NXP Semiconductors MKL26Z128CAL4R

Overview

MKL26Z128CAL4R from NXP Semiconductors (formerly Freescale) is a 48 MHz ARM Cortex-M0+ microcontroller in a 36-pin Wafer Level Chip Scale Package, featuring 128 KB flash, 16 KB SRAM, USB OTG FS 2.0 with on-chip transceiver and 5 V-to-3.3 V regulator, and ultra-low-power operation down to 0.23 µA in VLLS0 mode. It targets space-constrained, battery-powered sensor hubs and smartphone accessories.

For engineers reviewing the MKL26Z128CAL4R datasheet, MKL26Z128CAL4R pinout, MKL26Z128CAL4R application, or MKL26Z128CAL4R equivalent, key selection criteria include its 2.37 mm × 2.46 mm WLCSP footprint, nine low-power modes, integrated 16-bit SAR ADC and 12-bit DAC, TSI touch interface, and USB-capable mixed-signal peripheral set for embedded edge-node designs.

Technical Context

The MKL26Z128CAL4R implements an ARM Cortex-M0+ core with Thumb-2 instruction set and Bit Manipulation Engine, operating at up to 48 MHz in RUN mode and 4 MHz in VLPR/VLPS modes. Its clock system includes multi-source options: internal 4 MHz/32 kHz IRCs, external 32 kHz–32 MHz crystals, and MCG configurable across FEI/FBI/BLPI/PEE modes.

Power management integrates nine low-power states-RUN, WAIT, STOP, VLPS, LLS, and VLLS0–VLLS3-with peripheral-specific current adders (e.g., +22 µA for CMP, +45 µA for bandgap) and precise voltage monitoring (LVD thresholds from 1.54 V to 2.64 V). USB functionality uses an integrated transceiver and regulator, eliminating external components for full-speed device operation.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

36-pin Wafer Level Chip Scale Package (WLCSP), 2.37 mm × 2.46 mm × 0.53 mm height, 0.35 mm ball pitch. Ball grid layout conforms to JEDEC MO-220, with solder mask defined pads and SnAg finish.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with KL26Z128VLH4 and EFM32PG12B500F1024GL125, MKL26Z128CAL4R uniquely balances ultra-compact WLCSP packaging, integrated USB 2.0 transceiver, and sub-µA stop-mode operation-making it optimal for production-volume, space-constrained USB-peripheral designs where component count and board area are critical.

Availability

MKL26Z128CAL4R is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for smartphone accessories, gaming controllers, sensor hubs, and wearable health monitors requiring stable component supply and long-term manufacturability.

Supply support for MKL26Z128CAL4R 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 KL26 sub-family was designed specifically for ultra-low-power, USB-enabled edge-node microcontrollers targeting compact, battery-operated consumer electronics and human-interface devices.

FAQ

What is the maximum operating frequency of the MKL26Z128CAL4R core?

The MKL26Z128CAL4R 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 an external crystal or internal reference clock. In Very-Low-Power Run (VLPR) mode, the core operates at up to 4 MHz to minimize dynamic power consumption while maintaining peripheral responsiveness. The MKL26Z128CAL4R datasheet specifies fSYS = 48 MHz as the absolute maximum system clock frequency under validated operating conditions.

Does the MKL26Z128CAL4R include an integrated USB transceiver?

Yes, the MKL26Z128CAL4R includes a full-speed USB 2.0 On-The-Go (OTG) controller with an integrated transceiver and a 5 V-to-3.3 V regulator. This eliminates the need for external USB PHY components, discrete level shifters, or external LDOs in most USB device implementations. The MKL26Z128CAL4R supports both device and host roles and complies with USB 2.0 specifications for full-speed (12 Mbps) operation.

What is the smallest power mode current achievable with the MKL26Z128CAL4R?

The MKL26Z128CAL4R achieves a minimum supply current of 0.23 µA in Very-Low-Leakage Stop Mode 0 (VLLS0) when SMC_STOPCTRL[PORPO] = 1 and operating at 3.0 V and 25°C. This mode retains RAM and register contents while disabling all clocks except the 32 kHz LPO, enabling wake-up via RTC alarm or external pin interrupt. The MKL26Z128CAL4R datasheet confirms this value under specified brownout-disabled conditions.

How many GPIO pins does the MKL26Z128CAL4R support?

The MKL26Z128CAL4R provides 27 general-purpose input/output (GPIO) pins, mapped across PORTA, PORTB, PORTC, and PORTD. All GPIOs support digital filtering, slew rate control, and configurable pull-up/pull-down resistors. Up to 27 pins can be used simultaneously as GPIOs, though some share functions with analog peripherals (ADC, DAC, TSI) or communication interfaces (UART, SPI, I2C). The MKL26Z128CAL4R pin assignment table in the KL26P36M48SF5 datasheet validates this count for the AL4 package variant.

What analog peripherals are integrated into the MKL26Z128CAL4R?

The MKL26Z128CAL4R integrates a 16-bit successive approximation register (SAR) ADC with ±1 LSB integral nonlinearity, a 12-bit DAC with ±1 LSB differential nonlinearity, and an analog comparator (CMP) featuring a built-in 6-bit DAC and programmable reference input. These peripherals share the VDDA/VSSA supply domain and support low-power operation, enabling precision sensor interfacing and closed-loop control without external signal-conditioning ICs. The MKL26Z128CAL4R datasheet specifies their electrical characteristics across temperature and voltage ranges.