NXP Semiconductors MC68HC908QY2CPE

Overview

MC68HC908QY2CPE from NXP (formerly Freescale) is an 8-bit HCS08-core microcontroller in a 16-pin DIP package, featuring 2 KB on-chip FLASH, 128 bytes RAM, 8-channel 8-bit ADC, and integrated oscillator with internal trimming. It operates at up to 8 MHz bus frequency and supports low-power wait/stop modes for battery-powered sensor interfaces and industrial control panels.

For engineers reviewing the MC68HC908QY2CPE datasheet, MC68HC908QY2CPE pinout, MC68HC908QY2CPE application, or MC68HC908QY2CPE equivalent, key selection criteria include its 16-pin through-hole DIP footprint, 2 KB FLASH memory size, internal RC oscillator accuracy (±2% typical after trim), ADC resolution and channel count, and compatibility with legacy HC08 development tools and monitor mode debugging.

Technical Context

The MC68HC908QY2CPE implements the M68HC08 CPU core with 16-bit address space, supporting indexed, extended, and relative addressing. Its System Integration Module (SIM) provides clock generation, reset control, and interrupt management-including IRQ, keyboard interrupt (KBI), and auto-wakeup (AWU) modules.

It integrates a 8-channel single-ended 8-bit ADC with programmable conversion clock prescaler and optional continuous conversion mode. The internal oscillator supports RC-based operation with factory-trimmed calibration stored in OSCTRIM register ($FFC0), enabling stable 4–8 MHz bus clocks without external crystal.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MC68HC908QY2CPE is housed in a 16-pin plastic dual in-line package (PDIP), pin-compatible with industry-standard 0.3-inch DIP footprints. This through-hole package enables prototyping on breadboards and reliability in vibration-prone industrial control applications.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with MC68HC908QY4CPE, the MC68HC908QY2CPE offers identical I/O, timing, and low-power behavior but halves FLASH capacity-sufficient for fixed-function control. Versus MC9RS08KA2CPE, it retains legacy KBI/AWU features critical for tactile interface designs, despite being an older silicon generation.

Availability

MC68HC908QY2CPE is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial sensor interfaces, legacy control panel retrofits, and portable diagnostic tools requiring stable component supply and long-term obsolescence management.

Supply support for MC68HC908QY2CPE 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 MC68HC908QY2CPE belongs to the legacy HCS08 microcontroller family, designed for cost-sensitive, low-power embedded control tasks where proven reliability and toolchain maturity outweigh cutting-edge performance.

FAQ

What is the maximum bus clock frequency supported by the MC68HC908QY2CPE?

The MC68HC908QY2CPE supports a maximum bus clock frequency of 8 MHz. This is achieved using the internal trimmed RC oscillator, which delivers stable operation across the full industrial temperature range (–40°C to +85°C) without requiring an external crystal. The actual bus frequency is derived from the internal oscillator and may be divided using the BUSCLKX2/BUSCLKX4 configuration bits in the SIM module.

Does the MC68HC908QY2CPE include on-chip FLASH memory, and can it be reprogrammed in-circuit?

Yes, the MC68HC908QY2CPE includes 2 KB of on-chip FLASH memory. It supports in-circuit programming via the built-in monitor mode, which uses the SCI interface (or dedicated pins in some configurations) to load new firmware without removing the device from the PCB. FLASH operations include page erase, mass erase, and byte/word programming-all controlled by dedicated registers and protected by the FLBPR register.

How does the keyboard interrupt module (KBI) function on the MC68HC908QY2CPE?

The KBI on the MC68HC908QY2CPE monitors PTA0–PTA3 for edge transitions and generates an interrupt to wake the MCU from stop mode. It includes internal pull-ups and software-configurable debounce timing. This allows direct connection to mechanical keypads without external components, making the MC68HC908QY2CPE ideal for control panels where low standby current and tactile user input are both required.

What low-power modes does the MC68HC908QY2CPE support, and how do they differ?

The MC68HC908QY2CPE supports two primary low-power modes: Wait and Stop. In Wait mode, the CPU halts but the bus clock continues, allowing peripherals like ADC and timers to operate. In Stop mode, the bus clock stops entirely, reducing current consumption to ~1 µA; wake-up is possible via IRQ, KBI, or AWU events. Both modes preserve RAM and register contents.

Is the MC68HC908QY2CPE pin-compatible with other members of the QY/QT family?

Yes, the MC68HC908QY2CPE is pin-compatible with MC68HC908QY1CPE and MC68HC908QY4CPE in the same 16-pin PDIP package. All share identical pin assignments, electrical characteristics, and peripheral register maps. Firmware written for one can typically run on another with only FLASH size and oscillator calibration adjustments required.