NXP Semiconductors MC68HC908QY4MPE

Overview

MC68HC908QY4MPE 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 (trimmed to ±2% at 4 MHz), low-voltage inhibit (LVI), COP watchdog, and keyboard interrupt module - designed for cost-sensitive embedded control in appliance panels, industrial sensors, and battery-powered instrumentation.

For engineers reviewing the MC68HC908QY4MPE datasheet, MC68HC908QY4MPE pinout, MC68HC908QY4MPE application, or MC68HC908QY4MPE equivalent, key selection criteria include its 16-pin SOIC-16 package, 5 V operation, 4 MHz internal clock accuracy, FLASH endurance (10k erase/write cycles), and support for WAIT/STOP low-power modes with AWU wake-up capability.

Technical Context

The MC68HC908QY4MPE implements the M68HC08 CPU core with 16-bit address bus and Harvard architecture memory map. Its oscillator module supports internal RC (4 MHz nominal), external crystal (up to 8 MHz), or RC network configurations, with programmable trim via OSCTRIM register for ±2% stability over temperature and voltage.

Peripheral integration includes a 16-bit Timer Interface Module (TIM) with input capture/output compare, 8-bit ADC with software-triggered conversion and interrupt-on-complete, and dual I/O ports (Port A: 8-bit bidirectional with KBI; Port B: 4-bit bidirectional). All modules are managed through the System Integration Module (SIM) with centralized reset, interrupt, and clock control.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MC68HC908QY4MPE is housed in a 16-pin SOIC package (JEDEC MS-012AC), 7.5 mm × 10.3 mm body, 1.27 mm pitch, with gull-wing leads and standard thermal profile compatibility.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with MC9RS08KA2CP and STM8S003F3P6, the MC68HC908QY4MPE delivers optimal balance of 5 V robustness, integrated KBI, trimmed internal oscillator, and proven field reliability in cost-constrained industrial HMI - without requiring voltage translation or external timing components.

Availability

MC68HC908QY4MPE is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for appliance control panels, industrial sensor nodes, smart power outlets, and portable medical diagnostic tools requiring stable component supply across extended production lifecycles.

Supply support for MC68HC908QY4MPE 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 focused on secure connectivity solutions for automotive, industrial, and IoT applications, with heritage from Freescale's HCS08 microcontroller portfolio.

The MC68HC908QY4MPE belongs to the legacy HCS08 family designed for cost-effective, low-pin-count embedded control - emphasizing integration of essential peripherals (ADC, KBI, LVI, COP) in minimal footprint for high-volume consumer and industrial products.

FAQ

What is the maximum operating frequency of the MC68HC908QY4MPE?

The MC68HC908QY4MPE supports a maximum bus clock frequency of 8 MHz when using an external crystal oscillator. With its internal trimmed RC oscillator, it operates at a nominal 4 MHz ±2% across temperature and supply voltage - sufficient for most sensor interface and control tasks without external timing components. The CPU executes instructions at bus clock speed, with typical throughput of ~2 million instructions per second (MIPS).

Does the MC68HC908QY4MPE support in-circuit debugging?

Yes, the MC68HC908QY4MPE supports single-wire background debug mode (BDM) via the BKGD pin, enabling full read/write access to memory and registers during development. This allows real-time breakpoints, register inspection, and FLASH programming without halting system operation - critical for validating timing-critical functions like ADC sampling or PWM generation in the final MC68HC908QY4MPE design.

How many I/O pins does the MC68HC908QY4MPE provide?

The MC68HC908QY4MPE provides 12 dedicated I/O pins: 8 bits on Port A (PTA0–PTA7) and 4 bits on Port B (PTB0–PTB3). All pins are individually configurable as input or output via Data Direction Registers (DDRA/DDRB), and Port A supports keyboard interrupt functionality on PTA0–PTA3. Non-bonded pins are not present - all 16 package pins serve defined electrical functions per the SOIC-16 pinout.

What is the FLASH endurance specification for the MC68HC908QY4MPE?

The MC68HC908QY4MPE specifies 10,000 erase/write cycles for its 4 KB on-chip FLASH memory under rated conditions (VDD = 5.0 V, TA = 25°C). Each page (512 bytes) can be erased independently, and mass erase clears the entire array. Endurance is validated per JEDEC JESD22-A117 and remains consistent across the full industrial temperature range (–40°C to +85°C) when operated within datasheet voltage and timing limits.

Can the MC68HC908QY4MPE operate from a 3.3 V supply?

No, the MC68HC908QY4MPE is specified exclusively for 4.5 V to 5.5 V operation. Its internal oscillator, I/O buffers, and FLASH programming circuitry are designed for 5 V logic levels. Attempting 3.3 V operation results in undefined behavior, failed FLASH writes, and potential corruption of the OSCTRIM register. For 3.3 V systems, consider NXP's RS08 or S08 families with explicit 3.3 V support - not the MC68HC908QY4MPE.