NXP Semiconductors MKL26Z256VLL4

Overview

MKL26Z256VLL4 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 full state retention at 2 µA static current and supports industrial temperature range (–40°C to +105°C), making it suitable for battery-powered human-machine interface and embedded control applications.

For engineers reviewing the MKL26Z256VLL4 datasheet, MKL26Z256VLL4 pinout, MKL26Z256VLL4 application, or MKL26Z256VLL4 equivalent, key selection considerations include its 100-pin LQFP package, USB OTG capability with integrated 5 V-to-3.3 V regulator, low-power timer architecture, TSI touch sensing interface, and compatibility across Kinetis L and K2x families.

Technical Context

The MKL26Z256VLL4 implements an energy-optimized Cortex-M0+ core with Bit Manipulation Engine and Micro Trace Buffer for debug visibility. Its clock system integrates multiple oscillators-including 32 kHz to 40 kHz and 3 MHz to 32 MHz crystal support-and flexible MCG modes (FEI, FBE, BLPI, BLPE) enabling dynamic power/performance scaling across nine low-power modes.

Peripheral integration includes a 16-bit SAR ADC with hardware averaging, dual 12-bit DACs (one embedded in CMP), six-channel TPM plus two 2-channel TPM modules, real-time clock, and dual UARTs with low-power wake-up capability. The USB controller operates in full- and low-speed modes with internal transceiver and regulator, eliminating external components for basic USB connectivity.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: 100-pin LQFP (14 mm × 14 mm, 1.4 mm height, 0.5 mm pitch), RoHS-compliant, moisture sensitivity level 3.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with MKL26Z256VLL4, MKL26Z256VLH4 offers identical functionality in a smaller 64-pin footprint but sacrifices 30 GPIOs, while MKL27Z256VLL4 retains the same package and I/O count while adding crystal-less USB and tighter ADC specifications-making it ideal for next-generation designs requiring higher analog fidelity or simplified USB timing.

Availability

MKL26Z256VLL4 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for smart home sensor hubs, industrial control panels, medical wearables, and automotive body controllers requiring stable component supply across extended product lifecycles.

Supply support for MKL26Z256VLL4 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 family was designed as an entry-level 32-bit MCU platform emphasizing ultra-low-power efficiency, USB integration, and cross-family compatibility-targeting cost-sensitive, battery-operated embedded systems requiring robust peripheral sets and long-term supply stability.

FAQ

What is the maximum operating frequency of the MKL26Z256VLL4 core?

The MKL26Z256VLL4 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 flash executing at zero wait states. In very-low-power run mode (VLPR), the core operates up to 4 MHz to minimize dynamic power consumption while retaining full SRAM and peripheral functionality.

Does the MKL26Z256VLL4 support USB device functionality without external components?

Yes, the MKL26Z256VLL4 integrates a full-/low-speed USB 2.0 On-The-Go controller with an on-chip transceiver and a 5 V-to-3.3 V regulator. This allows standalone USB device operation using only passive termination resistors and standard USB connectors-no external PHY, level shifter, or regulator IC is required. The USB module supports CDC, HID, and MSC class drivers out of the box.

What low-power modes are available on the MKL26Z256VLL4, and what is the lowest achievable current draw?

The MKL26Z256VLL4 supports nine distinct low-power modes, including VLLS0 (Very-Low-Leakage Stop Mode 0). In VLLS0 with PORPO = 1, the device draws just 0.23 µA at 25°C while retaining full SRAM and register contents and supporting wake-up via GPIO, RTC, or LPUART. Full state retention is maintained, and wake-up time is under 4.5 µs-enabling multi-year operation on primary lithium cells.

How many GPIO pins does the MKL26Z256VLL4 provide, and what advanced functions are multiplexed on them?

The MKL26Z256VLL4 in its 100-pin LQFP package provides up to 84 GPIOs, each configurable with programmable pull-up/pull-down, slew rate control, and drive strength selection. These pins multiplex UART (3 instances), SPI (2), I2C (2), I2S/SAI, TPM/PWM outputs, ADC inputs (up to 32 channels), TSI touch channels (16), and comparator inputs-enabling dense peripheral integration without external glue logic.

Is the MKL26Z256VLL4 pin-compatible with other Kinetis L-series MCUs?

The MKL26Z256VLL4 shares identical pinout, memory map, and peripheral register layout with other 100-pin LQFP variants in the KL26 family (e.g., MKL26Z128VLL4) and maintains functional compatibility across the broader Kinetis L and K2x families. Software written for MKL26Z256VLL4 runs unchanged on MKL27Z256VLL4 and MKL36Z256VLL4, though peripheral enhancements (e.g., crystal-less USB in KL27) require conditional compilation for full feature utilization.