NXP Semiconductors MC68HC908QY4CP

Overview

MC68HC908QY4CP from NXP (formerly Freescale) is an 8-bit HCS08-core microcontroller with 4 KB on-chip FLASH, 192 B RAM, and integrated 8-channel 8-bit ADC. It features internal RC oscillator (4 MHz nominal), low-voltage inhibit (LVI), computer operating properly (COP) watchdog, and keyboard interrupt (KBI) for keypad scanning. Used in cost-sensitive embedded control applications such as appliance user interfaces and industrial sensor nodes.

For engineers reviewing the MC68HC908QY4CP datasheet, MC68HC908QY4CP pinout, MC68HC908QY4CP application, or MC68HC908QY4CP equivalent, key selection criteria include its 8-pin SOIC package, 4 MHz internal clock accuracy (±5% over temperature), KBI wake-up capability, COP timeout programmability, and FLASH endurance of 10,000 erase/write cycles.

Technical Context

The MC68HC908QY4CP implements the M68HC08 CPU core with 16-bit address bus and Harvard architecture. It executes instructions at up to 4 MHz bus clock derived from its trimmed internal RC oscillator, supporting WAIT and STOP low-power modes with wake-up via IRQ, KBI, or AWU.

Its peripheral set includes a 16-bit TIM module with input capture/output compare, 8-bit ADC with software-triggered conversion, and dual I/O ports (Port A: 6 pins; Port B: 2 pins). All peripherals are memory-mapped and controlled via dedicated registers in the $FF00–$FFFF I/O space.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MC68HC908QY4CP is housed in an 8-pin SOIC package (case #751BD-03) with 1.27 mm pitch. Pin functions are defined per shared resource priority and support mixed digital/analog I/O.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with MC9RS08KA2CP and STM8S003F3P6, the MC68HC908QY4CP offers unique KBI hardware acceleration for low-pin-count keypad interfaces and tighter integration of COP, LVI, and AWU - making it optimal for legacy-compatible, ultra-low-BOM-cost control nodes where 4 KB FLASH and 8-bit ADC meet requirements.

Availability

MC68HC908QY4CP is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for appliance control panels, industrial sensor nodes, smart power outlets, and POS peripheral controllers requiring stable component supply and long-term manufacturing continuity.

Supply support for MC68HC908QY4CP 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 company formed from the spin-off of Freescale Semiconductor and Philips' semiconductor division, specializing in secure connectivity solutions for automotive, industrial, and IoT markets.

The MC68HC908QY4CP belongs to the legacy HCS08 microcontroller family designed for cost-sensitive, low-power embedded control applications where minimal external components, integrated peripherals, and robustness in harsh environments are essential.

FAQ

What is the maximum operating frequency of the MC68HC908QY4CP?

The MC68HC908QY4CP operates with a maximum bus clock frequency of 4 MHz, derived from its internal trimmed RC oscillator. This frequency is factory-trimmed and specified to maintain ±5% accuracy across –40°C to +85°C. External crystal or RC networks can be used to override the internal oscillator, but the core timing remains constrained by the 4 MHz bus clock limit defined in the device's electrical specifications.

Does the MC68HC908QY4CP support in-circuit programming?

Yes, the MC68HC908QY4CP supports in-circuit programming via its MON (Monitor) mode using the PTB0/RESET pin. A high-voltage pulse (≥7 V) applied to PTB0 enters MON mode, enabling serial programming of FLASH memory through the SCI interface or background debug protocol. No external programmer hardware is required beyond a simple HV pulse generator and UART connection.

How many I/O pins does the MC68HC908QY4CP provide?

The MC68HC908QY4CP provides 8 functional I/O pins in its 8-pin SOIC package: six bits on Port A (PTA0–PTA4, PTA7) and two bits on Port B (PTB0, PTB1). Not all pins are individually bond-out; PTA7 and PTB1 are unimplemented in this variant and read as zero. The effective usable GPIO count is six, with PTA0–PTA2 and PTB0 serving dual roles including IRQ, KBI, and RESET.

What is the FLASH endurance rating for the MC68HC908QY4CP?

The MC68HC908QY4CP specifies a minimum FLASH endurance of 10,000 erase/write cycles per block under recommended operating conditions (VDD = 5.0 V, TA = 25°C). Endurance is verified per JEDEC JESD22-A117 standard. Wear leveling is not implemented in hardware; users must manage block usage in firmware to avoid premature wear in frequently updated sectors.

Can the MC68HC908QY4CP operate from a 3.3 V supply?

Yes, the MC68HC908QY4CP is fully specified for operation from 2.7 V to 5.5 V, including standard 3.3 V logic rails. At 3.3 V, the internal oscillator runs at approximately 3.3 MHz (scaled linearly), and all I/O pins are 5 V tolerant when configured as inputs. System-level timing margins must be verified per application, especially for ADC conversion time and COP timeout accuracy.