NXP Semiconductors MKL36Z128VLL4

Overview

MKL36Z128VLL4 from NXP Semiconductors (formerly Freescale) is a 48 MHz ARM Cortex-M0+ microcontroller in 100-pin LQFP package, featuring 128 KB flash, 16 KB SRAM, segment LCD controller (up to 51×4), 16-bit SAR ADC, and ultra-low-power operation down to 0.23 µA in VLLS0 mode with full state retention - deployed in battery-powered medical monitors and industrial sensor nodes requiring long runtime and human-interface capability.

For engineers reviewing the MKL36Z128VLL4 datasheet, MKL36Z128VLL4 pinout, MKL36Z128VLL4 application, or MKL36Z128VLL4 equivalent, key selection criteria include its 100-pin LQFP footprint, 84 GPIO count, -40°C to 105°C operating range, segment LCD support, and verified low-power performance across nine power modes including VLLS0/VLLS1/LLS/VLPS.

Technical Context

The MKL36Z128VLL4 implements an ARM Cortex-M0+ core with Bit Manipulation Engine and Micro Trace Buffer, paired with a multi-source clock system including 32 kHz–40 kHz and 3–32 MHz crystal oscillators, MCG with FEI/BLPI/PEE modes, and independent 4 MHz/32 kHz internal reference clocks. Its memory subsystem integrates zero-wait-state flash with energy-efficient 90 nm TFS process and clock/power gating.

Peripherals are architected for low-power responsiveness: a low-leakage wakeup unit enables sub-5 µs wake from VLPS/STOP, the TSI module supports capacitive touch sensing, and the LCD controller drives up to 288 segments at 32 Hz frame rate with resistor bias network - all while maintaining full SRAM retention in VLLS1 mode at 0.71 µA typical.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: 100-pin LQFP (14 mm × 14 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 MKL36Z128VLL4, MKL26Z128VLH4 offers identical processing and memory but sacrifices LCD/TSI for smaller footprint, while MKE14Z128VLH7 trades LCD/TSI for CAN FD - making MKL36Z128VLL4 uniquely suited for ultra-low-power HMI-centric designs requiring integrated display and touch.

Availability

MKL36Z128VLL4 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for medical monitoring devices, industrial panel meters, smart utility displays, and wearable health trackers requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle assurance, and validated low-power performance.

Supply support for MKL36Z128VLL4 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, with deep expertise in low-power microcontrollers and edge processing.

The Kinetis KL36 family - including MKL36Z128VLL4 - was designed specifically for ultra-low-power human-machine interface applications, integrating segment LCD controllers, touch sensing, and sub-microamp sleep modes to enable battery-operated displays and sensors.

FAQ

What is the maximum operating frequency of the MKL36Z128VLL4 core?

The MKL36Z128VLL4 features an ARM Cortex-M0+ core rated for up to 48 MHz operation in normal run mode. This frequency is supported by the MCG in PEE mode with external crystal, delivering deterministic real-time performance for control and signal processing tasks while maintaining compatibility with the broader Kinetis L-family clocking architecture.

Does the MKL36Z128VLL4 support segment LCD driving, and what configurations are available?

Yes, the MKL36Z128VLL4 includes a dedicated segment LCD controller supporting two configurations: 47 frontplanes × 8 backplanes (376 segments) or 51 frontplanes × 4 backplanes (204 segments). It operates with internal resistor bias or external capacitor charge pump, and supports 1/4 to 1/8 duty cycles at frame rates up to 128 Hz - all managed in hardware without CPU intervention.

What is the lowest power consumption mode supported by the MKL36Z128VLL4, and what state is retained?

The MKL36Z128VLL4 achieves its lowest power in Very Low-Leakage Stop Mode 0 (VLLS0), with typical current draw of 0.23 µA at 3.0 V when SMC_STOPCTRL[PORPO] = 1. In this mode, the device retains full register contents, SRAM, and RTC state - enabling instant wake with no boot overhead, critical for infrequent-event sensing applications.

How many GPIO pins does the MKL36Z128VLL4 provide, and are they all 5 V tolerant?

The MKL36Z128VLL4 provides 84 general-purpose I/O pins across five ports (PTA–PTE), all configurable with internal pull-up/down resistors, slew rate control, and interrupt capability. None of the GPIOs are 5 V tolerant; the absolute maximum input voltage is VDD + 0.3 V, and the operating supply range is strictly 1.71–3.6 V - requiring level-shifting for 5 V interface systems.

What analog peripherals are integrated into the MKL36Z128VLL4?

The MKL36Z128VLL4 integrates a 16-bit SAR ADC with single-ended/differential inputs and programmable gain, a 12-bit DAC, and an analog comparator (CMP) with integrated 6-bit DAC and selectable reference sources. These peripherals share the VDDA/VSSA analog domain and support low-power operation - enabling precision sensor signal acquisition and closed-loop control without external components.