NXP Semiconductors MC68908GZ16MFJE

Overview

MC68908GZ16MFJE from Freescale Semiconductor is an 8-bit HCS08 microcontroller featuring 16 KB on-chip Flash memory, 512 B RAM, integrated 8-channel 10-bit ADC, MSCAN08 CAN controller, and ESCI/SPI/SCI serial interfaces. It operates at up to 8 MHz bus frequency with low-power wait/stop modes and is used in automotive body control modules and industrial sensor nodes.

For engineers reviewing the MC68908GZ16MFJE datasheet, MC68908GZ16MFJE pinout, MC68908GZ16MFJE application, or MC68908GZ16MFJE equivalent, key selection criteria include its CAN 2.0A/B compliance, Flash reprogrammability in-system, 5 V tolerant I/O, internal PLL clock generation, and support for debug via BDM interface.

Technical Context

The MC68908GZ16MFJE implements the CPU08 core with 16-bit addressing, supports interrupt nesting via 8-level priority vector table, and integrates a dedicated MSCAN08 module compliant with ISO 11898-1 (CAN 2.0B). Its CGM includes a PLL with programmable multiplier (×1–×32), VCO range select, and automatic acquisition/lock timing.

It features dual power domains: digital (VDD/VSS) and analog (VDDA/VSSA/VREFH/VREFL), enabling precise ADC operation independent of digital noise. The ESCI module supports asynchronous full-duplex UART, LIN 1.3, and IrDA physical layer modes with programmable baud rates up to 1 Mbps.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MC68908GZ16MFJE is housed in a 64-pin QFP (Quad Flat Package) with 0.5 mm pitch, JEDEC MS-026AC compliant, thermal pad exposed on underside for enhanced heat dissipation in high-reliability environments.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with MC9S08DZ128 and S9KEAZ128AMLH, the MC68908GZ16MFJE offers proven automotive qualification, minimal BOM cost, and mature toolchain support - ideal for cost-sensitive, CAN-only legacy upgrades where software reuse and footprint continuity are critical.

Availability

MC68908GZ16MFJE is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive body electronics, industrial CAN sensor networks, and motor interface modules requiring stable component supply across extended lifecycle windows.

Supply support for MC68908GZ16MFJE 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 since 2015) pioneered 8-bit automotive microcontrollers with robust qualification, long-term supply commitment, and broad ecosystem support.

The MC68HC908GZ16 family was designed specifically for cost-sensitive, CAN-enabled automotive body electronics - emphasizing reliability, low-power operation, and seamless integration with legacy vehicle networks.

FAQ

What is the maximum operating frequency of the MC68908GZ16MFJE?

The MC68908GZ16MFJE supports a maximum bus frequency of 8 MHz, achieved via its integrated PLL clock generator that multiplies input crystal frequencies (1–8 MHz) by factors from ×1 to ×32. This allows stable high-speed operation while maintaining low EMI with low-frequency crystals, and is fully specified across the –40 °C to +125 °C temperature range. The MC68908GZ16MFJE's timing budget accommodates all internal peripherals at this speed.

Does the MC68908GZ16MFJE support in-circuit debugging?

Yes, the MC68908GZ16MFJE includes a single-wire Background Debug Mode (BDM) interface using the PTA0 pin, enabling non-intrusive flash programming, real-time register inspection, and breakpoint execution without requiring additional debug hardware beyond a BDM pod. This capability is fully supported by CodeWarrior Development Studio v5.1+ and is documented in Chapter 20 of the MC68HC908GZ16 datasheet Rev. 4.0.

What CAN protocol versions does the MC68908GZ16MFJE support?

The MC68908GZ16MFJE integrates the MSCAN08 module, which is fully compliant with CAN 2.0A and CAN 2.0B protocols (ISO 11898-1), supporting both standard (11-bit) and extended (29-bit) identifier frames at data rates up to 1 Mbps. It does not support CAN FD. All message buffering, filtering, and error handling are performed in hardware, reducing CPU load during high-traffic network operation.

How much Flash memory is available on the MC68908GZ16MFJE, and is it reprogrammable?

The MC68908GZ16MFJE contains 16 KB of on-chip Flash memory, organized into 512-byte pages and fully reprogrammable in-system via the BDM interface or user firmware. It supports mass erase, page erase, and block protection via dedicated Flash control registers. Endurance is rated at 100,000 write/erase cycles, and data retention exceeds 10 years at +85 °C - verified per Freescale's qualification testing for the MC68HC908GZ16 family.

What are the power supply requirements for the ADC subsystem in the MC68908GZ16MFJE?

The ADC subsystem in the MC68908GZ16MFJE requires separate analog power connections: VDDA (analog supply, 4.5–5.5 V), VSSA (analog ground), VREFH (reference high), and VREFL (reference low). These pins must be decoupled independently from the digital supply to ensure ±1 LSB linearity and noise immunity. The MC68908GZ16MFJE datasheet specifies that VDDA and VSSA must be routed with low-inductance paths and filtered with ≥100 nF ceramic capacitors placed near the pins.