NXP Semiconductors MKL17Z64VDA4

Overview

MKL17Z64VDA4 from NXP Semiconductors (formerly Freescale) is a 48 MHz ARM® Cortex®-M0+ microcontroller with 64 KB flash, 16 KB SRAM, and 16 KB ROM bootloader, packaged in a 36-pin XFBGA (3.5 × 3.5 mm, 0.5 mm pitch). It delivers 46 µA/MHz active power consumption and 1.68 µA stop-mode current with RTC + RAM retention, targeting battery-powered sensor nodes and low-cost IoT edge devices.

For engineers reviewing the MKL17Z64VDA4 datasheet, MKL17Z64VDA4 pinout, MKL17Z64VDA4 application, or MKL17Z64VDA4 equivalent, key selection criteria include its 32 GPIOs, FlexIO-based peripheral emulation capability, integrated 16-bit ADC (up to 15 channels), dual low-power UART support, and hardware CRC for firmware integrity - all within a compact, thermally efficient XFBGA package.

Technical Context

The MKL17Z64VDA4 implements an ARM Cortex-M0+ core with NVIC supporting 32 interrupt vectors and 4 priority levels, coupled with a multiplexed crossbar switch enabling concurrent bus master access. Its clock system integrates a 48 MHz HIRC (±0.5%), 8 MHz LIRC (±3%), and 1 kHz LPO, with dynamic clock gating per peripheral via MCG-Lite and SMC modules.

Power management includes six static low-power modes (VLPR, VLPW, Stop, VLPS, LLS, VLLS), managed by PMC and coordinated with AWIC and LLWU for wake-up from pin, RTC, LPTMR, CMP, or LPUART events. The 36-pin XFBGA maps 32 GPIOs (including 6 high-drive pins), 15 ADC inputs (single-ended), and dedicated SWD debug pins (SWDCLK/SWDIO).

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: 36-pin XFBGA (3.5 mm × 3.5 mm, 0.5 mm pitch, 0.5 mm height), JEDEC MO-220 compliant, thermal pad optional.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with MKL17Z64VDA4, MKL27Z64VDA4 adds USB and differential ADC at identical package size but higher cost, while STM32L072KBU6 offers smaller footprint and lower active current but sacrifices FlexIO programmability and pin count - making MKL17Z64VDA4 optimal for balanced cost, size, and peripheral adaptability in battery-constrained edge nodes.

Availability

MKL17Z64VDA4 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for smart sensor nodes, industrial remote monitors, and wearable health bands requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle assurance, and consistent parametric performance across production batches.

Supply support for MKL17Z64VDA4 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, and IoT markets, with roots in Freescale's Kinetis portfolio.

The Kinetis KL17 series was designed specifically for cost-sensitive, battery-operated general-purpose microcontroller applications demanding ultra-low power, flexible serial peripheral emulation, and robust security - targeting sensor hubs, wearables, and smart meters.

FAQ

What is the maximum operating frequency of the MKL17Z64VDA4?

The MKL17Z64VDA4 features an ARM Cortex-M0+ core rated for up to 48 MHz operation, enabled by its high-accuracy 48 MHz internal reference clock (HIRC) with ±0.5% tolerance across voltage and temperature. This frequency is fully supported in Run and VLPR modes, and the device maintains functional integrity across its full –40 to +105 °C industrial temperature range without derating.

Does the MKL17Z64VDA4 support in-system programming via UART?

Yes, the MKL17Z64VDA4 includes a factory-programmed 16 KB ROM bootloader that supports firmware updates over UART, I2C, and SPI interfaces without requiring external programming hardware. The bootloader is accessible after reset when BOOTCFG0 pin is low or FOPT register is configured accordingly, and it supports secure erase and flash programming commands including FlashEraseAllUnsecure.

How many ADC channels does the MKL17Z64VDA4 provide in its 36-pin XFBGA package?

The MKL17Z64VDA4 in the 36-pin XFBGA package provides 15 single-ended ADC input channels (ADC0_SE0 through ADC0_SE14), mapped across PORTA, PORTC, and PORTD. It does not support differential ADC mode in this package variant, and the internal 1.2 V voltage reference is available to ensure stable conversion accuracy independent of supply voltage fluctuations.

What debug interface does the MKL17Z64VDA4 use, and what capabilities does it offer?

The MKL17Z64VDA4 uses a 2-pin Serial Wire Debug (SWD) interface (SWDCLK and SWDIO) compliant with ARM CoreSight standards. It supports full memory/register access, run/halt control, two hardware breakpoints, two watchpoints, and includes a 1 KB Micro Trace Buffer (MTB) for non-intrusive instruction flow tracing - eliminating the need for SWO or complex trace probes in most development scenarios.

Can the MKL17Z64VDA4 operate in low-power modes while maintaining RTC and RAM retention?

Yes, the MKL17Z64VDA4 achieves 1.68 µA current draw in Stop mode with both RTC and SRAM fully retained, verified across its full operating voltage range (1.71–3.6 V) and temperature range (–40 to +105 °C). This mode disables the CPU and most peripherals while keeping the RTC oscillator, low-leakage wakeup unit, and RAM powered - enabling precise timekeeping and state preservation between infrequent wake events.