NXP Semiconductors MC68336GVAB25

Overview

MC68336GVAB25 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 +105 °C). It serves as a real-time control engine in embedded motion systems, supporting deterministic I/O timing via TPU-assisted PWM, capture, and quadrature decoding.

For engineers reviewing the MC68336GVAB25 datasheet, MC68336GVAB25 pinout, MC68336GVAB25 application, or MC68336GVAB25 equivalent, key selection considerations include TPU channel count (16 channels), memory bus interface (16-bit data/24-bit address), analog input capability (16-channel 10-bit ADC), CAN absence (unlike MC68376), and QFP-160 mechanical compatibility with legacy 68K-based control designs.

Technical Context

The MC68336GVAB25 implements the M68000 core architecture with full 16-bit external data bus and 24-bit address bus, enabling up to 16 MB of external memory addressing. Its on-chip TPU operates independently of the CPU and supports 16 programmable I/O channels for time-critical waveform generation and event capture.

It integrates a 10-bit successive-approximation ADC with 16 input channels, reference voltage pins (VRH/VRL), and dedicated analog supply (VDDA/VSSA). The device lacks on-chip CAN controller-confirmed by pin assignment comparison with MC68376, where CANRX0/CANTX0 appear only on MC68376 pins 1 and 159.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MC68336GVAB25 uses a 160-pin plastic quad flat pack (QFP) per Case 864A-03 mechanical drawing: 28.0 × 28.0 mm body, 0.65 mm lead pitch, 1.60 mm max height. Pin 1 and pin 160 are No Connect (NC) for revision D and later - ensuring pin compatibility with MC68376.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with MC68336GVAB25, MC68376BGCFT20 adds CAN but sacrifices pin compatibility at positions 1/159, while MC9328MX1CZK delivers higher performance at the cost of TPU-based real-time determinism - making MC68336GVAB25 irreplaceable for legacy-maintained, timing-critical motor control.

Availability

MC68336GVAB25 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for motor drive control, industrial PLC I/O modules, and automotive body controllers requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges and long production lifecycles.

Supply support for MC68336GVAB25 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) is a global leader in secure connectivity solutions for automotive, industrial, and IoT applications, with deep heritage in 68K architecture microcontrollers.

The MC68336GVAB25 belongs to the 68300 family of embedded controllers designed specifically for deterministic real-time control in motor drives, power electronics, and industrial automation - emphasizing hardware acceleration over general-purpose compute.

FAQ

What is the maximum operating frequency of the MC68336GVAB25?

The MC68336GVAB25 operates at a maximum CPU clock frequency of 20.97 MHz, derived from an external crystal oscillator driving the XTAL/EXTAL pins. This frequency is fixed for this variant and defines the instruction execution rate, bus timing, and TPU timer resolution. The MC68336GVAB25 does not support internal PLL multiplication or frequency scaling beyond this rated speed.

Does the MC68336GVAB25 include a CAN controller?

No, the MC68336GVAB25 does not include an on-chip CAN controller. Pin assignments confirm that CANRX0 and CANTX0 are absent - those signals appear only on the MC68376 variant (pins 1 and 159). The MC68336GVAB25 relies on external CAN transceivers interfaced via GPIO or serial peripherals if network communication is required.

What is the purpose of the TPU in the MC68336GVAB25?

The Time Processing Unit (TPU) in the MC68336GVAB25 is a dedicated 16-channel hardware coprocessor that handles time-critical I/O tasks independently of the CPU. It supports PWM generation, input capture, quadrature decoding, and pulse-width measurement - enabling precise motor commutation, encoder feedback, and sensor timing without CPU intervention.

What temperature range is specified for the MC68336GVAB25?

The MC68336GVAB25 is rated for industrial operation from –40 °C to +105 °C, as indicated by the "V" suffix in its part number. This qualification ensures reliable functionality in demanding environments such as engine compartments, factory floors, and outdoor power electronics enclosures without thermal derating.

Is the MC68336GVAB25 pin-compatible with the MC68376?

The MC68336GVAB25 is mechanically pin-compatible with the MC68376 in the 160-pin QFP package, with pins 1 and 160 designated as No Connect (NC) in revision D and later - matching the MC68376 pinout. However, functional differences exist: MC68376 adds CANRX0/CANTX0 on pins 1/159, while MC68336GVAB25 leaves them unassigned, requiring careful signal mapping in shared layouts.