NXP Semiconductors MKL43Z256VLH4

Overview

MKL43Z256VLH4 from NXP Semiconductors (formerly Freescale) is a 48 MHz ARM® Cortex®-M0+ microcontroller with 256 KB flash, 32 KB SRAM, and integrated USB FS 2.0 device controller supporting crystal-less operation. It delivers low-power segment LCD driving (up to 24×8), 16-channel 12-bit ADC with internal Vref, and FlexIO for customizable serial peripheral emulation - deployed in battery-powered medical sensors and portable HMI devices.

For engineers reviewing the MKL43Z256VLH4 datasheet, MKL43Z256VLH4 pinout, MKL43Z256VLH4 application, or MKL43Z256VLH4 equivalent, key selection criteria include its 1.71–3.6 V operating range, -40 to 105 °C temperature grade, 64-pin LQFP package, and verified VLLS3 deep-sleep current of 1.96 µA with RTC + RAM retention.

Technical Context

The MKL43Z256VLH4 implements a single-core ARM Cortex-M0+ architecture with tightly coupled memory subsystems and a flexible clocking system featuring factory-trimmed 48 MHz HIRC (±0.5%), 8/2 MHz IRC (±3%), and 32 kHz LPO. Its power management unit supports six static low-power modes including VLLS0–VLLS3, with hardware-assisted transitions and configurable wake-up sources.

Peripherals are organized into domain-specific clock gates and reset controls: USB operates independently with internal 48 MHz PLL derived from HIRC; FlexIO provides programmable state machines for UART/SPI/I²C/I²S/PWM emulation; and the ADC integrates a high-accuracy internal voltage reference (1.2 V ±1.5%) and selectable input multiplexing across 16 single-ended or 2 differential channels.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: 64-pin LQFP (10 mm × 10 mm, 0.5 mm pitch, 1.6 mm height), 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 MKL27Z256VLH4, MKL43Z256VLH4 provides native USB FS without external components, enabling faster time-to-market for data-transfer-centric designs; versus MKE15Z256VLH4, it offers lower system cost and smaller footprint where CAN FD is not needed.

Availability

MKL43Z256VLH4 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for medical sensor nodes, smart utility meters, industrial HMI panels, and wireless sensor gateways requiring stable component supply across extended product lifecycles.

Supply support for MKL43Z256VLH4 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 KL43 family was designed specifically for cost-sensitive, battery-powered applications demanding integrated USB, segment LCD, and ultra-low-power operation - targeting portable diagnostics, smart meters, and human-machine interfaces.

FAQ

Does MKL43Z256VLH4 support crystal-less USB operation?

Yes, MKL43Z256VLH4 integrates a USB FS 2.0 device controller with an internal 48 MHz PLL derived from its high-accuracy internal reference clock (HIRC), eliminating the need for an external 12 MHz crystal. This capability is confirmed in the official datasheet Rev. 5 (08/2015), Section 3.8.1, and enables simplified board design and reduced BOM cost for MKL43Z256VLH4-based USB peripherals.

What is the maximum segment LCD resolution supported by MKL43Z256VLH4?

MKL43Z256VLH4 supports up to 24×8 or 28×4 segment LCD configurations, as specified in the "Peripherals" section of the datasheet. The integrated LCD controller drives common/segment lines directly without external bias generation, making MKL43Z256VLH4 suitable for compact displays in portable medical and industrial devices.

How much SRAM and flash memory does MKL43Z256VLH4 include?

MKL43Z256VLH4 includes 32 KB of SRAM and 256 KB of program flash memory, plus 16 KB of ROM containing a boot loader for in-field firmware updates. These memory resources are explicitly listed in the Ordering Information table and verified in Section 2.1 ("Memories") of the datasheet Rev. 5.

What is the lowest achievable current consumption in deep-sleep mode for MKL43Z256VLH4?

The lowest verified current consumption for MKL43Z256VLH4 is 1.96 µA in VLLS3 mode with RTC and RAM retained, measured at 25 °C and 3.0 V supply. This value is documented in Table 9 ("Power consumption operating behaviors") of the datasheet Rev. 5 and reflects actual characterization data, not typical or theoretical values.

Which package type is used by MKL43Z256VLH4?

MKL43Z256VLH4 uses a 64-pin LQFP package measuring 10 mm × 10 mm with 0.5 mm pitch and 1.6 mm thickness. This is confirmed in both the "Packages" section and the Ordering Information table of the datasheet Rev. 5, distinguishing it from the MAPBGA variant (MKL43Z256VMP4).