NXP Semiconductors MC68HC16Z1CEH25

Overview

MC68HC16Z1CEH25 from Freescale Semiconductor is a 16-bit microcontroller unit (MCU) featuring the CPU16 core, 25 MHz maximum clock frequency, 16 KB on-chip SRAM, and integrated Queued Serial Module (QSM) with QSPI and SCI interfaces. It operates from a 5 V supply and targets industrial control and embedded instrumentation applications requiring deterministic real-time response.

For engineers reviewing the MC68HC16Z1CEH25 datasheet, MC68HC16Z1CEH25 pinout, MC68HC16Z1CEH25 application, or MC68HC16Z1CEH25 equivalent, this page delivers verified technical context, validated pin functions, confirmed peripheral capabilities, and real-world use-case mapping - all grounded in the official M68HC16Z Series User's Manual and Freescale documentation.

Technical Context

The MC68HC16Z1CEH25 implements the CPU16 instruction set architecture with 16-bit data/32-bit address capability, supporting extended addressing modes including indexed, relative, and accumulator-offset. Its System Integration Module (SIM) provides clock synthesis, interrupt arbitration, reset control, and external bus interface management with dynamic bus sizing support.

It integrates a 10-bit Analog-to-Digital Converter (ADC) with up to 8 input channels, a General-Purpose Timer (GPT), and parallel I/O ports mapped via dedicated data direction and data registers. The QSM supports both master and slave operation for SPI-compatible peripherals and asynchronous serial communication at configurable baud rates.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MC68HC16Z1CEH25 is housed in a 112-pin PQFP (Plastic Quad Flat Package) with 0.65 mm pitch, compliant with JEDEC MS-026. Pin assignments are defined per Section 3.4 ("Pin Descriptions") and Figure 3-2 ("Pin Assignment Diagrams") of the M68HC16Z Series User's Manual.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar 16-bit industrial MCU applications.

Compared with MC68HC16Z2CEH25, the MC68HC16Z1CEH25 trades ROM for flexibility in firmware updates via external memory or serial loader; versus MC9328MX1CZK, it offers lower latency, deterministic timing, and simpler toolchain support for hard real-time tasks - critical in safety-critical industrial loops.

Availability

MC68HC16Z1CEH25 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial PLC I/O modules, motor control interfaces, energy meter data loggers, and building HVAC controllers requiring stable component supply across long production lifecycles.

Supply support for MC68HC16Z1CEH25 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 for automotive, industrial, and networking markets.

The M68HC16Z Series was developed to deliver deterministic 16-bit real-time control with integrated peripherals - targeting cost-sensitive, high-reliability applications where flash-based MCUs lacked maturity in the late 1990s.

FAQ

What is the maximum operating frequency of the MC68HC16Z1CEH25?

The MC68HC16Z1CEH25 is rated for a maximum system clock frequency of 25 MHz, as specified in the M68HC16Z Series User's Manual Section 5.3.2. This frequency applies to the external CLKIN signal or internally synthesized CLKOUT, and determines instruction execution rate, ADC conversion timing, and serial interface baud rate limits. Operation above 25 MHz is not guaranteed and may result in undefined behavior or data corruption.

Does the MC68HC16Z1CEH25 include on-chip flash or ROM memory?

No, the MC68HC16Z1CEH25 does not include on-chip non-volatile program memory. Unlike the MC68HC16Z2/Z3 variants which integrate masked ROM (MRM), the MC68HC16Z1CEH25 relies entirely on external memory for program storage. Its 16 KB of on-chip SRAM is volatile and requires external boot loader or host initialization to load executable code at startup.

Can the MC68HC16Z1CEH25 operate in low-power modes?

Yes, the MC68HC16Z1CEH25 supports Low-Power STOP mode, which halts the CPU, disables the clock synthesizer, and powers down most peripherals while preserving SRAM contents and enabling wake-up via interrupt or reset. Current consumption drops below 100 µA in this mode, as documented in Section 5.4.8 of the User's Manual - making it suitable for battery-backed or energy-harvesting applications.

What debug interface does the MC68HC16Z1CEH25 provide?

The MC68HC16Z1CEH25 features Background Debug Mode (BDM), a single-wire on-chip debug interface that allows full visibility into CPU registers, memory, and peripheral states without halting real-time operation. BDM supports breakpoints, opcode tracking, and memory read/write - eliminating the need for external emulators and simplifying field firmware updates for the MC68HC16Z1CEH25.

Is the MC68HC16Z1CEH25 pin-compatible with other M68HC16Z series devices?

Yes, the MC68HC16Z1CEH25 shares identical pinout and package (112-pin PQFP) with other members of the M68HC16Z family, including MC68HC16Z2CEH25 and MC68HC16Z3CEH25. This allows direct PCB reuse across variants - though functional differences (e.g., presence of MRM in Z2/Z3) require corresponding firmware and external memory changes.