NXP Semiconductors MC68302CRC16C

Overview

MC68302CRC16C from Freescale Semiconductor is a 32-bit integrated communications microcontroller unit (ICM) with on-chip CPU32 core, dual UARTs, SCC, timer system, and DMA controller. It operates at 16 MHz maximum CPU frequency, supports 32-bit address/data bus, and integrates interrupt controller and system integration module (SIM). It targets industrial serial communication gateways requiring deterministic real-time response.

For engineers reviewing the MC68302CRC16C datasheet, MC68302CRC16C pinout, MC68302CRC16C application, or MC68302CRC16C equivalent, key selection criteria include its 16 MHz CPU clock rating, 32-bit bus interface timing (e.g., tchfcadv ≤ 27 ns), integrated SCC for HDLC/SDLC, dual UART support, and SIM-based peripheral control without external glue logic.

Technical Context

The MC68302CRC16C implements the Motorola CPU32 32-bit core with 32-bit ALU, 32-bit registers, and 32-bit linear addressing. Its System Integration Module (SIM) provides bus arbitration, interrupt control, chip select generation, and clock distribution for internal peripherals including SCC, UARTs, timers, and DMA.

It supports synchronous and asynchronous bus protocols via programmable wait-state generation and timing control registers. The SCC handles full-duplex serial protocols (HDLC, SDLC, Bisync, async), while dual UARTs provide independent RS-232/RS-485-capable channels with programmable baud rates and FIFO-like buffering.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MC68302CRC16C uses a 208-pin Ceramic Pin Grid Array (CPGA) package with 1.27 mm pitch, designed for high-reliability industrial applications requiring thermal stability and hermetic sealing.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with MC68302CRC16C, MC68360RC25C delivers higher serial throughput and integrated Ethernet but demands layout changes, while MPC8260AZUU offers superior compute performance and security features at the cost of software migration effort and loss of direct SCC protocol support.

Availability

MC68302CRC16C is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial protocol gateways, telecom line cards, embedded terminal servers, and real-time data loggers requiring stable component supply and long-term obsolescence management.

Supply support for MC68302CRC16C 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 was a leading designer of embedded processors and analog/mixed-signal ICs, acquired by NXP Semiconductors in 2015. Its legacy products remain widely deployed in industrial and telecom infrastructure.

The MC68302CRC16C belongs to the Motorola/Freescale 68300 family of integrated communications microcontrollers, engineered specifically for deterministic serial communications in resource-constrained embedded systems.

FAQ

What is the maximum operating frequency of the MC68302CRC16C?

The MC68302CRC16C is rated for a maximum CPU clock frequency of 16 MHz. This specification is defined by the CPU32 core's timing margins and validated across temperature and voltage ranges per Freescale's 1997 datasheet. Operation above 16 MHz may result in undefined instruction execution or bus timing violations. The MC68302CRC16C does not support overclocking or frequency binning beyond this rating.

Does the MC68302CRC16C include on-chip Flash or RAM memory?

No, the MC68302CRC16C contains no on-chip non-volatile or volatile memory. It relies entirely on external memory mapped via its 32-bit address/data bus. Program code and data must reside in external EPROM, SRAM, or DRAM devices controlled through the System Integration Module (SIM). This architecture allows flexible memory sizing but requires careful bus timing design for MC68302CRC16C interface stability.

How many serial communication interfaces does the MC68302CRC16C support?

The MC68302CRC16C integrates one Synchronous Communications Controller (SCC) supporting HDLC, SDLC, Bisync, and async modes, plus two independent Universal Asynchronous Receiver/Transmitters (UARTs). All three interfaces operate concurrently with dedicated clock domains and interrupt vectors. The SCC and UARTs share no internal buffers, enabling simultaneous multi-protocol operation essential for MC68302CRC16C-based protocol gateways.

What package type is used for the MC68302CRC16C?

The MC68302CRC16C uses a 208-pin Ceramic Pin Grid Array (CPGA) package with 1.27 mm pitch and hermetically sealed construction. This package provides superior thermal stability and long-term reliability for industrial environments but requires specialized reflow or socketed mounting. The CPGA footprint differs significantly from plastic QFP or LQFP packages used in later derivatives like the MC68360.

Is the MC68302CRC16C pin-compatible with other members of the 68300 family?

No, the MC68302CRC16C is not pin-compatible with other 68300-family devices such as the MC68306 or MC68360. Its 208-pin CPGA package and signal assignment-including dedicated SCC clocks, SIM control lines, and bus strobes-are unique to the MC68302 series. Migration to MC68360RC25C requires complete PCB redesign due to different pin count, package type (256-pin PQFP), and signal routing.