NXP Semiconductors MC68HC908JL8MFAE

Overview

MC68HC908JL8MFAE from NXP (formerly Freescale) is an 8-bit HCS08-core microcontroller with 8 KB on-chip Flash, 512 B RAM, and integrated peripherals including SCI, TIM, ADC, KBI, and COP watchdog. It operates at up to 8 MHz bus frequency, supports 3.3 V or 5 V supply, and targets low-cost embedded control in industrial sensors and appliance subsystems.

For engineers reviewing the MC68HC908JL8MFAE datasheet, MC68HC908JL8MFAE pinout, MC68HC908JL8MFAE application, or MC68HC908JL8MFAE equivalent, key selection criteria include its 20-pin SOIC package, 8-channel 8-bit ADC with 12 µs conversion time, SCI asynchronous serial interface, and support for Wait/Stop low-power modes with wake-on-IRQ/KBI.

Technical Context

The MC68HC908JL8MFAE implements the HCS08 CPU core with 16-bit address space, indexed addressing, and 72-instruction set. Its System Integration Module (SIM) provides bus clock generation from internal RC or external crystal oscillator, configurable reset sources (POR, LVI, COP), and interrupt vectoring via three status registers.

Peripheral integration includes a 16-bit Timer Interface Module (TIM) with input capture, output compare, and PWM; an 8-channel Analog-to-Digital Converter (ADC) with software/hardware trigger and 8-bit resolution; and a Serial Communications Interface (SCI) supporting full-duplex asynchronous communication with programmable baud rate and framing options.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MC68HC908JL8MFAE is housed in a 20-pin Small Outline Integrated Circuit (SOIC) package with 0.300-inch body width and standard JEDEC MS-013AC footprint. Pin assignments are validated per Freescale Document MC68HC908JL8 Rev. 3.1, Section 1.4.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar 8-bit microcontroller applications.

Compared with MC9RS08KA8CFD and MC9S08QG8CDT, the MC68HC908JL8MFAE offers balanced analog (ADC), timing (TIM), and interface (SCI/KBI) capability in a proven industrial SOIC package-making it optimal for cost-constrained embedded control where mixed-signal integration is essential.

Availability

MC68HC908JL8MFAE is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial sensor nodes, home appliance UI modules, motor drive subsystems, and energy meter interfaces requiring stable component supply and long-term manufacturability.

Supply support for MC68HC908JL8MFAE 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 delivering secure, scalable solutions for automotive, industrial, IoT, and mobile applications.

The MC68HC908JL8MFAE belongs to the legacy HCS08 microcontroller family, designed for cost-sensitive, low-power embedded control in appliances, industrial equipment, and consumer electronics with minimal external components.

FAQ

What is the maximum operating frequency of the MC68HC908JL8MFAE?

The MC68HC908JL8MFAE supports a maximum bus clock frequency of 8 MHz. This is derived from its internal oscillator or external crystal source, and directly governs instruction execution speed, ADC conversion rate, and TIM counter resolution. The device achieves this timing under 5 V supply at 25°C; derating applies at higher temperatures or lower voltages per Freescale DS Rev. 3.1 Table 17-5.

Does the MC68HC908JL8MFAE include on-chip debug capability?

Yes, the MC68HC908JL8MFAE integrates a Break Module accessible via the BKGD pin, enabling single-step execution, register inspection, and memory read/write during development. This hardware debug interface works with standard Freescale BDM tools and does not require external JTAG adapter, simplifying firmware bring-up and validation of the MC68HC908JL8MFAE in target systems.

Can the MC68HC908JL8MFAE operate from a 3.3 V supply?

Yes, the MC68HC908JL8MFAE is fully specified for operation from 2.7 V to 5.5 V, making it compatible with standard 3.3 V logic systems. All I/O pins are 5 V tolerant when configured as inputs, and internal peripherals-including the ADC, SCI, and TIM-function correctly across this voltage range without configuration changes. This allows direct interfacing with 3.3 V sensors and transceivers in the MC68HC908JL8MFAE design.

How many analog input channels does the ADC in the MC68HC908JL8MFAE support?

The MC68HC908JL8MFAE features an 8-bit successive-approximation ADC with 8 dedicated analog input channels (AD0–AD7), mapped to pins PTA0–PTA5 and PTD0–PTD1. These channels support both single-ended and differential conversion modes, with conversion time of 12 µs per sample at 8 MHz bus clock. Channel selection is software-controlled via ADCSC1 register.

Is there a factory-programmed bootloader in the MC68HC908JL8MFAE?

Yes, the MC68HC908JL8MFAE includes a 1 KB Monitor ROM (MON) pre-programmed at manufacture. This ROM implements a serial bootloader accessible via the SCI interface, supporting flash programming, memory dump, and security lock/unlock commands-all without external programming hardware. The MON is activated by asserting the RESET pin while holding BKGD low, enabling field firmware updates for the MC68HC908JL8MFAE.