NXP Semiconductors MC68SEC000CAA16

Overview

MC68SEC000CAA16 from Motorola is a static 32-bit embedded microprocessor designed for ultra-low-power portable systems. It features pin-for-pin compatibility with the MC68EC000, 24-bit address bus (16 MB addressing), 16-bit data bus (8/16-bit mode selectable via MODE pin), 3.3V/5.0V dual-voltage operation, and 0.5 µA typical standby current - enabling use in battery-operated PDAs, handheld test equipment, and electronic games.

For engineers reviewing the MC68SEC000CAA16 datasheet, MC68SEC000CAA16 pinout, MC68SEC000CAA16 application, or MC68SEC000CAA16 equivalent, key selection criteria include static low-power operation, M68000 family object-code compatibility, 64-pin QFP/TQFP packaging, interrupt-level support (IPL0–IPL2 + AVEC), and asynchronous bus control (AS, DTACK, UDS/LDS, R/W).

Technical Context

The MC68SEC000CAA16 implements a fully static HCMOS version of the M68000 architecture with eight 32-bit data registers and eight 32-bit address registers. Its execution unit supports 56 instruction types across 14 addressing modes and operates on five main data types (byte, word, long word, etc.) with memory-mapped I/O.

Hardware compatibility with the MC68EC000 includes identical pinout in 64-lead QFP, same asynchronous bus protocol (AS/DTACK/R/W/UDS/LDS), and identical interrupt controller behavior (7 priority levels, autovectoring via AVEC). The processor supports clock stoppage without state loss and maintains full register and memory context during static standby.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MC68SEC000CAA16 is housed in a 64-lead plastic Quad Flat Pack (QFP) with 0.8 mm lead pitch and 14.0 mm × 14.0 mm body size. Pin functions follow standard M68000-family signal grouping: address (A23–A0), data (D15–D0), control (AS, R/W, UDS, LDS, DTACK, BERR, RESET, HALT), interrupt (IPL0–IPL2, AVEC), bus arbitration (BR/BG), status (FC2–FC0), and power (VCC, GND).

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with MC68EC000RC16, MC68SEC000CAA16 delivers true static operation for battery longevity; compared with MC68332ACPV16, it preserves legacy board layouts and toolchain continuity at the cost of peripheral integration.

Availability

MC68SEC000CAA16 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for handheld medical instruments, industrial portable data loggers, consumer electronic games, and embedded point-of-sale terminals requiring stable component supply and long-term obsolescence management.

Supply support for MC68SEC000CAA16 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 processors for industrial and consumer applications, emphasizing architectural continuity and toolchain stability.

The MC68SEC000CAA16 belongs to Motorola's M68000 Family static microprocessor line, engineered specifically to extend battery life in portable 32-bit systems while maintaining full software and hardware compatibility with the established MC68EC000 ecosystem.

FAQ

What voltage levels does the MC68SEC000CAA16 support?

The MC68SEC000CAA16 supports dual-voltage operation at either 3.3 V or 5.0 V, allowing seamless integration into both legacy 5 V systems and modern low-power 3.3 V designs. This flexibility eliminates level-shifting requirements when interfacing with mixed-voltage peripherals, and the device maintains full functionality-including static low-power mode-across both supply rails. The MC68SEC000CAA16 datasheet specifies that all DC and AC parameters are guaranteed under both conditions.

Is the MC68SEC000CAA16 pin-compatible with the MC68EC000?

Yes, the MC68SEC000CAA16 is pin-for-pin compatible with the MC68EC000 in the 64-lead plastic QFP package, including identical signal assignments for address, data, control, interrupt, and power pins. This compatibility enables direct PCB-level replacement without layout changes. The MC68SEC000CAA16 retains the same asynchronous bus timing and electrical characteristics, ensuring functional equivalence in existing MC68EC000 designs.

How does the low-power mode function in the MC68SEC000CAA16?

The MC68SEC000CAA16 enters static low-power mode when the HALT input is asserted, stopping the internal clock while preserving all register contents and memory state. In this mode, typical current consumption drops to 0.5 µA at 3.3 V. The processor resumes execution immediately upon receipt of an interrupt or reset - no initialization or state restoration is required. This behavior is intrinsic to the static HCMOS design and is fully documented in the MC68SEC000CAA16 product brief.

What development tools support the MC68SEC000CAA16?

All third-party development tools certified for the MC68EC000 - including assemblers, C compilers, debuggers, and in-circuit emulators - directly support the MC68SEC000CAA16 due to its object-code and hardware compatibility. Motorola's High Performance Embedded Systems Source Catalog (BR729/D Rev. 4) lists validated tools. No toolchain modification is needed; existing MC68EC000 projects compile and run unchanged on the MC68SEC000CAA16.

What package options are available for the MC68SEC000CAA16?

The MC68SEC000CAA16 is offered exclusively in the 64-lead plastic Quad Flat Pack (QFP) with 14.0 mm × 14.0 mm body size and 0.8 mm lead pitch. While the MC68SEC000 family also includes a Thin QFP (TQFP) variant, the "CAA16" suffix specifically denotes the standard QFP package rated for 0°C to +70°C operation at 16 MHz. This package provides robust thermal performance and manufacturability for high-volume consumer applications.