NXP Semiconductors MKL26Z128VFT4

Overview

MKL26Z128VFT4 from NXP Semiconductors (formerly Freescale) is a 48 MHz ARM Cortex-M0+ microcontroller in 48-pin QFN package, featuring 128 KB flash, 16 KB SRAM, USB 2.0 On-The-Go with on-chip transceiver, 16-bit SAR ADC, and ultra-low-power operation down to 0.23 µA in VLLS0 mode. It targets battery-powered human-machine interface and sensor-edge applications requiring full state retention and sub-5 µs wakeup.

For engineers reviewing the MKL26Z128VFT4 datasheet, MKL26Z128VFT4 pinout, MKL26Z128VFT4 application, or MKL26Z128VFT4 equivalent, key selection criteria include its 48-pin QFN thermal profile, USB OTG + TSI + DAC integration, -40°C to 105°C industrial temperature rating, and verified low-power mode transitions across nine configurable states.

Technical Context

The MKL26Z128VFT4 implements a single-core ARM Cortex-M0+ processor with Bit Manipulation Engine and Micro Trace Buffer, executing from zero-wait-state flash memory. Its clock system integrates MCG with multiple modes (FEI, FBE, BLPI, PEE) supporting internal 4 MHz/32 kHz IRC and external crystal inputs up to 16 MHz.

System-level power management includes nine low-power modes (VLPR, VLPS, LLS, VLLS0–3), dynamic clock gating, and peripheral-specific current adders - enabling precise power budgeting for mixed-signal edge nodes. The USB controller operates at full/low speed with integrated 5 V-to-3.3 V regulator and supports device/host/OTG roles.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

48-pin QFN (VFT4), 7 mm × 7 mm × 1 mm body, 0.5 mm pitch, exposed thermal pad - optimized for compact PCB layout and thermal dissipation in space-constrained modules.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with KL27Z128VLH4 and STM32L073RZT6, MKL26Z128VFT4 provides optimal balance of USB integration, 48-pin QFN compactness, and verified ultra-low-power behavior - making it the preferred choice for space-constrained, battery-operated USB-enabled edge devices.

Availability

MKL26Z128VFT4 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for smart home controllers, industrial sensor nodes, USB-C peripherals, and medical wearables requiring stable component supply across extended product lifecycles.

Supply support for MKL26Z128VFT4 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.

The Kinetis KL26 series belongs to NXP's ultra-low-power microcontroller portfolio, designed specifically for cost-sensitive, battery-operated edge devices requiring USB connectivity, capacitive touch, and high-precision analog measurement.

FAQ

What is the maximum operating frequency of the MKL26Z128VFT4 core?

The MKL26Z128VFT4 features an ARM Cortex-M0+ core rated for up to 48 MHz operation. This frequency is achievable in PEE clock mode with external crystal input and is validated across the full -40°C to 105°C temperature range and 1.71–3.6 V supply voltage. At 48 MHz, the MKL26Z128VFT4 delivers 30.5 CoreMark/MHz performance while maintaining deterministic interrupt latency critical for real-time control tasks.

Does the MKL26Z128VFT4 support USB device, host, and OTG modes?

Yes, the MKL26Z128VFT4 integrates a full- and low-speed USB 2.0 On-The-Go controller with on-chip transceiver and 5 V-to-3.3 V regulator. It supports device, host, and OTG roles through software configuration. The USB module complies with USB 2.0 specification, includes endpoint buffers, and supports control, bulk, interrupt, and isochronous transfers - enabling direct connection to PCs, peripherals, or dual-role accessories without external PHY components.

What are the low-power mode capabilities of the MKL26Z128VFT4?

The MKL26Z128VFT4 offers nine configurable low-power modes including VLPR, VLPS, LLS, and four VLLS variants (VLLS0–VLLS3). In VLLS0 mode with PORPO=1, it achieves 0.23 µA typical current at 25°C with full register and RAM retention. Wakeup occurs in 4.5 µs from STOP mode and 47–120 µs from VLLS modes depending on configuration. Each mode permits selective peripheral enablement, allowing precise trade-offs between retention, wakeup time, and current draw.

Can the MKL26Z128VFT4 perform capacitive touch sensing without external components?

Yes, the MKL26Z128VFT4 includes a dedicated Touch Sense Interface (TSI) module supporting up to 16 capacitive touch channels. It operates autonomously using internal charge-transfer circuitry and provides hardware-accelerated scanning, noise filtering, and baseline tracking - eliminating the need for external touch controllers or RC networks. TSI integrates directly with GPIO pins and supports proximity detection, slider, and matrix keypad configurations with minimal firmware overhead.

What analog peripherals are integrated into the MKL26Z128VFT4?

The MKL26Z128VFT4 integrates a 16-bit SAR ADC with up to 1 MSPS sampling rate, a 12-bit DAC with buffered output, and an analog comparator (CMP) with integrated 6-bit DAC and programmable reference. The ADC supports differential and single-ended inputs, hardware averaging, and low-power conversion modes. The DAC provides monotonic output with ±1 LSB INL, and the CMP enables windowed voltage monitoring with interrupt generation - collectively supporting precision sensor signal conditioning and closed-loop control.