NXP Semiconductors M68ICS08KX
- Part No.:
- M68ICS08KX
- Manufacturer:
- NXP Semiconductors
- Category:
- Programmers, Emulators, and Debuggers
- Package:
- Datasheet:
-
M68ICS08KX.pdf
- Description:
- SIM PROGRAM FOR 68HC908KX8/KX2
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:1,338
Please send an inquiry. Send us your inquiry, and we will respond immediately.
Product details
Overview
M68ICS08KX from Motorola is an in-circuit simulator (ICS) board designed for development, debugging, and FLASH programming of the MC68HC908KX8 8-bit microcontroller. It supports standalone simulation, in-circuit emulation via MON08 interface, real-time evaluation, and on-board MCU programming - all using a Windows host PC connected via RS-232 and powered by +5 Vdc.
For engineers reviewing the M68ICS08KX datasheet, M68ICS08KX pinout, M68ICS08KX application, or M68ICS08KX equivalent, this board enables rapid firmware validation, hardware-software co-debugging, and target-system-aware simulation without requiring custom debug infrastructure.
Technical Context
The M68ICS08KX implements a dedicated MON08-based debug interface to the MC68HC908KX8 MCU, operating at bus frequencies constrained by standard RS-232 baud rates (fbus/256). It integrates a 9.8304 MHz crystal for precise timing and supports four operational modes: Standalone, Simulation, Evaluation, and Programming.
Hardware configuration is managed via four jumper headers (W1–W4) for voltage selection (2.0–3.3 V), MCU power source (board-regulated or external), clock source (internal crystal or MCU ICG), and PTB6 signal routing. Target connectivity is provided through three physical interfaces: J1 (flex cable), J5 (ribbon cable), and J3 (MON08).
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Target MCU | MC68HC908KX8 - fully supported for simulation, emulation, and FLASH programming |
| Host Interface | RS-232 (DE-9 connector J6) - enables communication with Windows 95+ PCs using standard serial port |
| Power Input | +5 Vdc via J2 - supplied by included FRIWO 11.8999-P5 AC/DC adapter |
| Clock Source | 9.8304 MHz crystal - provides stable timing reference for MCU operation and synchronization |
| Operating Temp | 0°C to +40°C - suitable for lab and benchtop engineering environments |
| Storage Temp | –40°C to +85°C - ensures reliability during shipping and non-operational storage |
| Relative Humidity | 0–95%, non-condensing - compatible with standard indoor development labs |
Availability
M68ICS08KX is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for embedded firmware development, MCU bring-up, and production-ready debug infrastructure requiring stable component supply, long-term toolchain continuity, and legacy 8-bit HCS08 ecosystem support.
Supply support for M68ICS08KX 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
Motorola (now part of NXP Semiconductors) was a pioneering semiconductor manufacturer known for its 6800 and HCS08 microcontroller families, delivering robust, low-power 8-bit solutions for automotive, industrial, and consumer applications.
The M68ICS08KX belongs to Motorola's early in-circuit debug hardware product line, specifically engineered to accelerate development for the MC68HC908KX8 - targeting cost-sensitive, resource-constrained embedded systems requiring field-programmable FLASH and real-time I/O visibility.
FAQ
What is the primary function of the M68ICS08KX?
The M68ICS08KX is an in-circuit simulator board that enables editing, assembling, simulating, debugging, and programming the MC68HC908KX8 microcontroller. It operates as a complete development system when paired with Windows host software including WINIDE, ICS08KXZ, ICD08SZ, and PROG08SZ - allowing engineers to validate firmware behavior both in isolation and while interfaced with actual target hardware.
Which microcontroller does the M68ICS08KX support?
The M68ICS08KX is specifically designed for the MC68HC908KX8 8-bit microcontroller in 16-pin DIP or SOIC packages. It provides full instruction-set simulation, memory and peripheral modeling, conditional breakpoints, and FLASH programming - all verified and documented for this exact MCU variant, not broader HCS08 family members.
How does the M68ICS08KX connect to a host PC?
The M68ICS08KX connects to a Windows host PC via a standard RS-232 serial interface using connector J6 (DE-9 male) and the included KRISTA 22-122 serial cable. It requires no drivers beyond native Windows COM port support and operates with WinIDE and related P&E Micro software tools under Windows 95 or later.
What are the supported target interface options for the M68ICS08KX?
The M68ICS08KX offers three target connection methods: J1 (2×20-pin flex cable interface), J5 (2×8-pin ribbon cable interface), and J3 (2×8-pin MON08 debug interface). Each maps specific MCU signals (e.g., PTA0–PTA4, PTB0–PTB7, IRQ*, RST*) to the target system, with J3 enabling full MON08 protocol features including in-circuit programming and limited real-time emulation.
Does the M68ICS08KX require external power, and what are the voltage options?
Yes, the M68ICS08KX requires +5 Vdc input via connector J2, supplied by the included FRIWO 11.8999-P5 AC/DC adapter. Jumper W1 allows MCU core voltage selection between 2.0 V, 2.2 V, 2.7 V, 3.0 V, and 3.3 V to match target system requirements - critical for accurate low-voltage operation and signal-level compatibility during debugging.
M68ICS08KX Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- NXP Semiconductors
- Series:
- -
- Packaging:
- Bulk
- Product Status:
- Obsolete
- Type:
- Programmer
- For Use With/Related Products:
- 68HC908KX8/KX2
- Contents:
- Board(s), Cable(s), Power Supply
M68ICS08KX FAQ
1.How can I place an order for M68ICS08KX through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for M68ICS08KX on Aetrix. Our sales agent will provide a competitive quotation and guide you through the order confirmation once you accept the terms.
2.Are the price and stock information for M68ICS08KX reliable?
The price and inventory of M68ICS08KX are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for M68ICS08KX is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for M68ICS08KX?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for M68ICS08KX transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for M68ICS08KX?
M68ICS08KX orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your M68ICS08KX order is processed, you will receive an email with the shipment details and tracking number.
Note: Tracking information may take up to 24 hours to appear. Express delivery typically takes 3–5 business days.
5.How can I obtain technical support or documentation for M68ICS08KX?
For technical support, including M68ICS08KX datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your M68ICS08KX requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that M68ICS08KX is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All M68ICS08KX products on Aetrix are procured from qualified distributors and authorized channels. Our dedicated quality assurance team conducts strict verification, including traceability checks and, if necessary, third-party testing. This ensures that M68ICS08KX meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of M68ICS08KX?
All M68ICS08KX units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with M68ICS08KX, returns or replacements are accepted under the following conditions:
1.Quantity discrepancies, incorrect items, or visible external defects (such as breakage or corrosion), acknowledged by Aetrix.
2.The issue is reported within 90 days of delivery.
3.The M68ICS08KX part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for M68ICS08KX:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
M68ICS08KX Tags

-
STLINK-V3MODS
STMicroelectronics

-
STLINK-V3MINIE
STMicroelectronics

-
ESP-PROG
Espressif Systems

-
SC0889
Raspberry Pi

-
2548
Adafruit Industries LLC

-
PG164100
Microchip Technology

-
ST-LINK/V2
STMicroelectronics

-
STLINK-V3SET
STMicroelectronics

-
NU-LINK-PRO
Nuvoton Technology Corporation

-
ARM-USB-TINY-H
Olimex LTD
-
MCU-LINK-PRO
NXP Semiconductors

-
410-308-B
Digilent, Inc.
Tech Hub
A practical engineering guide to 3.3V and 5V logic compatibility, input thresholds, resistor dividers, translator ICs, MOSFET level shifting, I2C pull-ups, timing limits and power-sequencing risks.
The 74HC595 uses push-pull logic outputs, while the TPIC6B595 uses 50 V open-drain DMOS sinks for higher-power loads. This guide compares timing, current limits, 3.3 V interfacing, load wiring, thermal…
The 74HC595 converts serial data into eight stable parallel outputs. This guide covers pin functions, shift and storage timing, OE and MR behavior, drive-current limits, cascading, voltage compatibilit…
A technical comparison of level-sensitive latches and edge-triggered flip-flops, covering timing windows, setup and hold limits, master–slave operation, time borrowing, race-through, HDL inference and…
A D latch stores one bit while Enable controls when data can pass. This reference covers gate-level operation, truth tables, transparency, setup and hold timing, LE versus OE, common ICs and practical …
An SR latch stores one bit through cross-coupled feedback. This engineering reference covers NOR and NAND implementations, truth tables, forbidden-state recovery, gated operation, switch debouncing, fa…
Latch circuits retain one bit through feedback. This technical reference covers SR and D latches, truth tables, transparency, timing limits, latch-versus-flip-flop behavior, applications and common log…
An engineering guide to LED driver operation, constant-current and constant-voltage outputs, linear and switching topologies, dimming, IC selection, calculations, replacement compatibility, and fault c…
Operational amplifier guide covering op amp basics, feedback, ideal vs real op amps, common configurations, buffer circuits, offset, bias current, gain-bandwidth, slew rate, rail-to-rail limits and sel…
Jumper cables guide covering safe connection order, red and black clamp placement, final ground connection, cable gauge, length, clamp quality, copper vs CCA cables, jump starter comparison and battery…
