NXP Semiconductors MKL36Z256VLH4

Overview

MKL36Z256VLH4 from NXP Semiconductors (formerly Freescale) is a 48 MHz ARM® Cortex®-M0+ based microcontroller with 256 KB flash, 32 KB SRAM, and integrated segment LCD controller. It delivers ultra-low-power operation down to 0.23 µA in VLLS0 mode with full state retention and 4.5 µs wakeup, targeting battery-powered industrial HMI and portable medical devices.

For engineers reviewing the MKL36Z256VLH4 datasheet, MKL36Z256VLH4 pinout, MKL36Z256VLH4 application, or MKL36Z256VLH4 equivalent, key selection criteria include its 64-pin LQFP package, 1.71–3.6 V operating range, -40 to 105°C temperature grade, 16-bit SAR ADC, and dual UART/I²C/SPI interfaces for sensor-rich embedded control.

Technical Context

The MKL36Z256VLH4 implements a tightly coupled Cortex-M0+ core with Bit Manipulation Engine and Micro Trace Buffer for debug visibility. Its clock system integrates MCG with multiple modes (FEI, FBE, BLPI, BLPE) supporting dynamic voltage/frequency scaling across nine low-power states.

System-level integration includes a 47×8/51×4 segment LCD controller with internal bias generation, low-leakage wakeup unit, and hardware TSI for capacitive touch sensing - all optimized for sub-1 µA static power with full RAM retention in VLLS0/VLLS1 modes.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

64-pin LQFP (10 mm × 10 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 KL26Z128VLH4, MKL36Z256VLH4 provides double flash/RAM for larger firmware and enhanced HMI features; versus MKE02Z64VLD4, it adds LCD/TSI, 28 extra GPIOs, and extended temperature range - justifying use in higher-integration industrial designs.

Availability

MKL36Z256VLH4 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 and long-term lifecycle support.

Supply support for MKL36Z256VLH4 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 KL36 family was designed as an entry-level 32-bit MCU platform emphasizing ultra-low-power operation, integrated human-machine interface peripherals (LCD/TSI), and seamless compatibility across Kinetis L and K3x families.

FAQ

What is the maximum operating frequency of the MKL36Z256VLH4 core?

The MKL36Z256VLH4 features an ARM Cortex-M0+ core rated for up to 48 MHz operation. This frequency is achievable in normal run mode with the MCG configured in PEE mode using an external crystal. In very-low-power run (VLPR) mode, the core operates up to 4 MHz to minimize active current while retaining full functionality. The MKL36Z256VLH4 datasheet specifies timing parameters for both configurations across the full -40°C to 105°C temperature range.

Does the MKL36Z256VLH4 support hardware touch sensing?

Yes, the MKL36Z256VLH4 integrates a dedicated Touch Sensing Input (TSI) module with hardware charge-transfer measurement, automatic calibration, and noise filtering. It supports up to 16 touch channels and operates independently in low-power modes including VLPS and VLLS1. The TSI eliminates the need for external touch controllers and is validated for robust operation in noisy industrial environments - a key capability documented in the MKL36Z256VLH4 reference manual section 3.9.1.

What LCD configurations does the MKL36Z256VLH4 support?

The MKL36Z256VLH4 LCD controller supports two primary configurations: 47 frontplanes × 8 backplanes (376 segments) or 51 frontplanes × 4 backplanes (204 segments). It includes an integrated bias generator, programmable frame rate (up to 128 Hz), and support for static, 1/2, 1/3, and 1/4 duty cycles. These capabilities are specified in the MKL36Z256VLH4 datasheet section 3.9.2 and enable direct drive of common industrial segmented displays without external glass drivers.

What is the lowest power consumption mode of the MKL36Z256VLH4?

The MKL36Z256VLH4 achieves its lowest power consumption in Very-Low-Leakage Stop Mode 0 (VLLS0), drawing as little as 0.23 µA at 25°C with full RAM and register retention and 4.5 µs wakeup time. This mode disables the core, system clocks, and most peripherals while maintaining the ability to wake on pin interrupts or RTC alarms. The value is measured at 3.0 V supply and confirmed in MKL36Z256VLH4 datasheet Table 9 under IDD_VLLS0 with SMC_STOPCTRL[PORPO] = 1.

Is the MKL36Z256VLH4 pin-compatible with other Kinetis L-series MCUs?

The MKL36Z256VLH4 shares the same 64-pin LQFP package (VLH4 suffix) and signal multiplexing with other KL36 variants like MKL36Z128VLH4 and MKL36Z64VLH4, enabling drop-in replacement within the KL36 family. However, it is not pin-compatible with KL25/KL26 devices due to differences in peripheral mapping and pin function allocation - verified against the KL36 signal multiplexing table in section 5.1 of the MKL36Z256VLH4 datasheet.