NXP Semiconductors MKL25Z32VLK4

Overview

MKL25Z32VLK4 from NXP Semiconductors (formerly Freescale) is a 48 MHz ARM Cortex-M0+ microcontroller in an 80-pin LQFP package, featuring 32 KB flash, 4 KB SRAM, USB 2.0 On-The-Go with on-chip transceiver, 16-bit SAR ADC, and ultra-low-power operation down to 0.31 µA in VLLS0 mode. It serves as an entry-level 32-bit MCU for battery-powered HMI, sensor nodes, and USB-connected embedded control.

For engineers reviewing the MKL25Z32VLK4 datasheet, MKL25Z32VLK4 pinout, MKL25Z32VLK4 application, or MKL25Z32VLK4 equivalent, this page delivers verified technical context, low-power mode behavior, USB timing constraints, GPIO count (66), and real-world design implications of its 9 low-power modes and TSI touch interface.

Technical Context

The MKL25Z32VLK4 implements a single-core ARM Cortex-M0+ processor with Bit Manipulation Engine (BME) and Micro Trace Buffer (MTB) for debug visibility. Its clock system integrates MCG with FEI/FBI/BLPI/PEE modes, supporting internal 4 MHz IRC, external 32 kHz crystal, and 4–32 MHz crystal oscillator inputs - enabling precise USB frame timing and RTC synchronization.

System-level power management includes nine configurable low-power modes (RUN, VLPR, VLPS, LLS, VLLS0–3), with state retention down to 0.31 µA and 4 µs wakeup from VLPS. Peripheral enablement is granular: each module (ADC, TPM, UART, I²C, SPI, CMP, DAC, TSI) has independent clock gating and dedicated low-leakage wakeup sources.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

80-pin LQFP (12 mm × 12 mm, 0.5 mm pitch, 1.4 mm height), RoHS-compliant, moisture sensitivity level 3 (MSL3).

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with MKL25Z32VLK4, MKL25Z32VFT4 trades I/O count and USB regulator integration for smaller footprint, while STM32L053R8T6 offers higher RAM and different low-power trade-offs but requires external USB support components.

Availability

MKL25Z32VLK4 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial sensor nodes, medical wearables, USB human interface devices, and smart home control panels requiring stable component supply and long-term lifecycle assurance.

Supply support for MKL25Z32VLK4 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 KL25 family was designed as an ultra-low-power, USB-capable entry point into the 32-bit ARM ecosystem - targeting cost-sensitive, battery-operated embedded systems needing robust peripheral integration and certified USB functionality.

FAQ

What is the maximum operating frequency and core type of the MKL25Z32VLK4?

The MKL25Z32VLK4 features an ARM Cortex-M0+ core rated for up to 48 MHz operation. This frequency is achievable using the Phase-Locked Loop (PLL) with external crystal input or internal reference clock. The MKL25Z32VLK4 maintains full peripheral functionality at this speed, including USB full-speed operation, which requires ≥20 MHz system clock per USB specification.

Does the MKL25Z32VLK4 include an integrated USB transceiver and regulator?

Yes, the MKL25Z32VLK4 integrates both a full-/low-speed USB 2.0 transceiver and a 5 V to 3.3 V USB regulator (USB_VREG). This eliminates the need for external PHY components and simplifies USB device implementation. The regulator accepts 4.4–5.25 V on VREGIN and delivers regulated 3.3 V to the USB PHY block, with internal overcurrent protection.

How many GPIO pins does the MKL25Z32VLK4 support, and what are their voltage tolerances?

The MKL25Z32VLK4 provides 66 general-purpose I/O pins across five ports (PTA–PTE), all supporting 1.71–3.6 V operation. Input pins tolerate voltages from –0.3 V to VDD + 0.3 V, and output pins deliver VOH ≥ VDD – 0.5 V (at 5 mA) and VOL ≤ 0.5 V. Internal pull-up/pull-down resistors (20–50 kΩ) are software-configurable per pin.

What low-power modes are available on the MKL25Z32VLK4, and what is the lowest achievable current draw?

The MKL25Z32VLK4 supports nine low-power modes, including VLLS0 (Very Low-Leakage Stop Mode 0) with full RAM and register retention. In VLLS0 with PORPO=1, typical current consumption is 0.12 µA at 25°C and 3.0 V - the lowest among all modes. Wakeup time from VLLS0 is under 4 µs, enabling rapid response to external interrupts or RTC alarms.

Is the MKL25Z32VLK4 compatible with other Kinetis L-series MCUs, and what development tools support it?

Yes, the MKL25Z32VLK4 is pin-compatible and software-compatible with other Kinetis KL2x devices and shares toolchain support with the broader Kinetis L family. It is fully supported by MCUXpresso IDE, Kinetis Design Studio (legacy), and IAR Embedded Workbench. NXP provides SDKs with drivers for USB, TSI, ADC, and low-power modes - all validated for MKL25Z32VLK4.