NXP Semiconductors MKL27Z256VFT4
- Part No.:
- MKL27Z256VFT4
- Manufacturer:
- NXP Semiconductors
- Category:
- Microcontrollers
- Package:
- 48-UFQFN Exposed Pad
- Datasheet:
-
MKL27Z256VFT4.pdf
- Description:
- IC MCU 32BIT 256KB FLASH 48QFN
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:780
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Product details
Overview
MKL27Z256VFT4 from NXP Semiconductors (formerly Freescale) is a 48 MHz ARM® Cortex®-M0+ microcontroller with 256 KB flash, 32 KB SRAM, and USB Full-Speed 2.0 device controller supporting crystal-less operation. It integrates a 16-bit 818 ksps ADC with internal voltage reference, 12-bit DAC, and FlexIO for customizable serial peripheral emulation. Designed for battery-powered USB-connected sensors and portable medical devices.
For engineers reviewing the MKL27Z256VFT4 datasheet, MKL27Z256VFT4 pinout, MKL27Z256VFT4 application, or MKL27Z256VFT4 equivalent, key selection criteria include its 48-pin QFN package, 1.71–3.6 V operating range, -40 to 105 °C temperature grade, and verified low-power modes down to 1.96 µA in VLLS3 with RTC and RAM retention.
Technical Context
The MKL27Z256VFT4 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 IRC, and 32 kHz–32 MHz crystal support. Its power architecture includes six static low-power modes-VLLS0 through RUN-with sub-µA deep-sleep capability and fast wake-up times (e.g., 93 µs from VLLS3 to RUN).
Peripherals are optimized for embedded connectivity: USB FS 2.0 operates without external crystal; two low-power UARTs maintain asynchronous communication in VLPS/VLLS; FlexIO enables runtime reconfiguration of UART/I²C/SPI/I²S/PWM; and the ADC supports up to 14 single-ended or 1 differential channel conversion at 818 ksps with internal 1.2 V reference.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Core | ARM Cortex-M0+, 48 MHz max - delivers deterministic real-time control with <10 ns interrupt latency and SWD debug interface. |
| Memory | 256 KB flash / 32 KB SRAM / 16 KB ROM bootloader - enables field firmware updates without external host or programming hardware. |
| USB Interface | Crystal-less USB FS 2.0 device - eliminates 12 MHz crystal and matching capacitors, reducing BOM cost and PCB area. |
| ADC | 16-bit, 818 ksps, 14-channel SE/1-channel DP - supports high-resolution sensor acquisition with internal 1.2 V reference for stable scaling. |
| Low-Power Performance | 1.96 µA in VLLS3 (RAM + RTC retained) - sustains timekeeping and volatile state across multi-week battery life in coin-cell powered devices. |
| Operating Range | 1.71–3.6 V supply, –40 to 105 °C - qualified for industrial and automotive cabin applications without external regulation or derating. |
| I/O Count | 36 GPIOs (24 interrupt-capable, 6 high-drive) - sufficient for mixed-signal sensor hubs with direct LED/relay drive capability. |
Pinout & Package
Package: 48-pin QFN, 7 mm × 7 mm, 0.5 mm pitch, 0.65 mm thickness, exposed thermal pad.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| VDD, VDDA, VSS, VSSA | Power and ground domains | Separate digital/analog supplies enable noise isolation; VDDA must track VDD within ±0.1 V for ADC/DAC accuracy. |
| USB_DP / USB_DM | USB Full-Speed differential pair | Integrated transceiver with internal termination; requires only 27 Ω series resistors and no external crystal for device-mode operation. |
| PTA0–PTA31, PTB0–PTB15, PTC0–PTC15, PTD0–PTD15 | GPIO multiplexed I/O | 36 usable pins on this 48-pin variant; each supports programmable pull-up/down, slew rate, and drive strength (normal or high). |
| XTAL / EXTAL | 32 kHz crystal oscillator input/output | Supports RTC and low-power timing; optional-device operates fully from internal clocks if crystal omitted. |
| RESET_b | Active-low reset input | Accepts 1.71–3.6 V logic; internal pull-up ensures reliable startup without external resistor in most designs. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| FlexIO module | Configurable logic engine enabling runtime emulation of UART, SPI, I²C, I²S, PWM, or custom protocols-eliminates need for external bridge ICs. |
| Crystal-less USB | Internal 48 MHz HIRC trimmed to ±0.5% accuracy meets USB FS timing requirements without external crystal or calibration firmware. |
| ROM bootloader | 16 KB factory-programmed ROM with UART/USB HID/DFU interfaces allows secure firmware updates over standard ports without flash-resident boot code. |
| Low-power timers | Dual LPTMR and RTC with 32 kHz crystal or LPO source provide precise timekeeping and periodic wake-up events while consuming <30 nA additional current in VLLS1. |
| Analog integration | On-chip 12-bit DAC, analog comparator with 6-bit DAC reference, and 1.2 V internal VREF deliver complete signal chain for closed-loop sensor control without external components. |
Applications
| Wearable Health Monitor | Industrial Sensor Node |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Compact wrist-worn pulse oximeter with optical sensing, Bluetooth LE interface, and 7-day battery life. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Central MCU managing ADC sampling, USB-based firmware updates, and low-power scheduling via RTC and VLLS3 sleep mode. Use Value: Crystal-less USB reduces component count; 1.96 µA VLLS3 current extends battery life; integrated 12-bit DAC drives LED current control precisely. | Use Scenario: Battery-powered wireless temperature/humidity node deployed in HVAC ducts with 10-year maintenance interval. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Data acquisition controller using FlexIO to interface legacy RS-485 sensors and internal ADC for analog transducers. Use Value: FlexIO replaces external level shifters and protocol converters; 105 °C rating ensures reliability in hot environments; low-leakage stop modes minimize self-discharge. |
| USB-C Powered Accessory | Portable Diagnostic Tool |
Use Scenario: Handheld ECG signal conditioner that draws power and communicates via USB-C port without external power supply. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: USB device endpoint with real-time ADC buffering, DMA-accelerated data streaming, and SWD debug access. Use Value: USB FS 2.0 compliance without crystal saves board space; 32 KB SRAM enables double-buffered 16-bit ECG sample storage; 48 MHz core handles real-time filtering. | Use Scenario: Field-deployable glucose meter with touch UI, SD card logging, and rechargeable Li-ion battery. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Main controller executing FDA-compliant algorithms, managing electrochemical sensor biasing via DAC, and retaining calibration data in backup registers. Use Value: 32-byte backup register preserves calibration constants across power cycles; 1.2 V internal VREF ensures consistent ADC gain; high-drive GPIOs directly drive capacitive touch overlay. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar microcontroller applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| STM32L072KBU6 | ARM Cortex-M0+, 32 MHz, 128 KB flash, 20 KB SRAM, USB FS with crystal-less option, but requires external 32 kHz crystal for RTC accuracy. | Lacks FlexIO; uses standard peripherals only-requires external components for non-standard serial protocols. | Select when USB + ultra-low-power RTC is primary requirement and peripheral flexibility is secondary. |
| EFM32PG12B500F1024GL125 | ARM Cortex-M4, 40 MHz, 1024 KB flash, 256 KB RAM, advanced low-energy sensor interface (LESENSE), but no native USB device controller. | Superior analog performance and energy efficiency in sleep, but USB functionality requires external PHY or host-side bridging. | Select when high-resolution sensor fusion and sub-µA sleep dominate over integrated USB device capability. |
Compared with STM32L072KBU6 and EFM32PG12B500F1024GL125, the MKL27Z256VFT4 uniquely combines crystal-less USB FS, FlexIO-based peripheral customization, and production-ready 105 °C qualification in a 48-pin QFN-making it optimal for cost-sensitive, battery-powered USB peripherals requiring field-upgradable firmware and mixed-signal integration.
Availability
MKL27Z256VFT4 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for wearable health monitors, industrial sensor nodes, USB-C powered accessories, and portable diagnostic tools requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges and long product lifecycles.
Supply support for MKL27Z256VFT4 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 headquarters in Eindhoven, Netherlands.
The Kinetis KL27 family was designed specifically for cost-sensitive, battery-operated USB-connected edge devices-emphasizing low-power operation, integrated analog peripherals, and simplified USB implementation without external timing components.
FAQ
Does MKL27Z256VFT4 support USB device operation without an external crystal?
Yes, MKL27Z256VFT4 integrates a factory-trimmed 48 MHz high-accuracy internal reference clock (HIRC) with ±0.5% tolerance, enabling full USB Full-Speed 2.0 device compliance without any external crystal or oscillator. This eliminates BOM cost and layout complexity associated with crystal matching networks.
What is the lowest power consumption mode supported by MKL27Z256VFT4 with RAM and RTC retention?
MKL27Z256VFT4 achieves 1.96 µA typical current in Very-Low-Leakage Stop Mode 3 (VLLS3) while retaining full SRAM contents and RTC operation. This mode is validated across the full –40 to 105 °C temperature range and supports wake-up via GPIO, RTC alarm, or LPTMR event.
How many ADC channels does MKL27Z256VFT4 support in its 48-pin QFN package?
In the MKL27Z256VFT4 48-pin QFN variant, the ADC supports up to 14 single-ended or 1 differential input channels. Channel mapping is fixed per pin assignment in the datasheet; all 14 SE channels are accessible on dedicated analog input pins within this package configuration.
Is MKL27Z256VFT4 qualified for industrial temperature range operation?
Yes, MKL27Z256VFT4 is specified for continuous operation from –40 to 105 °C ambient temperature and is qualified per industrial-grade reliability standards. Its electrical characteristics-including ADC accuracy, USB timing, and low-power mode currents-are guaranteed across this full range.
Does MKL27Z256VFT4 include a factory-programmed bootloader?
Yes, MKL27Z256VFT4 contains 16 KB of ROM with a pre-programmed bootloader supporting UART, USB HID, and USB DFU protocols. This enables field firmware updates without requiring custom boot code in flash memory or external programming hardware.
MKL27Z256VFT4 Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- NXP Semiconductors
- Package/Case:
- 48-UFQFN Exposed Pad
- Series:
- Kinetis KL2
- Packaging:
- Tray
- 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:
- 36
- 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:
MKL27Z256VFT4 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for MKL27Z256VFT4 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for MKL27Z256VFT4 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 MKL27Z256VFT4 reliable?
The price and inventory of MKL27Z256VFT4 are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for MKL27Z256VFT4 is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for MKL27Z256VFT4?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for MKL27Z256VFT4 transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for MKL27Z256VFT4?
MKL27Z256VFT4 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your MKL27Z256VFT4 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 MKL27Z256VFT4?
For technical support, including MKL27Z256VFT4 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your MKL27Z256VFT4 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that MKL27Z256VFT4 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All MKL27Z256VFT4 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 MKL27Z256VFT4 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of MKL27Z256VFT4?
All MKL27Z256VFT4 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with MKL27Z256VFT4, 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 MKL27Z256VFT4 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for MKL27Z256VFT4:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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