NXP Semiconductors MC68HC000CRC10

Overview

MC68HC000CRC10 from Freescale Semiconductor (formerly Motorola) is a CMOS 16/32-bit microprocessor with 32-bit internal architecture, 24-bit address bus (16 MB addressing), 16-bit data bus, and 10 MHz maximum clock frequency. It implements the full M68000 instruction set, supports supervisor/user privilege modes, and is used in industrial controllers, legacy embedded systems, and retro-computing platforms requiring deterministic real-time execution.

For engineers reviewing the MC68HC000CRC10 datasheet, MC68HC000CRC10 pinout, MC68HC000CRC10 application, or MC68HC000CRC10 equivalent, key selection criteria include bus timing compatibility with 8-/16-bit peripherals, DC/AC electrical specifications at 10 MHz, thermal derating for plastic DIP packaging, and exception vector handling for real-time interrupt response.

Technical Context

The MC68HC000CRC10 is a static CMOS implementation of the M68000 core, featuring a three-stage pipeline (fetch, decode, execute), non-multiplexed 24-bit address bus (A0–A23), and separate 16-bit data bus (D0–D15). It supports asynchronous bus cycles with DTACK, BERR, and HALT handshaking signals and includes dedicated bus arbitration lines (BR, BG, BGACK).

It implements full M68000 programmer's model with 8 general-purpose 32-bit data/address registers, 16-bit status register with interrupt mask and mode bits, and 256-byte exception vector table starting at address $000000. Exception processing includes reset, six levels of vectored interrupts, bus/address errors, and illegal instruction traps - all with defined stack frame formats.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MC68HC000CRC10 is housed in a 68-pin ceramic dual in-line package (Case 740-03, suffix "C"), with 0.3-inch body width and 0.1-inch pin pitch. Pin assignments follow standard M68000 signal naming and functional grouping as defined in Section 11.1 of the M68000 User's Manual.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with MC68HC000CRC10, the MC68000P10 offers identical instruction timing but higher power and thermal load, while the MC68EC000RC10 sacrifices full addressability and VMA signaling for integration savings - making the MC68HC000CRC10 the optimal choice for legacy compatibility, thermal stability, and deterministic bus behavior.

Availability

MC68HC000CRC10 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial PLC controllers, retro computing restorations, medical equipment controllers, and avionics test benches requiring stable component supply across extended production lifecycles.

Supply support for MC68HC000CRC10 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 as Motorola's semiconductor division and known for automotive, industrial, and communications solutions.

The MC68HC000 belongs to the M68000 family - a line of 16/32-bit microprocessors engineered for real-time control, deterministic interrupt handling, and binary compatibility across generations in mission-critical embedded systems.

FAQ

What is the maximum operating frequency of the MC68HC000CRC10?

The MC68HC000CRC10 is rated for a maximum clock frequency of 10 MHz. This specification is validated under commercial temperature conditions (0 °C to +70 °C) and +5 V ±5% supply voltage. Operation above this frequency may result in undefined instruction execution or bus timing violations, as confirmed by AC electrical specifications in Section 10.8 of the M68000 User's Manual. The MC68HC000CRC10 does not support overclocking due to static CMOS timing constraints.

Does the MC68HC000CRC10 support 32-bit data operations?

The MC68HC000CRC10 features a 32-bit internal architecture with 32-bit registers and ALU, enabling native 32-bit arithmetic and logical operations. However, its external data bus remains 16-bit (D0–D15), requiring two consecutive bus cycles to transfer a full 32-bit operand. The MC68HC000CRC10 executes 32-bit instructions correctly but does not provide a 32-bit external data path - unlike later members such as the MC68020.

What package type is used for the MC68HC000CRC10?

The MC68HC000CRC10 uses a 68-pin ceramic dual in-line package (CDIP), designated Case 740-03 per Motorola mechanical drawings. The "C" suffix in the part number explicitly denotes ceramic construction, distinguishing it from plastic variants (e.g., "P" suffix). This hermetically sealed package provides superior long-term reliability and moisture resistance compared to plastic DIP alternatives.

How does the MC68HC000CRC10 handle bus errors?

When a bus error occurs - such as an invalid address or unresponsive peripheral - the MC68HC000CRC10 asserts the BERR signal and initiates a bus error exception. It pushes a 12-byte stack frame containing program counter, status register, and fault address onto the supervisor stack, then vectors to address $000028. This behavior is identical to the original MC68000 and is fully documented in Section 6.3.9 of the M68000 User's Manual.

Is the MC68HC000CRC10 pin-compatible with the original MC68000P10?

Yes, the MC68HC000CRC10 is pin-compatible with the MC68000P10 in the 68-pin DIP package. Signal names, pin locations, and electrical drive characteristics (TTL-compatible outputs, CMOS inputs) match exactly. However, the MC68HC000CRC10 operates at lower power and supports static operation, while the MC68000P10 uses NMOS technology and requires continuous clocking - meaning PCB-level substitution is electrically valid but may require minor power supply and decoupling adjustments.