NXP Semiconductors MC68336AMAB20

Overview

MC68336AMAB20 from Motorola is a 16-bit microcontroller unit (MCU) with integrated Time Processing Unit (TPU), 20.97 MHz CPU clock, 160-pin QFP package, and industrial temperature range (–40 to +105 °C). It serves as a real-time control engine in embedded motion systems, supporting deterministic I/O timing via TPU channels and external bus interfacing for memory-mapped peripherals.

For engineers reviewing the MC68336AMAB20 datasheet, MC68336AMAB20 pinout, MC68336AMAB20 application, or MC68336AMAB20 equivalent, key selection considerations include TPU channel count (16-channel), external bus width (16-bit data/24-bit address), analog input capability (16-channel 10-bit ADC), CAN interface absence, and QFP-160 mechanical compatibility with MC68376 revision D+.

Technical Context

The MC68336AMAB20 implements a 16-bit CPU32 core with Harvard-style instruction/data buses, executing from internal ROM or external memory via its 16-bit data bus and 24-bit address bus. It integrates a 16-channel Time Processing Unit (TPU) for autonomous pulse-width modulation, edge capture, and quadrature decoding without CPU intervention.

Its peripheral set includes a 16-channel 10-bit analog-to-digital converter (ADC), synchronous serial interface (SPI), UART, and programmable interrupt controller with eight priority-level IRQ inputs. The device lacks on-chip CAN controller - unlike the MC68376 - and relies on external transceivers for CAN bus connectivity.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MC68336AMAB20 uses a 160-pin plastic quad flat pack (QFP) per Case 864A-03 mechanical standard, measuring 28.0 mm × 28.0 mm × 3.5 mm with 0.65 mm lead pitch. Pin 1 and Pin 160 are NC (no connect) for MC68336 Revision D and later, ensuring mechanical compatibility with MC68376.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with MC68376AVFT20, MC68336AMAB20 offers superior deterministic timing for motor control but lacks CAN; versus MC9328MX1CZK, it delivers lower-latency I/O handling at the cost of reduced general-purpose compute throughput and no OS support.

Availability

MC68336AMAB20 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial motor drives, programmable logic controller (PLC) modules, and HVAC control systems requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges and long production lifecycles.

Supply support for MC68336AMAB20 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 Semiconductor (now NXP Semiconductors) is a pioneer in embedded microcontrollers, delivering high-reliability silicon for automotive, industrial, and communications infrastructure since the 1970s.

The MC68336 product line was designed specifically for deterministic real-time control in motion systems, emphasizing hardware-accelerated timing, robust external bus interfacing, and industrial-grade thermal performance.

FAQ

What is the maximum operating frequency of the MC68336AMAB20?

The MC68336AMAB20 operates at a maximum CPU clock frequency of 20.97 MHz, derived from an external crystal oscillator (XTAL/EXTAL) with internal PLL multiplication. This frequency is fixed for this variant and supports deterministic instruction timing essential for real-time control loops in motor drive applications. The MC68336AMAB20 does not support dynamic frequency scaling or software-configurable clock dividers beyond the factory-set PLL configuration.

Does the MC68336AMAB20 include a built-in CAN controller?

No, the MC68336AMAB20 does not integrate a CAN controller. Unlike the pin-compatible MC68376, which adds CANRX0 and CANTX0 pins, the MC68336AMAB20 omits native CAN protocol support. System designers must implement CAN communication using external CAN transceivers and bit-bang or UART-to-CAN bridge ICs. This architectural difference is confirmed in the pin assignment diagrams and ordering tables of the official Motorola MC68336/376 User's Manual.

What is the function of the TPU in the MC68336AMAB20?

The Time Processing Unit (TPU) in the MC68336AMAB20 is a dedicated 16-channel hardware peripheral that executes timing-critical I/O operations independently of the CPU. It performs input capture, output compare, PWM generation, quadrature decoding, and pulse accumulation - all with nanosecond-level timing precision. This offloads the CPU from servicing frequent timer interrupts, enabling the MC68336AMAB20 to maintain tight control loop deadlines in applications like servo motor positioning.

How many analog input channels does the MC68336AMAB20 support?

The MC68336AMAB20 supports 16 analog input channels (AN0 through AN15), connected to a single 10-bit successive-approximation ADC. These channels share a common sample-and-hold circuit and reference voltage inputs (VRH/VRL), with dedicated analog power supply pins (VDDA/VSSA) to minimize digital switching noise coupling. The ADC conversion time is 12 µs per channel, and channel sequencing is programmable via control registers.

Is the MC68336AMAB20 pin-compatible with the MC68376?

The MC68336AMAB20 is mechanically pin-compatible with the MC68376 in the 160-pin QFP package (Case 864A-03), with Pins 1 and 160 designated as NC for Revision D and later devices. However, functional pin assignments differ: the MC68376 substitutes CANRX0 and CANTX0 for two TPU-related signals present on the MC68336AMAB20. Therefore, while footprint and soldering are identical, direct electrical substitution requires verification of signal routing and firmware adaptation for CAN-specific functionality.