NXP Semiconductors MKL36Z128VLL4R

Overview

MKL36Z128VLL4R 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 47×8), and ultra-low-power operation down to 0.23 µA in VLLS0 mode. It targets battery-powered industrial HMI, portable medical devices, and smart sensor nodes requiring long runtime and integrated display control.

For engineers reviewing the MKL36Z128VLL4R datasheet, MKL36Z128VLL4R pinout, MKL36Z128VLL4R application, or MKL36Z128VLL4R equivalent, key selection criteria include its 100-pin LQFP footprint, 84 GPIO count, -40°C to +105°C operating range, 16-bit SAR ADC with analog comparator, and dual UART/I²C/SPI interfaces for sensor and display subsystem integration.

Technical Context

The MKL36Z128VLL4R implements a single-core ARM Cortex-M0+ processor with Bit Manipulation Engine and Micro Trace Buffer for debug visibility. Its clock system integrates MCG with multiple modes (FEI, FBE, BLPI, BLPE) supporting flexible low-power transitions between RUN, VLPR, STOP, and VLLS0–VLLS3 states.

System-level peripherals include a 6-channel TPM, two 2-channel TPMs, LPTMR, RTC, COP watchdog, and 4-channel DMA. The analog subsystem combines a 16-bit SAR ADC, 12-bit DAC, and comparator with embedded 6-bit DAC reference - all operable in low-leakage stop modes with sub-µA adder currents.

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 MKL26Z128VLH4 and MKE14Z128VLH7, the MKL36Z128VLL4R uniquely provides segment LCD control in a 100-pin package - making it the only option among the three for cost-sensitive, display-integrated designs requiring >54 GPIOs and extended temperature operation.

Availability

MKL36Z128VLL4R is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial HMI, portable medical monitors, smart utility meters, and asset tracking beacons requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges and long production lifecycles.

Supply support for MKL36Z128VLL4R 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 KL36 family was designed as an ultra-low-power entry-level 32-bit MCU platform targeting cost-sensitive, battery-operated human-machine interface and sensor-edge applications with integrated LCD and touch capability.

FAQ

What is the maximum operating frequency of the MKL36Z128VLL4R core?

The MKL36Z128VLL4R features an ARM Cortex-M0+ core rated for up to 48 MHz operation in normal run mode. This frequency is supported across the full 1.71–3.6 V supply range and -40°C to +105°C ambient temperature, with timing validated per the KL36P121M48SF4 datasheet Rev 5. The core achieves 30.5 CoreMark/mA efficiency in FEI mode, confirming deterministic real-time performance for HMI and sensor processing tasks.

Does the MKL36Z128VLL4R support hardware-accelerated segment LCD driving?

Yes, the MKL36Z128VLL4R integrates a dedicated segment LCD controller capable of driving up to 47 frontplanes and 8 backplanes (or 51 × 4), with programmable bias, frame frequency, and duty cycle. It includes an internal charge pump generating VLCD up to 3× VDD, eliminating external bias circuitry. This hardware engine operates independently of the CPU and retains configuration in low-power modes including VLLS1, enabling always-on display functionality with minimal power overhead.

What are the lowest-power operational states supported by the MKL36Z128VLL4R?

The MKL36Z128VLL4R supports nine low-power modes, with VLLS0 (Very-Low-Leakage Stop Mode 0) delivering the lowest static current: 0.23 µA at 3.0 V and 25°C when PORPO = 1. In this mode, RAM and registers retain full state, and wakeup occurs in 4.5 µs via selected pins or LPUART. VLLS1 adds RTC and comparator wake sources while consuming 0.71 µA typical; both modes are qualified across the full -40°C to +105°C range per datasheet Table 9.

How many analog-to-digital converter channels does the MKL36Z128VLL4R provide?

The MKL36Z128VLL4R includes a 16-bit SAR ADC with 16 single-ended or 8 differential input channels (ADC0_SE0–SE15). It supports hardware averaging, programmable sample time, and conversion triggers from TPM, LPTMR, or software. The ADC operates down to 1.71 V supply and maintains ±1 LSB integral nonlinearity across the full temperature range, enabling precision measurement of sensors such as thermistors, strain gauges, and battery voltage dividers.

Is the MKL36Z128VLL4R pin-compatible with other Kinetis L-series MCUs?

No, the MKL36Z128VLL4R is not pin-compatible with other Kinetis L-series MCUs due to its unique 100-pin LQFP (VLL) package and specific peripheral pin mappings. While it shares architectural compatibility (same register map, memory layout, and toolchain) with KL2x/KL3x families, physical pinouts differ across VLL (100-pin), VLH (64-pin), and VMP (64-ball MAPBGA) variants. Migration requires PCB redesign; however, firmware porting is straightforward due to identical SDK and HAL support in MCUXpresso.