NXP Semiconductors MKL27Z256VLH4

Overview

MKL27Z256VLH4 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, FlexIO for serial peripheral emulation, and achieves 1.96 µA in VLLS3 deep-sleep mode with RTC and RAM retention. It targets battery-powered medical sensors, portable USB HID devices, and low-cost industrial control nodes.

For engineers reviewing the MKL27Z256VLH4 datasheet, MKL27Z256VLH4 pinout, MKL27Z256VLH4 application, or MKL27Z256VLH4 equivalent, key selection criteria include its crystal-less USB capability, 64-pin LQFP package with 50 GPIOs, 16-channel ADC (SE/DP), -40°C to 105°C extended temperature range, and verified low-power run mode down to 54 µA/MHz.

Technical Context

The MKL27Z256VLH4 implements an ARM Cortex-M0+ core with Micro Trace Buffer and Bit Manipulation Engine, paired with a multi-mode 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 to RUN-with sub-µA deep-sleep states enabled by dedicated low-leakage wakeup units and LPO-based timers.

Peripherals are organized around flexible routing: USB FS operates without external crystal via internal oscillator; FlexIO provides programmable serial interface emulation (UART/I²C/SPI/I²S/PWM); dual low-power UARTs maintain asynchronous communication in VLPS/VLLS; and the ADC supports both single-ended and differential inputs with integrated 1.2 V reference and high-accuracy internal VREF.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: 64-pin LQFP (10 mm × 10 mm, 0.5 mm pitch, 1.6 mm thickness), RoHS-compliant, moisture sensitivity level MSL3.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with KL26Z128VLH4, MKL27Z256VLH4 offers double flash capacity for complex USB stacks and field-upgradable firmware, while versus STM32L072KBU6 it eliminates crystal dependency and adds hardware-accelerated serial peripheral emulation-critical for mixed-interface industrial gateways.

Availability

MKL27Z256VLH4 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for portable medical sensors, industrial data loggers, and smart home energy monitors requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges and long production lifecycles.

Supply support for MKL27Z256VLH4 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 KL27 series was designed specifically for cost-sensitive, battery-powered USB-connected edge devices-emphasizing ultra-low-power operation, integrated analog precision, and flexible peripheral emulation without external components.

FAQ

What is the maximum operating frequency of the MKL27Z256VLH4 core?

The MKL27Z256VLH4 features an ARM Cortex-M0+ core rated for up to 48 MHz operation. This frequency is supported by the factory-trimmed 48 MHz High-Frequency Internal Reference Clock (HIRC) with ±0.5% accuracy across temperature and voltage, eliminating need for external crystal in many timing-critical applications. The MKL27Z256VLH4 maintains full peripheral functionality-including USB FS and ADC sampling-at this speed.

Does the MKL27Z256VLH4 support crystal-less USB operation?

Yes, the MKL27Z256VLH4 fully supports USB Full-Speed 2.0 device operation without an external crystal. Its internal oscillator meets USB specification timing requirements for enumeration and data transfer, validated per the official NXP datasheet Rev. 5 (2015). This capability removes two external components (12 MHz crystal and load capacitors), simplifying layout and reducing BOM cost-confirmed in the "USB electrical specifications" section of the MKL27Z256VLH4 datasheet.

How many GPIO pins does the MKL27Z256VLH4 provide in its 64-LQFP package?

The MKL27Z256VLH4 in the 64-pin LQFP package provides 50 general-purpose I/O pins, including 6 high-drive outputs capable of sourcing/sinking up to 20 mA. All GPIOs support interrupt generation, DMA request triggering, and software-configurable pull-up/down. Pin assignments are documented in Section 5.2 ("KL27 Family Pinouts") of the MKL27Z256VLH4 reference manual, with multiplexing controlled via PORTx_PCRn registers.

What is the lowest power consumption state achievable with RAM and RTC retained on the MKL27Z256VLH4?

The MKL27Z256VLH4 achieves 1.96 µA typical current draw in Very-Low-Leakage Stop Mode 3 (VLLS3) while retaining full SRAM contents and RTC operation. This state is confirmed in Table 9 of the official datasheet (Rev. 5, p.14), measured at 3.0 V and 25°C with RTC clocked by internal LPO. Wake-up sources include GPIO interrupts, RTC alarms, and low-power timer events-enabling years of operation on a single coin cell in intermittent-sensing applications.

Which analog peripherals are integrated into the MKL27Z256VLH4?

The MKL27Z256VLH4 integrates a 16-bit, 818 ksps ADC with up to 16 single-ended or 8 differential input channels; a 12-bit DAC; a high-speed analog comparator with integrated 6-bit DAC for programmable reference; and a 1.2 V internal voltage reference with ±1.5% tolerance. These are detailed in Sections 3.6.1–3.6.4 of the MKL27Z256VLH4 datasheet, with all analog blocks sharing the VDDA/VSSA supply domain to ensure noise isolation and measurement repeatability.