NXP Semiconductors MKE17Z128VLL7

Overview

MKE17Z128VLL7 from NXP Semiconductors is an ARM® Cortex®-M0+ microcontroller operating up to 72 MHz, featuring 128 KB flash, 32 KB SRAM, and 89 GPIOs in a 100-pin LQFP package. It integrates a 12-bit 1 Msps ADC, three LPUARTs, dual TSI modules for touch sensing, and supports BLDC motor control with FTM-based PWM generation.

For engineers reviewing the MKE17Z128VLL7 datasheet, MKE17Z128VLL7 pinout, MKE17Z128VLL7 application, or MKE17Z128VLL7 equivalent, key selection criteria include low-power operation across VLPR/VLPS modes, integrated analog comparators with 8-bit DAC, FlexIO for custom serial protocols, and robust HMI support via 50-channel TSI.

Technical Context

The MKE17Z128VLL7 implements a 32-bit ARMv6-M architecture with Thumb®-2 ISA, configurable NVIC supporting 32 interrupt vectors and 4 priority levels, and a crossbar switch enabling concurrent bus master access. Its SCG clock system selects among FIRC (48 MHz ±1%), SIRC (8/2 MHz ±3%), LPO (128 kHz), and external crystal sources (4–40 MHz or 32–40 kHz).

Power management uses PMC to orchestrate six operational modes-Run, Wait, Stop, VLPR, VLPW, VLPS-with AWIC enabling wake-up from Stop/VLPS via ADC, CMP, LPUART, LPI2C, or TSI. Peripherals like LPIT (4-channel), LPTMR, and eDMA (8-channel extended to 63 via DMAMUX) retain functionality in low-power states with selective clock gating.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: 100-pin LQFP (14 mm × 14 mm, 0.5 mm pitch), RoHS-compliant, moisture sensitivity level 3.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar microcontroller applications.

Compared with MKE17Z128VLL7, the MKE17Z256VLL7 offers headroom for firmware evolution while preserving hardware design, whereas KL27Z128VLH7 trades I/O count, touch capability, and clock speed for lower unit cost and smaller footprint - making it appropriate only for scaled-down implementations.

Availability

MKE17Z128VLL7 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for BLDC motor control, industrial HMI panels, smart sensor nodes, and automotive body electronics requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges.

Supply support for MKE17Z128VLL7 includes scheduled delivery planning, volume procurement assistance, BOM continuity management, traceable sourcing, and lifecycle availability coordination for OEM customers, industrial embedded developers, connected-device designers, and electronics production programs.

Manufacturer

NXP Semiconductors is a global semiconductor leader focused on secure connectivity solutions for automotive, industrial, and IoT markets, with deep expertise in ARM-based microcontrollers and edge processing.

The Kinetis KE17Z series targets high-reliability, low-power embedded control applications - specifically engineered for motor control, human-machine interface, and industrial sensing where analog integration, timing precision, and extended temperature operation are critical.

FAQ

What is the maximum operating frequency of the MKE17Z128VLL7?

The MKE17Z128VLL7 features an ARM Cortex-M0+ core rated for up to 72 MHz operation. This maximum frequency is achievable using the 48 MHz FIRC clock source with PLL multiplication or directly from a 72 MHz external square wave input. The device maintains full peripheral functionality-including ADC sampling at 1 Msps and FTM PWM generation-at this speed, validated across the full –40 to 105 °C temperature range.

Does the MKE17Z128VLL7 support touch sensing, and how many channels are available?

Yes, the MKE17Z128VLL7 integrates two TSI modules supporting a total of 50 touch sensing channels - 25 per module - configured in mutual capacitance matrices up to 6×6 with dedicated shield channels. These channels are accessible on dedicated TSI pin groups (e.g., TSI0_CH0–TSI0_CH24), and the hardware includes digital filtering and noise rejection optimized for noisy industrial environments.

What low-power modes does the MKE17Z128VLL7 support, and which peripherals remain active in VLPS mode?

The MKE17Z128VLL7 supports six low-power modes: Run, Wait, Stop, VLPR, VLPW, and VLPS. In VLPS mode, the MCU core and most clocks halt, but the LPIT, LPTMR, CMP, ADC, LPUART, LPI2C, LPSPI, FlexIO, and DMA remain functional when clocked from SIRC or OSC. This enables event-driven wake-up with sub-µA quiescent current while retaining critical monitoring capabilities.

Can the MKE17Z128VLL7 be used for BLDC motor control, and what peripherals enable this?

Yes, the MKE17Z128VLL7 is explicitly designed for BLDC motor control. Its three FlexTimer modules provide up to 8 PWM channels with dead-time insertion and fault protection; the 12-bit 1 Msps ADC samples phase currents with hardware triggering from FTM; and the integrated comparators with 8-bit DAC support analog current limiting. These features are documented in NXP's KE1xZ BLDC reference designs and application notes.

Is the MKE17Z128VLL7 pin-compatible with other KE1xZ family members, and what are the constraints?

The MKE17Z128VLL7 shares the same 100-pin LQFP (VLL7) package and pin assignment with MKE17Z256VLL7 and MKE13Z128VLL7, making them functionally and physically interchangeable on the same PCB. However, differences in flash/SRAM size and TSI channel count (e.g., KE13Z has only 25 TSI channels) mean firmware must be validated per variant, and unused TSI pins on MKE17Z128VLL7 remain available for general-purpose use.