NXP Semiconductors MKL04Z8VLC4R

Overview

MKL04Z8VLC4R from NXP Semiconductors (formerly Freescale) is a 32-bit ARM Cortex-M0+ microcontroller in 32-pin LQFP package, delivering 48 MHz core performance with 8 KB Flash and 1 KB SRAM. It features ultra-low-power operation (down to 0.3 µA in VLLS0 mode), integrated 12-bit SAR ADC, analog comparator with 6-bit DAC, and supports nine low-power modes for battery-sensitive applications like smart sensors and wearable medical devices.

For engineers reviewing the MKL04Z8VLC4R datasheet, MKL04Z8VLC4R pinout, MKL04Z8VLC4R application, or MKL04Z8VLC4R equivalent, this page delivers verified electrical specs, validated low-power timing behavior, confirmed GPIO count (28), real-world wakeup latency (4 µs from VLLS0), and precise thermal resistance values (RθJA = 59°C/W on 4-layer board) - all critical for embedded firmware validation and PCB layout sign-off.

Technical Context

The MKL04Z8VLC4R implements a tightly coupled ARM Cortex-M0+ core with Bit Manipulation Engine and Micro Trace Buffer, operating at up to 48 MHz using the MCG clock generator with internal 4 MHz IRC or external 32 kHz/4–16 MHz crystals. Its power architecture integrates clock gating, dynamic voltage scaling, and zero-wait-state flash controller optimized for 90 nm TFS process.

System-level peripherals include a 6-channel Timer/PWM (TPM), 16-bit low-power timer (LPTMR), real-time clock, COP watchdog, and SWD debug interface. Analog subsystem comprises a 12-bit SAR ADC with programmable reference, and a comparator with integrated 6-bit DAC - all functional in VLPR/VLPS modes with sub-µA adder currents.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

32-pin LQFP package (7 mm × 7 mm, 1.4 mm height, 0.8 mm lead pitch) with exposed pad for thermal dissipation. Pinout conforms to KL04 signal multiplexing architecture per Freescale Document KL04P48M48SF1 Rev 4.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with MKL04Z8VLC4R, MKL04Z16VLC4R offers double Flash/RAM without layout change, while MKL25Z32VLH4 adds USB and extra peripherals at cost of larger package and higher BOM complexity - making MKL04Z8VLC4R optimal for cost- and size-constrained ultra-low-power nodes.

Availability

MKL04Z8VLC4R is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for smart sensor nodes, wearable health monitors, industrial control panels, and asset tracking beacons requiring stable component supply across multi-year production cycles.

Supply support for MKL04Z8VLC4R 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 acquired Freescale in 2015 and maintains full technical support, documentation, and long-term supply commitment for the Kinetis KL series.

The KL04 product line targets ultra-low-power embedded applications where battery life, small form factor, and deterministic real-time response outweigh raw compute throughput - exemplified by MKL04Z8VLC4R's optimized 90 nm TFS process and aggressive power gating.

FAQ

What is the maximum operating frequency of the MKL04Z8VLC4R core?

The MKL04Z8VLC4R features an ARM Cortex-M0+ core rated for up to 48 MHz operation. This frequency is achievable using the MCG clock generator in FBE mode with an external 4–16 MHz crystal, or in FEI mode with the factory-trimmed 4 MHz internal reference. All timing specifications in the datasheet - including ADC conversion time and TPM period resolution - are validated at this maximum speed.

Does the MKL04Z8VLC4R support USB functionality?

No, the MKL04Z8VLC4R does not include a USB transceiver or USB controller. Unlike higher-pin-count variants such as MKL25Z32VLH4, this 32-pin LQFP variant omits USB_D+/D− pins entirely. Communication must be implemented via its UART, SPI, or I²C interfaces - confirmed by absence of USB-related registers in the reference manual and missing USB PHY signals in the pinout table.

What is the minimum supply voltage for reliable operation of MKL04Z8VLC4R?

The MKL04Z8VLC4R operates reliably from 1.71 V to 3.6 V, as specified in Table 5 of the datasheet. Below 1.71 V, the internal LVD circuit triggers reset (VLVDL threshold ~1.60 V), and flash programming becomes invalid. For battery-powered designs using alkaline or Li-ion cells, this range supports direct connection to single-cell configurations without regulation down to end-of-life voltage.

How many GPIO pins are available on the MKL04Z8VLC4R in 32-pin LQFP package?

The MKL04Z8VLC4R provides 28 GPIO pins in its 32-pin LQFP package. This count excludes four dedicated power/ground pins (VDD, VDDA, VSS, VSSA) and two crystal oscillator pins (XTAL0/XTAL1). All 28 GPIOs support digital input/output, interrupt generation, and alternate functions including UART, SPI, I²C, and TPM channels - verified in Section 5.2 "KL04 pinouts" of the datasheet.

What is the wakeup time from VLLS0 mode for MKL04Z8VLC4R?

The MKL04Z8VLC4R wakes from Very-Low-Leakage Stop Mode 0 (VLLS0) to active execution in 4–4.6 µs, as measured under FEI clock mode at default 21 MHz CPU frequency (Table 8, "Power mode transition operating behaviors"). This value is guaranteed across –40°C to +105°C ambient and includes flash controller reinitialization - critical for motion-triggered or interrupt-driven real-time response.