NXP Semiconductors MKL15Z64VFT4

Overview

MKL15Z64VFT4 from NXP Semiconductors (formerly Freescale) is a 48 MHz ARM Cortex-M0+ based microcontroller in the Kinetis KL15 sub-family, featuring 64 KB flash, 8 KB SRAM, and 40 GPIOs in a 48-pin QFN package. It delivers ultra-low-power operation down to 0.31 µA in VLLS0 mode with full state retention, 4 µs wakeup, and integrated analog peripherals including 16-bit SAR ADC, 12-bit DAC, and TSI for touch sensing - deployed in battery-powered industrial sensors and portable medical devices.

For engineers reviewing the MKL15Z64VFT4 datasheet, MKL15Z64VFT4 pinout, MKL15Z64VFT4 application, or MKL15Z64VFT4 equivalent, key selection criteria include its 48-pin QFN thermal performance, verified 4 µs wake-from-VLPS latency, 16-bit ADC linearity (±1 LSB INL), dual UART + I²C + SPI interface concurrency, and compatibility with Kinetis L/K1x families for scalable firmware reuse.

Technical Context

The MKL15Z64VFT4 implements an ARM Cortex-M0+ core with Bit Manipulation Engine (BME) and Micro Trace Buffer (MTB), executing from zero-wait-state flash at up to 48 MHz in FEI/PEE clock modes or 4 MHz in VLPR mode. Its power architecture integrates nine low-power modes (VLLS0–RUN), clock gating, and 90 nm TFS process technology to achieve 47 µA/MHz active efficiency and 2 µA static draw with RTC and RAM retention.

Peripherals include two independent UART modules (one low-power), two I²C interfaces, two SPI controllers, six-channel TPM plus two 2-channel TPMs, 16-bit LPTMR, real-time clock, and analog subsystem comprising 16-bit SAR ADC (1 MSps), 12-bit DAC, analog comparator with 6-bit DAC reference, and hardware TSI for capacitive touch - all accessible via multiplexed 40 GPIO pins with configurable pull-up/pull-down and high-drive capability on select pins.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

48-pin QFN (VFT4), 7 mm × 7 mm × 1 mm body, 0.5 mm pitch, exposed thermal pad - optimized for compact PCB layout and thermal dissipation in sealed enclosures.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with MKL15Z64VFT4, MKL15Z64VFM4 reduces I/O and thermal capacity for minimal footprint, while MKL25Z64VFT4 adds USB and flash headroom at higher cost and power - making MKL15Z64VFT4 optimal for balanced low-power sensor nodes needing 40 GPIOs without USB.

Availability

MKL15Z64VFT4 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial sensor nodes, portable medical monitors, smart home controllers, and automotive cabin sensors requiring stable component supply across extended product lifecycles.

Supply support for MKL15Z64VFT4 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 acquired Freescale in 2015 and maintains full technical support, documentation, and long-term supply commitment for the Kinetis portfolio.

The MKL15Z64VFT4 belongs to the Kinetis KL15 sub-family - designed specifically for ultra-low-power, cost-sensitive 32-bit embedded applications in industrial, medical, and consumer IoT edge nodes.

FAQ

What is the maximum operating frequency and core type of the MKL15Z64VFT4?

The MKL15Z64VFT4 features an ARM Cortex-M0+ core rated for up to 48 MHz operation in normal run mode using the MCG's PEE clock configuration. Its zero-wait-state flash controller sustains full throughput at this frequency, and the core supports Thumb-2 instruction set with Bit Manipulation Engine for efficient bit-field operations - confirmed in KL15P80M48SF0RM1 Section 3.1.1 and datasheet Table 13.

Does the MKL15Z64VFT4 support hardware touch sensing, and how many channels are available?

Yes, the MKL15Z64VFT4 integrates a dedicated Touch Sense Interface (TSI) module supporting up to 16 capacitive touch channels (TSI0_CH0–TSI0_CH15), with automatic calibration, noise filtering, and low-power scan modes. This capability is implemented in hardware and requires no external components - detailed in KL15P80M48SF0RM1 Chapter 45 and datasheet Section 3.9.1.

What are the lowest power consumption modes supported by the MKL15Z64VFT4, and what is the typical current draw?

The MKL15Z64VFT4 supports Very Low-Leakage Stop Mode 0 (VLLS0) with typical current draw of 0.31 µA at 25°C and 3.0 V, retaining full SRAM and register state with 4 µs wakeup. This mode is enabled via SMC_STOPCTRL[PORPO]=0 and is validated across –40°C to +105°C - specified in datasheet Table 9 and Section 2.2.5.

How many UART, I²C, and SPI interfaces does the MKL15Z64VFT4 provide?

The MKL15Z64VFT4 provides two UART modules (UART0 and UART1), two I²C modules (I²C0 and I²C1), and two SPI modules (SPI0 and SPI1). UART1 includes low-power features such as automatic baud rate detection and stop-mode wakeup - confirmed in datasheet Section 3.8 and KL15P80M48SF0RM1 Chapter 41–43.

Is the MKL15Z64VFT4 pin-compatible with other Kinetis KL15 variants, and which packages share the same footprint?

Yes, the MKL15Z64VFT4 is pin-compatible with other MKL15ZxxVFT4 variants (e.g., MKL15Z32VFT4, MKL15Z128VFT4) in the 48-pin QFN package. All VFT4 suffix parts share identical 7×7 mm body, 0.5 mm pitch, and pin assignments - documented in Freescale package drawing 98ASA00466D1 and ordering table on page 49 of KL15P80M48SF0.