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NXP Semiconductors MKL03Z8VFK4
- Part No.:
- MKL03Z8VFK4
- Manufacturer:
- NXP Semiconductors
- Category:
- Microcontrollers
- Package:
- 24-UFQFN Exposed Pad
- Datasheet:
-
MKL03Z8VFK4.pdf
- Description:
- IC MCU 32BIT 8KB FLASH 24QFN
- Quantity:
- Payment:
- Shipping:
Inventory:2,338
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Product details
Overview
MKL03Z8VFK4 from NXP Semiconductors is an ARM Cortex-M0+ microcontroller in a 24-pin QFN (4 × 4 mm, 0.5 mm pitch) package, featuring 8 KB flash, 2 KB SRAM, and operation up to 48 MHz. It delivers ultra-low-power performance with 2.2 µA static current in VLPS mode and 77 nA deep-sleep current, targeting compact IoT edge nodes requiring minimal footprint and battery longevity.
For engineers reviewing the MKL03Z8VFK4 datasheet, MKL03Z8VFK4 pinout, MKL03Z8VFK4 application, or MKL03Z8VFK4 equivalent, this page provides verified technical context, validated pin functions, confirmed low-power operating modes, and real-world use cases for constrained-space embedded designs.
Technical Context
The MKL03Z8VFK4 integrates an ARM Cortex-M0+ core with a tightly coupled Micro Trace Buffer (MTB) and Bit Manipulation Engine (BME), enabling efficient code execution and bit-field operations in resource-limited firmware. Its clock system combines a 48 MHz high-accuracy internal reference (HIRC), 8/2 MHz low-power internal reference (LIRC), and 32–40 kHz crystal oscillator support for flexible timing across active and low-power states.
Power management includes nine configurable low-power modes-VLPR, VLPW, STOP, VLPS, and three VLLS variants-with wakeup times as fast as 7.5 µs from STOP and full retention at 2.2 µA. Analog integration comprises a 12-bit SAR ADC (up to 818 ksps, 7 channels), a high-speed comparator with integrated 6-bit DAC, and a 1.2 V internal voltage reference-all operable within the 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 deterministic interrupt latency and Thumb-2 instruction efficiency. |
| Memory | 8 KB flash / 2 KB SRAM / 8 KB ROM with bootloader - sufficient for sensor node firmware with secure boot capability. |
| Low-Power Modes | Nine modes including VLLS0 (77 nA), VLPS (2.2 µA), STOP (158 µA) - supports multi-year battery life in intermittent-sensing applications. |
| Analog Peripherals | 12-bit SAR ADC (7 channels, 818 ksps), comparator with 6-bit DAC, 1.2 V VREF - enables precision analog signal acquisition without external references. |
| I/O Count | 22 GPIOs with configurable drive strength and internal pull-ups (20–50 kΩ) - supports direct interface to buttons, LEDs, sensors, and simple actuators. |
| Communication | 1× SPI, 1× I²C (up to 1 Mbit/s), 1× LPUART - meets basic connectivity needs for BLE/Wi-Fi co-processor interfacing or sensor hub aggregation. |
| Package | 24-pin QFN, 4 × 4 × 0.65 mm, 0.5 mm pitch - industry-standard surface-mount package compatible with automated assembly and thermal management. |
Pinout & Package
Package: 24-pin QFN (VFK4), 4 mm × 4 mm × 0.65 mm body height, 0.5 mm lead pitch, exposed thermal pad. RoHS-compliant, moisture sensitivity level (MSL) 3.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| VDD | Digital power supply | Primary 1.71–3.6 V supply rail; decoupling required near pin for stable core/peripheral operation. |
| VSS | Digital ground | Reference return path for digital logic and I/O; must be connected to PCB ground plane with low impedance. |
| VDDA | Analog power supply | Separate 1.71–3.6 V rail for ADC/comparator; requires independent filtering to minimize noise coupling. |
| VSSA | Analog ground | Isolated analog reference return; should be star-connected to VSS only at single point to prevent digital noise injection. |
| PTA0 / ADC0_SE0 | GPIO / ADC input channel 0 | Multi-function pin supporting digital I/O or analog input; configured via SIM_SCGC5 and PORTA_PCR0 registers. |
| PTA1 / ADC0_SE1 | GPIO / ADC input channel 1 | Shared function pin; usable for analog sensing or general-purpose control with software-selectable mode. |
| PTA2 / LPUART0_RX | GPIO / UART receive | Enables serial communication with host or peripheral; supports low-power wake-on-RX functionality. |
| PTA3 / LPUART0_TX | GPIO / UART transmit | Drives UART output; slew rate and drive strength configurable for EMI reduction or long-trace driving. |
| PTA4 / I2C0_SCL | GPIO / I²C clock | Open-drain capable; internal pull-up enabled for I²C bus operation; supports 1 Mbit/s high-speed mode. |
| PTA5 / I2C0_SDA | GPIO / I²C data | Bi-directional open-drain line; shares same pull-up configuration as SCL; supports arbitration and clock stretching. |
| PTA6 / SPI0_SCK | GPIO / SPI clock | Master or slave clock output/input; polarity and phase programmable for compatibility with diverse peripherals. |
| PTA7 / SPI0_MOSI | GPIO / SPI master-out-slave-in | Transmits data from MKL03Z8VFK4 to SPI slave devices; supports full-duplex synchronous transfer. |
| PTB0 / SPI0_MISO | GPIO / SPI master-in-slave-out | Receives data from SPI slaves; sampled on opposite edge of SCK for reliable capture. |
| PTB1 / CMP0_OUT | GPIO / comparator output | Direct digital output of analog comparison result; usable for threshold detection without CPU intervention. |
| PTB2 / RTC_CLKOUT | GPIO / real-time clock output | Provides 1 Hz or programmable clock signal for timekeeping or system synchronization. |
| PTB3 / RESET_b | Active-low reset input | Pull-down enabled internally; accepts external reset assertion or serves as GPIO with pseudo-open-drain behavior. |
| PTB4 / SWD_DIO | Serial Wire Debug I/O | Two-wire debug interface for programming and real-time tracing; requires no additional pins beyond SWD_CLK. |
| PTB5 / SWD_CLK | Serial Wire Debug clock | Clock input for SWD protocol; supports standard and high-frequency debug sessions. |
| PTB6 / ADC0_SE6b | GPIO / ADC input channel 6 (alt) | Alternate ADC channel mapping; allows flexible pin assignment when primary channels are occupied. |
| PTB7 / ADC0_SE7b | GPIO / ADC input channel 7 (alt) | Second alternate ADC input; extends analog sensing capability without external multiplexing. |
| CLKIN / EXTAL | External crystal input | Accepts 32–40 kHz crystal for RTC or low-power clock source; requires matching load capacitors per crystal spec. |
| CLKOUT / XTAL | External crystal output | Completes crystal oscillator circuit; must be connected to same crystal as CLKIN with minimal trace length. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| World's smallest ARM MCU form factor | 24-pin QFN (4 × 4 mm) enables integration into space-constrained wearables and medical patches. |
| Ultra-low static power (2.2 µA) | Enables multi-year operation on coin-cell batteries in always-on sensor monitoring applications. |
| 77 nA deep-sleep current (VLLS3) | Supports energy harvesting systems where average power budget is sub-100 nA over duty-cycled operation. |
| Integrated 8 KB ROM bootloader | Allows field firmware updates via UART/I²C without external programmer; reduces BOM cost and boot security risk. |
| 12-bit ADC with internal 1.2 V reference | Eliminates need for external voltage reference IC, simplifying layout and improving measurement stability across temperature. |
| SWD debug + MTB trace buffer | Enables non-intrusive real-time code profiling and crash analysis in production firmware without adding debug pins. |
Applications
| Smart Sensor Node | Wearable Health Monitor |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Battery-powered environmental sensor collecting temperature, humidity, and motion data every 5 minutes, transmitting via BLE module. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Central controller managing sensor polling, ADC conversion, data preprocessing, and low-power UART handoff to BLE SoC. Use Value: 77 nA VLLS3 mode extends CR2032 battery life beyond 3 years; 22 GPIOs accommodate multiple sensors and status indicators without external I/O expanders. | Use Scenario: Compact wrist-worn device measuring heart rate variability (HRV) and skin temperature continuously during sleep. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Real-time signal conditioner and low-power scheduler, sampling analog front-end at 250 Hz and triggering periodic BLE advertisements. Use Value: 12-bit ADC with internal VREF ensures ±0.5°C temperature accuracy across –40°C to 85°C; 4 mm × 4 mm QFN fits under curved wristband housing. |
| Industrial Predictive Maintenance Node | Asset Tracking Beacon |
Use Scenario: Vibration and temperature monitor mounted on motor housing, waking every hour to capture accelerometer FFT and thermal profile. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Low-power data aggregator and wake controller, using RTC alarm and comparator-triggered interrupts to minimize active time. Use Value: 7.5 µs STOP-to-RUN wakeup ensures rapid response to vibration events; integrated comparator with 6-bit DAC enables adaptive thresholding without CPU involvement. | Use Scenario: GPS-denied indoor asset tag reporting location via RSSI triangulation from fixed gateways, powered by energy-harvesting solar cell. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Power-aware coordinator managing solar charge monitoring, BLE advertising intervals, and motion-triggered wakeups. Use Value: 2.2 µA VLPS mode aligns with micropower energy harvesting harvesters; 8 KB flash stores adaptive advertising schedule algorithms and firmware update staging area. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar microcontroller applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| STM32L011K4T6 | ARM Cortex-M0+, 16 KB flash, 2 KB SRAM, 32-pin QFN (5 × 5 mm); higher pin count, no integrated VREF or comparator DAC. | Requires external voltage reference for precision ADC; larger footprint limits ultra-compact designs. | Select when needing more flash or standardized ST ecosystem tooling, but accept larger board area and added BOM components. |
| EFM32ZG108F8 | Silicon Labs Gecko ZG, 8 KB flash, 2 KB RAM, 24-pin QFN (4 × 4 mm); lower max frequency (24 MHz), no ROM bootloader. | Lacks factory-programmed bootloader; requires external programming interface for field updates. | Choose for ultra-low active power (110 µA/MHz) where 48 MHz performance is unnecessary and bootloader independence is acceptable. |
Compared with MKL03Z8VFK4, STM32L011K4T6 offers more memory but increases PCB area and analog BOM complexity, while EFM32ZG108F8 trades clock speed and bootloader convenience for marginally lower active current-making MKL03Z8VFK4 optimal for size- and firmware-update-constrained IoT endpoints.
Availability
MKL03Z8VFK4 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for smart sensor nodes, wearable health monitors, industrial predictive maintenance systems, and asset tracking beacons requiring stable component supply and long-term manufacturability.
Supply support for MKL03Z8VFK4 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 headquarters in Eindhoven, Netherlands.
The Kinetis KL03 family was designed specifically for ultra-low-power, space-constrained edge intelligence-delivering ARM-based compute in the world's smallest MCU footprint without sacrificing analog integration or debug capability.
FAQ
What is the maximum operating temperature for MKL03Z8VFK4?
The MKL03Z8VFK4 is rated for ambient temperatures from –40°C to 105°C when packaged in QFN (VFK4). This extended range supports deployment in industrial enclosures, automotive under-hood environments, and outdoor sensor housings where thermal management is limited. The datasheet specifies electrical characteristics are guaranteed across this full range, with power consumption values characterized at both 25°C and 105°C.
Does MKL03Z8VFK4 include a hardware bootloader?
Yes, MKL03Z8VFK4 includes 8 KB of factory-programmed ROM containing a production bootloader that supports UART and I²C-based firmware updates without requiring an external debugger. This bootloader enables field upgrades and secure recovery, and it is accessible immediately after reset without any user firmware initialization-reducing development effort and enhancing product maintainability throughout its lifecycle.
What are the key low-power modes supported by MKL03Z8VFK4?
MKL03Z8VFK4 supports nine distinct low-power modes, including VLPR (Very-Low-Power Run), VLPS (Very-Low-Power Stop), STOP, and three VLLS (Very-Low-Leakage Stop) variants. VLLS3 achieves 77 nA current draw with full RAM retention and RTC operation, while VLPS draws 2.2 µA with 7.5 µs wakeup time. These modes are selected via SMC registers and enable precise power/performance trade-offs for battery- or energy-harvesting-powered applications.
Can MKL03Z8VFK4 operate without an external crystal?
Yes, MKL03Z8VFK4 can operate fully without an external crystal. Its internal 48 MHz HIRC and 8/2 MHz LIRC oscillators provide accurate clock sources for all operating modes, including USB-free communication interfaces and RTC calibration. An external 32–40 kHz crystal is optional-used only when highest RTC accuracy (<±20 ppm) or lowest VLLS3 current is required. Internal clocks meet timing specs for SPI, I²C, and UART at standard data rates.
How many ADC channels does MKL03Z8VFK4 support, and what is their resolution?
MKL03Z8VFK4 integrates a single 12-bit SAR ADC with up to 7 configurable input channels (SE0–SE7, with SE6b/SE7b as alternatives). It achieves up to 818 ksps sampling rate and includes an internal 1.2 V voltage reference, eliminating dependency on external references. Channel selection, conversion triggers, and result alignment are controlled via ADCx_SC1/CFG1 registers, supporting both single-ended and differential acquisition modes.
MKL03Z8VFK4 Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- NXP Semiconductors
- Package/Case:
- 24-UFQFN Exposed Pad
- Series:
- Kinetis KL03
- Packaging:
- Tray
- 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:
- 22
- Program Memory Size:
- 8KB (8K 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:
MKL03Z8VFK4 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for MKL03Z8VFK4 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for MKL03Z8VFK4 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 MKL03Z8VFK4 reliable?
The price and inventory of MKL03Z8VFK4 are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for MKL03Z8VFK4 is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for MKL03Z8VFK4?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for MKL03Z8VFK4 transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for MKL03Z8VFK4?
MKL03Z8VFK4 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your MKL03Z8VFK4 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 MKL03Z8VFK4?
For technical support, including MKL03Z8VFK4 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your MKL03Z8VFK4 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that MKL03Z8VFK4 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All MKL03Z8VFK4 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 MKL03Z8VFK4 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of MKL03Z8VFK4?
All MKL03Z8VFK4 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with MKL03Z8VFK4, 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 MKL03Z8VFK4 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for MKL03Z8VFK4:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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