NXP Semiconductors MC68336ACFT20

Overview

MC68336ACFT20 from NXP (formerly Motorola) is a 16-bit CISC microcontroller with integrated Time Processing Unit (TPU), 20.97 MHz CPU clock, 160-pin QFP package, and industrial temperature range (–40 to +85 °C). It serves as a real-time control engine in embedded motion systems, supporting deterministic I/O timing via TPU-assisted PWM, capture, and pulse generation.

For engineers reviewing the MC68336ACFT20 datasheet, MC68336ACFT20 pinout, MC68336ACFT20 application, or MC68336ACFT20 equivalent, key selection considerations include TPU channel count (16 channels), memory interface compatibility (16-bit data bus, 24-bit address bus), analog input capability (16-channel 10-bit ADC), and CAN-free architecture versus MC68376 variants.

Technical Context

The MC68336ACFT20 implements a 16-bit M68K core with on-chip RAM, ROM, and peripheral support including a 16-channel TPU for offloading time-critical I/O tasks. Its memory controller supports up to 16 chip selects, asynchronous/synchronous operation, and programmable wait states.

It integrates a 16-channel 10-bit ADC with analog reference inputs (VRH/VRL), dual UARTs (one with LIN-capable TXD/RXD), and a synchronous serial interface (SPI-compatible PQS module). No on-chip CAN controller - unlike MC68376 - making it suitable for non-automotive deterministic control where CAN is not required.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MC68336ACFT20 uses a 160-pin QFP (Case 864A-03) with 28 mm × 28 mm body, 0.65 mm lead pitch, and standard JEDEC-compliant footprint. Pin 1 and pin 160 are NC for revision D and later (F60K mask set onward), ensuring pin compatibility with MC68376.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with MC68376BACFT20, MC68336ACFT20 removes CAN overhead for lower gate count and reduced EMC emissions; compared with MC9328MX1ADS, it delivers superior real-time determinism for sub-microsecond I/O events but lacks multimedia peripherals.

Availability

MC68336ACFT20 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for motor control systems, industrial PLC modules, power supply controllers, and test & measurement equipment requiring stable component supply and long-term industrial qualification.

Supply support for MC68336ACFT20 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

NXP Semiconductors (originally Motorola Semiconductor) designs high-reliability microcontrollers for industrial, automotive, and aerospace applications, with emphasis on real-time performance and long product lifecycles.

The MC68336 belongs to the M68300 family of integrated microcontrollers targeting deterministic embedded control; its design prioritizes hardware-accelerated timing (TPU), robust I/O, and industrial-grade reliability over general-purpose computing features.

FAQ

What is the maximum operating frequency of the MC68336ACFT20?

The MC68336ACFT20 operates at a maximum CPU clock frequency of 20.97 MHz, derived from an external crystal (XTAL/EXTAL) through an on-chip PLL. This frequency is fixed for this variant and supports deterministic instruction timing critical for real-time control loops executed by the M68K core. The MC68336ACFT20 does not support dynamic frequency scaling or software-configurable clock dividers beyond the PLL setup.

Does the MC68336ACFT20 include a CAN controller?

No, the MC68336ACFT20 does not include a CAN controller. Unlike the pin-compatible MC68376, which integrates dual CAN 2.0B modules, the MC68336ACFT20 omits CAN hardware entirely. Its communication peripherals consist of two UARTs (one LIN-capable) and a synchronous serial interface (PQS). CAN functionality must be added externally if required in the system design using MC68336ACFT20.

What is the function of the TPU in the MC68336ACFT20?

The Time Processing Unit (TPU) in the MC68336ACFT20 is a dedicated 16-channel hardware co-processor that handles time-critical I/O operations independently of the CPU. It performs input capture, output compare, PWM generation, quadrature decoding, and pulse-width measurement with sub-microsecond resolution. This allows the MC68336ACFT20 to maintain precise timing control in motor drives and industrial sensors without CPU intervention or interrupt latency.

What package type and dimensions does the MC68336ACFT20 use?

The MC68336ACFT20 uses a 160-pin plastic quad flat pack (QFP) per Case 864A-03 mechanical specification: 28.0 mm × 28.0 mm body size, 0.65 mm lead pitch, and 1.4 mm nominal package height. Pins 1 and 160 are No Connect (NC) for revision D and later mask sets (F60K onward), ensuring mechanical and pinout compatibility with MC68376 devices.

How many analog input channels does the MC68336ACFT20 support?

The MC68336ACFT20 supports 16 analog input channels (AN0–AN15), implemented as a 10-bit successive-approximation ADC with programmable sample-and-hold timing. It includes dedicated analog supply pins (VDDA/VSSA) and reference inputs (VRH/VRL) to ensure noise immunity. Channel selection is performed via software-controlled register writes, and conversions can be triggered by software, TPU events, or timer interrupts.