NXP Semiconductors MKL17Z256CAL4R

Overview

MKL17Z256CAL4R from NXP Semiconductors is a 48 MHz ARM® Cortex®-M0+ microcontroller with 256 KB flash, 32 KB SRAM, and 16 KB ROM bootloader, designed for ultra-low-power battery-operated edge sensors and wearable medical devices. It delivers 54 µA/MHz in very low power run mode, 1.96 µA in VLLS3 deep sleep (RTC + RAM retained), and operates across –40 to 85 °C in a 36-ball WLCSP package.

For engineers reviewing the MKL17Z256CAL4R datasheet, MKL17Z256CAL4R pinout, MKL17Z256CAL4R application, or MKL17Z256CAL4R equivalent, this page provides verified electrical specs, validated low-power mode behavior, confirmed WLCSP 2.8×2.7 mm pin assignment, and two field-tested alternative MCUs for cost- or footprint-sensitive designs.

Technical Context

The MKL17Z256CAL4R integrates an MCG-Lite clock system supporting HIRC (48 MHz ±0.5%), LIRC (8/2 MHz), and external 32 kHz crystal for RTC-enabling precise timing across all six static low-power modes. Its FlexIO module provides runtime-configurable serial peripheral emulation (UART/I²C/SPI/PWM) without dedicated hardware blocks.

It features a 16-bit 818 ksps ADC with internal 1.2 V reference and programmable gain, a high-speed analog comparator with integrated 6-bit DAC reference, and a 12-bit DAC-all operating down to 1.71 V supply. The 26 GPIOs include 23 interrupt-capable and 6 high-drive pins, fully multiplexed via PORTx_PCRn registers.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: 36-ball Wafer-Level Chip Scale Package (WLCSP), 2.8 mm × 2.7 mm, 0.4 mm ball pitch, 0.6 mm thickness. Ball map conforms to NXP package drawing 98ASA00949D1.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with MKL17Z256CAL4R, the EFM32PG12B500 offers higher compute headroom and richer analog resources but demands more PCB area and power budget; the STM32L072CZY6TR achieves lower shutdown current and smaller footprint but lacks FlexIO and has less flash/RAM-making MKL17Z256CAL4R optimal for balanced low-power, small-size, and peripheral-flexible designs.

Availability

MKL17Z256CAL4R is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for wearable health monitors, smart industrial sensor nodes, and portable medical diagnostic tools requiring stable component supply and long-term lifecycle support.

Supply support for MKL17Z256CAL4R 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 specializing in secure connectivity solutions for automotive, industrial, and IoT applications, with over 50 years of embedded systems expertise.

The Kinetis KL17 family targets cost-sensitive, battery-powered edge devices-delivering ARM Cortex-M0+ performance with industry-leading low-power modes and flexible peripheral integration for compact sensor and control systems.

FAQ

What is the maximum operating frequency and core type of the MKL17Z256CAL4R?

The MKL17Z256CAL4R features an ARM Cortex-M0+ core rated for up to 48 MHz operation. This frequency is supported by the high-accuracy internal reference clock (HIRC) with ±0.5% tolerance across voltage and temperature. All peripherals-including ADC, FlexIO, and UART-are fully functional at this speed, and the device maintains full specification compliance in run, wait, and stop modes at 48 MHz.

Does the MKL17Z256CAL4R support in-system programming and debugging?

Yes, the MKL17Z256CAL4R supports two-pin Serial Wire Debug (SWD) for full programming, erase, and real-time debugging via standard tools like SEGGER J-Link or OpenSDA. It also includes a factory-programmed 16 KB ROM bootloader enabling UART- or USB-based firmware updates without external debug hardware-critical for field-deployed devices.

What low-power modes does the MKL17Z256CAL4R offer, and what is the lowest achievable current?

The MKL17Z256CAL4R provides six static low-power modes. The lowest current is achieved in VLLS0 mode: 0.18 µA typical at 25 °C with PORPO = 1, retaining only essential logic. For RTC + RAM retention, VLLS3 draws 1.96 µA typical at 25 °C-verified per NXP datasheet Rev. 7 (Oct 2023) Table 9. All modes support wake-on-pin, RTC alarm, or LPTMR event.

What package and pin count does the MKL17Z256CAL4R use, and is pinout documentation available?

The MKL17Z256CAL4R uses a 36-ball WLCSP package measuring 2.8 mm × 2.7 mm with 0.4 mm pitch. Its pinout is fully documented in Section 5.2 ("KL17 Family Pinouts") of the official NXP datasheet KL17P64M48SF6 Rev. 7, and the mechanical drawing is published as 98ASA00949D1. Ball assignments include dedicated VDD/VSS pairs, SWD interface, 32 kHz crystal pads, and 26 multiplexed GPIOs.

Can the MKL17Z256CAL4R emulate additional serial interfaces beyond its native peripherals?

Yes-the FlexIO module in MKL17Z256CAL4R enables runtime emulation of UART, IrDA, SPI, I²C, I²S, PWM, and custom protocols using programmable state machines and timers. Unlike fixed-function peripherals, FlexIO allows dynamic reconfiguration without reset, making it ideal for multi-sensor systems where interface requirements vary across product variants or firmware versions.