NXP Semiconductors MKL25Z64VFT4

Overview

MKL25Z64VFT4 from NXP Semiconductors (formerly Freescale) is a 48 MHz ARM Cortex-M0+ microcontroller in 48-pin QFN package, featuring 64 KB flash, 8 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 targets battery-powered HMI, sensor nodes, and USB-enabled embedded control.

For engineers reviewing the MKL25Z64VFT4 datasheet, MKL25Z64VFT4 pinout, MKL25Z64VFT4 application, or MKL25Z64VFT4 equivalent, key selection criteria include its 48-pin QFN footprint, USB full/low-speed capability with integrated 5 V-to-3.3 V regulator, 9 low-power modes, TSI touch interface, and compatibility with Kinetis L-family toolchains and SDKs.

Technical Context

The MKL25Z64VFT4 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 MCG with multiple sources: internal 4 MHz IRC, 32 kHz LPO, and external crystals up to 32 MHz - enabling flexible trade-offs between accuracy and power.

System-level power management includes nine configurable low-power modes (VLPR, VLPS, LLS, VLLS0–3), dynamic clock gating, and peripheral-specific current adders (e.g., +22 µA for CMP, +366 µA for ADC in STOP). The USB controller operates natively at full/low speed without external PHY, using an internal regulator supporting 4.0–5.25 V input.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: 48-pin QFN (7 mm × 7 mm, 0.5 mm pitch), 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 MKL25Z64VFT4, MKL25Z64VLH4 offers more I/O in LQFP but increases footprint and cost, while MKL26Z64VFT4 retains identical packaging and adds USB crystal-less operation and crypto engines - making it a direct upgrade path for security-critical or space-constrained designs.

Availability

MKL25Z64VFT4 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for wearable electronics, industrial sensor nodes, USB human interface devices, and smart home remote controls requiring stable component supply and long-term manufacturability.

Supply support for MKL25Z64VFT4 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, focusing on energy-efficient, secure, and scalable MCUs for industrial and IoT edge applications.

The MKL25Z64VFT4 belongs to the Kinetis KL25 sub-family - designed specifically for ultra-low-power, USB-enabled general-purpose embedded control where cost, size, and battery life are critical constraints.

FAQ

What is the maximum operating frequency of the MKL25Z64VFT4 core?

The MKL25Z64VFT4 features an ARM Cortex-M0+ core rated for up to 48 MHz operation. This frequency is achievable when the MCG is configured in PEE mode with an external crystal or oscillator, and bus/flash clocks are set to 24 MHz. At this speed, the device delivers 30.5 CoreMark/mA in VLPR mode, balancing performance and efficiency for real-time firmware tasks.

Does the MKL25Z64VFT4 support USB without an external PHY?

Yes, the MKL25Z64VFT4 integrates a full-/low-speed USB 2.0 On-The-Go controller with an on-chip transceiver and a 5 V-to-3.3 V regulator. This eliminates the need for external PHY chips or level shifters. The USB_DP and USB_DM pins connect directly to the USB connector, and the internal regulator accepts 4.0–5.25 V input - simplifying design for USB-powered or USB-connected devices.

How many GPIO pins does the MKL25Z64VFT4 provide in its 48-pin QFN package?

The MKL25Z64VFT4 in 48-pin QFN (FT package) provides 36 usable GPIO pins. These are distributed across PORTA through PORTD and support multiple peripheral functions including UART, SPI, I²C, TPM, ADC input, and TSI electrode connections. Pin multiplexing is controlled via PORTx_PCRn registers, allowing flexible assignment based on application requirements.

What low-power modes are available on the MKL25Z64VFT4, and what is the lowest current draw?

The MKL25Z64VFT4 supports nine low-power modes, including VLLS0 (Very-Low-Leakage Stop Mode 0), which draws just 0.31 µA at 25°C with full RAM retention and 4 µs wake-up time. Other modes include VLPR (Very-Low-Power Run), VLPS (Very-Low-Power Stop), and LLS (Low-Leakage Stop), enabling fine-grained power optimization for battery-operated applications like wearables and wireless sensors.

Is the MKL25Z64VFT4 pin-compatible with other Kinetis L-series MCUs?

The MKL25Z64VFT4 is footprint-compatible with other 48-pin QFN Kinetis L-series MCUs such as MKL26Z64VFT4 and MKL36Z64VFT4, sharing identical mechanical dimensions and pin pitch. However, signal mapping differs across families - for example, USB-related pins and peripheral assignments vary. Migration requires firmware and register-level validation, though PCB reuse is possible with careful pin-function verification.