NXP Semiconductors MKL36Z64VLH4

Overview

MKL36Z64VLH4 from NXP Semiconductors (formerly Freescale) is a 48 MHz ARM® Cortex®-M0+ based microcontroller in 64-pin LQFP package, featuring 64 KB Flash, 8 KB SRAM, and ultra-low-power operation down to 0.23 µA in VLLS0 mode with full state retention. It integrates segment LCD controller (up to 47×8), 16-bit SAR ADC, 12-bit DAC, TSI touch interface, and dual UART/I²C/SPI peripherals - optimized for battery-powered human-machine interface applications including portable medical devices and smart utility meters.

For engineers reviewing the MKL36Z64VLH4 datasheet, MKL36Z64VLH4 pinout, MKL36Z64VLH4 application, or MKL36Z64VLH4 equivalent, key selection criteria include its verified 48 MHz Cortex-M0+ performance at 1.71–3.6 V supply, 54 GPIO count, -40 to 105°C industrial temperature range, and compatibility with Kinetis L-family toolchains and software libraries.

Technical Context

The MKL36Z64VLH4 implements an energy-optimized ARM Cortex-M0+ core with Bit Manipulation Engine and Micro Trace Buffer, paired with a multi-layer bus architecture supporting concurrent flash execution and peripheral access. Its clock system includes factory-trimmed 4 MHz IRC, configurable MCG with FBE/BLPE/PEE modes, and support for external 32 kHz crystal or 4–16 MHz oscillators.

Power management leverages nine low-power modes (VLPR, VLPS, LLS, VLLS0–3), dynamic clock gating, and 90 nm TFS process technology to achieve 50 µA/MHz run efficiency and 4.5 µs wakeup from VLPS. The integrated segment LCD controller operates independently in low-power states using ERCLK32K, while the TSI module enables capacitive touch sensing with <2 µA active current.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

64-pin LQFP (10 mm × 10 mm, 0.5 mm pitch), RoHS-compliant, moisture sensitivity level 3. Package drawing reference: 98ASS23234W1.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with MKL36Z64VLH4, MKL26Z128VLH4 trades LCD/TSI for larger memory and lower cost, while MKE14Z64VLH4 shifts focus to analog precision and motor control features - neither offers drop-in replacement due to peripheral differences, requiring firmware and layout adjustments.

Availability

MKL36Z64VLH4 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for portable medical devices, smart utility meters, industrial HMI panels, and wireless sensor nodes requiring stable component supply across extended product lifecycles.

Supply support for MKL36Z64VLH4 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 - formed through the acquisition of Freescale Semiconductor in 2015.

The Kinetis KL36 sub-family was designed as an entry-level 32-bit MCU platform emphasizing ultra-low-power operation, integrated HMI peripherals (LCD/TSI), and seamless software compatibility across Kinetis L and K3x families.

FAQ

What is the maximum operating frequency of the MKL36Z64VLH4 core?

The MKL36Z64VLH4 features an ARM Cortex-M0+ core rated for up to 48 MHz operation. This frequency is achievable using the MCG in PEE mode with an external 4–16 MHz crystal or oscillator. At 48 MHz, the device delivers industry-leading energy efficiency of 50 µA/MHz in very low power run mode, confirmed in the KL36P121M48SF4 datasheet Rev 5.

Does the MKL36Z64VLH4 support external crystal oscillators?

Yes, the MKL36Z64VLH4 supports external crystals on XTAL0/XTAL1 pins for both low-frequency (32 kHz) and high-frequency (4–16 MHz) operation. The 32 kHz crystal enables precise RTC timing and low-power LCD refresh, while the high-frequency crystal provides system clock accuracy for UART communication and USB-capable derivatives. Internal IRC trimming ensures ±2% stability without external components.

How many GPIO pins are available on the MKL36Z64VLH4 in its 64-pin LQFP package?

The MKL36Z64VLH4 provides 54 usable GPIO pins in the 64-pin LQFP (VLH4) package. Although the Kinetis KL36 family supports up to 84 GPIOs across variants, the VLH4 package maps 54 pins to physical package terminals - all configurable as digital I/O, with interrupt/DMA capability and software-selectable pull-up/pull-down resistors per the KL36P121M48SF4 pin assignment table.

What LCD configurations does the MKL36Z64VLH4 support?

The MKL36Z64VLH4's integrated segment LCD controller supports two configurations: 47 frontplanes × 8 backplanes (376 segments) or 51 frontplanes × 4 backplanes (204 segments). It operates independently in low-power modes using the 32 kHz external crystal clock, supports programmable bias voltage, frame frequency, and duty cycle, and requires no external display driver IC - reducing BOM cost and board space.

What is the lowest power consumption mode supported by the MKL36Z64VLH4?

The MKL36Z64VLH4 achieves its lowest power state in Very Low-Leakage Stop Mode 0 (VLLS0), consuming just 0.23 µA at 3.0 V when SMC_STOPCTRL[PORPO] = 1 - with full RAM and register retention and 4.5 µs wakeup time. This mode is validated across the -40°C to 105°C temperature range and enables decade-long battery operation in always-on sensing applications.