NXP Semiconductors MKW36Z512VHT4

Overview

MKW36Z512VHT4 from NXP Semiconductors is an ultra-low-power Bluetooth® Low Energy 5.0 wireless microcontroller integrating an Arm® Cortex®-M0+ core (up to 48 MHz), 512 KB flash, 64 KB SRAM, and a 2.4 GHz radio supporting up to 8 simultaneous BLE connections. It features FlexCAN with CAN FD support (up to 3.2 Mbps), dual LPUART with LIN, and operates across –40 to 105 °C for industrial edge sensing and medical telemetry.

For engineers reviewing the MKW36Z512VHT4 datasheet, MKW36Z512VHT4 pinout, MKW36Z512VHT4 application, or MKW36Z512VHT4 equivalent, key selection criteria include BLE 5.0 link-layer hardware acceleration, integrated DC-DC buck mode (258 nA VLLS0 current), on-chip balun for minimal RF BOM, and industrial-grade 48-pin 7×7 mm LQFN packaging with wettable flanks.

Technical Context

The MKW36Z512VHT4 implements a dual-clock radio architecture: 26/32 MHz crystals drive BLE 5.0 and Generic FSK modes, while a dedicated 32.768 kHz oscillator maintains precise timing in deep-sleep states. Its BLE Link Layer is fully hardware-accelerated, enabling concurrent master/slave roles and automatic deep-sleep mode (DSM) with Slave Latency support.

System-level power optimization includes nine low-power modes, a configurable DC-DC buck converter (2.1–3.6 V input), and hardware-peripheral gating. The MCU integrates AESA for AES-128 encryption, TRNG for cryptographic entropy, and FlexRAM (8 KB) enabling EEPROM emulation - all accessible without host intervention in standalone sensor node operation.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: 48-pin LQFN, 7×7 mm body, 0.5 mm pitch, wettable flanks - optimized for automated optical inspection (AOI) and high-reliability reflow in volume manufacturing.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with MKW36Z512VFP4, MKW36Z512VHT4 provides 7 additional GPIOs and larger thermal pad for enhanced power dissipation; compared with MKW35Z512VHT4, it delivers essential CAN FD, dual-LPUART, and FlexRAM - making it the sole option for BLE-to-CAN FD bridging in industrial OEM systems.

Availability

MKW36Z512VHT4 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial wireless sensor nodes, medical telemetry devices, smart building HVAC controllers, and automotive diagnostic interfaces requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges and long product lifecycles.

Supply support for MKW36Z512VHT4 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 applications, with over 40 years of embedded systems expertise.

The MKW36Z512VHT4 belongs to NXP's Kinetis W-series wireless MCUs, designed specifically for ultra-low-power, dual-mode (BLE 5.0 + Generic FSK) industrial and medical edge devices requiring robust security, CAN FD integration, and extended battery life.

FAQ

What is the maximum Bluetooth Low Energy connection count supported by the MKW36Z512VHT4?

The MKW36Z512VHT4 supports up to 8 simultaneous hardware-based Bluetooth Low Energy connections in any master/slave combination. This capability is implemented in dedicated link-layer hardware, enabling concurrent peripheral and central roles without CPU intervention - a key requirement for industrial gateways aggregating multiple BLE sensors. The MKW36Z512VHT4 achieves this while maintaining sub-10 µs interrupt latency for time-critical sensor events.

Does the MKW36Z512VHT4 include CAN FD support, and what is its maximum baud rate?

Yes, the MKW36Z512VHT4 integrates a full FlexCAN module supporting CAN Flexible Data Rate (CAN FD) protocol up to 3.2 Mbps in the data phase. It provides 32 configurable message buffers, hardware ID filtering for up to 256 standard CAN IDs, and seamless interoperability with legacy CAN 2.0B networks. This makes MKW36Z512VHT4 suitable for bridging BLE sensor data into industrial CAN FD backbones without external protocol translators.

What is the lowest power consumption mode of the MKW36Z512VHT4, and what functionality remains active?

The MKW36Z512VHT4 achieves 258 nA current draw in Very-Low-Leakage Stop (VLLS0) mode - its deepest power state. In VLLS0, the 32.768 kHz RTC continues running, RAM contents are retained, and wake-up is possible via GPIO, RTC alarm, or LPUART idle-line detection. This mode enables multi-year battery life in intermittent-sensing applications, and MKW36Z512VHT4 exits VLLS0 in under 5 µs to resume BLE advertising or sensor acquisition.

Is the MKW36Z512VHT4 pin-compatible with other members of the KW36Z family, such as MKW36Z512VFP4?

No, the MKW36Z512VHT4 (48-pin LQFN, 7×7 mm) is not pin-compatible with MKW36Z512VFP4 (40-pin HVQFN, 6×6 mm). While both share identical electrical specifications, peripherals, and firmware compatibility, their pin counts, layouts, and thermal pad dimensions differ. Board redesign is required to substitute one for the other - MKW36Z512VHT4 offers 7 more GPIOs and higher thermal dissipation capacity than MKW36Z512VFP4.

What security features does the MKW36Z512VHT4 provide for Bluetooth LE Secure Connections?

The MKW36Z512VHT4 includes hardware-accelerated AES-128-CCM encryption via its AESA module and a True Random Number Generator (TRNG) for cryptographically secure key derivation - both mandated for Bluetooth LE Secure Connections. These features operate independently of the Cortex-M0+ core, enabling authenticated pairing and encrypted data channels without compromising real-time BLE timing. MKW36Z512VHT4 also provides 80-bit unique chip ID and 40-bit MAC sub-address for device identity binding.