NXP Semiconductors MKL46Z128VLL4

Overview

MKL46Z128VLL4 from NXP Semiconductors (formerly Freescale) is a 48 MHz ARM® Cortex®-M0+ microcontroller in 100-pin LQFP package, featuring 128 KB flash, 16 KB SRAM, USB 2.0 On-The-Go with on-chip transceiver, segment LCD controller (up to 47×8), and ultra-low-power operation down to 0.41 µA in VLLS0 mode. It targets battery-powered human-machine interface applications such as smart meters and portable medical devices.

For engineers reviewing the MKL46Z128VLL4 datasheet, MKL46Z128VLL4 pinout, MKL46Z128VLL4 application, or MKL46Z128VLL4 equivalent, key selection criteria include its 100-pin LQFP footprint, integrated USB PHY and 32-bit real-time clock, low-power timer with 4.5 µs wakeup from VLPS, 16-bit SAR ADC, and compatibility with Kinetis L-family toolchains and software stacks.

Technical Context

The MKL46Z128VLL4 implements a single-core ARM Cortex-M0+ processor with Thumb-2 instruction set, executing from on-chip flash with zero-wait-state access at 48 MHz. Its power architecture includes nine configurable low-power modes-VLLS0–VLLS3, LLS, VLPS, STOP, WAIT, and RUN-with dynamic clock gating and voltage scaling managed by the System Mode Controller (SMC).

Peripherals are organized into asynchronous clock domains: the USB module requires ≥20 MHz system clock for full-speed operation; the segment LCD controller supports static and multiplexed drive up to 1/8 duty cycle; and the TSI (touch sensing interface) operates independently using dedicated charge-transfer circuitry without CPU intervention.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

100-pin LQFP (VLL4 suffix), 14 mm × 14 mm body, 0.5 mm pitch, 1.4 mm height. Pinout validated per KL46P121M48SF4 Rev 5 datasheet Section 5.2 (KL46 pinouts) and Table 5-1 (Signal Multiplexing).

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with MKL26Z128VLH4 and MKE02Z64VLD4, the MKL46Z128VLL4 uniquely integrates USB OTG with PHY, segment LCD driver, and TSI in a 100-pin package-making it the only Kinetis L-series part capable of standalone HMI implementation without companion ICs.

Availability

MKL46Z128VLL4 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for smart metering, portable diagnostics, industrial HMIs, and asset tracking applications requiring stable component supply across extended product lifecycles.

Supply support for MKL46Z128VLL4 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 markets, with heritage in Freescale's Kinetis portfolio.

The Kinetis KL46 sub-family was designed as an entry-level 32-bit MCU platform emphasizing ultra-low-power operation, USB integration, and human-machine interface capabilities for cost-sensitive industrial and consumer edge devices.

FAQ

What is the maximum operating frequency of the MKL46Z128VLL4 core?

The MKL46Z128VLL4 features an ARM Cortex-M0+ core rated for up to 48 MHz operation. This frequency is achievable with the MCG in PEE mode using an external crystal oscillator, and the flash memory controller supports zero-wait-state execution at this speed. The MKL46Z128VLL4 maintains full peripheral functionality-including USB full-speed and LCD refresh-at 48 MHz, as confirmed in the KL46P121M48SF4 datasheet Section 2.3.1.

Does the MKL46Z128VLL4 include an integrated USB transceiver?

Yes, the MKL46Z128VLL4 includes a full-speed/low-speed USB 2.0 On-The-Go controller with an integrated transceiver and a 5 V-to-3.3 V regulator. This eliminates the need for external PHY components in USB peripheral or host implementations. The MKL46Z128VLL4 USB_DP and USB_DM pins connect directly to the USB connector, as specified in the electrical characteristics table (Section 3.8.1) and pinout diagram (Section 5.2) of the KL46P121M48SF4 datasheet.

What LCD configurations does the MKL46Z128VLL4 support?

The MKL46Z128VLL4 segment LCD controller supports two primary configurations: up to 47 frontplanes × 8 backplanes (376 segments) or 51 frontplanes × 4 backplanes (204 segments), with selectable bias (static, 1/2, 1/3, or 1/4) and duty (1/2–1/8). It includes integrated resistor networks and charge pumps, enabling direct glass connection without external components. These capabilities are detailed in Section 3.9.2 (LCD electrical characteristics) and Table 3-67 of the KL46P121M48SF4 datasheet.

What is the lowest power consumption mode available on the MKL46Z128VLL4?

The MKL46Z128VLL4 achieves its lowest power consumption in Very-Low-Leakage Stop Mode 0 (VLLS0), drawing as little as 0.23 µA at 3.0 V and 25 °C when PORPO = 1, with full register and RAM retention. This mode retains all state while disabling clocks and most logic, enabling wake-up via RTC alarm, GPIO, or TSI event. Measured values are documented in Table 9 (Power consumption operating behaviors) of the KL46P121M48SF4 datasheet Rev 5.

How many general-purpose I/O pins does the MKL46Z128VLL4 provide?

The MKL46Z128VLL4 provides up to 84 general-purpose input/output (GPIO) pins, as confirmed in the Ordering Information table on page 2 of the KL46P121M48SF4 datasheet. All 84 GPIOs support interrupt generation, configurable pull-up/pull-down, and slew rate control; select pins (PTB0, PTB1, PTD6, PTD7) also offer high-drive capability. This count applies specifically to the 100-pin LQFP (VLL4) variant, not smaller-package versions.