NXP Semiconductors MKL26Z256VMC4R

Overview

MKL26Z256VMC4R from NXP Semiconductors (formerly Freescale) is a 48 MHz ARM® Cortex®-M0+ microcontroller in 64-pin LQFP package, featuring 256 KB flash, 32 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 serves as an entry-level 32-bit MCU for battery-powered human-machine interface and sensor-edge applications.

For engineers reviewing the MKL26Z256VMC4R datasheet, MKL26Z256VMC4R pinout, MKL26Z256VMC4R application, or MKL26Z256VMC4R equivalent, key selection criteria include its 84 GPIO count, -40°C to 105°C operating range, 1.71–3.6 V supply, USB full/low-speed capability, and nine low-power modes optimized for energy-constrained embedded systems.

Technical Context

The MKL26Z256VMC4R implements a single-core ARM Cortex-M0+ processor with Bit Manipulation Engine and Micro Trace Buffer for debug visibility. Its clock system integrates MCG with multiple sources - including 32 kHz–40 kHz and 3–32 MHz crystal oscillators - supporting dynamic mode transitions between RUN, VLPR, STOP, and VLLS0–VLLS3 states.

Peripheral integration includes two UARTs, two I²C modules, two SPIs, I²S/SAI, six-channel TPM, real-time clock, low-power timer, analog comparator with 6-bit DAC, and TSI-based capacitive touch sensing. All peripherals are power-gated per mode, enabling precise current optimization via SMC and PMC registers.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

64-pin LQFP (10 mm × 10 mm, 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 MKL26Z256VLH4 and MKE02Z64VLD4, the MKL26Z256VMC4R provides the highest I/O count and full USB functionality in the KL26 family, making it optimal for HMI-rich, USB-configurable edge devices requiring extended temperature operation and ultra-low standby current.

Availability

MKL26Z256VMC4R is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial sensor nodes, wearable health monitors, smart home touch panels, and USB-C powered peripherals requiring stable component supply across long production lifecycles.

Supply support for MKL26Z256VMC4R 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 sub-family - including MKL26Z256VMC4R - was designed as an ultra-low-power, USB-enabled entry-level 32-bit MCU platform targeting cost-sensitive, battery-operated human-machine interface and sensor-edge applications.

FAQ

What is the maximum operating frequency of the MKL26Z256VMC4R?

The MKL26Z256VMC4R features an ARM Cortex-M0+ core rated for up to 48 MHz in normal run mode. In very-low-power run (VLPR) mode, the maximum core frequency is 4 MHz. The system clock supports flexible configuration via the Multipurpose Clock Generator (MCG), allowing dynamic switching between FEI, FBE, PEE, and BLPI modes to balance performance and power consumption. MKL26Z256VMC4R maintains full peripheral functionality across all supported clock configurations.

Does the MKL26Z256VMC4R include an integrated USB transceiver?

Yes, the MKL26Z256VMC4R 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 eliminates the need for external USB PHY components and simplifies PCB layout. The USB interface supports standard device classes including CDC ACM and HID, and operates across the full 1.71–3.6 V supply range. MKL26Z256VMC4R's USB block is fully compliant with USB 2.0 specifications and includes internal termination and pull-up resistors.

What low-power modes are supported by the MKL26Z256VMC4R?

The MKL26Z256VMC4R supports nine distinct low-power modes: RUN, WAIT, STOP, VLPR, VLPS, LLS, and three VLLS variants (VLLS0, VLLS1, VLLS3). VLLS0 achieves as low as 0.23 µA at 25°C with full RAM retention and 4.5 µs wake-up time. Each mode disables specific clocks and power domains while preserving selected registers and SRAM content. MKL26Z256VMC4R's power management controller (PMC) and system mode controller (SMC) provide register-level control over entry/exit behavior and wake-up sources.

How many GPIO pins does the MKL26Z256VMC4R provide?

The MKL26Z256VMC4R provides 84 general-purpose input/output (GPIO) pins, distributed across ports A–D. All GPIOs support interrupt capability, configurable pull-up/pull-down resistors (20–50 kΩ), slew rate control, and drive strength selection. Up to 16 pins can be assigned to the TSI module for capacitive touch sensing. MKL26Z256VMC4R's pin multiplexing allows each GPIO to serve multiple peripheral functions - including UART, I²C, SPI, USB, and ADC inputs - via the PORTx_PCRn registers.

What is the operating temperature range for the MKL26Z256VMC4R?

The MKL26Z256VMC4R is specified for operation across an ambient temperature range of -40°C to +105°C. This extended industrial grade rating enables deployment in demanding environments such as automotive under-hood modules, factory floor sensors, and outdoor IoT gateways. The device maintains full functionality - including USB communication, ADC accuracy, and low-power mode operation - across this entire range. MKL26Z256VMC4R's thermal design incorporates junction-to-case and junction-to-ambient metrics validated per JEDEC JESD51 standards.