NXP Semiconductors MC68HC16Z1MEH16

Overview

MC68HC16Z1MEH16 from Freescale Semiconductor is a 16-bit microcontroller unit (MCU) featuring the CPU16 core, 16 KB on-chip SRAM, 512-byte internal EEPROM, 16-channel 10-bit ADC, and Queued Serial Module (QSM) with QSPI and SCI interfaces. It operates at up to 16 MHz, supports low-power STOP mode, and targets embedded control in industrial automation and automotive body electronics.

For engineers reviewing the MC68HC16Z1MEH16 datasheet, MC68HC16Z1MEH16 pinout, MC68HC16Z1MEH16 application, or MC68HC16Z1MEH16 equivalent, key selection criteria include CPU16 instruction set compatibility, integrated QSM peripheral timing, SRAM retention during STOP mode, and 10-bit ADC sampling rate under 16 MHz bus clock.

Technical Context

The MC68HC16Z1MEH16 implements the CPU16 architecture with 16-bit data/32-bit address capability, supporting extended addressing via address extension register and extension fields. Its System Integration Module (SIM) provides clock synthesis, interrupt arbitration, reset control, and external bus interface with dynamic bus sizing and operand alignment handling.

It integrates a Standby RAM (SRAM) module with retention during low-power STOP mode, a 10-bit successive-approximation ADC with programmable sample time and multiple conversion modes, and a Queued Serial Module (QSM) combining QSPI master/slave operation and full-duplex SCI communication - all accessible via dedicated memory-mapped registers.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MC68HC16Z1MEH16 is housed in a 112-pin Plastic Quad Flat Pack (PQFP) package with 0.65 mm lead pitch. 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 microcontroller applications.

Compared with MC68HC16Z2CFU16, MC68HC16Z1MEH16 offers field-programmable EEPROM for runtime configuration updates; versus MC9328MX1L, it delivers deterministic real-time response at lower power and cost for dedicated control functions without multimedia requirements.

Availability

MC68HC16Z1MEH16 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial motor control, automotive body electronics, PLC I/O modules, and energy meter data acquisition requiring stable component supply and long-term lifecycle support.

Supply support for MC68HC16Z1MEH16 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 scalable 16-bit MCU platform targeting cost-sensitive, real-time control applications requiring integrated analog peripherals, low-power operation, and debug-friendly architecture - especially where legacy HC11 code migration was required.

FAQ

What is the maximum operating frequency of the MC68HC16Z1MEH16?

The MC68HC16Z1MEH16 supports a maximum external clock input of 16 MHz, which drives the internal bus and peripheral modules. This frequency determines the upper limit for instruction execution speed, ADC sampling rate (up to ~50 kSPS), and QSPI/SCI baud rates. The CPU16 core achieves approximately 8 MIPS at this clock rate, verified in Freescale's characterization testing across commercial temperature range.

Does the MC68HC16Z1MEH16 include on-chip nonvolatile memory for data storage?

Yes, the MC68HC16Z1MEH16 integrates 512 bytes of on-chip EEPROM, distinct from its 16 KB SRAM. This EEPROM is byte-erasable and supports 10,000 write/erase cycles, making it suitable for storing calibration coefficients, device IDs, or user settings that must persist across power cycles. Unlike external EEPROMs, it requires no I²C or SPI interface overhead and is accessed directly via memory-mapped registers.

How does the MC68HC16Z1MEH16 handle low-power operation?

The MC68HC16Z1MEH16 implements three low-power states: Freeze, Stop, and Wait. In STOP mode, CPU and bus clocks halt while SRAM, registers, and certain wake-up sources (e.g., external interrupt, RTC alarm) remain active - drawing less than 10 µA. This mode preserves full context without external backup, enabling rapid wake-up (<10 µs) for event-driven applications like sensor polling or CAN wakeup in automotive systems.

Can the MC68HC16Z1MEH16 be debugged in-circuit without emulation pods?

Yes, the MC68HC16Z1MEH16 features Background Debug Mode (BDM), a single-wire serial debug interface compliant with Motorola's BDM specification. Using standard BDM cables and tools (e.g., P&E Micro Cyclone), engineers can perform real-time register read/write, set breakpoints, trace instruction flow, and download code - all without ICE hardware or socketed emulators. This capability is fully supported in Freescale's CodeWarrior IDE v5.x and later.

What peripheral modules are integrated into the MC68HC16Z1MEH16?

The MC68HC16Z1MEH16 integrates a System Integration Module (SIM), 16 KB Standby RAM (SRAM), 10-bit 16-channel ADC, Queued Serial Module (QSM) with QSPI and SCI, General-Purpose Timer (GPT), and parallel I/O ports (PORTA–PORTF). Notably absent are MCCI (Multichannel Communication Interface) and Masked ROM - features found only in Z4/Z3 variants. All peripherals are memory-mapped and controlled via dedicated register sets documented in the M68HC16Z Series User's Manual.