NXP Semiconductors MC68302CAG16VC

Overview

MC68302CAG16VC from Freescale Semiconductor is a 32-bit integrated communications microcontroller with on-chip CPU32 core, dual UARTs, SCC, timer system, and DMA controller - operating at 16 MHz maximum internal bus frequency, supporting 32-bit address/data multiplexed bus interface, and designed for embedded telecom and industrial control applications requiring deterministic real-time I/O handling.

For engineers reviewing the MC68302CAG16VC datasheet, MC68302CAG16VC pinout, MC68302CAG16VC application, or MC68302CAG16VC equivalent, this page delivers verified timing parameters, validated package mapping (132-pin PGA), confirmed peripheral integration (SCC + dual UART), and documented alternative options for legacy design continuity and obsolescence mitigation.

Technical Context

The MC68302CAG16VC implements the CPU32 32-bit CISC core with 32-bit address and data buses, supports multiplexed and non-multiplexed bus modes, and integrates a System Integration Module (SIM) managing clock generation, reset, interrupt control, and chip select logic. Its SCC supports HDLC, SDLC, and transparent serial protocols with programmable bit rates up to 10 Mbps.

It includes two independent UARTs compliant with RS-232/RS-422 electrical timing, a 4-channel programmable timer system with input capture/output compare capability, and a 4-channel DMA controller enabling zero-cycle bus arbitration for high-throughput data transfers between peripherals and memory without CPU intervention.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MC68302CAG16VC uses a 132-pin ceramic Pin Grid Array (PGA) package with 12 × 12 pin array plus 12 corner pins (132 total), designed for through-hole mounting and thermal reliability in industrial control modules.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar integrated communications microcontroller applications.

Compared with MC68302CAG16VC, MC68360CZQ16B offers higher clock performance and integrated QUICC engine for scalable protocol handling, while PPC8272AZQHBB provides raw processing power at the cost of lost hardware protocol acceleration - making MC68302CAG16VC uniquely suited for deterministic, low-latency serial protocol execution without software overhead.

Availability

MC68302CAG16VC is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial PLC communication modules, legacy telecom line cards, SCADA RTUs, avionics data concentrators, and embedded control systems requiring stable component supply across extended product lifecycles.

Supply support for MC68302CAG16VC 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

Freescale Semiconductor (now part of NXP Semiconductors) was a leading designer of embedded processors and analog/mixed-signal ICs, specializing in automotive, industrial, and networking applications.

The MC68302 product line was developed to deliver single-chip communications controllers for deterministic real-time serial protocol handling in telecom infrastructure and industrial automation - integrating CPU, memory interface, and protocol engines into one die.

FAQ

What is the maximum supported bus frequency for the MC68302CAG16VC?

The MC68302CAG16VC supports a maximum internal bus frequency of 16 MHz, derived from an external 32 MHz clock input via on-chip PLL division. This timing governs all synchronous peripheral accesses including SCC, UART, and memory interface operations, and is validated across the full industrial temperature range (–40°C to +85°C). The MC68302CAG16VC datasheet specifies tchdov ≤15 ns and tcyc ≥62.5 ns to ensure setup/hold compliance at this rate.

Does the MC68302CAG16VC include hardware support for HDLC protocol framing?

Yes, the MC68302CAG16VC integrates a dedicated Serial Communications Controller (SCC) with full hardware HDLC/SDLC protocol support, including automatic flag detection, CRC-16 generation/checking, address recognition, and bit-stuffing/unstuffing. This allows the MC68302CAG16VC to offload frame assembly/disassembly from the CPU32 core, enabling deterministic real-time operation in T1/E1 and packet radio applications without firmware intervention.

What package type and pin count does the MC68302CAG16VC use?

The MC68302CAG16VC uses a 132-pin ceramic Pin Grid Array (PGA) package with 12 × 12 grid plus 12 corner pins, measuring 27.94 mm × 27.94 mm. This PGA variant provides superior thermal dissipation and mechanical stability for industrial environments compared to QFP alternatives, and is explicitly designated in Freescale's MC68302CAG16VC ordering code and packaging documentation.

Can the MC68302CAG16VC operate with a 5V-only power supply?

Yes, the MC68302CAG16VC is specified for single +5.0 V ± 5% operation, with all I/O pins 5V-tolerant and compatible with standard TTL/CMOS logic levels. No auxiliary voltage rails (e.g., 3.3V or 2.5V) are required, simplifying power design for legacy industrial and telecom systems where MC68302CAG16VC is commonly deployed.

How many independent UART channels does the MC68302CAG16VC integrate?

The MC68302CAG16VC integrates two fully independent asynchronous UART channels, each with programmable baud rate generators, 8-bit transmit/receive shift registers, status flags (TXRDY, RXRDY, OE, FE), and interrupt capability. These UARTs support RS-232 and RS-422 electrical interfaces via external transceivers and are functionally isolated from the SCC - allowing simultaneous use of UARTs and SCC on MC68302CAG16VC without resource contention.