NXP Semiconductors MC68340CAB16E

Overview

MC68340CAB16E from Freescale Semiconductor (originally Motorola) is a 32-bit integrated microcontroller unit featuring the CPU32 core, on-chip DMA controller, serial module, dual timer modules, and system integration module - all in a single 160-pin PQFP package. It operates at 16 MHz, supports 32-bit address/data bus width, and targets embedded industrial control, communications equipment, and real-time automation systems requiring deterministic interrupt response and peripheral integration.

For engineers reviewing the MC68340CAB16E datasheet, MC68340CAB16E pinout, MC68340CAB16E application, or MC68340CAB16E equivalent, key selection criteria include its 16 MHz maximum clock frequency, 32-bit CPU32 instruction set compatibility with M68000 family, integrated DMA with two independent channels, IEEE 1149.1 JTAG test access port, and programmable chip select logic for external memory interfacing.

Technical Context

The MC68340CAB16E implements the CPU32 core - a superset of the M68000 architecture with enhanced addressing modes, loop mode execution, and low-power STOP instructions. Its System Integration Module (SIM) integrates clock synthesis, interrupt handling, chip select generation, and periodic interrupt timer functionality, eliminating need for discrete glue logic in many designs.

On-chip peripherals include a dual-channel DMA controller supporting memory-to-memory and peripheral-to-memory transfers, a dual-serial module (two independent UART/USART-like channels), and two 16-bit timer modules with input capture, output compare, and pulse-width modulation capability - all accessible via memory-mapped registers and configurable through dedicated control registers.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MC68340CAB16E is housed in a 160-pin Plastic Quad Flat Package (PQFP) with 0.65 mm lead pitch, compliant with JEDEC MS-026 standard. The package supports surface-mount assembly and provides full signal access to CPU, bus, peripheral, and debug interfaces.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with MC68340CAB16E, MC68360CZP16E adds communications-specific accelerators at the cost of increased complexity and non-interchangeable pinout, while MC68332CAG16 trades DMA for specialized timing hardware - making MC68340CAB16E optimal for balanced embedded control with integrated I/O bandwidth and real-time responsiveness.

Availability

MC68340CAB16E is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial automation, telecom infrastructure, medical device control, and test equipment requiring stable component supply and long-term obsolescence management.

Supply support for MC68340CAB16E 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 MC68340CAB16E belongs to the M68300 family of integrated microcontrollers designed specifically for cost-sensitive, real-time embedded systems where CPU performance, peripheral integration, and debuggability must coexist without external support chips.

FAQ

What is the maximum operating frequency of the MC68340CAB16E?

The MC68340CAB16E is rated for a maximum clock frequency of 16 MHz, as specified in its electrical characteristics and ordering information. This frequency determines the core instruction execution rate, bus timing margins, and peripheral timing resolution - for example, timer modules achieve 62.5 ns timing granularity at this clock speed. Operation beyond 16 MHz is not guaranteed and may result in undefined behavior or data corruption.

Does the MC68340CAB16E support JTAG debugging?

Yes, the MC68340CAB16E includes full IEEE 1149.1 JTAG Test Access Port (TAP) with TCK, TMS, TDI, and TDO pins. This enables boundary-scan testing, in-circuit emulation, and Background Debug Mode (BDM) for non-intrusive firmware development - a critical feature confirmed in Section 9 of the MC68340 User's Manual and supported by Freescale's BDM pod hardware.

How many serial communication channels does the MC68340CAB16E integrate?

The MC68340CAB16E integrates two independent serial modules (labeled Channel A and Channel B), each with dedicated Rx/Tx, RTS/CTS, and ready signals. These are fully programmable UART/USART-style interfaces supporting asynchronous communication at configurable baud rates - documented in Section 7 of the MC68340 User's Manual and verified in the signal descriptions for RxDA/RxDB and TxDA/TxDB.

Is the MC68340CAB16E pin-compatible with other M68300 family members like the MC68332?

No, the MC68340CAB16E is not pin-compatible with the MC68332 or MC68360. Although all belong to the M68300 family and share the CPU32 core, they differ in package type (160-pin PQFP vs. 132-pin PGA), pin assignment, and peripheral signal mapping - confirmed by comparing mechanical drawings in their respective datasheets and the MC68340UM Section 12.

What type of memory interface does the MC68340CAB16E support?

The MC68340CAB16E supports a 32-bit address / 16-bit data multiplexed external bus interface with four programmable chip selects (CS3–CS0), dynamic bus sizing, and per-select wait-state generation. This allows direct connection to SRAM, EPROM, Flash, and peripheral ASICs - detailed in Sections 3 and 4 of the MC68340 User's Manual and validated by signal definitions for AS, DS, R/W, and CSn.