NXP Semiconductors MKL26Z256VLH4

Overview

MKL26Z256VLH4 from NXP Semiconductors (formerly Freescale) is a 48 MHz ARM® Cortex®-M0+ based microcontroller in the Kinetis KL26 sub-family, featuring 256 KB flash, 32 KB SRAM, USB 2.0 On-The-Go with on-chip transceiver, and ultra-low-power operation down to 0.23 µA in VLLS0 mode. It delivers entry-level 32-bit performance for battery-powered HMI, sensor nodes, and USB-connected embedded control systems.

For engineers reviewing the MKL26Z256VLH4 datasheet, MKL26Z256VLH4 pinout, MKL26Z256VLH4 application, or MKL26Z256VLH4 equivalent, key selection criteria include its 64-pin LQFP package, -40°C to +105°C industrial temperature range, 1.71–3.6 V supply, integrated TSI touch interface, and support for nine low-power modes - especially critical for energy-constrained IoT edge devices requiring fast wake-up (<5 µs from VLPS/STOP) and long-term battery life.

Technical Context

The MKL26Z256VLH4 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 (Multipurpose Clock Generator) supporting FEI/FBI/BLPI/BLPE/PBE/PEE modes, enabling dynamic switching between high-performance (48 MHz) and ultra-low-power (4 MHz) run states.

System-level power management includes SMC (System Mode Controller) with nine configurable low-power modes (RUN, WAIT, STOP, VLPS, LLS, VLLS0–3), coupled with peripheral-specific clock gating and voltage regulation. The USB module operates independently with an integrated 5 V-to-3.3 V regulator and supports full-speed (12 Mbps) and low-speed (1.5 Mbps) operation without external PHY.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

64-pin LQFP (LH) package, 10 × 10 × 1.4 mm, 0.5 mm pitch. Pin assignments follow KL26 signal multiplexing architecture with dedicated USB_DP/DM, TSI channels, and flexible GPIO remapping via PORTx_PCRn registers.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with MKL26Z256VMP4, MKL26Z256VLH4 offers easier manufacturability and thermal dissipation in LQFP; compared with MKL27Z256VLH4, it lacks AES and has higher USB suspend current but maintains full software compatibility and lower unit cost for established designs.

Availability

MKL26Z256VLH4 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial sensor nodes, USB human interface devices, smart meter interface modules, and low-power data loggers requiring stable component supply across extended product lifecycles.

Supply support for MKL26Z256VLH4 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 embedded security.

The MKL26Z256VLH4 belongs to the Kinetis KL26 sub-family - designed specifically for ultra-low-power, USB-enabled general-purpose embedded control in cost-sensitive industrial and consumer applications.

FAQ

What is the maximum operating frequency of the MKL26Z256VLH4 core?

The MKL26Z256VLH4 features an ARM Cortex-M0+ core rated for up to 48 MHz operation in normal run mode. This frequency is achieved using the MCG's PEE mode with an external crystal or oscillator. In very-low-power run (VLPR) mode, the core runs at up to 4 MHz to minimize current draw while maintaining real-time responsiveness. The MKL26Z256VLH4 datasheet specifies fSYS = 48 MHz as the absolute maximum system clock frequency under all operating conditions.

Does the MKL26Z256VLH4 support USB device and host functionality simultaneously?

Yes, the MKL26Z256VLH4 integrates a USB 2.0 On-The-Go (OTG) controller capable of both device and host roles, though not concurrently. It supports full-speed (12 Mbps) and low-speed (1.5 Mbps) operation using its on-chip transceiver and integrated 5 V-to-3.3 V regulator. The MKL26Z256VLH4 requires external VBUS detection and ID pin handling for role negotiation, and firmware must manage the OTG state machine per USB OTG specification.

What is the lowest power consumption mode supported by the MKL26Z256VLH4, and what features remain active?

The MKL26Z256VLH4 achieves its lowest power state in Very-Low-Leakage Stop Mode 0 (VLLS0), consuming as little as 0.23 µA at 3.0 V and 25°C when PORPO = 1. In this mode, the 80-bit unique ID, RAM contents, and certain wakeup sources (LLWU) remain active, but the core, bus, and most peripherals are disabled. The MKL26Z256VLH4 retains full state and wakes in ≤124 µs - making it ideal for infrequent-event detection in battery-powered systems.

Can the MKL26Z256VLH4 operate across the full industrial temperature range without derating?

Yes, the MKL26Z256VLH4 is fully specified for operation from -40°C to +105°C ambient temperature with no performance or voltage derating required. Its electrical characteristics - including flash read/write timing, ADC accuracy, USB compliance, and power consumption - are guaranteed across this range per the KL26P121M48SF4 datasheet Rev 5. The MKL26Z256VLH4 uses 90 nm TFS technology and robust IO structures to maintain reliability in harsh thermal environments typical of industrial automation and automotive under-hood applications.

How many GPIO pins does the MKL26Z256VLH4 provide, and what advanced functions do they support?

The MKL26Z256VLH4 provides up to 50 general-purpose I/O pins in its 64-pin LQFP package, mapped across PORTA–PORTD. These GPIOs support programmable pull-up/pull-down resistors (20–50 kΩ), slew-rate control, and two drive strengths: normal (2.5–5 mA) and high (10–20 mA). Multiple pins are shared with peripheral functions including USB_DP/DM, TSI channels, UART, SPI, I²C, TPM, and ADC inputs - enabling flexible board layout and mixed-signal integration without external logic.