NXP Semiconductors MKL15Z128VLH4

Overview

MKL15Z128VLH4 from NXP Semiconductors (formerly Freescale) is a 48 MHz ARM Cortex-M0+ microcontroller in 64-pin LQFP package, featuring 128 KB flash, 16 KB SRAM, 16-bit SAR ADC, 12-bit DAC, and ultra-low-power operation down to 0.31 µA in VLLS0 mode. It targets battery-powered industrial sensors and portable HMI devices requiring precise analog measurement and fast wake-up from deep sleep.

For engineers reviewing the MKL15Z128VLH4 datasheet, MKL15Z128VLH4 pinout, MKL15Z128VLH4 application, or MKL15Z128VLH4 equivalent, key selection criteria include its 54 GPIO count, 64-pin LQFP mechanical compatibility, -40°C to 105°C operating range, and support for nine low-power modes with sub-5 µs wake-up from VLPS/STOP.

Technical Context

The MKL15Z128VLH4 implements an ARM Cortex-M0+ core with Bit Manipulation Engine and Micro Trace Buffer, paired with a multi-mode clock generator (MCG) supporting FEI, FBE, BLPI, and BLPE configurations. Its power architecture integrates clock gating, dynamic voltage scaling, and dedicated low-leakage wakeup unit for deterministic state retention across nine power modes.

Analog subsystem includes a 16-bit SAR ADC with hardware averaging, a 12-bit DAC with buffer output, and a comparator with integrated 6-bit DAC reference - all operable in VLPR mode at 4 MHz core frequency. Communication stack comprises two UARTs, one low-power UART, two I²C modules, and two SPI interfaces, all accessible via flexible pin multiplexing on 54 GPIOs.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

64-pin LQFP (LH) package with 0.5 mm pitch, 10 mm × 10 mm body, and exposed thermal pad per package drawing 98ASS23234W1.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with MKL25Z128VLH4 and STM32L072KBU6, MKL15Z128VLH4 delivers optimal balance of GPIO count (54), ultra-low deep-sleep current (0.31 µA), and integrated touch sensing - making it the most cost-effective choice for battery-powered industrial HMI where USB is unnecessary and board area permits 64-pin LQFP.

Availability

MKL15Z128VLH4 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial sensor nodes, portable medical devices, smart building occupancy sensors, and automotive cabin control panels requiring stable component supply across extended product lifecycles.

Supply support for MKL15Z128VLH4 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 roots in Freescale's Kinetis MCU portfolio.

The Kinetis KL15 family was designed as an entry-level 32-bit ultra-low-power MCU line targeting cost-sensitive industrial and consumer applications requiring robust analog integration and long battery life - with MKL15Z128VLH4 representing the highest memory and I/O variant in the 64-pin LQFP configuration.

FAQ

What is the maximum operating frequency of the MKL15Z128VLH4 core?

The MKL15Z128VLH4 features an ARM Cortex-M0+ core rated for up to 48 MHz operation in normal run mode. This frequency is supported across the full 1.71–3.6 V supply range and -40°C to 105°C ambient temperature, with zero-wait-state flash execution ensuring deterministic timing for real-time control loops. The MKL15Z128VLH4 also supports variable clock scaling down to 4 MHz in VLPR mode for ultra-low-power operation.

Does the MKL15Z128VLH4 support hardware touch sensing?

Yes, the MKL15Z128VLH4 integrates a dedicated Touch Sensing Interface (TSI) module with up to 16 channels, enabling capacitive button, slider, and wheel implementations without external components. The TSI operates independently in VLPR and STOP modes, supports automatic calibration, and provides hardware-accelerated charge-transfer timing. This capability is confirmed in the KL15P80M48SF0 datasheet section 3.9.1 and directly applies to the MKL15Z128VLH4 variant.

What are the low-power mode current specifications for MKL15Z128VLH4 at 3.0 V?

At 3.0 V supply, the MKL15Z128VLH4 achieves 0.31 µA typical current in VLLS0 mode (with PORPO = 0), 3.75 µA in VLPS mode, and 319 µA in STOP mode at 25°C. These values are measured with full state retention and include internal reference clocks disabled unless explicitly enabled. All figures are documented in Table 9 of the KL15P80M48SF0 datasheet Rev 5, which explicitly covers the MKL15Z128VLH4.

How many GPIO pins does the MKL15Z128VLH4 provide in its 64-pin LQFP package?

The MKL15Z128VLH4 provides 54 general-purpose input/output pins in its 64-pin LQFP (LH) package. This count is verified in the Ordering Information table of the KL15P80M48SF0 datasheet, where MKL15Z128VLH4 is listed with "Maximum number of I/O's" = 54. All 54 pins support interrupt generation, DMA request triggering, and configurable pull-up/pull-down resistors (20–50 kΩ).

What analog peripherals are integrated into the MKL15Z128VLH4?

The MKL15Z128VLH4 integrates a 16-bit SAR ADC (up to 1 MSPS), a 12-bit DAC (125 kSPS with buffer output), and an analog comparator (CMP) with integrated 6-bit DAC reference and programmable hysteresis. These peripherals are fully operational in VLPR mode at 4 MHz core frequency and share common voltage references (VREFH/VREFL). Their specifications - including INL, DNL, and settling time - are detailed in Sections 3.6.1–3.6.3 of the KL15P80M48SF0 datasheet applicable to MKL15Z128VLH4.