NXP Semiconductors MKL36Z64VLL4

Overview

MKL36Z64VLL4 from NXP Semiconductors (formerly Freescale) is a 48 MHz ARM Cortex-M0+ microcontroller in 100-pin LQFP package, featuring 64 KB flash, 8 KB SRAM, and up to 84 GPIOs. It integrates a 16-bit SAR ADC, 12-bit DAC, segment LCD controller (up to 51×4), low-power TSI, dual UART, I²C, SPI, I²S, TPM/PWM timers, RTC, and ultra-low-power operation down to 0.23 µA in VLLS0 mode with full state retention - designed for battery-powered industrial HMI, smart sensors, and portable medical devices.

For engineers reviewing the MKL36Z64VLL4 datasheet, MKL36Z64VLL4 pinout, MKL36Z64VLL4 application, or MKL36Z64VLL4 equivalent, this page delivers verified electrical specs, validated low-power mode behavior, confirmed LCD/TSI peripheral support, exact 100-pin LQFP mapping, and two field-tested alternative MCUs - all grounded in the KL36P121M48SF4 Rev 5 datasheet and official NXP package drawings.

Technical Context

The MKL36Z64VLL4 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 FEI/BLPI/PEE modes, and external crystal support from 32 kHz to 32 MHz.

Power management comprises nine low-power modes (VLPR, VLPS, LLS, VLLS0–3), dynamic clock gating, 90 nm TFS process, and zero-wait-state flash - enabling 4.5 µs wakeup from VLPS and static current as low as 2 µA with full RAM retention. The segment LCD controller supports 1/8 duty, 1/3 bias configurations with integrated charge pump and glass voltage regulation.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: 100-pin LQFP (14 mm × 14 mm, 0.5 mm pitch), RoHS-compliant, moisture sensitivity level 3 per J-STD-020.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with MKL36Z64VLL4, MKL27Z64VLH4 trades LCD/TSI for USB and higher SRAM, while MKE15Z64VLL4 replaces HMI peripherals with CAN FD and precision analog - making MKL36Z64VLL4 uniquely optimal for ultra-low-power segment-display applications requiring integrated touch sensing.

Availability

MKL36Z64VLL4 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for smart utility meters, portable medical diagnostics, industrial HMIs, wireless sensor gateways, and battery-powered environmental monitors requiring stable component supply across extended product lifecycles.

Supply support for MKL36Z64VLL4 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 specializing in secure connectivity solutions for automotive, industrial, and IoT markets, with deep expertise in ultra-low-power microcontrollers and mixed-signal integration.

The Kinetis KL36 family - including MKL36Z64VLL4 - was engineered specifically for cost-sensitive, battery-operated human-machine interface applications demanding long service life, integrated LCD/TSI, and robust industrial temperature operation.

FAQ

What is the maximum operating frequency of the MKL36Z64VLL4 core?

The MKL36Z64VLL4 features an ARM Cortex-M0+ core rated for up to 48 MHz operation in normal run mode. This frequency is achievable using the MCG in PEE mode with an external 8 MHz crystal and appropriate PLL configuration. In very-low-power run (VLPR) mode, the core operates up to 4 MHz to maintain sub-µA current draw while retaining full register state.

Does the MKL36Z64VLL4 support segment LCD displays with integrated bias generation?

Yes, the MKL36Z64VLL4 includes a dedicated segment LCD controller supporting up to 51 frontplanes and 4 backplanes (204 segments) or 47 frontplanes and 8 backplanes (376 segments). It provides internal charge pump (VLCD pin) and programmable bias generation, eliminating the need for external LCD driver ICs or resistor networks in most designs.

What is the lowest power consumption mode supported by the MKL36Z64VLL4 with full RAM retention?

The MKL36Z64VLL4 achieves its lowest power state with full RAM and register retention in Very Low-Leakage Stop Mode 0 (VLLS0), consuming just 0.23 µA at 3.0 V when SMC_STOPCTRL[PORPO] = 1. This mode retains all memory contents and allows wake-up via selected interrupts within 4.5 µs, enabling decade-long battery operation in infrequently active devices.

How many GPIO pins does the MKL36Z64VLL4 provide, and what advanced I/O features are included?

The MKL36Z64VLL4 offers 84 general-purpose I/O pins across five ports (PTA–PTE), all supporting configurable pull-up/pull-down resistors (20–50 kΩ), digital filters, slew rate control, and interrupt capability. Each pin is rated for ±2 kV HBM ESD protection, and up to 16 pins can be assigned to the hardware TSI module for capacitive touch sensing without CPU overhead.

What analog peripherals are integrated into the MKL36Z64VLL4?

The MKL36Z64VLL4 integrates a 16-bit SAR ADC with ±1 LSB integral nonlinearity, a 12-bit DAC, an analog comparator (CMP) with integrated 6-bit DAC reference, and a low-power hardware touch sensing interface (TSI). These peripherals operate from the same 1.71–3.6 V supply and support simultaneous use in low-power modes with minimal current adder impact.