NXP Semiconductors MKL36Z128VMC4

Overview

MKL36Z128VMC4 from NXP Semiconductors (formerly Freescale) is a 48 MHz ARM Cortex-M0+ microcontroller with 128 KB flash, 16 KB SRAM, and 84 GPIOs in a 121-pin MAPBGA package. It integrates a 16-bit SAR ADC, 12-bit DAC, segment LCD controller (up to 51×4), TSI touch interface, dual UART, I²C, SPI, and I²S/SAI - optimized for ultra-low-power industrial HMI, portable medical devices, and battery-powered sensor nodes.

For engineers reviewing the MKL36Z128VMC4 datasheet, MKL36Z128VMC4 pinout, MKL36Z128VMC4 application, or MKL36Z128VMC4 equivalent, key selection criteria include its 2 μA VLLS0 stop-mode current with full state retention, 4.5 μs wake-up time, 1.71–3.6 V operating range, -40°C to +105°C temperature grade, and compatibility with Kinetis L/K3x families for scalable firmware reuse.

Technical Context

The MKL36Z128VMC4 implements an ARM Cortex-M0+ core with Bit Manipulation Engine and Micro Trace Buffer, executing from zero-wait-state flash at up to 48 MHz. Its clock system includes MCG with FBE/BLPE/FEI modes, supporting internal 4 MHz/32 kHz IRC and external crystals up to 16 MHz.

Power management features nine low-power modes (VLPR, VLPS, LLS, VLLS0–3), dynamic clock gating, and voltage regulation optimized for 90 nm TFS process. Peripheral integration includes six-channel TPM, two 2-channel TPM modules, LPTMR, RTC, COP watchdog, and DMA supporting 63 request sources.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

121-pin MAPBGA (MP) package, 8 mm × 8 mm × 0.8 mm height, 0.65 mm ball pitch, thermal pad exposed on underside. Pinout conforms to KL36 signal multiplexing architecture with dedicated SWD debug, multiple UART/I²C/SPI channels, and configurable GPIO with digital filtering and slew-rate control.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with MKL36Z128VMC4, MKL27Z128VLH4 trades LCD/TSI and extended temperature for lower-cost packaging, while MKE15Z128VLL4 replaces display peripherals with CAN FD - making MKL36Z128VMC4 uniquely balanced for ultra-low-power HMI endpoints.

Availability

MKL36Z128VMC4 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial HMI panels, portable medical devices, smart utility meters, and asset tracking beacons requiring stable component supply across extended temperature and long product lifecycles.

Supply support for MKL36Z128VMC4 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 - including MKL36Z128VMC4 - was designed as an entry-level 32-bit MCU platform emphasizing ultra-low-power operation, integrated human-machine interface peripherals, and software compatibility across Kinetis L and K3x families.

FAQ

What is the maximum operating frequency of the MKL36Z128VMC4 core?

The MKL36Z128VMC4 features an ARM Cortex-M0+ core rated for up to 48 MHz operation in normal run mode. This frequency is supported with zero-wait-state flash execution and full peripheral clocking. In very-low-power run (VLPR) mode, the core operates up to 4 MHz to minimize active current consumption while retaining full code execution capability.

Does the MKL36Z128VMC4 support segment LCD driving, and what are its configuration limits?

Yes, the MKL36Z128VMC4 integrates a dedicated segment LCD controller supporting up to 51 frontplanes and 4 backplanes (204 segments) or 47 frontplanes and 8 backplanes (376 segments). It includes an internal charge pump, programmable bias generation, and frame rates from 32 Hz to 128 Hz - enabling direct drive of custom alphanumeric or graphical LCD glass without external components.

What is the lowest power consumption mode available on the MKL36Z128VMC4, and what state is retained?

The MKL36Z128VMC4 achieves its lowest power in Very-Low-Leakage Stop Mode 0 (VLLS0), drawing just 0.23 μA typical at 25°C with PORPO=1. In this mode, all registers, SRAM, and core state are fully retained, and wake-up occurs in 4.5 μs - making it ideal for applications requiring instant responsiveness after extended sleep periods.

Which communication interfaces are available on the MKL36Z128VMC4?

The MKL36Z128VMC4 provides two UART modules (including one low-power UART), two I²C modules, two SPI modules, one I²S/SAI audio interface, and a dedicated SWD debug port. It does not include CAN, Ethernet, or USB peripherals. All serial interfaces support flexible pin multiplexing and low-power operation down to VLPS mode.

What is the temperature and voltage operating range for the MKL36Z128VMC4?

The MKL36Z128VMC4 is specified for industrial operation from -40°C to +105°C ambient temperature and supports a single supply voltage range of 1.71 V to 3.6 V. This wide voltage range allows direct interfacing with declining primary batteries (e.g., Li-SOCl₂ or alkaline) without intermediate regulation, while the extended temperature grade enables deployment in harsh environments like meter enclosures or automotive cabins.