NXP Semiconductors MKW31Z512VHT4R

Overview

MKW31Z512VHT4R from NXP Semiconductors is a Bluetooth Low Energy v4.2 and Generic FSK System-on-Chip (SoC) integrating an ARM Cortex-M0+ core running at up to 48 MHz, 512 KB Flash, 128 KB SRAM, and a 2.4 GHz transceiver with -95 dBm BLE sensitivity and programmable output power from -30 dBm to +3.5 dBm. It targets ultra-low-power wireless sensor nodes in wearable health monitors and remote controls.

For engineers reviewing the MKW31Z512VHT4R datasheet, MKW31Z512VHT4R pinout, MKW31Z512VHT4R application, or MKW31Z512VHT4R equivalent, key selection criteria include dual-standard radio support (BLE + FSK), integrated DC-DC converter for coin-cell operation, hardware AES-128 acceleration, 16-bit ADC with temperature sensing, and 48-pin LQFN package with verified 7 × 7 × 0.98 mm footprint.

Technical Context

The MKW31Z512VHT4R implements a single-chip BLE/FSK SoC architecture with dedicated hardware accelerators for BLE Link Layer (2 simultaneous connections), Generic FSK packet processing, and IEEE 802.15.4 O-QPSK-though MKW31Z512VHT4R excludes 802.15.4 compliance per ordering table. Its radio uses an on-chip balun with a single-ended bidirectional RF port and supports 26/32 MHz crystal references.

System-level power optimization includes nine low-power modes, VLLS0 mode drawing 182 nA, DC-DC buck operation enabling 0.9–4.2 V supply range, and hardware TRNG + AESA for secure boot and over-the-air updates. The MCU subsystem integrates BME, SWD debug, MTB trace, and DMA-controlled peripherals including dual SPI/I²C, LPUART, and TPM timers.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: 48-pin Laminate QFN, 7 × 7 × 0.98 mm body, 0.5 mm pitch, exposed thermal pad. RoHS-compliant, moisture sensitivity level 3.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar Bluetooth Low Energy + FSK SoC applications.

Compared with MKW41Z512VHT4R, MKW31Z512VHT4R omits 802.15.4 hardware but retains identical BLE/FSK radio specs, power consumption, and package-making it optimal for cost-sensitive BLE+FSK-only designs. Versus nRF52833 DK, MKW31Z512VHT4R delivers native FSK modulation without software overhead or external components, critical for deterministic low-latency industrial telemetry.

Availability

MKW31Z512VHT4R is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for wearable health monitors, smart remote controls, industrial wireless sensors, asset tracking tags, and portable medical devices requiring stable component supply across high-mix, low-volume production runs.

Supply support for MKW31Z512VHT4R 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 company headquartered in Eindhoven, Netherlands, specializing in secure connectivity solutions for automotive, industrial, and IoT markets.

The MKW31Z series belongs to NXP's KW41Z/31Z/21Z family of ultra-low-power multi-standard SoCs designed specifically for battery-operated BLE and proprietary 2.4 GHz FSK applications where minimal external components and certified radio performance are essential.

FAQ

What radio standards does the MKW31Z512VHT4R support?

The MKW31Z512VHT4R supports Bluetooth Low Energy v4.2 and Generic FSK modulation at 250, 500, and 1000 kbps. It does not include hardware acceleration for IEEE 802.15.4, unlike the MKW41Z512VHT4R variant. Its BLE Link Layer engine handles up to two simultaneous hardware connections, and its FSK baseband supports GFSK with modulation indices of 0.32, 0.5, or 0.7 - all confirmed in the official MKW41Z/31Z/21Z Data Sheet Rev. 4.

What is the operating temperature range for MKW31Z512VHT4R?

The MKW31Z512VHT4R is rated for -40 °C to +105 °C when packaged in the 48-pin Laminate QFN (VHT4 suffix), as specified in Table 1 of the MKW41Z/31Z/21Z Data Sheet. This extended industrial temperature range enables deployment in automotive cabin modules, industrial gateways, and outdoor sensor enclosures without derating.

Does MKW31Z512VHT4R include hardware security features?

Yes, MKW31Z512VHT4R integrates AES-128 hardware acceleration supporting ECB, CBC, CTR, CCM, and GCM modes; a True Random Number Generator (TRNG) compliant with NIST SP 800-90A; 80-bit unique chip ID; and 40-bit unique MAC sub-address. These features enable BLE Secure Connections, encrypted OTA updates, and cryptographically verifiable device identity - all documented in Section 3.6 of the datasheet.

What power supply configurations does MKW31Z512VHT4R support?

MKW31Z512VHT4R supports 0.9 V to 4.2 V operation using its integrated DC-DC converter in Buck mode (ideal for CR2032 coin cells) or Bypass mode (for regulated 1.8–3.6 V supplies). In Buck mode, typical Rx current drops to 6.8 mA at 3.6 V, and VLLS0 mode draws just 182 nA - enabling multi-year battery life in intermittent-sensing applications.

Is MKW31Z512VHT4R pin-compatible with other KW31Z variants?

Yes, MKW31Z512VHT4R shares the same 48-pin Laminate QFN package and pinout with MKW31Z256VHT4R and MKW21Z512VHT4R, as confirmed in Section 2 (Ordering Information) and Section 8 (Pin Diagrams) of the datasheet. Memory configuration (512 KB vs 256 KB Flash) and feature set (BLE+FSK vs 802.15.4-only) differ, but PCB layout and peripheral routing remain identical across these VHT4 variants.