NXP Semiconductors MKL17Z256VFM4R

Overview

MKL17Z256VFM4R from NXP Semiconductors is a 32-bit ARM® Cortex®-M0+ microcontroller operating at up to 48 MHz, featuring 256 KB flash, 32 KB SRAM, and optimized for ultra-low-power battery-operated applications such as wireless sensor nodes and portable medical devices.

For engineers reviewing the MKL17Z256VFM4R datasheet, MKL17Z256VFM4R pinout, MKL17Z256VFM4R application, or MKL17Z256VFM4R equivalent, key selection criteria include its 32-pin QFN (5×5 mm, 0.5 mm pitch) package, 1.71–3.6 V supply range, –40 to 105 °C temperature rating, and support for six low-power modes down to 1.96 µA in VLLS3 with RTC + RAM retention.

Technical Context

The MKL17Z256VFM4R implements an ARM Cortex-M0+ core with Micro Trace Buffer and Bit Manipulation Engine, paired with a flexible clock system including factory-trimmed 48 MHz HIRC (±0.5%), 8/2 MHz IRC, and 32 kHz–32 MHz crystal oscillator support. Its power architecture enables dynamic voltage/frequency scaling across seven static low-power modes.

Peripheral integration includes one 16-bit 818 ksps ADC with internal Vref, two low-power UARTs active in VLPS/VLLS, FlexIO for customizable serial emulation (UART/I²C/SPI/I²S/PWM), and dual 16-bit SPI modules supporting up to 24 Mbit/s - all accessible via 28 GPIOs (19 interrupt-capable, 6 high-drive) in its 32-pin QFN footprint.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: 32-pin QFN (5 mm × 5 mm, 0.5 mm pitch, 0.65 mm height), RoHS-compliant, moisture sensitivity level (MSL) 3.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with KL17Z256VFT4, MKL17Z256VFM4R saves board area and cost in space-constrained designs; versus STM32L072KBU6, it provides superior peripheral flexibility and field-upgrade capability at slightly higher active power.

Availability

MKL17Z256VFM4R is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for wireless sensor nodes, portable medical devices, and industrial control panels requiring stable component supply across multi-year production cycles.

Supply support for MKL17Z256VFM4R 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, mobile, and communication infrastructure markets.

The Kinetis KL17 family targets cost-sensitive, battery-powered applications demanding robust low-power performance and flexible peripheral integration - designed specifically for edge intelligence in constrained environments.

FAQ

What is the maximum operating frequency of the MKL17Z256VFM4R?

The MKL17Z256VFM4R features an ARM Cortex-M0+ core rated for up to 48 MHz operation using its factory-trimmed high-accuracy internal reference clock (HIRC). This frequency is fully supported across the device's specified voltage (1.71–3.6 V) and temperature (–40 to 105 °C) ranges, with timing closure verified per NXP's KL17P64M48SF6RM1 reference manual.

Does the MKL17Z256VFM4R support debugging via SWD?

Yes, the MKL17Z256VFM4R includes a Two-pin Serial Wire Debug (SWD) interface using dedicated SWD_CLK and SWD_DIO pins. This enables full programming, real-time tracing via Micro Trace Buffer, and breakpoint-based debugging using standard tools like SEGGER J-Link or NXP LPC-Link2 - no JTAG header required.

What low-power modes are available on the MKL17Z256VFM4R, and what is the lowest current draw?

The MKL17Z256VFM4R offers six static low-power modes, including VLLS0, VLLS1, VLLS3, LLS, VLPS, and STOP. The lowest measured current is 1.96 µA in VLLS3 mode with RTC and RAM retained at 3.0 V and 25 °C - confirmed in Table 9 of the Rev. 7 datasheet. This mode maintains real-time clock operation and 32 KB SRAM contents for rapid wake-up.

Can the MKL17Z256VFM4R operate from a single-cell lithium battery?

Yes, the MKL17Z256VFM4R operates over 1.71–3.6 V, matching the discharge curve of standard Li-ion (3.0–4.2 V) and Li-Po (2.7–4.2 V) cells. Its ability to run at 48 MHz down to 1.71 V - combined with brownout detection thresholds (e.g., VLVDL = 1.60 V typical) - ensures reliable operation across full battery life without external regulation in many use cases.

Is there a built-in bootloader in the MKL17Z256VFM4R?

Yes, the MKL17Z256VFM4R includes 16 KB of on-chip ROM containing a production bootloader supporting UART, I²C, and USB HID interfaces. This enables field firmware updates without external debug hardware, and is accessible via the ROM API documented in the KL17P64M48SF6RM1 reference manual - independent of user flash content.