NXP Semiconductors MKL26Z128VLH4

Overview

MKL26Z128VLH4 from NXP Semiconductors (formerly Freescale) is a 48 MHz ARM® Cortex®-M0+ based microcontroller in 64-pin LQFP package, featuring 128 KB flash, 16 KB SRAM, USB 2.0 On-The-Go with on-chip transceiver, 16-bit SAR ADC, 12-bit DAC, and ultra-low-power operation down to 0.23 µA in VLLS0 mode. It targets battery-powered industrial sensors and USB-connected embedded control systems.

For engineers reviewing the MKL26Z128VLH4 datasheet, MKL26Z128VLH4 pinout, MKL26Z128VLH4 application, or MKL26Z128VLH4 equivalent, key selection criteria include its 64-pin LQFP footprint, -40°C to +105°C extended temperature range, USB full/low-speed OTG capability with integrated 5 V-to-3.3 V regulator, nine low-power modes, and compatibility with Kinetis L and K2x families for scalable design reuse.

Technical Context

The MKL26Z128VLH4 implements an ARM Cortex-M0+ core with Bit Manipulation Engine and Micro Trace Buffer, 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 (3–32 MHz), supporting dynamic mode transitions between RUN, VLPR, STOP, and VLLS0–VLLS3.

Peripheral integration includes two UARTs, two I²C modules, two SPIs, I²S/SAI, six-channel TPM, real-time clock, low-leakage wakeup unit, and TSI-based capacitive touch interface. Power management leverages 90 nm TFS process, clock gating, and dedicated low-power regulators to achieve 40 µA/MHz active efficiency and 4.5 µs wake-up from VLPS mode.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

64-pin LQFP (10 mm × 10 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 KL27Z128VLH4, MKL26Z128VLH4 offers identical core/peripheral compatibility at lower cost and maturity, while STM32L072KBU6 trades USB integration and memory for smaller footprint - making MKL26Z128VLH4 the balanced choice for USB-enabled industrial controllers needing proven reliability and family scalability.

Availability

MKL26Z128VLH4 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial sensor nodes, USB human interface devices, medical diagnostic tools, and smart energy meter interfaces requiring stable component supply across extended temperature and long product lifecycles.

Supply support for MKL26Z128VLH4 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, with deep expertise in ARM-based microcontrollers and edge processing.

The Kinetis KL26 sub-family was designed as an entry-level, ultra-low-power 32-bit MCU platform targeting cost-sensitive, battery-operated industrial and consumer devices requiring USB connectivity, analog precision, and robust operation across harsh environments.

FAQ

What is the maximum operating frequency of the MKL26Z128VLH4 CPU core?

The MKL26Z128VLH4 features an ARM Cortex-M0+ core rated for up to 48 MHz operation. This frequency is achievable using the PEE (Phase-Locked Loop Engaged) clock mode with an external crystal or internal reference, and is validated across the full 1.71–3.6 V supply and -40°C to +105°C temperature range. The MKL26Z128VLH4 maintains deterministic performance at this speed due to its zero-wait-state flash controller and optimized bus architecture.

Does the MKL26Z128VLH4 support USB device functionality without external components?

Yes, the MKL26Z128VLH4 integrates a full-speed/low-speed USB 2.0 On-The-Go controller with an on-chip transceiver and a 5 V-to-3.3 V regulator. When powered from a 5 V USB source, the MKL26Z128VLH4 can operate as a self-powered USB device without external level shifters, PHYs, or regulators - significantly reducing bill-of-materials cost and PCB complexity compared to microcontrollers requiring external USB interface ICs.

What low-power modes are available on the MKL26Z128VLH4, and what is the lowest current draw?

The MKL26Z128VLH4 supports nine distinct low-power modes, including VLLS0 (Very Low-Leakage Stop Mode 0). In VLLS0 with PORPO = 1 and no brownout detection, the MKL26Z128VLH4 achieves a typical current draw of 0.23 µA at 3.0 V and 25°C while retaining full register and RAM state - enabling multi-year operation on coin-cell batteries in infrequently awakened sensor applications.

How many GPIO pins does the MKL26Z128VLH4 provide, and what advanced I/O features are supported?

The MKL26Z128VLH4 provides up to 50 general-purpose input/output pins in its 64-pin LQFP package. These support programmable drive strength (normal or high), internal pull-up/pull-down resistors (20–50 kΩ), digital glitch filtering, and interrupt-on-change capability. Select pins (e.g., PTB0, PTB1, PTD6, PTD7) offer dual-drive capability controlled by PCR[DSE] bits, enabling direct LED driving or higher-current signal conditioning without external buffers.

Is the MKL26Z128VLH4 compatible with other Kinetis families for software reuse?

Yes, the MKL26Z128VLH4 is explicitly designed for compatibility with all Kinetis L-series MCUs and the Kinetis K2x family. This includes consistent peripheral register maps, identical interrupt vectors, shared SDK support (Kinetis SDK v2.x), and common toolchain integration (MCUXpresso IDE). Firmware developed for MKL26Z128VLH4 can be ported to higher-performance K22 or K64 devices with minimal modification, accelerating development across product tiers.