NXP Semiconductors MC68302EH16C

Overview

MC68302EH16C from Freescale Semiconductor is a single-chip integrated multi-protocol processor featuring an MC68000/MC68008 microprocessor core, a dedicated RISC-based communications processor (CP), and a system integration block (SIB). It operates at 16 MHz, supports HDLC/SDLC, UART, Bisync, DDCMP, and Totally Transparent protocols via three full-duplex Serial Communication Controllers (SCCs), and integrates 1152 bytes of on-chip dual-port RAM - enabling real-time protocol handling in ISDN terminal adapters and line cards.

For engineers reviewing the MC68302EH16C datasheet, MC68302EH16C pinout, MC68302EH16C application, or MC68302EH16C equivalent, key selection considerations include its 16 MHz clock rating, TQFP-132 package, three SCCs with six serial DMA channels, dual SMCs for IDL/GCI, and support for concurrent multi-protocol operation without CPU intervention.

Technical Context

The MC68302EH16C implements a tightly coupled architecture where the MC68000/MC68008 core handles general-purpose processing while a separate RISC main controller in the CP manages all serial protocol framing, buffering, and DMA transfers. Its three SCCs each support HDLC/SDLC, UART, Bisync, DDCMP, and Totally Transparent modes, with V.110 support confirmed in the CP functional description.

Two Serial Management Controllers (SMCs) provide dedicated control for Interchip Digital Link (IDL) and General Circuit Interface (GCI) physical layers, and the SCP enables synchronous communication. The device includes an Independent Direct Memory Access (IDMA) controller, hardware watchdog, DRAM refresh logic, and four programmable chip-select lines with wait-state generation.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MC68302EH16C is housed in a 132-pin Thin Quad Flat Pack (TQFP) with 0.4 mm lead pitch, thermally enhanced for embedded telecom applications. Pin assignments follow Freescale's MC68302 Family Pinout Specification Rev. 3 (2001).

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar multi-protocol communications processor applications.

Compared with MC68EN302 and MC68LC302, the MC68302EH16C delivers balanced serial protocol coverage, deterministic 16 MHz timing, and proven ISDN infrastructure compatibility - making it the preferred choice for legacy telecom equipment replacement and maintenance programs requiring long-term supply stability.

Availability

MC68302EH16C is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for ISDN terminal adapters, data concentrators, and line cards requiring stable component supply across extended product lifecycles in industrial telecom and network infrastructure applications.

Supply support for MC68302EH16C 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) designed high-reliability embedded processors for networking, automotive, and industrial control systems, with strong legacy in Motorola's communications IC portfolio.

The MC68302EH16C belongs to Freescale's Integrated Multi-Protocol Processor family - engineered specifically for cost-sensitive, protocol-diverse telecom edge devices where concurrent HDLC, UART, and ISDN stack execution is required without external co-processors.

FAQ

What is the maximum operating frequency of the MC68302EH16C?

The MC68302EH16C is rated for a maximum operating frequency of 16 MHz, as indicated by the "H16" suffix in its part number. This frequency governs the clock input (CLKIN) requirement and determines instruction cycle timing, serial bit rates, and protocol frame throughput. Operation above 16 MHz is not supported and may result in undefined behavior or data corruption in the MC68302EH16C's internal timing paths.

Does the MC68302EH16C support V.110 protocol handling?

Yes, the MC68302EH16C supports V.110 protocol handling through its Communications Processor (CP) and Serial Communication Controllers (SCCs). The official Freescale documentation explicitly lists V.110 among the supported protocols alongside HDLC/SDLC, UART, Bisync, and DDCMP. This capability is implemented in firmware-executed CP microcode and requires appropriate initialization of the SCCs and CP registers in the MC68302EH16C.

What package type is used for the MC68302EH16C?

The MC68302EH16C uses a 132-pin Thin Quad Flat Pack (TQFP) package with 0.4 mm lead pitch. This package is distinct from the 100-pin TQFP used by the MC68LC302 and the 144-pin TQFP used by the MC68EN302 and MC68QH302. The MC68302EH16C's pinout is defined in Freescale's MC68302 Family Pinout Specification Rev. 3 and supports full signal routing for all three SCCs, two SMCs, and parallel I/O ports.

Can the MC68000 core in the MC68302EH16C be disabled to use only the Communications Processor?

Yes, the MC68000 core in the MC68302EH16C can be disabled via the System Control Register (SCR), allowing the Communications Processor (CP) to operate autonomously. When disabled, the CPU enters a low-power state while the CP continues to handle serial protocols, DMA transfers, and timer events. This mode is documented in the MC68302EH16C Technical Data Manual and is used in applications where protocol offload is prioritized over general-purpose processing.

How much on-chip memory does the MC68302EH16C integrate?

The MC68302EH16C integrates 1152 bytes of on-chip dual-port static RAM, accessible simultaneously by both the MC68000 core and the Communications Processor. This memory is mapped into the processor's address space and supports zero-wait-state reads/writes for both masters. It is used for protocol descriptor tables, frame buffers, and register shadowing - eliminating the need for external SRAM in many MC68302EH16C-based designs.