NXP Semiconductors MKL17Z64VFM4R

Overview

MKL17Z64VFM4R from NXP Semiconductors (formerly Freescale) is a 32-bit ARM® Cortex®-M0+ microcontroller optimized for ultra-low-power battery-operated applications, featuring 64 KB flash, 16 KB SRAM, and 32-pin QFN (5×5 mm, 0.5 mm pitch) packaging. It delivers 48 MHz core performance with 46 µA/MHz run-mode efficiency, integrated FlexIO for customizable serial peripheral emulation, and hardware CRC for data integrity - deployed in portable medical sensors and smart metering endpoints.

For engineers reviewing the MKL17Z64VFM4R datasheet, MKL17Z64VFM4R pinout, MKL17Z64VFM4R application, or MKL17Z64VFM4R equivalent, key selection criteria include its 32-pin QFN footprint, 1.71–3.6 V operating voltage, -40 to +105 °C industrial temperature range, and support for dual low-power UARTs and 16-bit ADC with 20-channel multiplexing.

Technical Context

The MKL17Z64VFM4R implements an ARM Cortex-M0+ core with NVIC supporting 32 interrupt vectors and 4 priority levels, coupled with a Lite MCG clock generator offering 48 MHz HIRC, 8 MHz LIRC, and 1 kHz LPO - all configurable across six power modes including VLPR, VLPS, and VLLS3. Its crossbar switch enables concurrent bus master access to peripherals like TPM, ADC, and FlexIO without arbitration stalls.

Peripherals are clocked via dedicated domain sources: SPI1 uses system clock (max 24 Mbit/s), I2C runs up to 1 Mbit/s on system clock, ADC operates at ≤818 ksps with internal 1.2 V reference, and FlexIO provides programmable state machines for UART/I2C/SPI/PWM emulation independent of CPU load.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: 32-pin QFN (5 mm × 5 mm, 0.5 mm pitch, 0.65 mm height), thermally enhanced with exposed pad.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with MKL27Z64VFM4 and STM32L071KBT6, the MKL17Z64VFM4R uniquely balances ultra-low active power (46 µA/MHz), on-chip protocol agility (FlexIO), and secure field upgrade capability (ROM bootloader) in a 32-pin QFN - making it optimal for cost-sensitive, battery-powered sensor nodes requiring long-term firmware maintainability without hardware redesign.

Availability

MKL17Z64VFM4R is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for portable medical sensors, smart utility meters, industrial asset monitors, and wireless remote control hubs requiring stable component supply across extended production lifecycles.

Supply support for MKL17Z64VFM4R 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 deep expertise in ARM-based microcontrollers and edge processing.

The Kinetis KL17 family was designed specifically for cost-sensitive, battery-powered general-purpose connectivity applications - emphasizing ultra-low-power operation, flexible peripheral routing, and robust security for endpoint intelligence.

FAQ

What is the maximum operating frequency and core type of the MKL17Z64VFM4R?

The MKL17Z64VFM4R features an ARM Cortex-M0+ core rated for up to 48 MHz operation. This frequency is supported by its high-accuracy 48 MHz internal reference clock (HIRC) with ±0.5% tolerance, enabling deterministic real-time execution without external crystal dependency. The MKL17Z64VFM4R maintains full peripheral functionality at this speed, including SPI1 at 24 Mbit/s and ADC sampling up to 818 ksps.

Does the MKL17Z64VFM4R support in-system programming without a debugger?

Yes, the MKL17Z64VFM4R includes a factory-programmed 16 KB ROM bootloader that supports in-system programming via UART, I2C, or SPI interfaces - eliminating the need for an SWD debugger during field firmware updates. The MKL17Z64VFM4R bootloader validates image integrity using hardware CRC and enforces flash security policies, allowing secure over-the-air or wired upgrades in deployed devices.

What low-power modes are available on the MKL17Z64VFM4R and their typical current draw?

The MKL17Z64VFM4R offers six configurable low-power modes: VLPR (46 µA/MHz), VLPW, Stop (1.68 µA with RTC+RAM retained), VLPS, LLS, and VLLS3. In Stop mode, the MKL17Z64VFM4R retains full SRAM and RTC state while disabling the core and most peripherals - ideal for infrequent wake-up intervals in battery-powered sensors. Wake-up latency is sub-10 µs from Stop via LLWU or AWIC sources.

Can the MKL17Z64VFM4R emulate additional serial interfaces beyond its native peripherals?

Yes, the MKL17Z64VFM4R integrates a FlexIO module capable of emulating UART, SPI, I2C, I2S, PWM, and other serial protocols via programmable state machines - independent of CPU load. This allows the MKL17Z64VFM4R to add protocol support (e.g., custom sensor sync or legacy bus bridging) without external ICs or pin count expansion, leveraging unused GPIOs as virtual peripheral pins.

What is the ADC resolution, channel count, and sampling rate capability of the MKL17Z64VFM4R?

The MKL17Z64VFM4R integrates a 16-bit successive-approximation ADC with up to 20 single-ended or 4 differential input channels. It achieves up to 818 ksps at ≤13-bit resolution using the internal 1.2 V reference, with configurable oversampling and hardware averaging. The MKL17Z64VFM4R ADC supports hardware-triggered conversions synchronized to TPM or LPTMR events - essential for time-critical sensor acquisition.