NXP Semiconductors MC68340AG16E

Overview

MC68340AG16E from Freescale Semiconductor (formerly Motorola) is a 32-bit integrated microcontroller unit featuring CPU32 core, on-chip DMA controller, serial module, dual timer modules, and system integration module - operating at 16 MHz with 5 V supply, 144-pin PGA package, and IEEE 1149.1 JTAG test access port. It targets industrial control, embedded instrumentation, and communications equipment requiring deterministic real-time response and peripheral integration.

For engineers reviewing the MC68340AG16E datasheet, MC68340AG16E pinout, MC68340AG16E application, or MC68340AG16E equivalent, key selection considerations include its 16 MHz CPU32 execution speed, integrated DMA for memory-to-peripheral transfers without CPU intervention, programmable chip select timing for external memory interfacing, and background debug mode support for in-circuit development.

Technical Context

The MC68340AG16E implements the CPU32 32-bit instruction set architecture with full M68000 family compatibility, including new instructions like LPSTOP and TBL. Its System Integration Module (SIM) integrates clock synthesis, interrupt handling, chip select generation, and periodic interrupt timer - all configurable via memory-mapped registers starting at the MBAR address.

Bus operation supports dynamic sizing (8-/16-bit data transfers), misaligned operand handling, and synchronous/asynchronous external memory access via programmable wait states. The DMA controller provides two independent channels with priority arbitration, supporting memory-memory, memory-peripheral, and peripheral-peripheral transfers using descriptor-based chaining.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MC68340AG16E is housed in a 144-pin ceramic Pin Grid Array (PGA) package with 1.27 mm pin pitch, designed for through-hole mounting and high-reliability industrial applications. Pinout validated per MC68340UM/AD Rev. 1.0 (Section 2, Signal Descriptions).

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with MC68332ACPV16 and MC68360EM25C, the MC68340AG16E occupies a mid-tier position: it delivers integrated DMA and dual UARTs absent in the MC68332, yet avoids the QUICC complexity and higher cost of the MC68360 - making it optimal for deterministic industrial control with moderate I/O bandwidth requirements.

Availability

MC68340AG16E is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial PLC controllers, communications protocol gateways, embedded data loggers, and test equipment front-end controllers requiring stable component supply and long-term obsolescence management.

Supply support for MC68340AG16E 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) was a leading designer of embedded processors and analog/mixed-signal ICs, founded from Motorola's semiconductor division and focused on automotive, industrial, and networking applications.

The MC68340 belongs to the M68300 family of integrated microcontrollers, designed specifically for real-time industrial control systems requiring deterministic timing, peripheral integration, and in-field debug capability - not general-purpose computing.

FAQ

What is the maximum operating frequency of the MC68340AG16E?

The MC68340AG16E is rated for a maximum CPU clock frequency of 16 MHz, as indicated by the "G16" suffix in its part number. This frequency applies to the CPU32 core and associated on-chip peripherals under 5.0 V ±10% supply and specified temperature conditions. External bus timing remains functional at this rate when configured with appropriate wait states for attached memory or I/O devices. The MC68340AG16E does not support overclocking beyond this specification.

Does the MC68340AG16E support JTAG debugging?

Yes, the MC68340AG16E implements IEEE 1149.1 Test Access Port (TAP) with dedicated TCK, TMS, TDI, and TDO pins. This enables boundary-scan testing and supports background debug mode (BDM) for in-circuit emulation, register inspection, and non-intrusive breakpoint execution. The MC68340AG16E's BDM functionality is documented in Section 1.2.2 of the MC68340UM/AD manual and requires a compatible BDM pod or debugger interface.

What type of memory interface does the MC68340AG16E provide?

The MC68340AG16E provides a 16-bit multiplexed data bus (D15–D0) and 24-bit address bus (A23–A0), supporting up to 16 MB of linear address space. Its System Integration Module includes four programmable chip selects (CS3–CS0), each with independently configurable base address, address mask, and timing parameters - enabling direct connection to SRAM, EPROM, flash, and peripheral devices without external address decoders. The MC68340AG16E also supports dynamic bus sizing and wait state insertion.

Is the MC68340AG16E pin-compatible with other MC683xx family members?

No, the MC68340AG16E is not pin-compatible with other MC683xx family members such as the MC68332 or MC68360. It uses a unique 144-pin PGA footprint with specific signal assignments defined in Section 2 of the MC68340UM/AD. While functional similarities exist across the M68300 family, pinout differences - especially in chip select, interrupt, and peripheral signal mapping - preclude direct PCB replacement. Migration requires board-level redesign and firmware adaptation.

What development tools are officially supported for the MC68340AG16E?

Official development tools for the MC68340AG16E include Freescale's P&E Micro BDM interfaces, the M68K Software Development Kit (SDK), and CodeWarrior for ColdFire/V1 (retrofitted for CPU32). The MC68340AG16E User's Manual (MC68340UM/AD) and Programmer's Reference Manual (M68000PM/AD) serve as primary documentation. Third-party emulators and in-circuit debuggers supporting BDM protocol are also compatible, provided they implement the MC68340AG16E's specific BDM register map and command set.