MKL16Z128VLH4 - 48MHz Cortex-M0+ MCU 128KB Flash LQFP-64 | NXP
MPN: MKL16Z128VLH4 ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $4.92 | $4.92 |
| 10 | $4.43 | $44.30 |
| 100 | $3.94 | $394.00 |
| 500 | $3.54 | $1,770.00 |
| 1,000 | $3.15 | $3,150.00 |
MKL16Z128VLH4 Overview
An MCU (microcontroller unit) is a single-chip computer that integrates a processor core, memory, and programmable peripherals, sitting at the top of the embedded computing hierarchy: microcontroller -> microprocessor -> semiconductor. The Kinetis KL1x sub-family extends the KL0x with additional memory and connectivity, and the KL16 variant adds USB while maintaining the ultra-low-power modes that make Kinetis parts popular for battery-powered designs.
Key features include 48 MHz maximum CPU frequency, 128 KB program Flash, 16 KB SRAM, USB 2.0 Full-Speed device with on-chip transceiver, 12-bit SAR ADC with up to 16 channels, multiple low-power modes (Wait, Stop, VLPR, VLPS), and a low-power timer that can run in all power modes. The 64-LQFP footprint (10x10 mm) provides ample GPIO for typical embedded applications.
The KL16 architecture pairs an ARM Cortex-M0+ core (single-cycle 32-bit multiply, Harvard bus, NVIC with 32 interrupts) with NXP's ultra-low-power design techniques, including multiple clock gating domains and fast wake-up from low-power states. On-chip peripherals are mapped through an AIPS-Lite bus structure that simplifies DMA and interrupt routing for deterministic real-time behavior.
Typical applications include wearable health and fitness devices, USB peripherals (HID, CDC, custom classes), home automation sensors, smart metering endpoints, and portable consumer electronics. The integrated USB 2.0 FS device eliminates the need for an external transceiver, reducing BOM cost in USB HID, CDC, or vendor-class device designs.
When designing with this part, choose the correct Flash size variant in the family (KL16: 64KB/128KB/256KB) to match your code footprint. Take advantage of the multiple low-power modes for battery operation, but verify that any peripheral used in VLPS/VLPR is in the chip-specific low-power compatibility list.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in alternatives, and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet, helping engineers and procurement teams evaluate the MKL16Z128VLH4 for new designs and second-source decisions.
Drop-in alternatives for MKL16Z128VLH4 — 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 MKL16Z128VLH4 (same form factor and footprint) — differing in ADC, Operating Temperature Range, Series, Package, Core.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
MKL16Z256VLH4
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$6.55 / Unit
View Datasheet →MKL16Z64VLH4
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
MKL26Z128VLH4
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
STM32F072RBT6
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.05 / Unit
View Datasheet →STM32F102RBT6
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
MKL16Z128VLH4 Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | ARM Cortex-M0+ |
| Core Count | Single-core |
| Data Bus Width | 32-bit |
| Maximum CPU Frequency | 48 MHz |
| Program Memory Size | 128 KB (128K x 8) |
| Program Memory Type | FLASH |
| RAM Size | 16 KB |
| EEPROM / FlexNVM | Not present (per family datasheet) |
| USB | USB 2.0 Full-Speed Device with on-chip transceiver |
| ADC | 12-bit SAR ADC |
| Package | 64-LQFP (10x10 mm) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Pin Count | 64 |
| Series | Kinetis KL1x / KL16 sub-family |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
MKL16Z128VLH4 Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | PTA0 — GPIO / TSI0_CH1 / ADC0_SE0 |
| Pin 2 | PTA1 — GPIO / TSI0_CH2 / ADC0_SE1 |
| Pin 3 | PTA2 — GPIO / TSI0_CH3 / ADC0_SE2 |
| Pin 4 | PTA3 — GPIO / TSI0_CH4 / ADC0_SE3 |
| Pin 5 | PTA4 — GPIO / TSI0_CH5 / ADC0_SE4 |
| Pin 6 | PTA5 — GPIO / TSI0_CH6 / ADC0_SE5 |
| Pin 7 | VDD — Supply voltage |
| Pin 8 | VSS — Ground |
| Pin 9 | PTA17 — GPIO |
| Pin 10 | PTA18 — GPIO / EXTAL |
| Pin 11 | PTA19 — GPIO / XTAL |
| Pin 12 | PTA20 — GPIO / RESET_b |
| Pin 13 | PTB0 — GPIO / I2C0_SCL / ADC0_SE8 |
| Pin 14 | PTB1 — GPIO / I2C0_SDA / ADC0_SE9 |
| Pin 15 | PTB2 — GPIO / I2C0_SCL / ADC0_SE10 |
| Pin 16 | PTB3 — GPIO / I2C0_SDA / ADC0_SE11 |
| Pin 17 | PTB4 — GPIO |
| Pin 18 | PTB5 — GPIO |
| Pin 19 | PTB6 — GPIO |
| Pin 20 | PTB7 — GPIO |
| Pin 21 | PTC0 — GPIO / ADC0_SE11 |
| Pin 22 | PTC1 — GPIO / ADC0_SE12 |
| Pin 23 | PTC2 — GPIO / ADC0_SE13 |
| Pin 24 | PTC3 — GPIO / ADC0_SE14 |
| Pin 25 | PTC4 — GPIO / ADC0_SE15 |
| Pin 26 | PTC5 — GPIO |
| Pin 27 | PTC6 — GPIO |
| Pin 28 | PTC7 — GPIO |
| Pin 29 | PTC8 — GPIO |
| Pin 30 | PTC9 — GPIO |
| Pin 31 | PTC10 — GPIO |
| Pin 32 | PTC11 — GPIO |
| Pin 33 | VDD — Supply voltage |
| Pin 34 | VSS — Ground |
| Pin 35 | PTD0 — GPIO / SPI0_PCS0 |
| Pin 36 | PTD1 — GPIO / SPI0_SCK |
| Pin 37 | PTD2 — GPIO / SPI0_MOSI |
| Pin 38 | PTD3 — GPIO / SPI0_MISO |
| Pin 39 | PTD4 — GPIO |
| Pin 40 | PTD5 — GPIO / UART0_TX |
| Pin 41 | PTD6 — GPIO / UART0_RX |
| Pin 42 | PTD7 — GPIO |
| Pin 43 | PTE0 — GPIO / USB_DM |
| Pin 44 | PTE1 — GPIO / USB_DP |
| Pin 45 | PTE2 — GPIO |
| Pin 46 | PTE3 — GPIO |
| Pin 47 | PTE4 — GPIO |
| Pin 48 | PTE5 — GPIO |
| Pin 49 | PTE6 — GPIO |
| Pin 50 | PTE7 — GPIO |
| Pin 51 | PTE8 — GPIO |
| Pin 52 | PTE9 — GPIO |
| Pin 53 | PTE10 — GPIO |
| Pin 54 | PTE11 — GPIO |
| Pin 55 | PTE12 — GPIO |
| Pin 56 | PTE13 — GPIO |
| Pin 57 | PTE14 — GPIO |
| Pin 58 | PTE15 — GPIO |
| Pin 59 | PTF0 — GPIO |
| Pin 60 | PTF1 — GPIO |
| Pin 61 | PTF2 — GPIO |
| Pin 62 | PTF3 — GPIO |
| Pin 63 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 64 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
Typical Applications
MKL16Z128VLH4 is suitable for 6 applications: Wearable Fitness and Health Devices, USB HID / CDC Peripherals, Home Automation Sensor Hubs, Smart Metering Endpoints, Portable Consumer Electronics, Industrial Sensor Nodes.
Wearable Fitness and Health Devices
The MKL16Z128VLH4 is a strong fit for wearable fitness and health devices thanks to its Cortex-M0+ core running at 48 MHz, 128 KB Flash for application + BLE/BLE-like state machine code, and multiple low-power modes (Wait, Stop, VLPR, VLPS). The 12-bit ADC supports heart-rate or temperature sensor analog front-ends, while I²C/SPI connect to motion sensors. The LQFP-64 package fits compact wrist-worn PCBs, and ultra-low-power stop currents extend coin-cell life.
Recommended
USB HID / CDC Peripherals
The MKL16Z128VLH4 integrates a USB 2.0 Full-Speed device controller with on-chip transceiver, eliminating the need for an external PHY and reducing BOM in USB HID keyboards/mice, CDC virtual COM ports, and vendor-class devices. The Cortex-M0+ at 48 MHz handles USB protocol plus application logic, while 16 KB SRAM accommodates USB descriptor + class buffers. The LQFP-64 footprint eases hand-solder rework for prototype builds.
Recommended
Home Automation Sensor Hubs
For home automation sensor hubs, the MKL16Z128VLH4 delivers 128 KB Flash for Zigbee/Thread/BLE-like protocol stacks and 16 KB SRAM for routing tables or sensor data buffering. Multiple UART/SPI/I²C interfaces connect radios and environmental sensors (temperature, humidity, occupancy). Low-power modes are critical for battery-powered window/door sensors, while USB FS device simplifies commissioning and firmware update over a wired connection.
Recommended
Smart Metering Endpoints
The MKL16Z128VLH4 suits smart metering endpoints (electricity, water, gas) that need reliable low-power operation, RTC for time-stamping, ADC for analog measurement front-ends, and tamper-resistant connectivity via UART/SPI/I²C to metrology ICs or wireless modules. The 64-LQFP footprint simplifies through-hole-friendly PCB layouts inside meter enclosures. Low-power modes keep quiescent current low to meet utility battery-life targets.
Recommended
Portable Consumer Electronics
Portable consumer products such as MP3 accessories, e-readers, handheld toys, and small appliances benefit from the MKL16Z128VLH4's 48 MHz Cortex-M0+ performance and 128 KB Flash for product features plus USB FS device for charging/firmware update. The 12-bit ADC supports battery monitoring, and the multiple low-power modes extend battery runtime. The 64-LQFP (10x10 mm) footprint is small enough for handheld enclosures.
Recommended
Industrial Sensor Nodes
For industrial sensor nodes, the MKL16Z128VLH4 provides deterministic real-time behavior with the Cortex-M0+ NVIC, 12-bit ADC for analog sensors, multiple UART/SPI/I²C for digital sensors and fieldbus bridges, and USB FS device for service/configuration. Low-power modes support battery or energy-harvested field nodes, while the LQFP-64 footprint is suitable for hand-soldered prototype boards and small-batch industrial deployments.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for MKL16Z128VLH4 — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | MKL16Z256VLH4 | MKL16Z64VLH4 | MKL26Z128VLH4 | STM32F072RBT6 | STM32F102RBT6 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 64-LQFP (10x10 mm) | 64-LQFP (10x10 mm) - same | 64-LQFP (10x10 mm) - same | 64-LQFP - same | 64-LQFP - same | 64-LQFP - same |
| Brand | NXP Semiconductors | NXP Semiconductors | NXP Semiconductors | NXP Semiconductors | STMicroelectronics | STMicroelectronics |
| Core | ARM Cortex-M0+ | ARM Cortex-M0+ | ARM Cortex-M0+ | ARM Cortex-M0+ | ARM Cortex-M0 | ARM Cortex-M3 |
| Max CPU Frequency | 48 MHz | 48 MHz | 48 MHz | 48 MHz | 48 MHz | 48 MHz |
| Flash Size | 128 KB | 256 KB | 64 KB | 128 KB | 128 KB | 128 KB |
| SRAM Size | 16 KB | 16 KB | 16 KB | 16 KB | 16 KB | 16 KB |
| USB | USB 2.0 FS Device | USB 2.0 FS Device | USB 2.0 FS Device | USB 2.0 FS Device | USB 2.0 FS Device | USB 2.0 FS Device |
| ADC | 12-bit SAR | 12-bit SAR | 12-bit SAR | 12-bit SAR | 12-bit SAR | 12-bit SAR |
Key Differentiators
- Balanced 128 KB Flash with USB FS device in a compact LQFP-64 footprint (vs MKL02Z16VFG4)
- Lower feature set than KL26 simplifies firmware and reduces BOM cost (vs MKL26Z128VLH4)
- Same 64-LQFP footprint as STM32F072RBT6 enables footprint reuse (vs STM32F072RBT6)
Design Notes
Use the MKL16Z128VLH4's multiple low-power modes (Wait, Stop, VLPR, VLPS) to meet battery-life targets. Place the part in VLPS whenever the application can be interrupted by the low-power timer (LPTMR) or RTC. Verify each peripheral used during VLPS/VLPR is listed as low-power-capable in the Kinetis KL16 reference manual, since some peripherals require explicit clock-gate configuration to remain functional in deep sleep.
For the USB FS device, route the USB_DM (PTE0) and USB_DP (PTE1) differential pair as a 90-ohm impedance-matched pair on the PCB, with the trace length matched to within 150 mils. Place the VBUS decoupling and USB connector ESD protection within 5 mm of the connector. Keep USB traces away from switching regulator or oscillator nodes to avoid coupling noise into the USB signaling.
Do not assume all Kinetis peripherals operate in every low-power mode - the ADC and certain UART baud-clock sources may be unavailable in VLPS. Configure unused pins as GPIO outputs or enable the internal pull-up to reduce leakage. Ensure the boot configuration pins (NMI, RESET_b, BOOTCFG0/1) are tied to the correct state for the desired boot source (internal Flash, ROM bootloader, or external) per the reference manual.
When routing the external crystal pins EXTAL/XTAL, keep the traces short and symmetric, place the load capacitors within 2 mm of the pins, and surround the oscillator with a ground guard ring to reduce radiated noise coupling into adjacent analog or USB traces. Avoid routing high-frequency digital traces directly under the crystal traces.