NXP Semiconductors MKL26Z128VMC4

Overview

MKL26Z128VMC4 from NXP Semiconductors (formerly Freescale) is a 48 MHz ARM Cortex-M0+ 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 serves as an entry-level 32-bit MCU for battery-powered HMI, sensor nodes, and USB-connected embedded control.

For engineers reviewing the MKL26Z128VMC4 datasheet, MKL26Z128VMC4 pinout, MKL26Z128VMC4 application, or MKL26Z128VMC4 equivalent, key selection criteria include its 84 GPIO count, -40°C to +105°C industrial temperature rating, 1.71–3.6 V supply range, USB full/low-speed capability, and support for nine low-power modes including VLLS0/VLLS1 with full state retention and sub-5 µs wakeup.

Technical Context

The MKL26Z128VMC4 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, BLPE) supporting internal 4 MHz/32 kHz IRC and external crystals up to 16 MHz.

System-level power management includes dynamic clock gating, peripheral-specific enable/disable controls, and nine configurable low-power modes-VLLS0 through VLPS-with dedicated wakeup units, COP watchdog, and SWD debug interface. Analog subsystem comprises a 16-bit SAR ADC with hardware averaging, 12-bit DAC, and comparator with integrated 6-bit DAC reference.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

64-pin LQFP (10 mm × 10 mm, 0.5 mm pitch), RoHS-compliant, moisture sensitivity level 3 per J-STD-020.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with MKL26Z128VMC4, KL26Z256VMC4 offers double memory without changing footprint or software compatibility, while KL27Z128VLH4 trades identical memory for crystal-less USB and security enhancements-both require minor pinout review due to signal mapping differences despite shared package outline.

Availability

MKL26Z128VMC4 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial sensor nodes, USB-capable HMI controllers, medical wearables, smart energy meters, and low-power IoT edge devices requiring stable component supply across extended product lifecycles.

Supply support for MKL26Z128VMC4 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 KL26 family was designed specifically for ultra-low-power, USB-enabled general-purpose embedded control-targeting cost-sensitive applications where energy efficiency, integration, and industrial temperature operation are critical.

FAQ

What is the maximum operating frequency of the MKL26Z128VMC4 core?

The MKL26Z128VMC4 features an ARM Cortex-M0+ core rated for up to 48 MHz operation in normal run mode. This frequency is supported across the full 1.71–3.6 V supply range and -40°C to +105°C temperature range, with zero-wait-state flash enabling deterministic execution. In very-low-power run (VLPR) mode, the core operates up to 4 MHz to minimize active current consumption while retaining full functionality.

Does the MKL26Z128VMC4 support USB device mode without an external crystal?

No, the MKL26Z128VMC4 requires an external 48 MHz crystal for full-speed USB device operation to meet USB specification timing accuracy. Unlike later KL27/KL3x derivatives, it lacks crystal-less USB capability. The device does include an on-chip USB transceiver and 5 V-to-3.3 V regulator, but precise USB clock generation depends on the external crystal connected to XTAL/EXTAL pins.

How many GPIO pins does the MKL26Z128VMC4 provide, and what advanced I/O features are supported?

The MKL26Z128VMC4 provides 84 general-purpose I/O pins in its 64-pin LQFP package, with full multiplexing to UART, SPI, I2C, TPM, ADC, and TSI functions. Each pin supports programmable pull-up/pull-down resistors (20–50 kΩ), slew rate control, and high-drive capability on select pins. It also includes hardware touch sensing (TSI) supporting up to 16 electrodes without external components.

What low-power modes are available on the MKL26Z128VMC4, and what is the lowest achievable current draw?

The MKL26Z128VMC4 supports nine low-power modes: RUN, WAIT, STOP, VLPS, LLS, and four VLLS variants (VLLS0–VLLS3). The lowest current is achieved in VLLS0 mode with PORPO = 1, drawing just 0.23 µA at 25°C and 3.0 V while retaining full RAM and register contents. Wakeup occurs in 4.5 µs from VLPS/STOP and under 125 µs from VLLS modes, enabling rapid response to external events.

Is the MKL26Z128VMC4 pin-compatible with other Kinetis L-series MCUs?

The MKL26Z128VMC4 shares the 64-pin LQFP package and core peripheral set with other KL26 variants (e.g., MKL26Z256VMC4), making them pin-compatible within the same package option. However, it is not pin-compatible with KL25, KL27, or KL3x families due to differences in peripheral mapping, USB clock requirements, and signal assignments-even when using identical LQFP-64 footprints.