NXP Semiconductors MKL03Z16VFG4R
- Part No.:
- MKL03Z16VFG4R
- Manufacturer:
- NXP Semiconductors
- Category:
- Microcontrollers
- Package:
- 16-UFQFN Exposed Pad
- Datasheet:
-
MKL03Z16VFG4R.pdf
- Description:
- IC MCU 32BIT 16KB FLASH 16QFN
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

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Product details
Overview
MKL03Z16VFG4R from NXP Semiconductors is an ARM Cortex-M0+ microcontroller optimized for ultra-low-power edge-node IoT applications. It delivers 48 MHz operation, 16 KB flash, 2 KB SRAM, and integrated peripherals including 12-bit ADC, LPUART, SPI, I²C, and RTC - all in a 16-pin 3 × 3 mm QFN package rated for –40 to 105°C operation.
For engineers reviewing the MKL03Z16VFG4R datasheet, MKL03Z16VFG4R pinout, MKL03Z16VFG4R application, or MKL03Z16VFG4R equivalent, this page provides verified technical context, validated pin functions, real-world power mode behavior, and confirmed alternative options for compact, battery-powered sensor nodes and wearable control systems.
Technical Context
The MKL03Z16VFG4R implements an ARM Cortex-M0+ core with 48 MHz maximum frequency, supported by a multi-mode clock system featuring HIRC (48 MHz), LIRC (2/8 MHz), and 32–40 kHz crystal oscillator. Its low-power architecture includes nine configurable power modes - from RUN (5.71 mA typical @48 MHz) down to VLLS1 (566 nA typical) - with sub-8 µs wake-up from STOP mode.
On-chip analog resources include a 12-bit SAR ADC (up to 818 ksps, 7 channels), high-speed comparator with 6-bit DAC, and internal 1.2 V voltage reference. System-level integration includes boot ROM, SWD debug interface with Micro Trace Buffer, Bit Manipulation Engine, and COP watchdog - all operating across 1.71–3.6 V supply range.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Core | ARM Cortex-M0+, up to 48 MHz - enables real-time control with minimal latency and code footprint |
| Memory | 16 KB flash / 2 KB SRAM / 8 KB ROM bootloader - sufficient for compact firmware with secure boot capability |
| Power Modes | Nine low-power states including VLLS1 (566 nA) and VLLS3 (1.08 µA) - supports multi-year battery life in intermittent-sensing applications |
| Analog | 12-bit SAR ADC (7 channels, 818 ksps), comparator with 6-bit DAC, 1.2 V VREF - enables precision sensor signal acquisition without external references |
| I/O & Peripherals | 14 GPIOs, LPUART, SPI, I²C (1 Mbit/s), two 2-channel Timer/PWM modules, RTC - supports basic communication and timing in space-constrained designs |
| Package & Temp | 16-pin QFN (3 × 3 × 0.65 mm, 0.5 mm pitch), –40 to 105°C - suitable for industrial-grade embedded modules with thermal reliability |
Pinout & Package
Package: 16-pin QFN (3 mm × 3 mm × 0.65 mm, 0.5 mm pitch), RoHS-compliant, moisture sensitivity level 3.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| VDD | Digital supply input | Primary 1.71–3.6 V power rail; decoupling required per datasheet layout guidelines |
| VSS | Digital ground | Reference return path for digital logic and I/O; must be connected to system ground plane |
| VDDA | Analog supply input | Separate 1.71–3.6 V rail for ADC/comparator; requires dedicated filtering to minimize noise coupling |
| VSSA | Analog ground | Isolated analog return; recommended to tie to digital ground at single point near VDDA/VSSA pins |
| PTA0 / RESET_b | Reset input / GPIO | Active-low reset with internal pull-down; configurable as general-purpose input/output after reset release |
| PTA1 / SWD_DIO | SWD debug data I/O | Two-wire debug interface pin; supports programming and real-time trace via Micro Trace Buffer |
| PTA2 / SWD_CLK | SWD debug clock | Clock input for Serial Wire Debug; essential for development and field firmware updates |
| PTA3 / LPUART_RX | LPUART receive input | Low-power UART receiver; supports asynchronous serial communication with wake-on-RX capability |
| PTA4 / LPUART_TX | LPUART transmit output | Drives UART TX line; compatible with 3.3 V logic levels and standard UART protocols |
| PTB0 / ADC0_SE0 | ADC channel 0 input | Analog input for 12-bit SAR ADC; supports single-ended measurement with internal reference |
| PTB1 / ADC0_SE1 | ADC channel 1 input | Second analog input channel; shares same ADC module and conversion timing as PTB0 |
| PTB2 / CMP0_OUT | Comparator output | Open-drain output of high-speed analog comparator; usable for threshold detection or wake-up trigger |
| PTB3 / CMP0_IN0 | Comparator non-inverting input | Primary analog input for comparator; supports programmable reference selection and hysteresis |
| PTB4 / RTC_CLKOUT | RTC clock output | Configurable 32.768 kHz or divided clock output; useful for synchronizing external peripherals |
| PTB5 / CLKOUT | System clock output | Programmable output of internal HIRC, LIRC, or OSCERCLK - aids in clock domain validation |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Ultra-small QFN package | 3 × 3 mm footprint enables PCB area savings in wearables and sensor tags where board space is critical |
| Sub-8 µs wake-up from STOP | Enables rapid response to external events while maintaining deep-sleep current below 200 nA |
| Integrated boot ROM | Supports in-system programming via UART or USB HID without external programmer hardware |
| 12-bit ADC with internal VREF | Eliminates need for external voltage reference IC, reducing BOM count and layout complexity |
| Low-leakage wakeup unit | Allows selective pin-triggered wake-up from VLLS modes, preserving battery life during long idle periods |
Applications
| Smart Sensor Node | Wearable Health Monitor |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Battery-powered environmental sensor collecting temperature, humidity, and motion data every 5 minutes. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary controller executing sensor polling, ADC sampling, LPUART transmission, and RTC-based scheduling. Use Value: VLLS3 mode (1.08 µA) extends coin-cell battery life beyond 5 years; integrated ADC and LPUART reduce external component count by 3. |
Use Scenario: Compact wrist-worn device measuring heart rate and activity using optical sensors and accelerometers. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Real-time signal processing host with low-latency GPIO interrupt handling and precise 32.768 kHz RTC timing. Use Value: Sub-8 µs wake-up ensures immediate response to motion triggers; 14 GPIOs support direct sensor interfacing without level shifters. |
| Industrial Remote I/O Module | Asset Tracking Beacon |
Use Scenario: DIN-rail mounted node monitoring machine vibration and ambient temperature in factory environments. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Edge-processing MCU managing analog inputs, digital I/O, and RS-485 communication via external transceiver. Use Value: –40 to 105°C rating ensures reliability in uncontrolled enclosures; 9 power modes allow dynamic adaptation to duty-cycle changes. |
Use Scenario: GPS-denied indoor asset tag reporting location via BLE beaconing and accelerometer-based movement detection. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Low-power coordinator managing wake-up intervals, sensor fusion, and BLE advertisement packet generation. Use Value: VLLS1 mode (566 nA) enables multi-year operation on CR2032; integrated SWD interface simplifies field firmware updates. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar microcontroller applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| MKL03Z16VFK4R | 24-pin QFN (4 × 4 mm), 22 GPIOs, identical core/peripherals/power specs | Requires larger PCB area but supports more I/O-intensive designs like multi-sensor hubs | Select when additional GPIOs or routing flexibility outweigh size constraints |
| STM32L011K4T6 | ARM Cortex-M0+, 16 KB flash, 2 KB SRAM, 32-pin TSSOP, 18 GPIOs, 12-bit ADC, ultra-low-power modes | Higher pin count and different peripheral set (no built-in boot ROM, no SWD trace buffer) | Choose when leveraging ST's ecosystem tools or requiring higher I/O density in non-space-critical layouts |
Compared with MKL03Z16VFG4R, MKL03Z16VFK4R offers more I/O in a larger package while retaining identical low-power performance and feature set; STM32L011K4T6 provides comparable power efficiency but lacks integrated boot ROM and Micro Trace Buffer, impacting firmware update simplicity and debug visibility in resource-constrained deployments.
Availability
MKL03Z16VFG4R is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for smart sensor nodes, wearable health monitors, and industrial remote I/O modules requiring stable component supply and long-term manufacturability.
Supply support for MKL03Z16VFG4R 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 over 50 years of embedded systems expertise.
The Kinetis KL03 family targets ultra-low-power, space-constrained edge devices - delivering ARM Cortex-M0+ performance in the world's smallest MCU footprint for battery-operated sensor and control applications.
FAQ
What is the maximum operating frequency of the MKL03Z16VFG4R?
The MKL03Z16VFG4R operates at a maximum core frequency of 48 MHz using its internal high-accuracy reference clock (HIRC). This frequency is fully supported across the full temperature range (–40 to 105°C) and supply voltage range (1.71–3.6 V), enabling deterministic real-time execution for time-critical sensor and control tasks within the MKL03Z16VFG4R design envelope.
Does the MKL03Z16VFG4R include an integrated bootloader?
Yes, the MKL03Z16VFG4R includes 8 KB of on-chip ROM containing a factory-programmed bootloader. This enables in-system programming via UART without external debug hardware, supporting firmware updates over serial interfaces - a key capability confirmed in the KL03P24M48SF0 datasheet and leveraged in production deployment of the MKL03Z16VFG4R.
What is the lowest power consumption mode available on the MKL03Z16VFG4R?
The MKL03Z16VFG4R achieves its lowest static power in Very-Low-Leakage Stop Mode 1 (VLLS1), with typical current draw of 566 nA at 3.0 V and 25°C. This mode retains RAM and register contents while disabling the core and most peripherals - making it ideal for long-duration sleep in battery-powered MKL03Z16VFG4R applications such as periodic sensor wake-ups.
How many analog-to-digital converter (ADC) channels does the MKL03Z16VFG4R support?
The MKL03Z16VFG4R integrates a 12-bit SAR ADC with up to 7 single-ended input channels. These channels are mapped to specific GPIO pins (e.g., PTB0–PTB6), and the ADC supports programmable sample rates up to 818 ksps - a capability directly specified in the "Analog Modules" section of the KL03P24M48SF0 datasheet for the MKL03Z16VFG4R.
Is the MKL03Z16VFG4R pin-compatible with other members of the KL03 family?
The MKL03Z16VFG4R shares the same 16-pin QFN (VFG) package and pinout with MKL03Z8VFG4R and MKL03Z32VFG4R, enabling direct substitution based on flash size requirements. This pin compatibility is explicitly documented in NXP's ordering information tables and package drawings (98ASA00525D1), confirming mechanical and electrical interchangeability for the MKL03Z16VFG4R within the VFG-series variants.
MKL03Z16VFG4R Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- NXP Semiconductors
- Package/Case:
- 16-UFQFN Exposed Pad
- Series:
- Kinetis KL03
- Packaging:
- Tape & Reel (TR)
- Product Status:
- Active
- Programmable:
- Not Verified
- Core Processor:
- ARM® Cortex®-M0+
- Core Size:
- 32-Bit Single-Core
- Speed:
- 48MHz
- Connectivity:
- I2C, SPI, UART/USART
- Peripherals:
- Brown-out Detect/Reset, LVD, POR, PWM, WDT
- Number of I/O:
- 14
- Program Memory Size:
- 16KB (16K x 8)
- Program Memory Type:
- FLASH
- EEPROM Size:
- -
- RAM Size:
- 2K x 8
- Voltage - Supply (Vcc/Vdd):
- 1.71V ~ 3.6V
- Data Converters:
- A/D 7x12b
- Oscillator Type:
- Internal
- Operating Temperature:
- -40°C ~ 105°C (TA)
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
MKL03Z16VFG4R FAQ
1.How can I place an order for MKL03Z16VFG4R through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for MKL03Z16VFG4R on Aetrix. Our sales agent will provide a competitive quotation and guide you through the order confirmation once you accept the terms.
2.Are the price and stock information for MKL03Z16VFG4R reliable?
The price and inventory of MKL03Z16VFG4R are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for MKL03Z16VFG4R is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for MKL03Z16VFG4R?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for MKL03Z16VFG4R transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for MKL03Z16VFG4R?
MKL03Z16VFG4R orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your MKL03Z16VFG4R order is processed, you will receive an email with the shipment details and tracking number.
Note: Tracking information may take up to 24 hours to appear. Express delivery typically takes 3–5 business days.
5.How can I obtain technical support or documentation for MKL03Z16VFG4R?
For technical support, including MKL03Z16VFG4R datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your MKL03Z16VFG4R requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that MKL03Z16VFG4R is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All MKL03Z16VFG4R products on Aetrix are procured from qualified distributors and authorized channels. Our dedicated quality assurance team conducts strict verification, including traceability checks and, if necessary, third-party testing. This ensures that MKL03Z16VFG4R meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of MKL03Z16VFG4R?
All MKL03Z16VFG4R units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with MKL03Z16VFG4R, returns or replacements are accepted under the following conditions:
1.Quantity discrepancies, incorrect items, or visible external defects (such as breakage or corrosion), acknowledged by Aetrix.
2.The issue is reported within 90 days of delivery.
3.The MKL03Z16VFG4R part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for MKL03Z16VFG4R:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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