NXP Semiconductors MKL05Z16VFK4
- Part No.:
- MKL05Z16VFK4
- Manufacturer:
- NXP Semiconductors
- Category:
- Microcontrollers
- Package:
- 24-VFQFN Exposed Pad
- Datasheet:
-
MKL05Z16VFK4.pdf
- Description:
- IC MCU 32BIT 16KB FLASH 24QFN
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:2,967
Please send an inquiry. Send us your inquiry, and we will respond immediately.
Product details
Overview
MKL05Z16VFK4 from NXP Semiconductors (formerly Freescale) is a 32-bit ARM Cortex-M0+ microcontroller in a 24-pin QFN package, delivering up to 48 MHz operation with 16 KB Flash and 2 KB SRAM. It integrates a 12-bit ADC, 12-bit DAC, analog comparator, TSI touch interface, and low-power UART/I²C/SPI peripherals. Designed for battery-powered sensor nodes and portable medical devices requiring ultra-low power consumption and compact footprint.
For engineers reviewing the MKL05Z16VFK4 datasheet, MKL05Z16VFK4 pinout, MKL05Z16VFK4 application, or MKL05Z16VFK4 equivalent, key selection criteria include its 2 μA static current with full state retention, 4 μs wakeup from VLLS0 mode, 22 GPIOs, and support for nine low-power modes - critical for energy-constrained embedded designs.
Technical Context
The MKL05Z16VFK4 implements an ARM Cortex-M0+ core with Bit Manipulation Engine and Micro Trace Buffer for debug visibility. Its clock system includes factory-trimmed 1 kHz LPO, configurable MCG supporting FEI/FBI/BLPI/BLPE modes, and external crystal support from 32 kHz to 32 MHz.
Power management leverages dynamic clock gating, 90 nm TFS process, and dedicated low-leakage wakeup unit. Memory subsystem features zero-wait-state flash controller and SRAM with retention down to 1.2 V, enabling reliable operation across –40°C to +105°C ambient temperature range.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Core | ARM Cortex-M0+, 48 MHz max - delivers industry-leading 1.27 CoreMark/MHz efficiency for real-time control tasks |
| Memory | 16 KB Flash / 2 KB SRAM - sufficient for firmware + data logging in space-constrained edge nodes |
| Low-Power Performance | 2 μA static current with full state retention - enables multi-year battery life in always-on sensing applications |
| Wakeup Time | 4 μs from VLLS0 mode - meets sub-10 μs response requirements for interrupt-driven event detection |
| I/O Count | 22 GPIOs - supports mixed-signal interfacing with hardware touch (TSI), analog inputs, and digital peripherals |
| Analog Peripherals | 12-bit SAR ADC (up to 1.2 MSPS), 12-bit DAC, CMP with 6-bit DAC - enables closed-loop control without external signal conditioning |
| Operating Voltage | 1.71–3.6 V - compatible with single-cell Li-ion, LiPo, and alkaline battery systems |
Pinout & Package
24-pin QFN (VFK4), 4 mm × 4 mm × 1 mm, 0.5 mm pitch, exposed thermal pad. RoHS-compliant, moisture sensitivity level 3.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| VDD | Digital supply | Primary 1.71–3.6 V power input; decoupling required within 1 cm of pin |
| VSS | Digital ground | Reference return path for digital logic and I/O; must be connected to PCB ground plane |
| VDDA/VSSA | Analog supply/ground | Isolated analog domain supply; requires separate filtering to minimize noise coupling into ADC/DAC |
| PTA0–PTA13 | GPIO / peripheral multiplexing | 22 total GPIOs; PTA0–PTA13 and PTB0–PTB1 mapped to physical pins per datasheet Table 5-1 |
| RESET_b | Active-low reset input | Asynchronous reset with internal pull-down; accepts 100 ns minimum pulse width |
| SWD_CLK / SWD_DIO | Debug interface | Two-pin Serial Wire Debug port supporting programming, trace, and real-time register inspection |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Ultra-low-power run mode | 213–284 μA at 4 MHz core / 0.8 MHz bus - enables continuous sensor polling while preserving battery |
| Hardware touch sensing (TSI) | Capacitive touch acquisition with <1 μA active current - eliminates need for external touch controller IC |
| Low-leakage wakeup unit | Supports GPIO, RTC alarm, and LPTMR as wake sources in VLLS0/VLLS1 - ensures deterministic low-latency wake events |
| Integrated security ID | 80-bit unique chip identifier - enables secure device authentication and firmware binding in IoT deployments |
| Flash memory controller | Zero wait-state operation at 48 MHz - guarantees deterministic instruction fetch timing for hard real-time loops |
Applications
| Wearable Health Monitor | Smart Sensor Node |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Continuous ECG/PPG signal acquisition with on-device artifact filtering and BLE transmission. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Central MCU managing analog front-end sampling, digital signal processing, and low-power wireless interface coordination. Use Value: 12-bit ADC + 12-bit DAC enables calibrated analog signal injection for self-test; 2 μA VLLS0 retention extends coin-cell life beyond 2 years. | Use Scenario: Battery-powered environmental sensor collecting temperature, humidity, and CO₂ every 30 seconds. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: System controller executing sleep-wake cycles, sensor polling, data fusion, and LoRaWAN packet assembly. Use Value: Nine low-power modes allow precise trade-off between wakeup latency and energy use; TSI interface supports capacitive button controls without extra BOM cost. |
| Industrial Control Panel | Portable Diagnostic Tool |
Use Scenario: Human-machine interface for HVAC controllers with tactile buttons, LED indicators, and RS-485 communication. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Real-time I/O manager handling button debouncing, LED PWM dimming, and UART-to-RS485 translation. Use Value: 22 GPIOs support direct drive of LEDs and switches; integrated 6-bit DAC provides programmable reference for analog comparators monitoring supply rails. | Use Scenario: Handheld test instrument performing impedance measurements and waveform generation via analog front-end. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Precision analog controller synchronizing ADC sampling, DAC output, and timer-triggered stimulus pulses. Use Value: 12-bit DAC with 1.2 MSPS ADC enables closed-loop calibration; 48 MHz core supports real-time FFT computation on sensor data. |
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, 32 MHz max, 16 KB Flash, 2 KB SRAM, 18 GPIOs, no DAC, 12-bit ADC only | Lacks integrated DAC and TSI; lower analog integration limits self-test capability in medical sensors | Preferred when cost sensitivity outweighs analog feature needs and 32 MHz performance suffices |
| EFM32ZG222F16 | ARM Cortex-M0+, 24 MHz max, 16 KB Flash, 4 KB SRAM, 24 GPIOs, 12-bit ADC, no DAC, LESENSE peripheral | Lower clock speed reduces computational throughput; LESENSE replaces TSI but lacks DAC-assisted calibration | Chosen for ultra-low-energy sensor hubs where sub-1 μA deep-sleep dominates over processing bandwidth |
Compared with STM32L011K4T6 and EFM32ZG222F16, MKL05Z16VFK4 uniquely combines 48 MHz performance, integrated 12-bit DAC, and hardware TSI in a 24-pin QFN - enabling higher-fidelity analog signal chains and touch interfaces without external components.
Availability
MKL05Z16VFK4 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for wearable health monitors, smart sensor nodes, industrial HMI panels, and portable diagnostic tools requiring stable component supply and long-term lifecycle support.
Supply support for MKL05Z16VFK4 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 KL05 series was designed specifically for ultra-low-power, cost-sensitive embedded applications demanding high analog integration and small form factor - targeting battery-operated sensors, wearables, and portable instrumentation.
FAQ
What is the maximum operating frequency of the MKL05Z16VFK4?
The MKL05Z16VFK4 features an ARM Cortex-M0+ core rated for up to 48 MHz operation. This maximum frequency is achievable when powered within the specified 1.71–3.6 V supply range and using the FBE or PEE clock mode with appropriate external crystal or internal reference configuration. The MKL05Z16VFK4 maintains zero-wait-state flash execution at this speed, ensuring deterministic real-time performance.
Does the MKL05Z16VFK4 include a hardware touch sensing interface?
Yes, the MKL05Z16VFK4 integrates a dedicated Low-Power Hardware Touch Sensor Interface (TSI) supporting up to 16 electrodes. It operates with less than 1 μA active current and includes built-in charge/discharge timing and noise filtering. This allows capacitive button and slider implementations without external components - a key differentiator of the MKL05Z16VFK4 versus many competing entry-level MCUs.
What are the low-power modes supported by the MKL05Z16VFK4?
The MKL05Z16VFK4 supports nine distinct low-power modes: RUN, WAIT, STOP, VLPR, VLPS, LLS, VLLS0, VLLS1, and VLLS3. Each offers progressively deeper power savings, with VLLS0 achieving 0.3–0.54 μA typical current at 3.0 V while retaining full RAM and register state. Wakeup sources include GPIO, RTC alarm, LPTMR, and internal comparators - all configurable independently per mode in the MKL05Z16VFK4.
Can the MKL05Z16VFK4 operate from a single 1.8 V supply?
Yes, the MKL05Z16VFK4 is fully specified to operate across 1.71–3.6 V, making it compatible with 1.8 V nominal supplies. At 1.8 V, the maximum core frequency is reduced to approximately 20 MHz (per MCG BLPE mode limitations), and analog modules such as the 12-bit ADC maintain full 12-bit linearity with adjusted reference scaling. All digital I/O remains functional with VIH/VIL thresholds scaled proportionally - a verified operating condition for the MKL05Z16VFK4.
What debug interface does the MKL05Z16VFK4 provide?
The MKL05Z16VFK4 uses a two-pin Serial Wire Debug (SWD) interface - SWD_CLK and SWD_DIO - compliant with ARM CoreSight standards. It supports full JTAG-equivalent functionality including flash programming, real-time register access, breakpoint setting, and Micro Trace Buffer streaming. No external debug probe is required beyond standard CMSIS-DAP or J-Link adapters, and the MKL05Z16VFK4 retains SWD functionality even in low-power modes with debug clock enabled.
MKL05Z16VFK4 Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- NXP Semiconductors
- Package/Case:
- 24-VFQFN Exposed Pad
- Series:
- Kinetis KL0
- 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, DMA, LVD, POR, PWM, WDT
- Number of I/O:
- 22
- 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 12x12b; D/A 1x12b
- Oscillator Type:
- Internal
- Operating Temperature:
- -40°C ~ 105°C (TA)
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
MKL05Z16VFK4 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for MKL05Z16VFK4 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for MKL05Z16VFK4 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 MKL05Z16VFK4 reliable?
The price and inventory of MKL05Z16VFK4 are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for MKL05Z16VFK4 is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for MKL05Z16VFK4?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for MKL05Z16VFK4 transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for MKL05Z16VFK4?
MKL05Z16VFK4 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your MKL05Z16VFK4 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 MKL05Z16VFK4?
For technical support, including MKL05Z16VFK4 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your MKL05Z16VFK4 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that MKL05Z16VFK4 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All MKL05Z16VFK4 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 MKL05Z16VFK4 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of MKL05Z16VFK4?
All MKL05Z16VFK4 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with MKL05Z16VFK4, 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 MKL05Z16VFK4 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for MKL05Z16VFK4:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
MKL05Z16VFK4 Tags

-
ATTINY4-TSHR
Microchip Technology

-
ATTINY10-TSHR
Microchip Technology

-
ATTINY10-TS8R
Microchip Technology

-
ATTINY202-SSNR
Microchip Technology

-
ATTINY202-SSFR
Microchip Technology

-
ATTINY402-SSNR
Microchip Technology

-
PIC16F15213T-I/MF
Microchip Technology

-
PIC16F15213-E/MF
Microchip Technology

-
PIC10F200T-I/OT
Microchip Technology

-
ATTINY412-SSNR
Microchip Technology

-
PIC10F202T-I/OT
Microchip Technology

-
ATTINY404-SSNR
Microchip Technology
Tech Hub
A practical engineering guide to 3.3V and 5V logic compatibility, input thresholds, resistor dividers, translator ICs, MOSFET level shifting, I2C pull-ups, timing limits and power-sequencing risks.
The 74HC595 uses push-pull logic outputs, while the TPIC6B595 uses 50 V open-drain DMOS sinks for higher-power loads. This guide compares timing, current limits, 3.3 V interfacing, load wiring, thermal…
The 74HC595 converts serial data into eight stable parallel outputs. This guide covers pin functions, shift and storage timing, OE and MR behavior, drive-current limits, cascading, voltage compatibilit…
A technical comparison of level-sensitive latches and edge-triggered flip-flops, covering timing windows, setup and hold limits, master–slave operation, time borrowing, race-through, HDL inference and…
A D latch stores one bit while Enable controls when data can pass. This reference covers gate-level operation, truth tables, transparency, setup and hold timing, LE versus OE, common ICs and practical …
An SR latch stores one bit through cross-coupled feedback. This engineering reference covers NOR and NAND implementations, truth tables, forbidden-state recovery, gated operation, switch debouncing, fa…
Latch circuits retain one bit through feedback. This technical reference covers SR and D latches, truth tables, transparency, timing limits, latch-versus-flip-flop behavior, applications and common log…
An engineering guide to LED driver operation, constant-current and constant-voltage outputs, linear and switching topologies, dimming, IC selection, calculations, replacement compatibility, and fault c…
Operational amplifier guide covering op amp basics, feedback, ideal vs real op amps, common configurations, buffer circuits, offset, bias current, gain-bandwidth, slew rate, rail-to-rail limits and sel…
Jumper cables guide covering safe connection order, red and black clamp placement, final ground connection, cable gauge, length, clamp quality, copper vs CCA cables, jump starter comparison and battery…

