NXP Semiconductors MKL17Z256VLH4R

Overview

MKL17Z256VLH4R 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 systems. It delivers 54 µA/MHz in very low power run mode, 1.96 µA in VLLS3 deep sleep (RAM + RTC retained), and supports 54 GPIOs, 20-channel ADC, and FlexIO-based peripheral emulation in a 64-pin LQFP package.

For engineers reviewing the MKL17Z256VLH4R datasheet, MKL17Z256VLH4R pinout, MKL17Z256VLH4R application, or MKL17Z256VLH4R equivalent, this page provides verified technical context, validated pin functions, confirmed low-power operating modes, and real-world use cases for cost-sensitive embedded control, sensor nodes, and portable medical devices.

Technical Context

The MKL17Z256VLH4R implements an ARM Cortex-M0+ core with tightly coupled Micro Trace Buffer and bit manipulation engine, paired with a multi-layer bus matrix supporting concurrent DMA transfers across peripherals. Its clock system integrates factory-trimmed 48 MHz HIRC (±0.5%), 8/2 MHz IRC (±3%), and 32 kHz–32 MHz crystal support - all active across six static low-power modes including VLLS0–VLLS3.

Peripherals include two low-power UARTs operational in VLPS/STOP, dual I²C (1 Mbit/s), dual SPI (24 Mbit/s), one I²S, FlexIO for runtime-emulated serial protocols, 16-bit 818 ksps ADC with internal Vref, 12-bit DAC, high-speed analog comparator with 6-bit DAC reference, and six flexible timer/PWM modules - all accessible via configurable pin multiplexing on 54 GPIOs.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: 64-pin LQFP (10 mm × 10 mm, 0.5 mm pitch, 1.6 mm height), 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 MKL27Z256VLH4, MKL17Z256VLH4 trades USB and enhanced ADC for lower unit cost and identical low-power performance; versus STM32L072KBU6, it provides 2× flash, 60% more GPIOs, and hardware peripheral emulation - making it optimal for feature-rich, battery-life-critical edge nodes.

Availability

MKL17Z256VLH4R is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for smart sensor nodes, portable medical devices, industrial HMIs, and asset tracking beacons requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and guaranteed RoHS-compliant manufacturing.

Supply support for MKL17Z256VLH4R 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 markets, with over 50 years of embedded systems expertise.

The Kinetis KL17 series targets cost-sensitive, battery-powered applications demanding ultra-low-power operation and flexible peripheral integration - delivering ARM Cortex-M0+ performance with NXP's proven reliability and toolchain support.

FAQ

What is the maximum operating frequency and core type of the MKL17Z256VLH4R?

The MKL17Z256VLH4R features an ARM Cortex-M0+ core rated for up to 48 MHz operation. This frequency is supported by its factory-trimmed 48 MHz high-accuracy internal reference clock (HIRC) with ±0.5% tolerance across temperature, eliminating the need for an external crystal in many timing-critical applications. The MKL17Z256VLH4R maintains full peripheral functionality at this speed, including ADC sampling and UART communication.

Does the MKL17Z256VLH4R support ultra-low-power sleep modes with RAM and RTC retention?

Yes, the MKL17Z256VLH4R supports Very-Low-Leakage Stop Mode 3 (VLLS3), which retains full SRAM contents and RTC operation while drawing just 1.96 µA at 3.0 V and 25 °C. This mode is ideal for applications requiring infrequent wake events (e.g., hourly sensor reads) with zero data loss and precise timekeeping - a key capability confirmed in NXP's Rev. 7 datasheet Table 9.

How many GPIOs and ADC channels does the MKL17Z256VLH4R provide?

The MKL17Z256VLH4R offers 54 general-purpose I/O pins in its 64-LQFP package, of which 31 support interrupt generation and 6 support high-drive (18 mA) outputs. It integrates a 16-bit, 818 ksps ADC with up to 20 single-ended or 4 differential input channels - all accessible via pin multiplexing and fully documented in the KL17P64M48SF6RM1 reference manual.

What debug interface does the MKL17Z256VLH4R use, and how many pins are required?

The MKL17Z256VLH4R uses a two-pin Serial Wire Debug (SWD) interface - SWD_CLK and SWD_DIO - for full programming, debugging, and real-time trace via standard ARM tools (e.g., MCUXpresso IDE, J-Link). This eliminates the need for a 10-pin JTAG header, reducing PCB layout complexity and cost while maintaining full debug visibility into the MKL17Z256VLH4R's execution state and memory.

Is there an integrated bootloader in the MKL17Z256VLH4R, and what interfaces does it support?

Yes, the MKL17Z256VLH4R includes 16 KB of ROM containing a factory-programmed bootloader that supports UART-based firmware updates out-of-box. It also supports USB HID and I²C interfaces depending on configuration - enabling field upgrades without external programmers. This bootloader is accessible immediately after reset and requires no user firmware intervention, simplifying secure OTA deployment for the MKL17Z256VLH4R.