NXP Semiconductors MC68376BACAB25

Overview

MC68376BACAB25 from NXP (formerly Motorola) is a 32-bit CISC microcontroller with integrated TPU, QSM, CAN controller, and 25 MHz CPU clock capability. It features 160-pin QFP packaging, on-chip ROM mask option (BAC), and operates across –40°C to +85°C industrial temperature range. Used in real-time embedded control systems requiring deterministic timing and multi-protocol I/O.

For engineers reviewing the MC68376BACAB25 datasheet, MC68376BACAB25 pinout, MC68376BACAB25 application, or MC68376BACAB25 equivalent, key selection criteria include TPU channel count (16-channel), CAN v2.0B compliance, 25 MHz maximum core frequency, and QFP-160 mechanical compatibility with legacy MC68336/376 designs.

Technical Context

The MC68376BACAB25 implements the M68K core architecture with full 32-bit address/data bus, supporting external memory expansion up to 16 MB. Its Time Processing Unit (TPU) provides 16 independent channels for precise input capture, output compare, PWM generation, and quadrature decoding - all synchronized to a common time base.

Integrated peripherals include a dual-channel QSPI module (QSM), two asynchronous serial interfaces (SCI), and a full CAN 2.0B controller with 15 message objects and programmable bit timing. The device boots from internal mask-ROM (BAC variant) and supports external boot via CSBOOT pin.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MC68376BACAB25 uses a 160-pin plastic quad flat pack (QFP) per Case 864A-03 mechanical specification: 28.0 × 28.0 mm body, 0.65 mm lead pitch, 1.4 mm max height. Pin 1 is NC (no connect); pin 160 is NC - ensuring pin compatibility with MC68336 Revision D+ devices.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with MC68376CAG25 and MC9328MX1, the MC68376BACAB25 delivers unmatched deterministic timing via its dedicated TPU and integrated CAN controller - making it irreplaceable in safety-critical motion control where sub-microsecond jitter and protocol offload are mandatory design requirements.

Availability

MC68376BACAB25 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial motor drives, automotive body electronics, factory automation nodes, and embedded test instrumentation requiring stable component supply and long-term lifecycle assurance.

Supply support for MC68376BACAB25 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 microcontroller innovation since the 1970s.

The MC68376 product line was designed specifically for deterministic real-time embedded control - integrating the M68K core with hardware-accelerated peripherals like TPU and CAN to eliminate software timing bottlenecks in motion and networked systems.

FAQ

What is the maximum operating frequency of the MC68376BACAB25?

The MC68376BACAB25 operates at a maximum CPU clock frequency of 25 MHz, derived from an external crystal (XTAL/EXTAL) or oscillator input. This frequency supports real-time execution of control loops with guaranteed interrupt latency under 2.5 µs for highest-priority IRQs. The internal bus operates synchronously at this rate, and all peripheral timing-including TPU and CAN-is referenced to this clock domain. The MC68376BACAB25 does not support PLL-based frequency multiplication.

Does the MC68376BACAB25 include an integrated CAN transceiver?

No, the MC68376BACAB25 integrates only the CAN protocol controller (CAN 2.0B compliant), not the physical layer transceiver. It requires an external CAN transceiver (e.g., SN65HVD230) connected to CANRX0 and CANTX0 pins. The controller handles message arbitration, error checking, retransmission, and mailbox management in hardware - reducing CPU overhead compared to software-implemented CAN stacks.

How does the TPU in the MC68376BACAB25 differ from standard timer peripherals?

The TPU in the MC68376BACAB25 is a dedicated 16-channel microcoded timing engine - not a set of general-purpose timers. Each channel executes its own instruction microcode for input capture, output compare, PWM, or quadrature decoding, all synchronized to a shared time base. Unlike conventional timers, the TPU offloads complex timing tasks from the CPU, enabling jitter-free operation even during heavy interrupt load. The MC68376BACAB25's TPU supports simultaneous edge-triggered capture on 8 channels with timestamp resolution down to one CPU clock cycle.

What boot options are supported by the MC68376BACAB25?

The MC68376BACAB25 boots exclusively from internal mask-ROM (BAC variant), with firmware permanently programmed at fabrication. Boot mode is controlled by the CSBOOT pin: pulled low at reset to activate internal ROM execution; pulled high would attempt external memory boot (not functional in BAC variants). No external flash or EEPROM boot is supported. The MC68376BACAB25 has no bootloader or ISP capability - firmware is immutable after manufacturing.

Is the MC68376BACAB25 pin-compatible with other MC68376 variants?

Yes, the MC68376BACAB25 is mechanically and electrically pin-compatible with all MC68376 variants in the 160-pin QFP package (Case 864A-03), including MC68376CAG25 and MC68376BGCAB25. Pin 1 and pin 160 are NC on all Revision D+ devices, ensuring footprint consistency. However, functional differences - such as ROM vs. RAM configuration, temperature grade, or mask version - require verification of electrical characteristics and initialization sequences before substitution.