NXP Semiconductors MC908AP16CBE

Overview

MC908AP16CBE from Freescale Semiconductor is an 8-bit HCS08-core microcontroller with 16 KB on-chip Flash memory, 512 B RAM, and integrated peripherals including SCI, SPI, I²C, ADC (8-channel, 10-bit), TIM, and TBM modules. It operates at up to 8 MHz internal bus frequency, supports 2.7–5.5 V supply, and targets embedded control in industrial sensors, motor drives, and appliance subsystems.

For engineers reviewing the MC908AP16CBE datasheet, MC908AP16CBE pinout, MC908AP16CBE application, or MC908AP16CBE equivalent, this page delivers verified technical context, validated pin functions, real-world use cases, and confirmed alternative options for design-in and sourcing decisions.

Technical Context

The MC908AP16CBE implements the HCS08 CPU core with enhanced addressing modes and a 16-level hardware stack. Its Clock Generator Module (CGM) integrates a PLL for flexible clock synthesis from internal RC or external crystal sources, enabling precise bus timing across voltage and temperature ranges.

System integration includes a full-featured System Integration Module (SIM) with power-on reset, COP watchdog, LVI detection, and multi-source interrupt handling. The MCU supports both wait and stop low-power modes with wake-up via IRQ, KBI, or SCI activity - critical for battery-operated sensor nodes.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MC908AP16CBE is housed in a 48-pin QFP (Quad Flat Package) with 0.5 mm pitch, compliant with JEDEC MS-026. The package supports surface-mount reflow assembly and provides thermal and mechanical stability for industrial environments.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with MC908AP16CBE, MC908AP32CBE offers seamless scalability within the same footprint and toolchain, while S9KEAZ128AMLH represents a generational upgrade with ARM architecture benefits - neither is a drop-in replacement, but both serve adjacent design tiers with verified functional overlap in sensor and motor control domains.

Availability

MC908AP16CBE is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial sensor nodes, smart appliance controllers, motor drive interfaces, and energy meter subsystems requiring stable component supply over extended production lifecycles.

Supply support for MC908AP16CBE 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

Freescale Semiconductor (now part of NXP Semiconductors) pioneered mixed-signal microcontrollers for automotive and industrial markets, emphasizing robustness, long-term availability, and toolchain maturity.

The MC908AP16CBE belongs to the HCS08 family - designed specifically for cost-sensitive, reliability-critical embedded control applications where deterministic timing, low power, and peripheral integration outweigh raw processing speed.

FAQ

What is the maximum operating frequency of the MC908AP16CBE?

The MC908AP16CBE supports a maximum bus frequency of 8 MHz, achieved via its integrated PLL that multiplies lower-frequency oscillator inputs (e.g., 1 MHz crystal or internal RC). This frequency governs instruction execution, peripheral timing, and I/O toggle rates - all verified across the full 2.7–5.5 V supply range per Freescale's Rev. 4 datasheet.

Does the MC908AP16CBE include hardware debug support?

Yes, the MC908AP16CBE integrates a Monitor ROM (MON) that enables in-circuit programming and debugging via the SCI interface without requiring external JTAG hardware. This MON supports commands like PRGRNGE and ERARNGE for Flash programming, and EE_WRITE/EE_READ for emulated EEPROM - all accessible through standard UART tools.

Can the MC908AP16CBE operate from a 3.3 V supply?

Yes, the MC908AP16CBE is fully specified for 2.7–5.5 V operation, making it compatible with standard 3.3 V logic systems. Its I/O pins are 5 V tolerant when configured as inputs, and internal regulators ensure stable core voltage - eliminating level-shifting components in mixed-voltage designs.

How many ADC channels does the MC908AP16CBE support?

The MC908AP16CBE features an 8-channel, 10-bit successive-approximation ADC with dedicated analog input pins AN0 through AN7 mapped to Port C. Conversion time is programmable down to 16 µs per sample, and results are stored in 16-bit registers with left/right justification options - enabling high-fidelity sensor signal acquisition.

Is there a pin-compatible upgrade path from the MC908AP16CBE?

The MC908AP32CBE is pin-compatible and functionally identical except for increased Flash capacity (32 KB vs. 16 KB). It shares the same QFP-48 package, register map, and peripheral configuration - allowing direct PCB reuse and minimal firmware adaptation for designs needing more code space.