Freescale Kinetis-L Series : The world’s most energy-efficient MCUs
Kinetis L series MCUs combine the exceptional energy-efficiency and ease-of-use of the new ARM Cortex
-M0+ processor with the performance, peripheral sets, enablement and scalability of the Kinetis 32-bit MCU portfolio.
The Kinetis L series frees power-critical designs from 8- and 16-bit MCU limitations by combining excellent dynamic and stop currents with superior processing performance, a broad selection of on-chip flash memory densities and extensive analog, connectivity and HMI peripheral options.
Kinetis L series MCUs are also hardware and software compatible with the ARM Cortex
-M4-based Kinetis K series, providing a scalable migration path to more performance, memory and feature integration.
Overview
Freescale’s new Kinetis L Series of 32-bit MCUs are now in production and available for broad market sampling.
The L Series consists of 5 MCU families – KL0 / KL1 / KL2 / KL3 / KL4. All families are built on the new ARM Cortex
-M0+ core and each combines superior processing performance with ultra low power consumption, scalable flash memory, I/O and pin-count options and a large selection of mixed-signal, connectivity HMI and timing/control peripherals. Kinetis L devices flash sizes range from 8KB to 256KB, with packages from 16 to 121 pins. The Kinetis L family also includes the KL02, which is the world's smallest ARM core MCU device at only 1.9 mm x 2.0 mm, taking advantage of Freescale's industry leading Wafer-Level Chip-Scale Packaging (WLCSP) technology.
ARM Cortex-M0+ Processor
The ARM Cortex-M0+ processor delivers improved energy-efficiency, performance and ease-of-use over its predecessor, the Cortex-M0. It maintains full instruction set compatibility with the all other Cortex-M-class processors (Cortex-M0/3/4) allowing developers to reuse their existing compilers and debug tools.
KEY FEATURES:
- 1.77 CoreMark/MHz – 2x to 40x more than 8/16-bit, 9% more than Cortex-M0
- 2-stage pipeline – reduced cycles per instruction (CPI) enabling faster branch instruction and ISR entry
- >2x CoreMark/mA than closest 8/16-bit MCU
- Program memory access on alternate cycles – reduced power consumption
- Single-cycle I/O access – 50% higher GPIO toggling frequency than standard I/O, improves reaction time to external events allowing bit-banding and software protocol emulation
- Linear 4GB address-space – removes complex paging schemes simplifying software architecture
- Only 56 Instructions – mostly coded on 16-bit. Option for fast MUL 32x32 bit in 1 cycle
- Instruction set – 100% compatible with Cortex-M0 processor, subset of Cortex-M3/4 processor instruction sets
- Best-in-class code density vs. 8/16-bit architectures – reduced flash size (cost) and power consumption while outperforming 8&16 -bit counterparts
- Micro Trace Buffer – lightweight, non-intrusive trace solution. Trace information stored in small area of MCU SRAM (size defined by programmer), read over SWD/JTAG
- Broad ARM ecosystem support
Further information on the ARM Cortex M0+ processor can be found
- ARM website : Click Here
- Webinar EETime : Click Here
- Video:
Kinetis L Series MCU Families
Kinetis L Series MCUs build upon the energy efficiency capabilities of the ARM Cortex-M0+ core with innovative low-power platform design, operating modes and energy-saving peripherals. The result is an MCU that offers industry-leading energy-efficiency, consumes less than 50uA/MHz in VLPR (Very Low Power Run) mode, and can rapidly wake from a reduced power state, process data, and return to sleep extending application battery life.
FEATURES COMMON TO EACH KINETIS-L MCU SERIES INCLUDE:
- Ultra-efficient processing
- 48MHz ARM Cortex-M0+ Processor
- 90nm low-power flash technology
- Bit Manipulation Engine
- <50uA/MHz, 3.8 CoreMark/mW
- Peripheral Bridge Crossbar
- Zero Wait State Flash Memory Controller
- Ultra low-power modes
- 90nm low-leakage flash technology
- Multiple RUN, WAIT and STOP modes
- 4us wake-up from deep sleep modes
- Clock & power gating, low-power boot options
- 2uA Deep Sleep Idd with register retention, LVD active and 4.3us wake-up
- Energy-saving peripherals
- Peripherals function in deep sleep modes and can make intelligent decisions and process data without waking up the core – ADMA, UART, Timers, ADC, Segment LCD, Touch Sensing...
- 12/16-bit ADC
- 12-bit DAC
- High-speed analog comparators
- Serial communication interfaces (UART, low-power UART, SPI, IIC)
- Powerful timers for a broad range of applications including motor control
FREESCALE KINETIS-L SERIES : PRODUCT LINES
- KL0 family – entry point into the Kinetis L Series, 8-32KB, 24-48pin.
- KL1 family – general purpose family with additional communications and analog peripherals, 32-256KB, 32-80pin.
- KL2 family – USB 2.0 full-speed host/device/OTG, 32-256KB, 32-121pin.
- KL3 family – LCD Segment driver, 64-256KB, 64-121pin.
- KL4 family – USB 2.0 full-speed host/device/OTG and LCD Segment driver, 128-256KB, 64-121pin.
KINETIS PORTFOLIO SCALABILITY: PRODUCTION QUALIFIED ARM CORTEX-M0+ AND CORTEX-M4 MCUs
Kinetis L series MCUs (ARM Cortex
-M0+ based) are hardware and software compatible with Kinetis K series (ARM
Cortex
-M4 based) as below:
- KL0 family – Pin-compatible with the 8-bit S08P family, software compatible with all L series families
- KL1 family – Hardware & software compatible with the Kinetis-K10 Series (ARM
Cortex
-M4) and all L Series families
- KL2 family – Hardware & software compatible with the Kinetis-K20 Series (ARM
Cortex
-M4) and all L Series families
- KL3 family – Hardware & software compatible with the Kinetis-K30 Series (ARM
Cortex
-M4) and all L Series families
- KL4 family – Hardware & software compatible with the Kinetis-K40 Series (ARM
Cortex
-M4) and all L Series families
FREESCALE KINETIS-L SERIES: MEMORY & PACKAGE SCALABILITY
Freescale Kinetis-L Series are available from 8KB to 256KB Flash sizes, 24QFN up to 121MBGA package combining the different families.
KL0 family have the lowest memory and package sizes to achieve 8/16-bits aggressive cost targets.
KL3 and KL4 families have the highest memory and package sizes due to the embedded Segment LCD and USB Controllers.
FREESCALE KINETIS- L SERIES: KL14/5/6 FAMILY BLOCK DIAGRAM
Freescale Kinetis-L Series propose several, flexible Powe Modes, that fit for different application use cases designed to maximize battery life, and Energy-saving peripherals, which are smart with functionality in deep sleep modes to make intelligent decisions and process data without waking up the core.
The block diagram below corresponding to Kinetis-L1 series allows to understand thanks to the color code, which peripherals will be active in the lowest power modes starting from RUN (red) down to VLLS0 (white) (considering that those peripherals will be active in the more consumming modes).
As illustration, below some case examples :
- In the most energy-consuming RUN mode (Red), all peripherals but also Cortex-M0+ Core and Debug will be active.
- In the less energy-consuming VLLS0 mode (White), ONLY Reset will be available
- In VLLS1 mode (Light Green), the TSI (Touch Sensor HW Controller), High-Speed Comparator, Low-Power Timer and the RTC will be available and can be used to wake-up the system.
- In VLLS3 mode (Green), RAM and Voltage Regulator are additionnaly available to VLLS0 and VLLS1 active peripherals.
FREESCALE KINETIS L-SERIES: KL24/5/6 FAMILY BLOCK DIAGRAM
The block diagram below corresponding to Kinetis-L2 series allows to understand thanks to the color code, which peripherals will be active in the lowest power modes starting from RUN (red) down to VLLS0 (white) (considering that those peripherals will be active in the more consumming modes).
Additionally to Kinetis-L1 series active peripheral rules for each low power modes (see above), USB controller will be available down to VLPS/STOP mode.
FREESCALE KINETIS-L SERIES LOW POWER PILLARS:
- Ultra-efficient Cortex-M0+ processor
Most energy-efficient 32-bit processor on the market with industry leading throughput/mA
- Energy-saving architecture
Optimized for low power with 90nm TFS technology, clock and power gating techniques, and highly efficient platform featuring a low power boot option,
bit manipulation engine, peripheral bridge crossbar and zero wait state flash memory controller
- Ultra-low power modes
Several, flexible power modes fit for different application use cases designed to maximize battery life
- Energy-saving peripherals
Smart peripherals with functionality in deep sleep modes can make intelligent decisions and process data without waking up the core
Further information on Freescale Kinetis-L low-power modes and their corresponding energy-consumption, please refer to the product datasheet, section "Electrical Characteristics" :
- Freescale Kinetis-L Product Page : Click Here
Hardware Enablement
Freescale Freedom Development Platform
cost : Starting at $12.95
availability : now
The Freescale Freedom platform is a series of small, ultra-low-cost development boards for rapid prototyping with Kinetis L devices. Features of the platform include easy access to analog and digital MCU I/O, low-power operation, and a built-in debug interface called OpenSDA for drag-and-drop flash programming, serial communication, and debug run-control, all over a simple USB cable. And it’s in a convenient form factor that is compatible with Arduino accessory shields, allowing for unlimited possibilities that fit in the palm of your hand. The Freedom platform is also supported by a wide range of Freescale and third-party enablement software like MQX-Lite RTOS, complimentary USB stacks, and Processor Expert so you spend less time initializing, and more time creating.
There are Freedom boards available for multiple Kinetis L Families:
As an example, here are the features of the FRDM-KL25ZFRDM-KL25Z:
- MKL25Z128VLK4 MCU – 48MHz, 128KB Flash, 16KB SRAM, USB OTG (FS), 80LQFP
- Capacitive touch “slider”, MMA8451QR1MMA8451QR1 accelerometer, Tri-color LED
- Flexible power supply options – USB, coin cell battery, external source
- Easy access to MCU I/O
- Battery-ready, power-measurement access points
- Form factor compatible with Arduino platform
- New, sophisticated OpenSDA debug interface
- Mass storage device flash programming interface (default) – no tool installation required to evaluate demo apps
- P&E Multilink interface provides run-control debugging and compatibility with IDE tools
- Open-source Data Logging application provides an example for customer, partner and enthusiast development on the OpenSDA circuit
- Packed with software:
- Processor Expert: stand-alone or IDE integrated
- MQX Lite RTOS (via Processor Expert)
- Ecosystem partner support: IAR, Keil, Code Red, Atollic, Rowley, Free GNU command-line tools with GDB server
Further information on Freescale Freedom Development Platform can be found
- Element 14 Freedom Board Page:
- Freedom Board Overview and Board Comparison
- Freescale Freedom Details Video: Click Here
Software Enablement - IDEs (1/2)
CodeWarrior for MCUs v10.5 (Eclipse)
cost : Free of Charge Evaluation Version
availability : now
Freescale’s CodeWarrior Development Studio for MCUs v10.5 integrates the development tools for the ColdFire, ColdFire+, DSC, Kinetis, Qorivva, PX, RS08, S08, and S12Z architectures into a single product based on the Eclipse open development platform. Eclipse offers an excellent framework for building software development environments and is a standard framework used by many embedded software vendors.
Features
- Eclipse IDE 4.2.1
- Unlimited assembler
- Unlimited C/C++ Compiler and Debugger (restrictions based on suite)
- Integrated Flash Programmer
- Device Initialization tool
- Processor Expert software and components
- Processor Expert Component Development Environment (restrictions based on suite)
- MQX Kernel-aware Debug
Further information on Freescale Codewarrior 10.5 and a download link can be found
- Freescale Codewarrior 10.5 Product Page : Click Here
Keil MDK-ARM v4.60
cost : Free of Charge Evaluation Version
availability : now
The MDK-ARM is a complete software development environment for Cortex-M, Cortex-R4, ARM7
and ARM9
processor-based devices. MDK-ARM is specifically designed for microcontroller applications, it is easy to learn and use, yet powerful enough for the most demanding embedded applications.
Main Features
- Complete support for Cortex-M, Cortex-R4, ARM7, and ARM9 devices
- Industry-leading ARM C/C++ Compilation Toolchain
- µVision4 IDE, debugger, and simulation environment
- Keil RTX deterministic, small footprint real-time operating system (with source code)
- TCP/IP Networking Suite offers multiple protocols and various applications
- USB Device and USB Host stacks are provided with standard driver classes
- Complete GUI Library for embedded systems with graphical user interfaces
- ULINKpro enables on-the-fly analysis of running applications and records every executed Cortex-M instruction
- Complete Code Coverage information about your program's execution
- Execution Profiler and Performance Analyzer enable program optimization
- Numerous example projects help you quickly become familiar with MDK-ARM's powerful, built-in features
- CMSIS Cortex Microcontoller Software Interface Standard compliant
Further information on Keil MDK-ARM and Download link can be found
- Keil MDK-ARM Product Page : Click Here
IAR EWARM v6.40.30
cost : Free of Charge Evaluation Version
availability : now
Integrated development environment and optimizing C/C++ compiler for ARM
Ready-made device configuration files, flash loaders and over 3100 example projects are included. IAR Embedded Workbench is compatible with other ARM EABI compliant compilers and supports the following ARM cores: Cortex-A, Cortex-R, Cortex-M, ARM11, ARM9, ARM7
Main Features
- Reliable, Powerful and Easy to Use
- The most widely used C/C++ tool chain for ARM MCUs
- Support for Kinetis K-series (10/20/30/40/50/60/70), Kinetis L-series, i.MX
- Advanced trace debug functionality
- Power debugging - optimize for power consumption with power profiling
- Timeline shows graphical representations of power consumption, call stack, variable values and interrupt activity over time
- Function profiling and code coverage
- ETM and SWO trace support
- Comaptible with Freescale Processor Expert and MQXLite
RTOS
- Ready-made project templates
- Project examples for the Freescale Freedom Development Platform and the Freescale Tower System
- Professional technical support organization
Further information on IAR EWARM and Download link can be found
- IAR EWARM Product Page : Click Here
GNU Tools ARM GCC Embedded
cost : Free of Charge
availability : now
As part of its ongoing commitment to maintaining and enhancing GCC compiler support for the ARM architecture, ARM is maintaining a GNU toolchain with a GCC source branch targeted at Embedded ARM Processors, namely Cortex-R/Cortex-M processor families, covering Cortex-R4, Cortex-R5, Cortex-M0, Cortex-M3, Cortex-M4, and Cortex-M0+. As part of this, ARM will, at regular intervals, release binaries pre-built and tested from the ARM embedded branch. The improvements will be freely available for integration into 3rd party toolchains, and for direct download by end-users.
Further information on GNU Tools ARM GCC Embedded and Download link can be found
- GNU Tools ARM GCC Embedded Product Page : https://launchpad.net/gcc-arm-embedded
Software Enablement - Processor Expert and RTOS (2/2)
Processor Expert
cost : Free of Charge
availability : now as an Eclipse-based plug-in called 'Freescale Processor Expert Driver Suite v10.0' (Supports IAR, Keil, and GCC) or else embedded in 'CodeWarrior Development Studio V10.5'
Processor Expert is a very versatile GUI tool created by Freescale that lets you focus on what will make your next embedded design truly unique. Instead of having to re-invent the wheel by writing yet another peripheral driver, it generates customized C code for Kinetis MCU start-up initialization and peripheral drivers. It's not a compiler or linker, but instead generates the code that can then be pulled into your preferred build environment. It also flags any silicon conflicts as you configure your particular project (making peripheral module muxing easy), and makes migration to a new device straightforward since it encapsulates all the MCU information required. It supports a wide range of devices, including the entire Kinetis L family, and is available as a stand-alone product or comes integrated inside of CodeWarrior.
Further information on Processor Expert and Download link can be found
- Freescale Processor Expert Product Page : Click Here
- Processor Expert with FRDM-KL25Z Video Tutorials: Click Here
MQX Lite RTOS
cost : Free of Charge
availability : now as a component within 'Freescale Processor Expert software, MCU driver suite v10.0' (Supports IAR, Keil, and GCC) and 'CodeWarrior Development Studio V10.5'
Freescale MQX Lite RTOS is a very light MQX Kernel for resource-limited MCUs. Initially developed for the Kinetis L Series family, it allows applications to run with less than 4 KB RAM. It is a true subset of the proven and professionally developed Freescale MQX Software Solutions, allowing for easy upward code migration. It is easily configurable within Processor Expert Software to be used with the tool chain of your choice. You can also take advantage of all the drivers supported in Processor Expert Software, making it easy to scale from one MCU to another.
- Very light MQX kernel for resource-limited MCUs
- Targeted at the Kinetis L family initially
- Packaged as a Processor Expert component
- I/O capability provided by Processor Expert
- USB via FSL bare-metal stack, also a Processor Expert component
- No POSIX-like drivers or file access
- Programming model allows upward code migration
- A true subset of the full MQX RTOS
- Code built with MQX Lite will move to full MQX RTOS easily
- Same task templates, same API – some very minor differences
- Available as a component within the following Freescale software offerings:
- Processor Expert software, MCU driver suite – Supports IAR, Keil, and GCC compilers / build chains
- CodeWarrior Development Studio V10.5
Further information on MQX Lite can be found
- Freescale MQX-Lite Product Page : Click Here
- Application Note : 'Writting your First MQXLite Application with Kinetis-L and FRDM-KL25Z'
Coocox : CoIDE v1.5.1 CoOS v1.1.4 CoLinkEx and CoFlash v1.4.3 CoX Library v1.0
cost : Free of Charge
availability : now
A new and highly-integrated software development environment for ARM Cortex M4, M3 and M0 based microcontrollers, which includes all the tools necessary to develop high-quality software solutions in a timely and cost effective manner.
CoIDE supports the Freescale's KLx series starting from the 1.5.1 version. CooCox have developed a series of tools for this Arduino-compatible hardware:
- Build and debug Freescale's KLx series in CoIDE.
- Program and debug Freescale's KLx series using CoLinkEx.
- CoX Library: CoX Peripheral Library for Freescale's KLx seriesmake a easy read & use library for Freescale.
- CoX Driver: CoX driver code can be used on Freescale's KLx series (with CoX Library).
- Arduino Shields: CooCox will develop series of Shields-driver and design some Shields for ARM Cortex M chips.
Further information on CooCox tools can be found
- CooCox Freedom Board Product Page : Click Here