NXP Semiconductors MKL25Z64VLK4

Overview

MKL25Z64VLK4 from NXP Semiconductors (formerly Freescale) is a 48 MHz ARM Cortex-M0+ based microcontroller in 80-pin LQFP 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, 12-bit DAC, and ultra-low-power operation down to 0.12 µA in VLLS0 mode. It targets battery-powered HMI, sensor nodes, and USB-connected embedded control.

For engineers reviewing the MKL25Z64VLK4 datasheet, MKL25Z64VLK4 pinout, MKL25Z64VLK4 application, or MKL25Z64VLK4 equivalent, this page delivers verified technical context, low-power mode behavior, USB timing constraints, analog peripheral accuracy specs, and real-world design implications for industrial and portable systems requiring deterministic wake-up, touch sensing, and USB device-class firmware.

Technical Context

The MKL25Z64VLK4 implements an ARM Cortex-M0+ core with Bit Manipulation Engine (BME) and Micro Trace Buffer (MTB), executing from zero-wait-state flash at up to 48 MHz in Run mode or 4 MHz in Very-Low-Power Run (VLPR) mode. Its clock system integrates MCG with FEI/FBI/BLPI/PEE modes, supporting internal 4 MHz/32 kHz IRC and external 32 kHz–32 MHz crystals.

System-level power management includes nine low-power modes (VLPR, VLPS, LLS, VLLS0–3), with full state retention at 0.12 µA (VLLS0, PORPO=1) and 4 µs wakeup from VLPS. Peripheral adders-e.g., 22 µA for CMP, 366 µA for ADC in STOP-enable precise current budgeting per active function.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

80-pin LQFP (12 × 12 × 1.4 mm, 0.5 mm pitch), RoHS-compliant, moisture sensitivity level 3. Pin mapping aligns with Kinetis KL25 family standard: Port A (PA0–PA31), Port B (PB0–PB15), Port C (PC0–PC15), Port D (PD0–PD15), Port E (PE0–PE25), with dedicated USB_DP/DM, RESET, and SWD debug pins.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with MKL25Z64VLK4, MKL25Z64VFT4 trades I/O and thermal margin for compactness, while MKL26Z64VLH4 upgrades USB clocking, security, and temperature rating-making it suitable for host-mode or safety-critical deployments where the base MKL25Z64VLK4's device-only USB and standard industrial temp range are insufficient.

Availability

MKL25Z64VLK4 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial sensor nodes, USB human interface devices, and portable medical instruments requiring stable component supply and long-term lifecycle support.

Supply support for MKL25Z64VLK4 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 deep expertise in ARM-based microcontrollers and edge processing.

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

FAQ

What is the maximum operating frequency of the MKL25Z64VLK4 core?

The MKL25Z64VLK4 features an ARM Cortex-M0+ core rated for up to 48 MHz in normal Run mode. This frequency is achievable using the Phase-Locked Loop (PLL) with external crystal or internal reference clock, and is validated across the full 1.71–3.6 V supply and –40°C to +105°C temperature range. The MKL25Z64VLK4 also supports 4 MHz operation in Very-Low-Power Run (VLPR) mode for optimized energy efficiency.

Does the MKL25Z64VLK4 support USB host functionality?

No, the MKL25Z64VLK4 implements a USB 2.0 Full-Speed/Low-Speed On-The-Go controller configured exclusively for device mode. It lacks the hardware sequencer and clocking architecture required for USB host operation. For host capability, consider the MKL26Z64VLH4 or higher-tier Kinetis K2x series MCUs, which include dedicated USB host PHY support and 48 MHz crystal oscillator circuitry.

What are the power consumption characteristics of MKL25Z64VLK4 in VLLS0 mode?

In Very-Low-Leakage Stop Mode 0 (VLLS0) with PORPO=1, the MKL25Z64VLK4 draws 0.12 µA typical at 25°C and 3.0 V supply, retaining full register and RAM state with 4 µs wakeup time. At 105°C, current rises to 10.93 µA typical. This mode disables all clocks except the 1 kHz LPO and supports wake from LLWU sources including GPIO, RTC alarm, and comparator events.

Can the MKL25Z64VLK4's 12-bit DAC drive a load directly?

Yes, the MKL25Z64VLK4's 12-bit DAC has a rail-to-rail output capable of sourcing/sinking ±1 mA, enabling direct drive of low-impedance loads such as op-amp inputs, LED bias networks, or small-signal transducers. For higher-current or precision applications, an external buffer amplifier is recommended to maintain linearity and avoid loading-induced gain error.

How many GPIO pins does the MKL25Z64VLK4 expose in its 80-pin LQFP package?

The MKL25Z64VLK4 in 80-pin LQFP exposes 66 general-purpose input/output pins, distributed across Ports A–E. All 66 pins support interrupt-on-change, configurable pull-up/pull-down (20–50 kΩ), and digital filtering. Four pins (PTB0, PTB1, PTD6, PTD7) additionally support high-drive mode (18 mA sink/source) for direct LED or relay control.