NXP Semiconductors MKL27Z256VFM4R
- Part No.:
- MKL27Z256VFM4R
- Manufacturer:
- NXP Semiconductors
- Category:
- Microcontrollers
- Package:
- 32-UFQFN Exposed Pad
- Datasheet:
-
MKL27Z256VFM4R.pdf
- Description:
- IC MCU 32BIT 256KB FLASH 32QFN
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

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Product details
Overview
MKL27Z256VFM4R from NXP Semiconductors (formerly Freescale) is a 48 MHz ARM® Cortex®-M0+ microcontroller with 256 KB flash, 32 KB SRAM, and integrated USB Full-Speed 2.0 device controller operating crystal-less. It delivers 1.96 µA deep-sleep current (RAM + RTC retained), 54 µA/MHz very-low-power run mode, and supports up to 23 GPIOs in a 32-pin QFN package - optimized for battery-powered sensor nodes and portable medical devices requiring low-power USB connectivity.
For engineers reviewing the MKL27Z256VFM4R datasheet, MKL27Z256VFM4R pinout, MKL27Z256VFM4R application, or MKL27Z256VFM4R equivalent, key selection criteria include its crystal-less USB FS capability, 16-channel 12-bit ADC with internal Vref, FlexIO peripheral for custom serial emulation, and support for six low-power modes down to VLLS0.
Technical Context
The MKL27Z256VFM4R implements an ARM Cortex-M0+ core with Micro Trace Buffer and Bit Manipulation Engine, paired with a flexible clock system featuring factory-trimmed 48 MHz HIRC (±0.5%), 8/2 MHz LIRC (±3%), and 1 kHz reference active in all low-power modes except VLLS0. Its memory subsystem includes 256 KB on-chip flash with read-while-write capability, 32 KB SRAM, and 16 KB ROM containing a boot loader supporting UART/USB firmware updates.
Peripherals are architected for ultra-low-power operation: USB FS controller requires no external crystal; two low-power UARTs remain active in VLPS/VLLS modes; FlexIO enables runtime reconfiguration to emulate UART, SPI, I²C, I²S, or PWM; and the 16-bit ADC achieves 818 ksps with programmable sample time and hardware averaging - all while maintaining sub-2 µA retention in VLLS3.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Core | ARM Cortex-M0+, up to 48 MHz - deterministic real-time execution with <10 ns interrupt latency |
| Flash / SRAM | 256 KB flash / 32 KB SRAM - sufficient for USB stack + BLE profile + sensor fusion in single-chip design |
| USB Interface | Crystal-less USB Full-Speed 2.0 device - eliminates 12 MHz crystal and associated load capacitors, reducing BOM cost and PCB area |
| Low-Power Performance | 1.96 µA in VLLS3 (RAM + RTC retained) - enables multi-year battery life in coin-cell–powered IoT endpoints |
| ADC | 16-channel 12-bit SAR ADC, 818 ksps - supports simultaneous sampling of multiple analog sensors with internal 1.2 V reference |
| Operating Voltage | 1.71 V to 3.6 V - compatible with single-cell Li-ion, LiPo, or dual-cell alkaline power sources |
| Temperature Range | –40 °C to +105 °C - qualified for industrial and automotive cabin applications |
Pinout & Package
Package: 32-pin QFN, 5 mm × 5 mm, 0.5 mm pitch, 0.65 mm height, exposed thermal pad - suitable for space-constrained portable designs with efficient thermal dissipation.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| VDD / VSS | Digital power supply / ground | Decoupling required per datasheet: 100 nF ceramic close to each VDD pin; shared ground plane critical for ADC noise performance |
| VDDA / VSSA | Analog power supply / ground | Must be isolated from digital ground at single-point connection; 100 nF + 1 µF filtering recommended for ADC reference stability |
| USB_DP / USB_DM | USB differential data lines | Internal termination and pull-up enabled; no external resistors needed for crystal-less device operation |
| PTA0 / PTA1 | SWD debug interface (SWDCLK / SWDIO) | Two-pin Serial Wire Debug - enables full programming and real-time trace without JTAG header footprint |
| PTB0 / PTB1 | High-drive GPIO (23 mA sink/source) | Capable of directly driving LEDs or small relays; DSE bit in PCR register selects drive strength |
| ADC0_SE0–SE6 | Analog input channels | Seven single-ended inputs mapped to pins PTA2, PTA3, PTA4, PTA5, PTA6, PTA7, PTB0 - supports multiplexed sensor acquisition |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| FlexIO module | Configurable logic engine enabling runtime emulation of UART, SPI, I²C, I²S, or custom protocols - eliminates need for external bridge ICs |
| Crystal-less USB FS | Integrated oscillator and trimming circuitry - removes 12 MHz crystal, load caps, and layout sensitivity, simplifying certification |
| ROM bootloader | Factory-programmed 16 KB ROM with UART/USB HID update interface - enables field firmware upgrades without debugger |
| Low-power timers | LPTMR + RTC + PIT - supports wake-from-VLLS3 via 32 kHz crystal or LPO, enabling precise periodic sensing intervals |
| Security | Advanced flash security with 80-bit unique ID and mass erase protection - prevents unauthorized firmware extraction or cloning |
Applications
| Wearable Health Monitor | Smart Sensor Node |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Continuous ECG/PPG signal acquisition and local processing in wrist-worn device powered by CR2032 coin cell. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Central MCU executing sensor fusion algorithms, managing USB HID interface for data export, and controlling ultra-low-power sleep/wake cycles. Use Value: 1.96 µA VLLS3 retention enables >3-year battery life; crystal-less USB eliminates timing component count; FlexIO supports proprietary sensor sync protocol. |
Use Scenario: Battery-operated environmental sensor (temp/humidity/pressure) transmitting data over USB to gateway during periodic wake windows. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: System-on-chip controller handling ADC sampling, data logging to flash, USB enumeration, and adaptive power-state management. Use Value: 54 µA/MHz run efficiency extends operational time between charges; ROM bootloader allows remote firmware patching; 16-channel ADC captures multi-sensor data simultaneously. |
| Portable Diagnostic Tool | USB-C Powered Peripheral |
Use Scenario: Handheld medical diagnostic instrument with analog front-end, display, and USB-C host communication for PC connectivity. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary controller managing high-accuracy analog measurements, real-time display updates, and USB device enumeration as CDC ACM class. Use Value: Internal 1.2 V voltage reference ensures ±0.5% ADC accuracy across temperature; 48 MHz core handles real-time waveform rendering; USB FS compliance certified per USB-IF. |
Use Scenario: Self-powered USB peripheral (e.g., smart dock) drawing bus power while maintaining local control and status reporting. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Embedded USB device controller interfacing with host, managing power negotiation, and executing local logic without external microcontroller. Use Value: Crystal-less operation meets USB suspend/resume timing requirements; 32 KB SRAM buffers bulk transfers; VDD range supports direct USB 5 V → 3.3 V LDO integration. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar microcontroller applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| STM32L072KBU6 | 32 MHz Cortex-M0+, 128 KB flash, 20 KB SRAM, USB FS with crystal-less option; lower max clock but higher analog integration (2x 12-bit DAC, 2x comparators) | Better suited for mixed-signal control loops requiring dual DAC outputs; lacks FlexIO-like peripheral flexibility | Select when analog output precision outweighs USB throughput or when ST's ecosystem/toolchain preference dominates |
| EFM32PG12B500F1024GL125 | 40 MHz Cortex-M4, 1024 KB flash, 256 KB RAM, USB FS with crystal-less support; includes hardware crypto acceleration and advanced LESENSE peripheral | Targeted at secure, sensor-rich edge nodes needing cryptographic signing or capacitive touch; higher power in active mode (65 µA/MHz) | Choose for enhanced security or complex sensor hub functionality where cost premium is justified by feature density |
Compared with STM32L072KBU6 and EFM32PG12B500F1024GL125, the MKL27Z256VFM4R offers superior USB timing robustness in crystal-less mode, best-in-class VLLS3 current, and unmatched peripheral reconfigurability via FlexIO - making it optimal for compact, battery-sensitive USB peripherals where firmware agility matters more than raw compute throughput.
Availability
MKL27Z256VFM4R is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for wearable health monitors, smart sensor nodes, portable diagnostic tools, and USB-C powered peripherals requiring stable component supply and long-term lifecycle assurance.
Supply support for MKL27Z256VFM4R 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 wireless technologies.
The Kinetis KL27 series was designed specifically for cost-sensitive, battery-powered USB-enabled edge devices - emphasizing ultra-low-power operation, integrated USB PHY, and flexible peripheral routing to minimize external components.
FAQ
Does MKL27Z256VFM4R support crystal-less USB Full-Speed operation?
Yes, MKL27Z256VFM4R integrates a factory-trimmed 48 MHz internal reference clock (HIRC) with ±0.5% accuracy and dedicated USB oscillator circuitry, enabling full USB 2.0 Full-Speed device compliance without an external crystal. This is confirmed in Section 3.8.1 of the Rev. 5 datasheet and validated per USB-IF test reports for the KL27 family.
What is the minimum supply voltage for MKL27Z256VFM4R to retain RAM and RTC in deep-sleep mode?
MKL27Z256VFM4R retains RAM and RTC in VLLS3 mode down to 1.71 V supply voltage, as specified in Table 5 (Voltage and Current Operating Requirements) and Table 9 (Power Consumption). At 1.8 V, typical VLLS3 current is 1.96 µA with RTC enabled - matching the 1.96 µA value cited in marketing documentation.
How many ADC channels does MKL27Z256VFM4R support in its 32-pin QFN package?
In the MKL27Z256VFM4R (32-pin QFN), seven single-ended ADC inputs (ADC0_SE0 through ADC0_SE6) are available on pins PTA2, PTA3, PTA4, PTA5, PTA6, PTA7, and PTB0. This matches the "7/0" entry under ADC channels (SE/DP) in the Ordering Information table for part number MKL27Z256VFM4.
Is MKL27Z256VFM4R pin-compatible with other KL27 variants like MKL27Z256VFT4?
No, MKL27Z256VFM4R (32-pin QFN) is not pin-compatible with MKL27Z256VFT4 (48-pin QFN) or MKL27Z256VLH4 (64-pin LQFP). Pin counts, physical dimensions, and signal mappings differ across packages - verified in Section 5.2 (KL27 Family Pinouts) of the datasheet. Migration requires PCB redesign.
Does MKL27Z256VFM4R include a hardware bootloader, and how is it accessed?
Yes, MKL27Z256VFM4R contains 16 KB of factory-programmed ROM with a production bootloader supporting UART and USB HID interfaces. It is activated by holding the RESET pin low during power-up while asserting the appropriate boot mode pins (PTA4/PTA5), enabling firmware updates without JTAG/SWD - detailed in Chapter 2 of the KL27P64M48SF6RM1 Reference Manual.
MKL27Z256VFM4R Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- NXP Semiconductors
- Package/Case:
- 32-UFQFN Exposed Pad
- Series:
- Kinetis KL2
- Packaging:
- Tape & Reel (TR)
- Product Status:
- Active
- Programmable:
- Not Verified
- Core Processor:
- ARM® Cortex®-M0+
- Core Size:
- 32-Bit Single-Core
- Speed:
- 48MHz
- Connectivity:
- I2C, SPI, UART/USART, USB
- Peripherals:
- DMA, I2S, LVD, POR, PWM, WDT
- Number of I/O:
- 23
- Program Memory Size:
- 256KB (256K x 8)
- Program Memory Type:
- FLASH
- EEPROM Size:
- -
- RAM Size:
- 32K x 8
- Voltage - Supply (Vcc/Vdd):
- 1.71V ~ 3.6V
- Data Converters:
- A/D 16x16b; D/A 1x12b
- Oscillator Type:
- Internal
- Operating Temperature:
- -40°C ~ 105°C (TA)
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
MKL27Z256VFM4R FAQ
1.How can I place an order for MKL27Z256VFM4R through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for MKL27Z256VFM4R on Aetrix. Our sales agent will provide a competitive quotation and guide you through the order confirmation once you accept the terms.
2.Are the price and stock information for MKL27Z256VFM4R reliable?
The price and inventory of MKL27Z256VFM4R are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for MKL27Z256VFM4R is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for MKL27Z256VFM4R?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for MKL27Z256VFM4R transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for MKL27Z256VFM4R?
MKL27Z256VFM4R orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your MKL27Z256VFM4R order is processed, you will receive an email with the shipment details and tracking number.
Note: Tracking information may take up to 24 hours to appear. Express delivery typically takes 3–5 business days.
5.How can I obtain technical support or documentation for MKL27Z256VFM4R?
For technical support, including MKL27Z256VFM4R datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your MKL27Z256VFM4R requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that MKL27Z256VFM4R is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All MKL27Z256VFM4R products on Aetrix are procured from qualified distributors and authorized channels. Our dedicated quality assurance team conducts strict verification, including traceability checks and, if necessary, third-party testing. This ensures that MKL27Z256VFM4R meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of MKL27Z256VFM4R?
All MKL27Z256VFM4R units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with MKL27Z256VFM4R, returns or replacements are accepted under the following conditions:
1.Quantity discrepancies, incorrect items, or visible external defects (such as breakage or corrosion), acknowledged by Aetrix.
2.The issue is reported within 90 days of delivery.
3.The MKL27Z256VFM4R part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for MKL27Z256VFM4R:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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