MKE15Z256VLH7 - 72MHz Cortex-M0+ MCU 256KB Flash | NXP
MPN: MKE15Z256VLH7 ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $5.42 | $5.42 |
| 10 | $4.88 | $48.80 |
| 100 | $4.36 | $436.00 |
| 500 | $3.92 | $1,960.00 |
| 1,000 | $3.51 | $3,510.00 |
MKE15Z256VLH7 Overview
A microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer containing a processor core, program memory (Flash), working memory (RAM), and integrated peripherals such as timers, ADCs, and communication interfaces. Within the broader semiconductor taxonomy, the MKE15Z256VLH7 sits under: microcontroller -> 32-bit MCU -> ARM Cortex-M0+ MCU -> low-power main-stream MCU -> embedded system-on-chip. Kinetis KE1xZ devices target cost-sensitive industrial and consumer applications where Cortex-M0+ efficiency, low power, and 5 V tolerance are simultaneously required.
Key features of the MKE15Z256VLH7 include a 12-bit SAR ADC with up to 16 channels, multiple high-resolution FlexTimers, an integrated touch-sensing interface (TSI), and a flexible serial communication set including UART, SPI, and I2C. The on-chip 32 KB FlexMemory supports EEPROM emulation and customer-configurable data-flash partitioning. The 64-pin LQFP package exposes a rich peripheral set while maintaining a compact 10x10 mm footprint suitable for hand-soldered prototypes and high-volume reflow assembly.
Architecturally, the KE1xZ family combines an ARM Cortex-M0+ core with a low-power platform featuring multiple run, wait, and stop modes. The 5 V-tolerant I/O ring enables direct interface to legacy 5 V analog and digital signals without level shifters. Hardware CRC, a random-number generator, and flash access control provide basic security features. The integrated TSI module supports robust proximity and touch-button interfaces without external components.
Typical applications include industrial control and HMI, home appliances with user interfaces, low-end motor control, smart lighting, IoT edge nodes, and battery-powered sensors. The wide 3.3 V to 5.5 V supply range and integrated touch sensing make it especially attractive for appliance front panels, climate-control thermostats, and white-goods control boards.
When designing with this part, place 0.1 µF decoupling capacitors close to each VDD pin and follow the reference manual's analog and digital grounding recommendations to maximize ADC performance. Use NXP's MCUXpresso IDE and the Kinetis KE1xZ SDK for software development, and consider the MKE15Z256VLL7 LQFP-100 sibling if additional GPIO is needed.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in alternative MPNs from the same Kinetis KE1xZ family, application notes, and design considerations not consolidated in the manufacturer datasheet, giving engineers a faster engineering and sourcing reference.
Drop-in alternatives for MKE15Z256VLH7 — same package, pin-to-pin compatible. Different-package parts requiring PCB rework are excluded.
Variants in this series
Same-series models that are drop-in compatible with MKE15Z256VLH7 (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, RoHS Status, Core Architecture, Operating Temperature Range.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
MKE14Z256VLH7
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
MKE16Z256VLH7
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
MKE15Z128VLH7
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
MKE15Z256VLH7 Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core | ARM Cortex-M0+ |
| Core Architecture | ARM 32-bit |
| Maximum CPU Frequency | 72 MHz |
| Performance | 0.93 DMIPS/MHz |
| Program Flash | 256 KB (256K x 8) |
| SRAM | 32 KB |
| FlexMemory (EEPROM emulation) | 32 KB |
| Supply Voltage | 3.3 V to 5.5 V |
| Operating Temperature Range | -40 C to +105 C |
| Package | 64-LQFP (10x10 mm, 0.5 mm pitch) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| ADC | 12-bit SAR ADC, up to 16 channels |
| Touch Sensing Interface (TSI) | Yes |
| Communication Interfaces | UART, SPI, I2C |
| Timers | FlexTimer (PWM), periodic interrupt, low-power timer |
| Security / CRC | Hardware CRC, Flash access control |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
MKE15Z256VLH7 Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | PTC0 — GPIO / peripheral pin (per Kinetis KE1xZ datasheet pinout) |
| Pin 2 | PTC1 — GPIO / peripheral pin |
| Pin 3 | PTC2 — GPIO / peripheral pin |
| Pin 4 | PTC3 — GPIO / peripheral pin |
| Pin 5 | PTC4 — GPIO / peripheral pin |
| Pin 6 | PTC5 — GPIO / peripheral pin |
| Pin 7 | PTC6 — GPIO / peripheral pin |
| Pin 8 | PTC7 — GPIO / peripheral pin |
| Pin 9 | PTB0 — GPIO / peripheral pin |
| Pin 10 | PTB1 — GPIO / peripheral pin |
| Pin 11 | PTB2 — GPIO / peripheral pin |
| Pin 12 | PTB3 — GPIO / peripheral pin |
| Pin 13 | PTB4 — GPIO / peripheral pin |
| Pin 14 | PTB5 — GPIO / peripheral pin |
| Pin 15 | VSS — Ground |
| Pin 16 | VDD — Supply voltage (3.3 V to 5.5 V) |
| Pin 17 | PTA0 — GPIO / peripheral pin |
| Pin 18 | PTA1 — GPIO / peripheral pin |
| Pin 19 | PTA2 — GPIO / peripheral pin |
| Pin 20 | PTA3 — GPIO / peripheral pin |
| Pin 21 | PTA4 — GPIO / peripheral pin |
| Pin 22 | PTA5 — GPIO / peripheral pin |
| Pin 23 | PTA6 — GPIO / peripheral pin |
| Pin 24 | PTA7 — GPIO / peripheral pin |
| Pin 25 | PTD0 — GPIO / peripheral pin |
| Pin 26 | PTD1 — GPIO / peripheral pin |
| Pin 27 | PTD2 — GPIO / peripheral pin |
| Pin 28 | PTD3 — GPIO / peripheral pin |
| Pin 29 | PTD4 — GPIO / peripheral pin |
| Pin 30 | PTD5 — GPIO / peripheral pin |
| Pin 31 | PTD6 — GPIO / peripheral pin |
| Pin 32 | PTD7 — GPIO / peripheral pin |
| Pin 33 | PTE0 — GPIO / peripheral pin |
| Pin 34 | PTE1 — GPIO / peripheral pin |
| Pin 35 | PTE2 — GPIO / peripheral pin |
| Pin 36 | PTE3 — GPIO / peripheral pin |
| Pin 37 | PTE4 — GPIO / peripheral pin |
| Pin 38 | PTE5 — GPIO / peripheral pin |
| Pin 39 | PTE6 — GPIO / peripheral pin |
| Pin 40 | PTE7 — GPIO / peripheral pin |
| Pin 41 | PTF0 — GPIO / peripheral pin |
| Pin 42 | PTF1 — GPIO / peripheral pin |
| Pin 43 | PTF2 — GPIO / peripheral pin |
| Pin 44 | PTF3 — GPIO / peripheral pin |
| Pin 45 | PTF4 — GPIO / peripheral pin |
| Pin 46 | PTF5 — GPIO / peripheral pin |
| Pin 47 | PTF6 — GPIO / peripheral pin |
| Pin 48 | PTF7 — GPIO / peripheral pin |
| Pin 49 | PTG0 — GPIO / peripheral pin |
| Pin 50 | PTG1 — GPIO / peripheral pin |
| Pin 51 | PTG2 — GPIO / peripheral pin |
| Pin 52 | PTG3 — GPIO / peripheral pin |
| Pin 53 | PTG4 — GPIO / peripheral pin |
| Pin 54 | PTG5 — GPIO / peripheral pin |
| Pin 55 | PTG6 — GPIO / peripheral pin |
| Pin 56 | PTG7 — GPIO / peripheral pin |
| Pin 57 | PTH0 — GPIO / peripheral pin |
| Pin 58 | PTH1 — GPIO / peripheral pin |
| Pin 59 | PTH2 — GPIO / peripheral pin |
| Pin 60 | PTH3 — GPIO / peripheral pin |
| Pin 61 | PTH4 — GPIO / peripheral pin |
| Pin 62 | PTH5 — GPIO / peripheral pin |
| Pin 63 | PTH6 — GPIO / peripheral pin |
| Pin 64 | PTH7 — GPIO / peripheral pin |
Typical Applications
MKE15Z256VLH7 is suitable for 6 applications: Industrial HMI and Control Panels, Home Appliance Control Boards, Smart Lighting and LED Drivers, Low-End BLDC and PMSM Motor Control, IoT Edge Nodes and Battery Sensors, Building Automation and HVAC.
Industrial HMI and Control Panels
The MKE15Z256VLH7 fits industrial HMI panels by combining its 256 KB Flash for full-color UI flows, integrated touch-sensing interface (TSI) for buttons and sliders without external components, and 3.3 V to 5.5 V supply for direct compatibility with legacy 5 V industrial backplanes. The 72 MHz Cortex-M0+ core executes state-machine control loops in microseconds, while 32 KB SRAM holds display buffers and protocol stacks. ADC and FlexTimer peripherals handle analog sensor reads and PWM-driven indicator LEDs. The 64-LQFP package gives enough GPIO for key-matrix scanning and rotary encoders in a single chip. Compared to discrete MCU+external-touch-IC solutions, the integrated TSI lowers PCB area and BOM cost.
Recommended
Home Appliance Control Boards
The MKE15Z256VLH7 suits home-appliance control (washing machines, dishwashers, ovens) because of its wide 3.3 V to 5.5 V supply range and 5 V-tolerant GPIO, which directly interface to legacy triac-driver and relay circuits without external level shifters. The 256 KB Flash holds motor-control state machines and fault-handling firmware; the 32 KB SRAM buffers sensor telemetry. Integrated 12-bit ADC reads temperature, pressure, and current-sensing signals, while FlexTimer outputs drive triac phase-control or brushed DC motor PWM. The -40 C to +105 C industrial temperature range covers under-cabinet heat rise. Compared to discrete analog control, this part enables software-defined safety features and OTA firmware updates.
Recommended
Smart Lighting and LED Drivers
The MKE15Z256VLH7 drives commercial and residential LED lighting fixtures with its FlexTimer peripherals providing multi-channel PWM for color-mixing and dimming, while the 12-bit ADC reads ambient-light and occupancy sensors. The 256 KB Flash holds DMX, DALI, or proprietary wireless lighting protocols, and 32 KB SRAM buffers frame data. Wide 3.3 V to 5.5 V supply supports direct connection to constant-current driver stages. The 64-LQFP footprint keeps driver PCBs compact, while 5 V GPIO tolerates long cable runs to sensor and switch peripherals. Compared to dedicated LED-driver ICs, the MKE15Z256VLH7 enables networked, software-upgradable lighting without a separate communication MCU.
Recommended
Low-End BLDC and PMSM Motor Control
The MKE15Z256VLH7 handles low-end sensorless BLDC and PMSM motor control in fans, pumps, and small appliances using its FlexTimer PWM outputs (one timer per phase for center-aligned complementary PWM) and the 12-bit ADC for back-EMF sensing. The Cortex-M0+ at 72 MHz runs a basic 6-step or simple-FOC algorithm in software, while the 256 KB Flash stores tuning tables and the 32 KB SRAM holds runtime state. The 64-LQFP package exposes enough GPIO for three half-bridges, fault inputs, and tachometer feedback. The wide 3.3 V to 5.5 V supply directly interfaces to 5 V gate-driver ICs, removing external level shifters. Compared to discrete analog motor controllers, this part enables software-tunable acceleration profiles and silent-switch commutation.
Recommended
IoT Edge Nodes and Battery Sensors
The MKE15Z256VLH7 fits battery-powered IoT edge nodes because its ARM Cortex-M0+ core combines low active power with multiple low-power stop and wait modes, while the integrated ADC and TSI wake the MCU from touch or sensor events. The 256 KB Flash holds connectivity stacks and edge-processing firmware, and 32 KB SRAM buffers sensor samples before uplink. The 3.3 V to 5.5 V supply allows direct use with single-cell Li-ion plus boost or with 5 V USB-mains adapters. The 64-LQFP footprint fits inside small sensor enclosures, and 5 V-tolerant GPIO interfaces legacy industrial sensors. Compared to high-performance Cortex-M4 parts, the MKE15Z256VLH7 extends battery life by trading raw performance for energy efficiency.
Recommended
Building Automation and HVAC
The MKE15Z256VLH7 serves building-automation controllers (thermostats, VAV boxes, fan-coil units) thanks to its 3.3 V to 5.5 V supply for direct 5 V bus power, 256 KB Flash for BACnet/Modbus stacks, and -40 C to +105 C industrial temperature rating for plenum installation. The 12-bit ADC reads temperature, humidity, and pressure transducers with adequate resolution, while UART and SPI drive transceiver or sensor-front-end ICs. The 64-LQFP package provides GPIO for triac outputs, keypad input, and LCD interface, fitting on the small main board of a typical thermostat. Compared to discrete analog HVAC controllers, this part enables remote firmware updates and connected-building features without a separate communication processor.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for MKE15Z256VLH7 — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | MKE14Z256VLH7 | MKE16Z256VLH7 | MKE15Z128VLH7 | MKE15Z256VLL7 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | — | NXP Semiconductors | NXP Semiconductors | NXP Semiconductors | NXP Semiconductors |
| Package | 64-LQFP (VLH) | 64-LQFP (VLH) | 64-LQFP (VLH) | 64-LQFP (VLH) | 100-LQFP (VLL) |
| Core | ARM Cortex-M0+ | ARM Cortex-M0+ | ARM Cortex-M0+ | ARM Cortex-M0+ | ARM Cortex-M0+ |
| Maximum Frequency | 72 MHz | 72 MHz | 72 MHz | 72 MHz | 72 MHz |
| Flash | 256 KB | 256 KB | 256 KB | 128 KB | 256 KB |
| SRAM | 32 KB | 32 KB | 32 KB | 32 KB | 32 KB |
| Supply Voltage | 3.3 V to 5.5 V | 3.3 V to 5.5 V | 3.3 V to 5.5 V | 3.3 V to 5.5 V | 3.3 V to 5.5 V |
| Touch Sensing Interface (TSI) | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Key Differentiators
- Integrated touch-sensing interface (TSI) without external components (vs MKE14Z256VLH7)
- 256 KB Flash matches higher-end KE16Z while keeping the 64-LQFP footprint (vs MKE15Z128VLH7)
- 5 V-tolerant GPIO with 3.3 V to 5.5 V supply (vs Cortex-M0+ parts from other vendors without 5 V GPIO)
Design Notes
Place a 0.1 µF ceramic decoupling capacitor as close as possible to every VDD pin and a single bulk 4.7 µF to 10 µF capacitor near the package to handle switching transients, per the NXP Kinetis KE1xZ hardware design recommendations. Keep the VDD trace short and wide to minimize inductance; use a ground plane on the top or second layer directly beneath the IC. For low-noise ADC performance, separate analog VDD (VDDA) from digital VDD with a ferrite bead and add a dedicated 0.1 µF + 10 µF cap pair on VDDA.
The 64-LQFP (VLH) package has a 0.5 mm pitch; route escape traces on inner layers with 0.2 mm trace width and via-in-pad only if the assembly house supports it, otherwise use dog-bone fanouts. Provide a continuous ground reference plane under the MCU and avoid routing analog signals across digital return paths. The exposed pad (if present) must be soldered to a copper pour tied to VSS to meet thermal and electrical performance targets.
When migrating from a 3.3 V only MCU, do not assume GPIO are 5 V tolerant without consulting the datasheet - on the KE1xZ family most GPIO are 5 V tolerant but a few (notably true open-drain and analog-only pins) have different limits. Configure unused pins per the Kinetis KE1xZ reference manual 'unused-pin' table to prevent shoot-through current. Also ensure the NMI and RESET pins have a 4.7 kΩ to 10 kΩ pull-up and a 100 nF cap on RESET for stable boot.
Compliance Information
RoHS and REACH compliant per NXP product page. The VLH7 suffix indicates industrial temperature range, not AEC-Q100 automotive qualification - for AEC-Q100 use the MKE15Z256VLH7 automotive-grade ordering code.
