NXP Semiconductors MKE17Z256VLF7

Overview

MKE17Z256VLF7 from NXP Semiconductors is an ARM® Cortex®-M0+ microcontroller operating up to 72 MHz, featuring 256 KB flash, 48 KB SRAM, and 42 GPIOs in a 48-pin LQFP package. It integrates a 12-bit 1 Msps ADC, three LPUARTs, one LPSPI, one LPI2C, two TSI modules (31-channel touch sensing), and supports BLDC motor control, industrial HMI, and low-power sensor nodes.

For engineers reviewing the MKE17Z256VLF7 datasheet, MKE17Z256VLF7 pinout, MKE17Z256VLF7 application, or MKE17Z256VLF7 equivalent, key selection criteria include its 48-pin LQFP footprint, 2.7–5.5 V operation, –40 to 105 °C temperature grade, integrated analog comparators with 8-bit DAC, and support for VLPS/Stop mode wake-up via CMP, ADC, LPTMR, and LPUART.

Technical Context

The MKE17Z256VLF7 implements a tightly coupled 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 power management uses PMC with six operational modes (Run, Wait, Stop, VLPR, VLPW, VLPS), where peripherals like LPUART, LPSPI, and CMP remain functional in VLPS mode using SIRC or OSC clock sources.

Timing is managed by SCG with multiple clock sources: 4–40 MHz crystal oscillator, 48 MHz FIRC (±1%), 8/2 MHz SIRC (±3%), and 128 kHz LPO. The device includes DMAMUX routing up to 63 DMA requests to its 8-channel eDMA controller, and FlexIO for custom serial protocol implementation - all while maintaining deterministic low-latency interrupt response down to 15 cycles.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

48-pin LQFP (LF) package, 7×7×1.4 mm body, 0.5 mm lead pitch, JEDEC MS-026 compliant. Pin assignments validated per NXP document 98ASH00962A and KE1xZP100M72SF1RM Section 4.1.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with MKE17Z256VLF7, the MKE17Z256VLL7 offers greater I/O scalability at the expense of board area, while the MKE13Z256VLF7 reduces analog subsystem complexity to lower system cost - both require firmware adaptation due to peripheral register differences despite shared core architecture.

Availability

MKE17Z256VLF7 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial motor control, capacitive touch HMI, low-power sensor nodes, and automotive body electronics requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges and long production lifecycles.

Supply support for MKE17Z256VLF7 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 specializing in secure connectivity solutions for automotive, industrial, and IoT applications, with deep expertise in ARM-based microcontrollers and edge processing.

The Kinetis KE17Z series targets cost-sensitive, high-reliability industrial and automotive applications requiring robust analog integration, ultra-low-power operation, and extended temperature resilience - exemplified by the MKE17Z256VLF7's TSI, ADC, and VLPS capabilities.

FAQ

What is the maximum operating frequency of the MKE17Z256VLF7?

The MKE17Z256VLF7 features an ARM Cortex-M0+ core rated for up to 72 MHz operation. This frequency is achievable using the 48 MHz FIRC with PLL multiplication or a 4–40 MHz external crystal oscillator. System performance remains stable across the full –40 to 105 °C ambient range and 2.7–5.5 V supply, with timing margins verified per NXP's KE1xZP100M72SF1 datasheet Rev. 2.2.

Does the MKE17Z256VLF7 support hardware debugging?

Yes, the MKE17Z256VLF7 includes Serial Wire Debug (SWD) interface compliant with ARM CoreSight standards, enabling full run-control, breakpoint setting, memory inspection, and Micro Trace Buffer (MTB) program flow tracing. Debug access requires SWDIO and SWCLK pins, and is supported by NXP's MCUXpresso IDE, J-Link, and CMSIS-DAP debug probes - all validated with the MKE17Z256VLF7 silicon revision.

How many analog-to-digital converter (ADC) channels does the MKE17Z256VLF7 have?

The MKE17Z256VLF7 integrates one 12-bit SAR ADC module with 11 externally accessible analog input channels, as confirmed in Table 1 of the KE1xZ ordering information document. This matches the 48-pin LQFP variant's pinmux constraints - fewer than the 16-channel variants in 64- and 100-pin packages. Each channel supports hardware triggering, self-calibration, and programmable sample time.

What low-power modes are available on the MKE17Z256VLF7?

The MKE17Z256VLF7 implements six low-power modes via its Power Management Controller (PMC): Run, Wait, Stop, VLPR, VLPW, and VLPS. In VLPS mode, it achieves sub-10 µA current draw while retaining SRAM, enabling wake-up via LPUART start bit, ADC conversion complete, CMP output, or LPTMR timeout - all using SIRC or OSC clock sources. Mode transitions are controlled via ARM WFI/WFE instructions and PMC registers.

Is the MKE17Z256VLF7 pin-compatible with other KE1xZ family members?

No, the MKE17Z256VLF7 is not pin-compatible with other KE1xZ variants due to differing package footprints: it uses a 48-pin LQFP (7×7 mm), whereas MKE17Z256VLL7 uses 100-pin LQFP (14×14 mm) and MKE17Z256VLH7 uses 64-pin LQFP (10×10 mm). While all share the same core and peripheral IP, pin assignments, GPIO counts, and analog channel availability differ - requiring unique PCB layouts for each package option.