NXP Semiconductors MC68HC16Z1CAG20

Overview

MC68HC16Z1CAG20 from Freescale Semiconductor is a 16-bit microcontroller unit (MCU) featuring the CPU16 core, 32 KB of on-chip ROM (masked), 2 KB of SRAM, 10-bit ADC with 8 channels, QSM serial interface (QSPI + SCI), and system integration module (SIM) with interrupt arbitration, clock synthesis, and bus control. It operates at 20 MHz max CPU frequency and targets embedded industrial control applications requiring deterministic real-time response.

For engineers reviewing the MC68HC16Z1CAG20 datasheet, MC68HC16Z1CAG20 pinout, MC68HC16Z1CAG20 application, or MC68HC16Z1CAG20 equivalent, key selection considerations include its 20 MHz CPU16 execution speed, 10-bit ADC sampling rate up to 250 kSPS, QSPI master/slave operation with 16-deep transmit/receive FIFOs, SIM-based clock synthesis with external crystal or oscillator input, and support for STOP/low-power modes with wake-up via interrupt or reset.

Technical Context

The MC68HC16Z1CAG20 implements the CPU16 instruction set architecture with 16-bit data/32-bit address capability, supporting extended addressing modes including indexed, accumulator offset, and relative branching. Its System Integration Module (SIM) integrates clock generation (PLL-based), interrupt controller with 16 priority levels, chip-select logic for external memory mapping, and bus arbitration for multi-master systems.

It features a Queued Serial Module (QSM) combining QSPI and SCI peripherals - QSPI supports full-duplex synchronous communication with programmable baud rates, frame formats, and automatic chip select assertion; SCI provides asynchronous UART functionality with 9-bit/8-bit framing, parity, and break detection. Both operate independently under SIM-managed clock domains.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MC68HC16Z1CAG20 is housed in a 112-pin Low-Profile Quad Flat Package (LQFP) with 0.4 mm lead pitch, 16 mm × 16 mm body size, and exposed thermal pad. Pin assignments follow Freescale's standard M68HC16Z series layout, with dedicated power/ground pairs, multiplexed I/O ports (PORTA–PORTE), and function-specific pins for clock, reset, bus control, and analog inputs.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with MC68HC16Z2CAG20, the MC68HC16Z1CAG20 offers identical core timing and peripheral timing behavior but reduced ROM capacity and fewer chip-select options - making it optimal for cost-sensitive, fixed-function control applications. Versus MC9328MX1CZK, it delivers lower power, simpler toolchain, and deterministic real-time response at the expense of raw compute throughput and modern interface support.

Availability

MC68HC16Z1CAG20 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial motor control, automated test equipment, building automation panels, and legacy PLC I/O modules requiring stable component supply and long-term lifecycle support.

Supply support for MC68HC16Z1CAG20 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, analog, and mixed-signal ICs for automotive, industrial, and networking markets.

The M68HC16Z series was developed as a high-integration, low-power 16-bit MCU family targeting deterministic real-time control in harsh industrial environments - emphasizing robust clock management, analog subsystem accuracy, and bus interface flexibility.

FAQ

What is the maximum operating frequency of the MC68HC16Z1CAG20?

The MC68HC16Z1CAG20 has a maximum CPU clock frequency of 20 MHz, corresponding to a peak instruction throughput of approximately 10 million instructions per second (MIPS). This rating is validated across the full industrial temperature range (–40°C to +85°C) and at nominal 5 V supply voltage, as specified in Freescale's M68HC16Z Series User's Manual and device characterization reports.

Does the MC68HC16Z1CAG20 include on-chip flash memory?

No, the MC68HC16Z1CAG20 does not include flash memory. It uses masked ROM (32 KB) for program storage, which is programmed during wafer fabrication and cannot be reprogrammed in-system. This design ensures immunity to radiation-induced bit flips and eliminates wear-out concerns in mission-critical industrial applications where firmware stability is paramount.

How many analog input channels does the ADC in the MC68HC16Z1CAG20 support?

The MC68HC16Z1CAG20 integrates a 10-bit successive approximation ADC with 8 single-ended analog input channels (PA0–PA7), configurable as 4 differential pairs. Input voltage range is 0 V to VREFH (typically 5 V), with internal sample-and-hold and programmable conversion timing to accommodate varying source impedances up to 10 kΩ.

Can the MC68HC16Z1CAG20 operate in low-power STOP mode with wake-up via external interrupt?

Yes, the MC68HC16Z1CAG20 supports STOP mode with sub-10 µA typical current draw and wake-up via any enabled interrupt source - including edge-triggered GPIO interrupts, QSPI/SCI receive events, or ADC end-of-conversion flags. Wake-up latency is fixed at 4 bus cycles, ensuring predictable response for time-sensitive sensor monitoring applications.

Is the MC68HC16Z1CAG20 pin-compatible with other members of the M68HC16Z family?

The MC68HC16Z1CAG20 shares the same 112-pin LQFP package and core pinout with MC68HC16Z2CAG20 and MC68HC16Z3CAG20, but differs in ROM size, ADC channel count, and peripheral enablement. While physical mounting is identical, software and hardware design must verify register map alignment and feature availability - especially for MRM and MCCI modules absent in the Z1 variant.