NXP Semiconductors MKL15Z128VFT4

Overview

MKL15Z128VFT4 from NXP Semiconductors (formerly Freescale) is a 48 MHz ARM Cortex-M0+ microcontroller in 48-pin QFN package, featuring 128 KB flash, 16 KB SRAM, ultra-low-power operation down to 0.12 µA in VLLS0 mode, and integrated analog peripherals including 16-bit SAR ADC, 12-bit DAC, and TSI touch interface. It targets battery-powered industrial sensors and portable HMI devices.

For engineers reviewing the MKL15Z128VFT4 datasheet, MKL15Z128VFT4 pinout, MKL15Z128VFT4 application, or MKL15Z128VFT4 equivalent, key selection criteria include its 48-pin QFN footprint, 40 GPIO count, dual UART + I²C + SPI interfaces, -40°C to 105°C operating range, and support for nine low-power modes with sub-µA retention states.

Technical Context

The MKL15Z128VFT4 implements a single-core ARM Cortex-M0+ processor with Bit Manipulation Engine and Micro Trace Buffer, executing from zero-wait-state flash memory. Its clock system integrates MCG with multiple sources: internal 4 MHz IRC, 32 kHz LPO, and external crystals up to 32 MHz, enabling flexible low-power mode transitions.

System-level power management includes nine configurable low-power modes (RUN, VLPR, STOP, VLPS, LLS, VLLS0–3), with hardware wakeup units, COP watchdog, and DMA supporting up to 63 request sources. Analog subsystem comprises a 16-bit SAR ADC with programmable gain, 12-bit DAC, analog comparator with embedded 6-bit DAC reference, and low-power TSI for capacitive touch sensing.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

48-pin QFN (VFT4) package, 7 mm × 7 mm × 1 mm body, 0.5 mm pitch, exposed thermal pad. Pinout validated per Freescale document KL15P80M48SF0RM1 Section 5.2 and package drawing 98ASA00466D1.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with KL15Z128VLH4 and STM32L072KBU6, the MKL15Z128VFT4 uniquely combines 40 GPIO in a compact 48-pin QFN, integrated TSI, and 16-bit ADC - making it optimal for space-constrained, touch-enabled industrial edge nodes where analog precision and ultra-low standby current are critical.

Availability

MKL15Z128VFT4 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial sensor nodes, portable medical devices, smart building thermostats, and automotive cabin control modules requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges and long product lifecycles.

Supply support for MKL15Z128VFT4 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 applications, with deep expertise in low-power microcontrollers and embedded security.

The Kinetis KL15 family was designed as an entry-level 32-bit MCU platform targeting ultra-low-power, cost-sensitive industrial and consumer applications - emphasizing energy efficiency, analog integration, and seamless migration within the broader Kinetis portfolio.

FAQ

What is the maximum operating frequency of the MKL15Z128VFT4 core?

The MKL15Z128VFT4 features an ARM Cortex-M0+ core rated for up to 48 MHz operation. This maximum frequency is achievable in Run mode with the MCG configured in PEE mode using an external crystal or internal PLL. In Very-Low-Power Run (VLPR) mode, the core operates at up to 4 MHz to minimize active power consumption while retaining full functionality. The MKL15Z128VFT4 datasheet specifies timing parameters and voltage requirements for both configurations.

Does the MKL15Z128VFT4 support hardware touch sensing?

Yes, the MKL15Z128VFT4 integrates a dedicated Low-Power Hardware Touch Sensor Interface (TSI) module capable of driving up to 16 capacitive electrodes. It supports self-capacitance and mutual-capacitance measurement modes, automatic calibration, and noise filtering - enabling robust button, slider, and wheel implementations without external components. The TSI operates independently in low-power modes, allowing touch wake-up from VLLS1 with minimal current draw. This capability is documented in the MKL15Z128VFT4 reference manual section 39.

What are the lowest power consumption modes supported by the MKL15Z128VFT4?

The MKL15Z128VFT4 supports nine low-power modes, with VLLS0 (Very-Low-Leakage Stop Mode 0) delivering the lowest current: as low as 0.12 µA at 25°C with full 16 KB SRAM retention and 4 µs wake-up time. VLLS1 achieves 0.58 µA, and VLLS3 reaches 1.22 µA - all maintaining register state and selected wakeup sources. These values assume PORPO = 1 configuration and 3.0 V supply, per Table 9 in the MKL15Z128VFT4 datasheet Rev 5.

How many analog-to-digital converter channels does the MKL15Z128VFT4 provide?

The MKL15Z128VFT4 includes a single 16-bit Successive Approximation Register (SAR) ADC module with up to 16 external input channels (ADC0_SE0 through ADC0_SE15). It supports differential measurements, programmable gain amplification (PGA), hardware averaging, and conversion rates up to 1 MSPS. The ADC operates from the same 1.71–3.6 V supply as the core and includes dedicated VDDA/VSSA pins for analog domain isolation. This specification is confirmed in the MKL15Z128VFT4 data sheet Section 3.6.1.

Is the MKL15Z128VFT4 pin-compatible with other Kinetis KL15 variants?

No, the MKL15Z128VFT4 is not pin-compatible with other KL15 package variants such as MKL15Z128VFM4 (32-pin QFN) or MKL15Z128VLH4 (64-pin LQFP). While all share identical peripheral functionality and register mapping, the 48-pin QFN (VFT4) footprint has unique pin assignments and I/O count (40 GPIO). Migration between packages requires PCB redesign. Pin compatibility is only guaranteed within the same suffix group - e.g., MKL15Z128VFT4 and MKL15Z64VFT4 share identical pinout and electrical characteristics except memory size.