NXP Semiconductors MC68908GZ8CFJE

Overview

MC68908GZ8CFJE from Freescale Semiconductor is an 8-bit HCS08 microcontroller with 8 KB Flash, 512 B RAM, integrated 10-bit ADC (8-channel), MSCAN08 controller, ESCI and SPI interfaces, and low-power stop/wait modes. It operates at up to 8 MHz bus frequency with internal PLL clock generation and supports automotive and industrial control applications requiring CAN communication and analog sensing.

For engineers reviewing the MC68908GZ8CFJE datasheet, MC68908GZ8CFJE pinout, MC68908GZ8CFJE application, or MC68908GZ8CFJE equivalent, this page delivers verified technical context, package mapping, functional pin definitions, real-world use cases, and validated alternative options for embedded system design and component sourcing.

Technical Context

The MC68908GZ8CFJE implements the HCS08 CPU core with 16-bit address space, supporting indexed, extended, and relative addressing modes. Its Clock Generator Module (CGM) integrates a crystal oscillator, PLL with programmable multiplier (×1–×32), and automatic acquisition/lock logic for stable 8 MHz bus clock generation from 4 MHz crystal input.

The device includes a dedicated MSCAN08 controller compliant with ISO 11898-1 (CAN 2.0A/B), supporting 1 Mbit/s operation, message buffering, and error handling. Its 10-bit ADC features configurable sample time, left/right-justified results, and hardware-triggered conversions synchronized to timer events.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MC68908GZ8CFJE is housed in a 64-pin LQFP (10 mm × 10 mm, 0.5 mm pitch) package with exposed thermal pad. Pin assignments follow Freescale's standard GZ-series layout, including dedicated CAN TX/RX pins, ADC analog inputs, and dual power/ground sets for noise isolation.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with MC9S08DZ128 and S9KEAZ128AMLH, the MC68908GZ8CFJE offers optimal balance of CAN integration, low-power operation, and compact code size for cost-sensitive, single-CAN-node applications where legacy HCS08 toolchains and qualification are mandated.

Availability

MC68908GZ8CFJE is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive body electronics, industrial motor drives, smart HVAC actuators, and energy meter communication hubs requiring stable component supply across extended product lifecycles.

Supply support for MC68908GZ8CFJE 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) is a global leader in automotive, industrial, and networking microcontrollers, known for robust silicon design and long-term product support.

The MC68908GZ8CFJE belongs to the HCS08 GZ-series, engineered specifically for cost-effective, CAN-enabled control nodes in harsh environments where reliability, low power, and qualification to AEC-Q100 Grade 2 are essential.

FAQ

What is the maximum operating frequency of the MC68908GZ8CFJE?

The MC68908GZ8CFJE achieves a maximum bus frequency of 8 MHz using its internal PLL, typically configured with a 4 MHz crystal input multiplied by ×2. This frequency is sustained across the full 2.7–5.5 V supply range and industrial temperature grade (–40°C to +105°C), ensuring deterministic real-time performance in automotive and industrial settings. The MC68908GZ8CFJE does not support overclocking beyond this specification.

Does the MC68908GZ8CFJE include a hardware CAN controller?

Yes, the MC68908GZ8CFJE integrates the MSCAN08 controller, a fully compliant CAN 2.0A/B protocol engine supporting bit rates up to 1 Mbit/s, 15 message buffers, and automatic retransmission. It requires only an external CAN transceiver (e.g., MC33883) for physical layer interfacing. This on-chip CAN capability eliminates the need for external protocol ICs and simplifies board layout for the MC68908GZ8CFJE-based designs.

What are the low-power capabilities of the MC68908GZ8CFJE?

The MC68908GZ8CFJE supports two primary low-power modes: Wait Mode (<10 µA typical) and Stop Mode (<1 µA typical), both retaining RAM contents. Wake-up sources include IRQ, CAN activity, KBI, and timer interrupts. These modes are production-qualified for automotive use and enable multi-year battery life in remote sensor nodes - a key design advantage of the MC68908GZ8CFJE in energy-constrained applications.

Can the MC68908GZ8CFJE perform ADC conversions without CPU intervention?

Yes, the MC68908GZ8CFJE supports hardware-triggered ADC conversions using Timer1 or Timer2 overflow events, allowing fully autonomous sampling sequences. Conversion results are stored in dedicated registers and can generate interrupts upon completion. This offloads timing-critical acquisition tasks from the CPU, improving system responsiveness and determinism - a critical feature for motor control and power quality monitoring using the MC68908GZ8CFJE.

Is the MC68908GZ8CFJE pin-compatible with other GZ-series microcontrollers?

The MC68908GZ8CFJE shares the same 64-pin LQFP package and pinout with the MC68HC908GZ16 (16 KB Flash variant), enabling hardware reuse across memory variants. However, it is not pin-compatible with non-GZ-series devices like the 9S08DZ or Kinetis E-series, even if they share the same package outline. Board designs must verify signal mapping per the MC68908GZ8CFJE-specific pin assignment table.