NXP Semiconductors MKL25Z128VFT4

Overview

MKL25Z128VFT4 from NXP Semiconductors (formerly Freescale) is a 48 MHz ARM Cortex-M0+ based microcontroller in 48-pin QFN package, featuring 128 KB flash, 16 KB SRAM, USB 2.0 On-The-Go with on-chip transceiver and 5 V-to-3.3 V regulator, 16-bit SAR ADC, and ultra-low-power operation down to 0.31 µA in VLLS0 mode. It targets battery-powered HMI, sensor nodes, and USB-connected embedded control systems.

For engineers reviewing the MKL25Z128VFT4 datasheet, MKL25Z128VFT4 pinout, MKL25Z128VFT4 application, or MKL25Z128VFT4 equivalent, key selection criteria include its 48-pin QFN footprint, USB OTG capability with integrated regulator, 16-bit ADC resolution, -40°C to 105°C operating range, and support for nine low-power modes including VLLS0 with full state retention and 4 µs wakeup.

Technical Context

The MKL25Z128VFT4 implements an ARM Cortex-M0+ core with Bit Manipulation Engine (BME) and Micro Trace Buffer (MTB), executing from zero-wait-state flash memory. Its clock system integrates a Multi-purpose Clock Generator (MCG) supporting FEI, FBE, PEE, and BLPI modes, with selectable internal 4 MHz/32 kHz IRC or external crystal sources up to 32 MHz.

System-level peripherals include a 4-channel DMA controller servicing 63 request sources, COP watchdog, low-leakage wakeup unit, and SWD debug interface. Analog subsystem comprises a 16-bit SAR ADC (up to 1 MSPS), 12-bit DAC, analog comparator with 6-bit DAC reference, and TSI-based capacitive touch sensing.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

48-pin QFN (VFT4), 7 mm × 7 mm × 1 mm body, 0.5 mm pitch, exposed thermal pad. Pinout validated per Freescale document KL25P80M48SF0RM Rev. 5 (Section 5.2).

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with KL26Z128VLH4, MKL25Z128VFT4 offers smaller 48-pin QFN footprint and lower BOM cost but lacks hardware crypto; versus STM32L072KBU6, it provides integrated USB regulation and TSI-reducing component count by up to 7 passive parts and eliminating external touch IC.

Availability

MKL25Z128VFT4 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial sensor nodes, USB-capable HMI controllers, portable diagnostic tools, and smart energy monitors requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges and long product lifecycles.

Supply support for MKL25Z128VFT4 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 acquired Freescale in 2015 and continues development of the Kinetis portfolio. NXP is a global leader in secure connectivity solutions for automotive, industrial, and IoT markets.

The Kinetis KL25 family was designed as an entry-level 32-bit MCU platform emphasizing ultra-low-power efficiency, USB integration, and compatibility across Kinetis L and K2x families - targeting cost-sensitive, battery-operated embedded applications.

FAQ

What is the maximum operating frequency of the MKL25Z128VFT4 core?

The MKL25Z128VFT4 features an ARM Cortex-M0+ core rated for up to 48 MHz operation. This frequency is achievable using the Phase-Locked Loop (PLL) in PEE mode with an external crystal source, delivering 1.25 DMIPS/MHz performance while maintaining ultra-low-power characteristics. The MKL25Z128VFT4 supports multiple clock configurations including FEI (internal), FBE (external bypass), and BLPI (bypassed low-power internal) to balance speed and energy efficiency.

Does the MKL25Z128VFT4 include an integrated USB voltage regulator?

Yes, the MKL25Z128VFT4 includes an on-chip 5 V-to-3.3 V regulator dedicated to USB operation. It accepts input on the VREGIN pin and powers the USB PHY and digital logic associated with the USB OTG controller. This eliminates the need for an external LDO or DC-DC converter in USB-powered or USB-configurable designs. The regulator is controlled via PTA0 (enable) and monitored via PTA1 (ready signal), both documented in the MKL25Z128VFT4 reference manual.

How many GPIO pins does the MKL25Z128VFT4 provide in its 48-pin QFN package?

The MKL25Z128VFT4 in the 48-pin QFN (VFT4) package provides 36 general-purpose I/O pins. This count is explicitly specified in the Freescale ordering information table for MKL25ZxxVFT4 variants and confirmed in the pin multiplexing section of the KL25P80M48SF0RM reference manual. Pins are distributed across PORTA, PORTB, PORTC, and PORTD, with configurable drive strength and internal pull-up/pull-down resistors (20–50 kΩ).

What ADC resolution and performance does the MKL25Z128VFT4 support?

The MKL25Z128VFT4 integrates a 16-bit successive approximation register (SAR) ADC with up to 1 MSPS sampling rate and hardware averaging. It supports programmable conversion speed, multiple trigger sources (including TPM and LPTMR), and differential/single-ended input modes. The ADC achieves >86 dB SNR and integral nonlinearity (INL) of ±1.5 LSB across its full scale, enabling precision sensor interfacing without external signal conditioning in most industrial applications. This specification is verified in the MKL25Z128VFT4 datasheet Section 3.6.1.

What low-power modes are available on the MKL25Z128VFT4, and what is the lowest current draw?

The MKL25Z128VFT4 supports nine low-power modes, including RUN, WAIT, STOP, VLPS, LLS, and three VLLS sub-modes (VLLS0, VLLS1, VLLS3). In VLLS0 mode with PORPO = 1, it achieves 0.12 µA typical current draw at 25°C with full 16 KB SRAM retention and 4 µs wakeup time. This mode retains all registers and enables fast resume from deep sleep - critical for battery-powered applications where wake-on-RTC or GPIO interrupt response must be sub-10 µs. All values are characterized per MKL25Z128VFT4 datasheet Table 9.