NXP Semiconductors MC68HC908GZ8MFJ

Overview

MC68HC908GZ8MFJ from Freescale Semiconductor is an 8-bit HCS08-core microcontroller featuring 8 KB on-chip Flash memory, 512 bytes RAM, a 10-bit ADC with 8 input channels, integrated MSCAN08 controller, and dual serial interfaces (ESCI and SPI). It operates at up to 8 MHz CPU frequency with internal PLL clock generation and supports low-power Wait/Stop modes for battery-sensitive applications such as automotive body electronics and industrial sensor nodes.

For engineers reviewing the MC68HC908GZ8MFJ datasheet, MC68HC908GZ8MFJ pinout, MC68HC908GZ8MFJ application, or MC68HC908GZ8MFJ equivalent, this page delivers verified technical context, package mapping, functional pin roles, real-world use cases, and validated alternative parts - all grounded in Freescale's Rev. 4.0 datasheet and mechanical specifications.

Technical Context

The MC68HC908GZ8MFJ implements the HCS08 CPU core with 16-bit address space, supporting indexed, extended, and relative addressing modes. Its Clock Generator Module (CGM) integrates a crystal oscillator, PLL with programmable multiplier (×1–×32), and automatic acquisition/lock control - enabling stable 8 MHz system clock from a 1–4 MHz crystal.

It includes a dedicated MSCAN08 controller compliant with ISO 11898-1 (CAN 2.0A/B), ESCI supporting UART/RS-232 framing, and SPI master/slave operation. The 10-bit ADC features configurable sample-and-hold, left/right-justified results, and conversion trigger options including timer and software start.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MC68HC908GZ8MFJ is housed in a 64-pin QFP (Quad Flat Package) with 0.5 mm pitch, measuring 10 mm × 10 mm. The package supports standard reflow soldering and provides full I/O access across Ports A–E, power/ground pairs, and dedicated analog/oscillator pins.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with MC9S08DZ128 and S9KEAZ128AMLH, the MC68HC908GZ8MFJ offers optimal integration for cost-sensitive, CAN-centric embedded control where 8-bit determinism, low power, and proven field reliability outweigh raw compute throughput or USB connectivity.

Availability

MC68HC908GZ8MFJ is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive body electronics, industrial sensor nodes, home appliance control panels, and medical diagnostic peripherals requiring stable component supply across long-lifecycle production programs.

Supply support for MC68HC908GZ8MFJ 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) pioneered 8-bit MCU architectures for automotive and industrial markets, emphasizing robustness, CAN integration, and long-term supply stability.

The MC68HC908GZ8MFJ belongs to the HCS08 family designed specifically for cost-effective, real-time control in electrically noisy environments - prioritizing CAN reliability, low-voltage operation, and flash durability over general-purpose computing features.

FAQ

What is the maximum operating frequency of the MC68HC908GZ8MFJ?

The MC68HC908GZ8MFJ achieves a maximum CPU bus frequency of 8 MHz using its integrated PLL clock generator. This is attained by multiplying a 1–4 MHz crystal input (e.g., 2 MHz ×4 = 8 MHz), with PLL lock time specified at ≤10 ms under typical conditions per Freescale Rev. 4.0 datasheet Section 4.8.

Does the MC68HC908GZ8MFJ include a hardware CAN controller?

Yes, the MC68HC908GZ8MFJ integrates the MSCAN08 module - a fully compliant CAN 2.0A/B controller supporting bit rates up to 1 Mbit/s, 15 message buffers, and automatic retransmission. It requires an external physical-layer transceiver (e.g., MC33886 or TJA1042) to connect to the CAN bus, as confirmed in Chapter 12 of the MC68HC908GZ16/GZ8 datasheet.

What package type and pin count does the MC68HC908GZ8MFJ use?

The MC68HC908GZ8MFJ is supplied in a 64-pin QFP (Quad Flat Package) with 0.5 mm pitch and 10 mm × 10 mm body size, as documented in Section 22 (Ordering Information and Mechanical Specifications) of the Freescale MC68HC908GZ16/GZ8 Rev. 4.0 datasheet. This package provides full access to all I/O ports, power domains, and peripheral signals.

How much Flash and RAM memory does the MC68HC908GZ8MFJ have?

The MC68HC908GZ8MFJ contains 8 KB of on-chip Flash memory and 512 bytes of RAM. Flash supports in-system programming, block protection, and ≥100,000 erase/write cycles. RAM retains data in Stop mode, enabling fast wake-up with preserved context - details are specified in Chapters 2 and 21 of the official datasheet.

Is the MC68HC908GZ8MFJ pin-compatible with the MC68HC908GZ16?

No, the MC68HC908GZ8MFJ is not pin-compatible with the MC68HC908GZ16. Although both share the same 64-pin QFP package and identical pin functions, the GZ16 variant has additional I/O resources mapped to otherwise unused pins in the GZ8 - confirmed by Table 1-1 (Summary of Device Variations) and Pin Assignments in Section 1.4 of the Rev. 4.0 datasheet.