NXP Semiconductors MC68SEC000CAA10

Overview

MC68SEC000 from Motorola is a static 32-bit embedded microprocessor designed for ultra-low-power portable systems. It delivers 10/16/20 MHz operation at 3.3V or 5.0V, consumes only 0.5 µA in static standby mode, supports 24-bit addressing (16 Mbyte range), and features pin-for-pin compatibility with the MC68EC000 for drop-in replacement in battery-powered PDAs, handheld test equipment, and electronic games.

For engineers reviewing the MC68SEC000 datasheet, MC68SEC000 pinout, MC68SEC000 application, or MC68SEC000 equivalent, key selection considerations include static low-power operation, 8-/16-bit data bus configurability via MODE pin, 7-level interrupt support with autovectoring, and full M68000 Family object-code compatibility without software modification.

Technical Context

The MC68SEC000 implements a fully static HCMOS version of the M68000 architecture, enabling clock stoppage without state loss. Its bus controller handles asynchronous transfers using AS, R/W, UDS/LDS, and DTACK signals, while supporting both 8-bit and 16-bit data modes selected statically at power-up.

Interrupt handling includes seven priority levels (IPL2–IPL0), nonmaskable Level 7, and automatic vectoring via AVEC input. Processor status outputs FC2–FC0 indicate current address space and privilege level during active address strobe cycles.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MC68SEC000 is available in two 64-pin surface-mount packages: plastic Quad Flat Pack (14.0 mm × 14.0 mm, 0.8 mm lead pitch) and Thin Quad Flat Pack (10.0 mm × 10.0 mm, 0.5 mm lead pitch). Both share identical pin numbering and signal assignment.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with MC68EC000P16, the MC68SEC000 enables true battery longevity via static operation and HALT mode, while retaining identical software and hardware compatibility. Against MC68332ACPV16, it offers lower system cost and simpler power design at the expense of integrated peripherals - ideal for cost-sensitive, power-constrained applications where external support ICs are already specified.

Availability

MC68SEC000 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for handheld medical instruments, portable data loggers, and consumer electronic games requiring stable component supply and long-term obsolescence planning.

Supply support for MC68SEC000 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

Motorola Semiconductor (later Freescale, now NXP) pioneered high-reliability embedded microprocessors for industrial and automotive markets, emphasizing architectural longevity and toolchain stability.

The MC68SEC000 belongs to the M68000 Family extension targeting ultra-low-power portable electronics, designed to extend the ecosystem's reach into battery-operated devices without sacrificing code or hardware compatibility.

FAQ

What voltage levels does the MC68SEC000 support, and how does this affect system design?

The MC68SEC000 operates at either 3.3V or 5.0V, allowing direct integration into both legacy 5V systems and modern low-voltage portable designs. This dual-voltage capability eliminates level-shifting requirements when interfacing with mixed-voltage peripherals. The device maintains full functionality-including 20 MHz operation and 0.5 µA standby current-at both voltages, giving designers flexibility in power architecture without compromising performance or compatibility. MC68SEC000 pin assignments and timing parameters remain consistent across voltage modes.

Is the MC68SEC000 pin-compatible with the MC68EC000, and what does that mean for PCB reuse?

Yes, the MC68SEC000 is pin-for-pin compatible with the MC68EC000 in the 64-pin QFP package, meaning identical PCB footprints, trace routing, and passive component placement can be reused without modification. This compatibility extends to all signal names, electrical characteristics, and timing behavior-enabling drop-in replacement in existing EC000-based designs. MC68SEC000 retains the same 64-pin arrangement shown in Figure 3 of its product brief, ensuring mechanical and electrical interoperability in deployed hardware.

How does the MC68SEC000 achieve ultra-low power consumption in standby mode?

The MC68SEC000 achieves 0.5 µA typical standby current through its fully static HCMOS design, which allows the internal clock to be stopped indefinitely without losing register or memory state. Unlike dynamic CMOS processors, no refresh cycles or leakage-mitigation circuitry are needed. Power reduction occurs at the transistor level-static logic gates retain state with near-zero DC current when clocked. This behavior is validated at 3.3V and enables multi-month battery life in applications like handheld medical devices where the MC68SEC000 spends most time in HALT mode.

What is the role of the MODE pin on the MC68SEC000, and how is it used in system design?

The MODE pin on the MC68SEC000 statically selects between 8-bit and 16-bit data bus operation at power-up-high for 16-bit, low for 8-bit. This configuration determines whether D15–D0 or only D7–D0 are driven during transfers, directly impacting memory and peripheral selection. System designers use MODE to match external bus width: a 16-bit SRAM interface requires MODE = high, while an 8-bit SPI flash controller may use MODE = low to simplify glue logic. MC68SEC000 timing parameters adjust automatically based on this setting, ensuring reliable interface timing in either mode.

Does the MC68SEC000 support interrupt autovectoring, and how is it implemented?

Yes, the MC68SEC000 supports hardware autovectoring via the AVEC input. When AVEC is asserted high during an interrupt acknowledge cycle, the processor places the interrupt vector address directly onto the address bus (A23–A0), eliminating software lookup tables. The vector is determined by the IPL2–IPL0 inputs and internal priority encoder, delivering deterministic, low-latency response-critical for time-sensitive tasks like real-time sensor sampling. This feature is fully functional across all supported clock speeds and voltage modes of the MC68SEC000.