NXP Semiconductors MC68HC908QT2CPE

Overview

MC68HC908QT2CPE from NXP (formerly Freescale) is an 8-bit HCS08-core microcontroller with 2 KB on-chip FLASH, 128 bytes RAM, and integrated 8-channel 8-bit ADC. It features a programmable internal oscillator (1–8 MHz), low-voltage inhibit (LVI), computer operating properly (COP) watchdog, and keyboard interrupt (KBI) module. Designed for cost-sensitive embedded control in appliance motor interfaces and industrial sensor nodes.

For engineers reviewing the MC68HC908QT2CPE datasheet, MC68HC908QT2CPE pinout, MC68HC908QT2CPE application, or MC68HC908QT2CPE equivalent, key selection criteria include its 8-pin SOIC-8 package, 5 V operation, internal RC oscillator trim capability, KBI wake-up support, and FLASH-based field programmability without external high-voltage programming.

Technical Context

The MC68HC908QT2CPE implements the M68HC08 CPU core with 16-bit address bus and 8-bit data path, executing instructions at up to 8 MHz bus clock (via internal oscillator or external crystal). Its memory map includes 2 KB FLASH (with block protection), 128 B RAM, and dedicated I/O register space mapped to $0000–$00FF.

Peripheral integration centers on low-power operation: the Auto Wakeup Module (AWU) enables periodic interrupts from Stop mode using internal RC clock; the Keyboard Interrupt Module (KBI) supports edge-triggered wake-up on up to 4 pins; and the LVI circuit provides configurable brown-out reset at 3.8 V or 4.2 V thresholds with hysteresis.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MC68HC908QT2CPE is housed in an 8-pin SOIC package (case 751BD-02) with 1.27 mm pitch, 5.3 mm body width, and standard JEDEC MS-012AC mechanical outline. Pin functions are validated per Rev. 6 datasheet Figure 1-2 and Table 1-2.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with MC68HC908QT4CPE and MC9RS08KA2CPE, the MC68HC908QT2CPE delivers optimal cost/performance for fixed-function controls where 2 KB FLASH suffices and hardware KBI wake-up is mandatory - avoiding both layout changes and firmware abstraction layers needed for alternative solutions.

Availability

MC68HC908QT2CPE is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for appliance motor control, industrial sensor nodes, smart power outlets, and medical diagnostic handsets requiring stable component supply and long-term manufacturing continuity.

Supply support for MC68HC908QT2CPE 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 communication infrastructure markets.

The MC68HC908QT2CPE belongs to the legacy HCS08 microcontroller family, designed for ultra-low-cost, low-pin-count embedded control in resource-constrained environments with minimal external components.

FAQ

What is the maximum operating frequency of the MC68HC908QT2CPE?

MC68HC908QT2CPE operates with a maximum bus clock frequency of 8 MHz, achievable either via its trimmed internal RC oscillator or an external crystal/resonator up to 8 MHz. The internal oscillator's frequency is factory-trimmed and further adjustable using the OSCTRIM register across ±25% range in 1% increments, enabling precise calibration without external components.

Does the MC68HC908QT2CPE support in-circuit programming?

Yes, MC68HC908QT2CPE supports in-circuit programming via its single-wire background debug interface (BDM), requiring only the BKGD pin and ground connection. Programming is performed at VDD = 5 V using standard Freescale BDM protocol tools; no external high-voltage programming supply is needed, and FLASH can be reprogrammed in-system up to 10,000 cycles.

How many I/O pins does the MC68HC908QT2CPE provide?

MC68HC908QT2CPE provides four general-purpose I/O pins: PTA0 through PTA3. All four double as keyboard interrupt inputs (KBI0–KBI3), and PTA0 additionally serves as the external IRQ input. No additional port pins are available - the device is strictly limited to these four bidirectional I/O lines, with no Port B or auxiliary I/O resources.

What power modes does the MC68HC908QT2CPE support?

MC68HC908QT2CPE supports three operational power modes: Normal (full-speed execution), Wait (CPU halted, peripherals active, ~100 µA typical), and Stop (all clocks halted except AWU RC oscillator, ~0.5 µA typical). Stop mode retains RAM contents only if VDD remains above LVI threshold; RAM is lost if supply drops below reset level during Stop.

Is the MC68HC908QT2CPE pin-compatible with other QY/QT family members?

Yes, MC68HC908QT2CPE is pin-compatible with MC68HC908QY1CPE, MC68HC908QY2CPE, and MC68HC908QT1CPE in the same 8-pin SOIC package. All share identical pin assignments, electrical characteristics, and peripheral register maps - differing only in FLASH size (1 KB or 2 KB) and ADC channel count (4 or 8), with QT variants including full 8-channel ADC support.