NXP Semiconductors MKL25Z64VFM4

Overview

MKL25Z64VFM4 from NXP Semiconductors (formerly Freescale) is a 48 MHz ARM Cortex-M0+ microcontroller in 32-pin QFN package, featuring 64 KB flash, 8 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 0.12 µA in VLLS0 mode with full state retention. It targets battery-powered HMI, sensor nodes, and USB-connected embedded control.

For engineers reviewing the MKL25Z64VFM4 datasheet, MKL25Z64VFM4 pinout, MKL25Z64VFM4 application, or MKL25Z64VFM4 equivalent, key selection considerations include its 32-pin QFN footprint, USB-capable low-power runtime (47 µA/MHz), integrated TSI touch interface, 23 GPIOs, and support for -40°C to +105°C industrial temperature operation.

Technical Context

The MKL25Z64VFM4 implements an ARM Cortex-M0+ core with Bit Manipulation Engine (BME) and Micro Trace Buffer (MTB) for debug visibility. Its clock system integrates a Multi-purpose Clock Generator (MCG) supporting FEI, FBE, BLPI, and PEE modes, enabling flexible trade-offs between accuracy, startup time, and power across run, VLPR, STOP, and VLLS modes.

System-level power optimization leverages nine low-power modes-including VLLS0 (0.12 µA), VLLS1 (0.58 µA), and VLPS (3.75 µA)-with configurable clock gating, flash doze, and peripheral-specific current adders (e.g., 22 µA for CMP, 366 µA for ADC). USB functionality operates natively at full/low speed without external PHY, using internal 3.3 V regulator powered from 5 V input.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

32-pin QFN (VFM4), 5 mm × 5 mm × 1 mm body, 0.5 mm pitch, exposed thermal pad. Pinout conforms to KL25 signal multiplexing architecture with dedicated USB_DP/DM, reset, SWD debug (SWD_CLK/SWD_DIO), and configurable GPIOs.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with KL26Z64VFM4, MKL25Z64VFM4 offers identical packaging and GPIO count but less flash and no USB suspend signaling-making it optimal for cost-sensitive, fixed-function USB peripherals. Versus STM32L053R8T6, MKL25Z64VFM4 delivers true USB integration and higher performance per mA, at the expense of ecosystem lock-in and vendor-specific toolchain dependencies.

Availability

MKL25Z64VFM4 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial sensor nodes, USB human interface devices, medical wearables, smart home control panels, and battery-powered embedded controllers requiring stable component supply and long-term lifecycle assurance.

Supply support for MKL25Z64VFM4 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, IoT, and mobile applications.

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

FAQ

What is the maximum operating frequency of the MKL25Z64VFM4 core?

The MKL25Z64VFM4 features an ARM Cortex-M0+ core rated for up to 48 MHz operation. This frequency is achievable in PEE (Phase-Locked Loop Engaged) mode with an external crystal or internal FLL, and is validated across the full voltage range (1.71–3.6 V) and temperature range (–40°C to +105°C). The MKL25Z64VFM4 maintains timing integrity at this speed with zero-wait-state flash access and clock-gated peripherals.

Does the MKL25Z64VFM4 support USB device functionality without external components?

Yes, the MKL25Z64VFM4 integrates a full-speed/low-speed USB 2.0 On-The-Go controller with on-chip transceiver and a 5 V-to-3.3 V regulator. This allows direct connection to a USB Type-A receptacle using only series resistors on DP/DM lines-no external PHY, level shifter, or LDO is required. The MKL25Z64VFM4 complies with USB 2.0 electrical specifications when used per the reference design in the KL25P80M48SF0RM.

How many GPIOs does the MKL25Z64VFM4 provide in its 32-pin QFN package?

The MKL25Z64VFM4 in the 32-pin QFN (VFM4) package provides 23 general-purpose input/output pins. These are distributed across PORTA (8 pins), PORTB (8 pins), and PORTD (7 pins), with multiplexing options for UART, SPI, I²C, TSI, and ADC functions. All 23 GPIOs support interrupt-on-change, programmable pull-up/pull-down (20–50 kΩ), and configurable drive strength.

What low-power modes are available on the MKL25Z64VFM4, and what is the lowest current draw?

The MKL25Z64VFM4 supports nine low-power modes, including VLLS0 (Very-Low-Leakage Stop Mode 0), which draws just 0.12 µA at 25°C with full register and RAM retention and 4 µs wakeup. Other modes include VLLS1 (0.58 µA), VLLS3 (1.22 µA), LLS (1.68 µA), and VLPS (3.75 µA). Each mode disables specific clocks and peripherals while preserving selected state-enabling precise power/performance tuning for MKL25Z64VFM4-based designs.

Is the MKL25Z64VFM4 compatible with development tools like Kinetis Design Studio or MCUXpresso IDE?

Yes, the MKL25Z64VFM4 is fully supported by NXP's MCUXpresso IDE (successor to Kinetis Design Studio), including device SDKs, example projects, pin configuration tools, and debug probe integration (CMSIS-DAP, J-Link, Segger). The MKL25Z64VFM4 also works with OpenSDA-enabled boards such as FRDM-KL25Z, enabling rapid evaluation of USB, TSI, ADC, and low-power features out-of-box.