NXP Semiconductors MKL15Z128VLK4R

Overview

MKL15Z128VLK4R from NXP Semiconductors (formerly Freescale) is a 48 MHz ARM Cortex-M0+ microcontroller in 80-pin LQFP package, featuring 128 KB flash, 16 KB SRAM, and ultra-low-power operation down to 0.31 µA in VLLS0 mode. It integrates dual UARTs, two I²C, two SPI, 16-bit SAR ADC, 12-bit DAC, TSI touch interface, and six-channel TPM - deployed in battery-powered industrial sensors and portable medical devices.

For engineers reviewing the MKL15Z128VLK4R datasheet, MKL15Z128VLK4R pinout, MKL15Z128VLK4R application, or MKL15Z128VLK4R equivalent, key selection criteria include its 80-pin LQFP-0.5 mm pitch footprint, -40°C to +105°C extended temperature rating, 1.71–3.6 V supply range, and verified low-power mode transitions (e.g., 4 µs VLPS→RUN wakeup).

Technical Context

The MKL15Z128VLK4R implements an ARM Cortex-M0+ core with Bit Manipulation Engine and Micro Trace Buffer for debug visibility. Its clock system includes configurable MCG with FEI/BLPI/PEE modes, supporting internal 4 MHz IRC, external 32 kHz crystal, and up to 16 MHz high-frequency crystal.

Power management uses nine low-power modes (VLLS0/VLLS1/VLLS3/LLS/VLPS/STOP/WAIT/RUN/VLPR), with dedicated low-leakage wakeup unit and hardware-controlled clock/power gating. Analog subsystem combines 16-bit ADC (1 MSps), 12-bit DAC, and comparator with integrated 6-bit DAC reference.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

80-pin LQFP package (12 mm × 12 mm × 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 MKL15Z128VLK4R, KL25Z128VLH4 reduces I/O by 16 pins and removes 16 TSI channels but maintains identical memory and core specs; STM32L072KBU6 offers comparable ultra-low-power performance but lacks TSI and has fewer peripherals, requiring external circuitry for touch or motor control.

Availability

MKL15Z128VLK4R is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial sensor nodes, portable medical devices, smart building controllers, and automotive body electronics requiring stable component supply across extended temperature and long product lifecycles.

Supply support for MKL15Z128VLK4R 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 sub-family targets ultra-low-power 32-bit embedded control, emphasizing energy efficiency, integration of analog peripherals, and seamless migration within the broader Kinetis portfolio.

FAQ

What is the maximum operating frequency of the MKL15Z128VLK4R core?

The MKL15Z128VLK4R features an ARM Cortex-M0+ core rated for up to 48 MHz operation. This frequency is achievable using the Phase-Locked Loop (PLL) in PEE mode with an external crystal source. The device also supports lower-frequency modes like VLPR (4 MHz) for ultra-low-power operation while retaining full code execution capability.

Does the MKL15Z128VLK4R support hardware touch sensing?

Yes, the MKL15Z128VLK4R integrates a dedicated Touch Sensing Interface (TSI) module with up to 24 channels. It supports self-capacitance measurement and automatic calibration, enabling robust capacitive touch buttons, sliders, and wheels without external components - a key feature confirmed in the KL15P80M48SF0 datasheet Section 3.9.

What are the low-power mode wakeup times for MKL15Z128VLK4R?

The MKL15Z128VLK4R achieves 4 µs wakeup from VLPS mode and 42–115 µs from various STOP and VLLS modes depending on configuration. These values are measured from mode exit to first instruction execution and are specified in Table 8 of the KL15P80M48SF0 datasheet Rev 5, validated across -40°C to +105°C.

Can MKL15Z128VLK4R operate from a single-cell Li-ion battery?

Yes, MKL15Z128VLK4R operates across 1.71–3.6 V, matching the discharge curve of a single-cell Li-ion (3.0–4.2 V) or Li-Po battery. Its VLLS0 mode draws just 0.31 µA typical at 3.0 V, enabling multi-year operation without regulation - confirmed in Table 9 of the official datasheet.

Is the MKL15Z128VLK4R pin-compatible with other Kinetis L-series MCUs?

No, MKL15Z128VLK4R uses an 80-pin LQFP package (MKL15ZxxVLK4), while other Kinetis L variants use 32-pin QFN (VFM4), 48-pin QFN (VFT4), or 64-pin LQFP (VLH4). Pin compatibility is limited to same-package variants (e.g., MKL15Z64VLK4 shares identical pinout and footprint).