NXP Semiconductors MKL33Z32VLK4

Overview

MKL33Z32VLK4 from NXP Semiconductors (formerly Freescale) is a 48 MHz ARM® Cortex®-M0+ microcontroller with 32 KB flash, 4 KB SRAM, and integrated segment LCD controller supporting up to 40×8 segments. It delivers 60 µA/MHz in very low power run mode and 1.83 µA in VLLS3 deep sleep (RAM + RTC retained), targeting battery-powered metering and portable HMI devices.

For engineers reviewing the MKL33Z32VLK4 datasheet, MKL33Z32VLK4 pinout, MKL33Z32VLK4 application, or MKL33Z32VLK4 equivalent, key selection criteria include its 80-pin LQFP package, 70 GPIOs (4 high-drive), 20-channel 16-bit ADC with internal Vref, FlexIO for peripheral emulation, and hardware CRC-critical for secure, low-power embedded designs.

Technical Context

The MKL33Z32VLK4 implements an ARM Cortex-M0+ core with Micro Trace Buffer and two-pin SWD debug interface. Its clock system integrates a factory-trimmed 48 MHz HIRC (±0.5%), dual internal reference clocks (8/2 MHz ±3%), and 32 kHz–32 MHz crystal support-including 1 kHz reference active across all low-power modes except VLLS0.

Peripherals include one 16-bit 818 ksps ADC with programmable 1.2 V internal reference, a 12-bit DAC, high-speed analog comparator with embedded 6-bit DAC, three timer/PWM modules (6+2+2 channels), real-time clock, and FlexIO enabling UART/IrDA/SPI/I²C/PWM emulation without additional silicon.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: 80-pin LQFP, 12 mm × 12 mm, 0.5 mm pitch, 1.6 mm thickness - compatible with standard PCB assembly processes and thermal management in compact enclosures.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with MKL33Z32VLK4, MKL27Z32VLH4 omits LCD/FlexIO and reduces I/O count, while MKL33Z64VLK4 offers double flash/SRAM in identical packaging-making it a direct capacity upgrade without layout change.

Availability

MKL33Z32VLK4 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for smart metering, portable medical instrumentation, industrial HMI panels, and asset tracking beacons requiring stable component supply and long-term lifecycle support.

Supply support for MKL33Z32VLK4 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 applications.

The Kinetis KL33 series was designed specifically for cost-sensitive, battery-powered applications demanding integrated segment LCD control and ultra-low-power operation-targeting utility, healthcare, and portable industrial markets.

FAQ

What is the maximum operating frequency of the MKL33Z32VLK4?

The MKL33Z32VLK4 features an ARM Cortex-M0+ core rated for up to 48 MHz operation. This frequency is supported by the factory-trimmed 48 MHz high-accuracy internal reference clock (HIRC) with ±0.5% tolerance, eliminating need for external crystal in many timing-critical applications. The MKL33Z32VLK4 maintains this speed across its full temperature range (–40 to +105 °C) under 1.71–3.6 V supply conditions.

Does the MKL33Z32VLK4 support external crystal oscillators?

Yes, the MKL33Z32VLK4 supports external crystals from 32 kHz to 32 MHz. It includes dedicated XTAL32/EXTAL32 pins for 32 kHz crystals used by the RTC, and configurable OSC0 pins accepting 3–32 MHz crystals for system clock generation. Crystal oscillator circuitry meets JEDEC JESD22-A101 requirements and supports automatic failover to internal clocks upon loss of external signal.

How many ADC channels does the MKL33Z32VLK4 provide, and what is their resolution?

The MKL33Z32VLK4 integrates a single 16-bit successive approximation ADC module with up to 20 input channels (17 single-ended, 3 differential). It achieves 818 ksps sampling rate and includes a high-accuracy internal 1.2 V voltage reference, enabling precise measurements without external reference components. Channel selection and conversion sequencing are fully configurable via software registers.

What low-power modes are available on the MKL33Z32VLK4, and what is the lowest current draw?

The MKL33Z32VLK4 offers six static low-power modes including VLLS0, VLLS1, VLLS3, LLS, VLPS, and STOP. Its lowest active current is 60 µA/MHz in Very Low Power Run (VLPR) mode; the deepest sleep state is VLLS3, drawing just 1.83 µA while retaining SRAM and RTC contents-verified at 3.0 V and 25 °C per datasheet Rev. 2 (03/2015).

Is the MKL33Z32VLK4 pin-compatible with other Kinetis KL33 family members?

The MKL33Z32VLK4 uses an 80-pin LQFP package identical to MKL33Z64VLK4, making them pin-compatible and functionally interchangeable in hardware design. Both share identical pin assignments, peripheral mappings, and electrical characteristics. However, MKL33Z32VLK4 is not pin-compatible with 48-pin QFN or 64-pin LQFP variants (e.g., MKL33Z32VLH4) due to differing pin counts and signal allocations.