NXP Semiconductors MKL15Z128VLH4R

Overview

MKL15Z128VLH4R 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 full state retention and sub-5 µs wake-up.

For engineers reviewing the MKL15Z128VLH4R datasheet, MKL15Z128VLH4R pinout, MKL15Z128VLH4R application, or MKL15Z128VLH4R equivalent, key selection criteria include its 64-pin LQFP footprint, -40°C to 105°C operating range, dual UART/I²C/SPI interfaces, TSI touch support, and verified low-power run mode at 47 µA/MHz.

Technical Context

The MKL15Z128VLH4R implements an ARM Cortex-M0+ core with Bit Manipulation Engine and Micro Trace Buffer, paired with a multi-mode clock system including 32 kHz–40 kHz and 3–32 MHz crystal oscillators plus internal 1 kHz LPO and factory-trimmed 4 MHz IRC. Its power architecture supports nine low-power modes-VLLS0 through RUN-with hardware-controlled transitions and configurable clock gating.

Peripheral integration includes two 8-bit SPI modules, two UARTs (one low-power), two I²C modules, six-channel Timer/PWM (TPM), two 2-channel TPMs, 16-bit ADC with 16 input channels, 12-bit DAC, analog comparator with integrated 6-bit DAC, and low-power hardware touch-sensing interface (TSI) supporting up to 16 electrodes.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: 64-pin LQFP (10 × 10 × 1.4 mm, 0.5 mm pitch), RoHS-compliant, moisture sensitivity level 3.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with MKL25Z128VLH4 and STM32L072KBU6, MKL15Z128VLH4R delivers optimal balance of analog performance, hardware-accelerated touch, and ultra-low static power in a mature, widely supported 64-pin LQFP package-making it ideal for industrial and medical edge nodes where precision and longevity outweigh USB or miniaturization needs.

Availability

MKL15Z128VLH4R is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial sensor nodes, portable medical devices, smart building thermostats, and asset tracking tags requiring stable component supply across extended product lifecycles.

Supply support for MKL15Z128VLH4R 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, IoT, and mobile applications.

The Kinetis KL15 family was designed as an entry-level 32-bit MCU platform delivering ultra-low-power efficiency and seamless migration within the broader Kinetis portfolio, targeting cost-sensitive embedded control and sensor-edge applications.

FAQ

What is the maximum operating frequency of the MKL15Z128VLH4R?

The MKL15Z128VLH4R features an ARM Cortex-M0+ core rated for up to 48 MHz operation. This frequency is achievable using the PLL with an external crystal or internal reference clock, and is fully supported across the device's specified voltage (1.71–3.6 V) and temperature (-40°C to 105°C) ranges. All peripherals-including ADC, DAC, and timers-are synchronized to this clock domain in RUN mode.

Does the MKL15Z128VLH4R support hardware touch sensing?

Yes, the MKL15Z128VLH4R integrates a dedicated Touch-Sensing Interface (TSI) module capable of self- and mutual-capacitance measurements on up to 16 electrodes. It operates independently of the CPU, consumes less than 1 µA in standby, and includes built-in noise filtering-enabling robust capacitive touch buttons, sliders, or wheels in industrial or medical HMI without external ICs or firmware overhead.

What low-power modes are available on the MKL15Z128VLH4R?

The MKL15Z128VLH4R supports nine distinct low-power modes: RUN, WAIT, STOP, VLPS, LLS, VLLS0, VLLS1, VLLS2, and VLLS3. Each offers progressively deeper power savings-from 3.9 mA in RUN mode down to 0.31 µA in VLLS0-with trade-offs in wake-up latency (as low as 4 µs), retained memory, and active peripherals. Mode selection is controlled via the System Mode Controller (SMC) and optimized for battery lifetime in intermittent-sensing applications.

Can the MKL15Z128VLH4R operate from a single 3.3 V supply?

Yes, the MKL15Z128VLH4R operates across a 1.71–3.6 V supply range, making 3.3 V a fully compliant and commonly used nominal voltage. At 3.3 V, it achieves its rated 48 MHz performance, supports all I/O standards (including 5 V-tolerant inputs on select pins), and delivers characterized low-power behavior-for example, 5.0 mA typical RUN current and 0.31 µA VLLS0 current-as documented in the KL15P80M48SF0 datasheet Rev 5.

What debug interface does the MKL15Z128VLH4R use?

The MKL15Z128VLH4R uses Serial Wire Debug (SWD) as its primary debug interface, supporting full JTAG-like functionality with only two pins (SWDIO and SWCLK). It also includes a Micro Trace Buffer (MTB) for non-intrusive instruction trace, enabling real-time code profiling and timing analysis without halting execution-critical for validating low-power mode transitions and interrupt latency in the MKL15Z128VLH4R.