NXP Semiconductors MC68HC908GZ60CFA

Overview

MC68HC908GZ60CFA from NXP (formerly Freescale) is an 8-bit HCS08-core microcontroller with 60 KB on-chip Flash, 2 KB RAM, integrated MSCAN08 controller, ESCI and SPI serial interfaces, and 10-bit ADC with up to 24 input channels - designed for automotive body electronics and industrial control applications requiring CAN bus connectivity and robust real-time I/O handling.

For engineers reviewing the MC68HC908GZ60CFA datasheet, MC68HC908GZ60CFA pinout, MC68HC908GZ60CFA application, or MC68HC908GZ60CFA equivalent, key selection criteria include its 8 MHz bus clock capability, LIN-compliant ESCI module, 5.0 V operation with LVI protection, and 64-pin LQFP package with dedicated CAN TX/RX pins and analog input multiplexing across Ports A, B, G.

Technical Context

The MC68HC908GZ60CFA integrates a CPU08 core running at up to 8 MHz bus frequency, driven by a PLL-based Clock Generator Module (CGM) supporting crystal or external clock inputs. Its MSCAN08 controller implements ISO 11898-1 compliant CAN 2.0A/B protocol with three message buffers and programmable bit timing.

The device features dual Flash memory blocks (FLASH-1 and FLASH-2) enabling background programming and EEPROM emulation, alongside a 10-bit successive-approximation ADC with configurable sample-and-hold, scan mode, and hardware-triggered conversions via TIM1 or ESCI events.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MC68HC908GZ60CFA is housed in a 64-pin LQFP package with standard power (VDD/VSS), oscillator (OSC1/OSC2), reset (RST), and I/O port assignments across Ports A–G. Pin functions are defined per Chapter 1.4 and 1.5 of the Rev. 6.0 datasheet, including dedicated CAN TX/RX on PTC6/PTC5 and ESCI TX/RX on PTE0/PTE1.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with MC9S08DZ60 and S9KEAZN64, the MC68HC908GZ60CFA delivers mature, production-proven CAN 2.0B functionality with minimal BOM count and deterministic real-time behavior - ideal for cost-constrained, high-volume automotive modules where USB or CAN FD are unnecessary.

Availability

MC68HC908GZ60CFA is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive body electronics, industrial CAN nodes, smart sensor hubs, and door module controllers requiring stable component supply and long-term lifecycle support.

Supply support for MC68HC908GZ60CFA 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

NXP Semiconductors is a global semiconductor leader specializing in secure connectivity solutions for automotive, industrial, and IoT applications.

The MC68HC908GZ60CFA belongs to the HCS08 family, engineered for cost-effective, reliable microcontroller solutions in automotive body electronics and industrial control systems demanding CAN, LIN, and mixed-signal integration.

FAQ

What is the maximum bus clock frequency supported by the MC68HC908GZ60CFA?

The MC68HC908GZ60CFA supports a maximum bus clock frequency of 8 MHz, achieved via its integrated PLL-based Clock Generator Module (CGM). This frequency is derived from an external crystal (typically 4 MHz) multiplied by the PLL, and governs instruction execution speed, ADC conversion timing, and serial interface baud rates. The CGM also supports bypass mode for direct crystal-derived clocks at lower frequencies.

Does the MC68HC908GZ60CFA support CAN FD or only classical CAN 2.0?

The MC68HC908GZ60CFA implements the MSCAN08 controller, which supports only ISO 11898-1 compliant CAN 2.0A/B (classical CAN) at bit rates up to 1 Mbps. It does not support CAN FD features such as flexible data-rate, extended data length, or CRC enhancements. For CAN FD requirements, designers should consider newer NXP families like S32K1 or Kinetis E-series.

How many analog input channels does the ADC in the MC68HC908GZ60CFA support?

The MC68HC908GZ60CFA features a 10-bit successive-approximation ADC with 24 configurable analog input channels: AD0–AD7 on Port B, AD8–AD15 on Port A, and AD16–AD23 on Port G. These inputs share pins with digital I/O and keyboard interrupt functions, and are selected via the ADC Channel Select Register (ADCSR) during scan or single-conversion modes.

Can the MC68HC908GZ60CFA operate from a 3.3 V supply?

No, the MC68HC908GZ60CFA is specified for 4.5 V to 5.5 V operation only, as confirmed in Section 21.5 (5.0-Vdc Electrical Characteristics) of the Rev. 6.0 datasheet. Its internal voltage regulators, LVI thresholds, and I/O levels are optimized for 5 V systems. Operating below 4.5 V may cause unreliable reset behavior, Flash corruption, or ADC inaccuracies.

What debug and programming interfaces are available for the MC68HC908GZ60CFA?

The MC68HC908GZ60CFA supports background debug mode (BDM) via a single-wire interface using the BKGD pin (shared with Port D pin PTD7), enabling non-intrusive debugging, flash programming, and real-time register inspection. It does not support JTAG or SWD. Programming requires a compatible BDM pod (e.g., P&E Micro Cyclone or USB-ML-12) and CodeWarrior Development Studio for HCS08.