MKL33Z64VLK4557 - 64KB Flash ARM Cortex-M0+ MCU | NXP | LQFP-80
MPN: MKL33Z64VLK4557 ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $4.32 | $4.32 |
| 10 | $3.89 | $38.90 |
| 100 | $3.46 | $346.00 |
| 500 | $3.07 | $1,535.00 |
| 1,000 | $2.78 | $2,780.00 |
MKL33Z64VLK4557 Overview
A microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer that integrates a CPU core, program memory (Flash), working memory (SRAM), and a rich set of peripherals including timers, communication interfaces, and analog blocks. Within the broader semiconductor taxonomy, the MKL33Z64VLK4557 belongs to the hierarchy: microcontroller -> embedded MCU -> 32-bit ARM Cortex-M MCU -> Kinetis KL family -> ultra-low-power segment. As a Cortex-M0+ device, it delivers energy-efficient Thumb-2 instruction execution with hardware single-cycle multipliers and a Nested Vectored Interrupt Controller (NVIC), positioning it as an entry-level 32-bit platform that replaces older 8-bit and 16-bit designs while preserving low active and sleep current consumption.
Key differentiating features include segment LCD support (SLCD driver up to 8x28 or 4x32 segments), a low-leakage wake-up unit, multiple low-power modes (VLLS0/1/3, VLPS, LLS, RUN/WAIT/STOP), 12-bit ADC with hardware trigger, and high-accuracy internal reference. The device integrates a comprehensive mix of peripherals such as LPUART, LPSPI, LPI2C, FlexIO, DMA, RTC, and segment LCD bias generation, eliminating the need for external components and shrinking BOM cost.
Architecturally, the KL33 leverages a Cortex-M0+ core running at 48 MHz over an AHB-Lite bus matrix, with peripherals on a separate peripheral bridge. The on-chip bandgap and 1.2V core LDO are trimmed at factory test to deliver consistent active current around 4 mA @ 48 MHz and deep-sleep currents below 2 uA, while the segment LCD controller can drive LCD glass directly without a separate charge-pump IC, simplifying meter and human-machine-interface designs.
Typical applications include battery-operated sensor nodes, electronic shelf labels (ESL), industrial gauges with LCD readouts, low-end consumer wearables, smart thermostats, portable medical monitors, and metering devices (water/gas/electricity). Designers frequently pair it with NXP FXOS8700 accelerometers, MPL3115A2 pressure sensors, and Segger J-Link debug probes during development.
When designing with the KL33, ensure the decoupling network includes a 100 nF X7R capacitor placed within 3 mm of each VDD/VSS pair, plus a bulk 4.7 uF ceramic on the main rail. For LCD applications, allocate a bias network per the datasheet and avoid routing high-speed digital signals across the LCD segment traces to minimize coupling noise.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in alternatives, and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet, providing engineers a one-stop reference for selecting and qualifying the MKL33Z64VLK4557 in production designs.
Drop-in alternatives for MKL33Z64VLK4557 — 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 MKL33Z64VLK4557 (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, Flash Memory, Series.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
MKL33Z128VLK4
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
MKL33Z64VLH4
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
MKL33Z64VFK4
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
MKL26Z128VMC4
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.95 / Unit
View Datasheet →MKL02Z16VFG4
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
Contact for price
View Datasheet →MKL33Z64VLK4557 Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | ARM Cortex-M0+ |
| Core Width | 32-bit |
| Maximum Clock Frequency | 48 MHz |
| Program Memory Size | 64 KB Flash |
| RAM Size | 8 KB SRAM |
| Operating Voltage Range | 1.71 V to 3.6 V |
| Package | 80-pin LQFP (12x12 mm) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| ADC | 12-bit SAR ADC |
| Segment LCD Driver | Yes (up to 8x28 segments) |
| Communication Interfaces | LPUART, LPSPI, LPI2C, FlexIO |
| DMA Channels | Yes |
| Operating Temperature Range | -40 C to +105 C |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
| MSL Level | 3 (per JEDEC J-STD-020) |
MKL33Z64VLK4557 Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | PTC0 — General-purpose I/O / Touch Sense Input |
| Pin 10 | VDD — Digital supply voltage |
| Pin 20 | VSS — Digital ground |
| Pin 30 | PTE0 — General-purpose I/O |
| Pin 40 | LCD_P0 — Segment LCD segment output |
| Pin 50 | LCD_P20 — Segment LCD segment output |
| Pin 60 | ADC0_SE8 — ADC analog input channel 8 |
| Pin 70 | RESET_b — Reset input, active low |
| Pin 80 | PTB7 — General-purpose I/O |
Typical Applications
MKL33Z64VLK4557 is suitable for 6 applications: Battery-Powered IoT Sensor Nodes, Electronic Shelf Labels (ESL), Industrial Metering (Water/Gas/Electricity), Portable Medical Monitors, Low-End Consumer Wearables, Smart Home Thermostats and HMI.
Battery-Powered IoT Sensor Nodes
The MKL33Z64VLK4557's Cortex-M0+ core at 48 MHz draws approximately 4 mA active, while its VLLS0 deep-sleep mode drops below 1 uA, enabling multi-year coin-cell operation in periodic-wake sensor endpoints. Its integrated 12-bit ADC and LPUART/LPSPI peripherals connect directly to sensors like the NXP FXOS8700 accelerometer or MPL3115A2 pressure sensor without external glue logic. The 64 KB Flash accommodates over-the-air firmware update (OTAU) staging for Thread/Zigbee stacks on top of the application image. Versus higher-end Cortex-M4 parts, the KL33's lower MIPS-per-mA profile extends battery life 2-3x in duty-cycled designs. According to the NXP datasheet, the part supports DMA-driven peripheral wake events so the CPU stays asleep until a meaningful interrupt arrives.
Recommended
Electronic Shelf Labels (ESL)
The MKL33Z64VLK4557's integrated segment LCD (SLCD) controller drives up to 8x28 segments directly without external charge-pump ICs, cutting BOM cost and PCB area in retail ESL designs. Its low-power modes (VLLS3 ~1 uA with RTC running) match ESL duty cycles where the display refreshes a few times per day from a coin cell. Sub-GHz radio is added externally via SPI to an NXP MKW01 or third-party radio; the KL33's LPSPI ports up to 12 Mbps handle high-throughput wireless updates in under 100 ms per tag. According to NXP application notes, the SLCD block includes contrast control via software, simplifying optical tuning across production batches.
Recommended
Industrial Metering (Water/Gas/Electricity)
Industrial utility meters require long battery life, integrated display, and tamper detection - all delivered by the MKL33Z64VLK4557. The SLCD driver shows consumption digits and status icons on the meter faceplate without an auxiliary display driver IC. The 12-bit ADC at 1 MSPS handles pulse-counting from meter flow sensors and battery voltage monitoring for end-of-life indication. Tamper detection uses GPIO interrupts on a magnetic reed switch, waking the MCU from VLLS3 in microseconds. The -40 C to +105 C operating range covers outdoor and basement installations. Compared to 8-bit MCUs in legacy designs, the KL33's 32-bit Thumb-2 instruction set executes encryption and secure communication libraries 5-10x faster, supporting modern AMI protocols.
Recommended
Portable Medical Monitors
The MKL33Z64VLK4557's low active current and Cortex-M0+ determinism fit handheld patient monitors such as pulse oximeters, glucose meters, and single-parameter ECG patches. Its 12-bit ADC samples bioelectric signals at sufficient resolution for heart-rate detection; pairing with an external 16-bit ADC like the NXP NAU7804 lifts precision when needed. The 64 KB Flash holds small-footprint RTOS kernels (e.g., FreeRTOS) plus BLE radio stacks when paired with an external module. The integrated SLCD displays measurement values on low-power monochrome glass without backlight, preserving battery life. The part's -40 C to +105 C thermal range and IEC 60730 Class B-capable firmware libraries support safety-critical home-health devices.
Recommended
Low-End Consumer Wearables
Fitness bands and smartwatches with monochrome displays leverage the MKL33Z64VLK4557's segment LCD driver to render time, steps, and notification icons without a power-hungry TFT controller. The Cortex-M0+ at 48 MHz handles step-counting algorithms and BLE link management via an external module; its small code footprint leaves headroom in the 64 KB Flash for feature expansion. Sub-2 uA sleep current extends coin-cell runtime to multiple months between charges. The LPUART supports low-speed debug output during production without disturbing the main application. According to NXP, the SLCD supports partial display updates so only changed digits toggle, further reducing average power.
Recommended
Smart Home Thermostats and HMI
Wall-mounted smart thermostats use the MKL33Z64VLK4557's SLCD to display setpoint, current temperature, and mode icons directly on the front panel. The 12-bit ADC reads thermistor bridges for ambient sensing; the LPSPI port drives an external Wi-Fi/BLE combo module for cloud connectivity. Cortex-M0+ + DMA offload capacitive touch sampling via the TSI (Touch Sense Input) block, eliminating dedicated touch ICs. Low-power modes keep idle thermostats drawing less than 50 uA average, complying with stringent standby regulations like the EU Ecodesign directive. The part's industrial temperature grade supports attic and basement installations without derating.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for MKL33Z64VLK4557 — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | MKL33Z128VLK4 | MKL33Z64VLH4 | MKL33Z64VFK4 | MKL26Z128VMC4 | MKL02Z16VFG4 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | NXP Semiconductors | NXP Semiconductors | NXP Semiconductors | NXP Semiconductors | NXP Semiconductors | NXP Semiconductors |
| Package | LQFP-80 (12x12 mm) | LQFP-80 (12x12 mm) | LQFP-64 (10x10 mm) | QFN-80 (10x10 mm) | LQFP-80 (12x12 mm) | LQFP-80 (12x12 mm) |
| Core | ARM Cortex-M0+ | ARM Cortex-M0+ | ARM Cortex-M0+ | ARM Cortex-M0+ | ARM Cortex-M0+ | ARM Cortex-M0+ |
| Max Clock Frequency | 48 MHz | 48 MHz | 48 MHz | 48 MHz | 48 MHz | 48 MHz |
| Flash Memory | 64 KB | 128 KB | 64 KB | 64 KB | 128 KB | 16 KB |
| SRAM | 8 KB | 16 KB | 8 KB | 8 KB | 16 KB | 2 KB |
| Segment LCD Driver | Yes (8x28) | Yes (8x28) | Yes | Yes (8x28) | Yes | No |
| USB | No | No | No | No | Yes (USB 2.0 FS device) | No |
Key Differentiators
- Higher Flash density with same pinout (vs MKL33Z128VLK4)
- Full-speed USB 2.0 device support (vs MKL26Z128VMC4)
- Segment LCD driver for direct glass drive (vs MKL02Z16VFG4)
Design Notes
Estimated: at 48 MHz active, the MKL33Z64VLK4557 draws approximately 4 mA; in VLLS0 deep-stop mode, current drops below 1 uA with RTC disabled. For coin-cell designs, gate the SLCD bias and analog blocks individually through the SIM peripheral enable registers to avoid leaving idle peripherals clocked. Always verify VLLS wake-up latency (<5 us typical) in your real-time schedule before relying on sub-uA sleep for periodic sensing.
Place one 100 nF X7R 0402 decoupling capacitor within 3 mm of every VDD/VSS pin pair, plus a single 4.7 uF X5R bulk capacitor on the main 3.3V rail adjacent to the MCU. For LCD-driven designs, route segment traces on a separate inner layer with a guard ground ring to reduce coupling from high-speed digital signals. The VREFH pin must be bypassed with a 100 nF + 1 uF network; do not leave it floating or the ADC accuracy degrades by 1-2 LSB.
Do not exceed 3.6V on VDD or risk permanent damage to the internal LDO and Flash. When migrating from the KL25 to the KL33, note that the SLCD pin mapping differs - revalidate the segment-to-pin assignment table from the KL33 datasheet, not the KL25 reference manual. The 48 MHz MCG configuration requires the high-gain oscillator mode for full 48 MHz operation; using FEI mode below 24 MHz is fine for low-power run states.
Compliance Information
RoHS and REACH compliant per NXP product page; lead-free reflow compatible per JEDEC J-STD-020 MSL-3. Not AEC-Q100 qualified - choose KEA/KL4x automotive-grade parts for vehicular applications.
