and in some designs eliminates the need for an external EEPROM, lowering BOM cost and system complexity.
The MCX C15, MCX C16, and MCX C162 target power-sensitive industrial and consumer IoT applications, combining low operating current and deep power-down current with analog integration. EEPROM emulation in flash and RAM improves reliability. For designs still using 8-bit and 16-bit MCUs, the series offers a migration path to the modern Arm Cortex-M23 platform.
Target applications include HVAC systems, smart circuit breakers, solar inverters, and energy monitoring in power and energy, plus motor drives, pumps, process control, sensors, and instrumentation in industrial automation. The series also suits medical devices, power tools, smart appliances, building automation, and lighting.
Scalability is central to the MCX C1 design. The series is pin-compatible with the MCX A series, letting developers extend performance using existing hardware and software investments. The MCUXpresso ecosystem enables code, tools, and workflow reuse across devices. FRDM development boards are available, with the FRDM-MCXC162 being the first FRDM platform in FSC-certified eco-friendly packaging.
ICgoodFind Summary: The MCX C1 series packs a 16-bit ADC, DAC, op-amp, and FlexPWM into entry-level MCUs while staying pin-compatible with the MCX A series. For designs still on 8-bit and 16-bit platforms, the cost barrier to upgrading is dropping.
