NXP Semiconductors MC908AP32CFBER

Overview

MC908AP32CFBER from Freescale Semiconductor is an 8-bit HCS08-core microcontroller with 32 KB on-chip Flash memory, 1 KB RAM, and integrated peripherals including SCI, SPI, I²C, ADC (8-channel, 10-bit), TIM, TBM, and CGM with PLL-based clock generation. It operates at up to 8 MHz 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 MC908AP32CFBER datasheet, MC908AP32CFBER pinout, MC908AP32CFBER application, or MC908AP32CFBER equivalent, key selection criteria include its 44-pin LQFP package, internal PLL for flexible clock synthesis, Flash endurance (100k erase/write cycles), low-voltage inhibit (LVI) threshold of 2.5 V, and ROM-resident monitor for in-system programming.

Technical Context

The MC908AP32CFBER implements the HCS08 CPU core with enhanced BDM debug support, a Clock Generator Module featuring a programmable PLL (×1 to ×32 multiplication), and a System Integration Module managing reset sources (POR, COP, LVI, illegal opcode), interrupt prioritization, and low-power modes (Wait/Stop). Its ADC uses a dedicated internal clock derived from the bus clock divided by 2–64.

Peripheral integration includes a 16-bit Timer Interface Module with input capture, output compare, and PWM; a Multi-Master IIC interface compliant with Philips I²C specification; and dual serial interfaces (SCI and IRSCI) supporting asynchronous communication and infrared modulation at up to 115.2 kbps.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MC908AP32CFBER is housed in a 44-pin LQFP (7 mm × 7 mm, 0.8 mm pitch) package with exposed thermal pad. Pin functions are defined per Table 1-2 and Figure 1-4 of Rev. 4 datasheet, including dedicated VDD/VSS pairs for analog/digital domains and separate VDDA/VSSA pins for ADC and PLL analog circuitry.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with MC908AP64CFBER, the MC908AP32CFBER trades memory capacity for lower cost and power in fixed-function applications; versus S9KEAZ128AMLH, it offers proven HCS08 toolchain continuity but lacks ARM-native peripherals like USB or CAN.

Availability

MC908AP32CFBER is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial sensor nodes, home appliance control units, motor drive subsystems, and smart power outlets requiring stable component supply across long production lifecycles.

Supply support for MC908AP32CFBER 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) designed high-reliability microcontrollers for automotive, industrial, and consumer applications with emphasis on mixed-signal integration and robustness.

The MC908AP32CFBER belongs to the HCS08-based AP-family targeting cost-sensitive, resource-constrained embedded control; its design emphasizes Flash reliability, low-voltage operation, and debug accessibility for rapid development.

FAQ

What is the maximum operating frequency of the MC908AP32CFBER?

The MC908AP32CFBER supports a maximum bus frequency of 8 MHz, achieved via its Clock Generator Module's PLL using an external crystal or internal oscillator. This frequency defines the timing base for all peripherals and CPU instruction execution. The actual achievable speed depends on supply voltage (≥4.5 V recommended for full 8 MHz operation) and ambient temperature per DC electrical specifications in Rev. 4 datasheet Section 22.

Does the MC908AP32CFBER support in-system programming without external hardware?

Yes, the MC908AP32CFBER includes a 2 KB Monitor ROM (MON) that enables in-system programming via its SCI interface using standard UART commands. This allows firmware updates, memory verification, and register inspection directly through the MC908AP32CFBER's serial port without requiring a dedicated programmer or debugger - ideal for field upgrades and production line programming.

What are the ADC capabilities of the MC908AP32CFBER?

The MC908AP32CFBER integrates an 8-channel, 10-bit successive approximation ADC with programmable sample time and conversion trigger sources (software, TIM, or TBM). It supports single-ended inputs only, operates from VDDA/VSSA, and requires ADC clock between 500 kHz and 1 MHz (per Rev. 4 datasheet Section 15.7.2). Conversion results are stored in 16-bit registers with right-justified format.

How does the Low-Voltage Inhibit (LVI) function protect the MC908AP32CFBER?

The MC908AP32CFBER's LVI circuit monitors VDD and asserts a reset when voltage drops below 2.5 V ±0.1 V. This prevents unreliable operation during brownout conditions - particularly critical during Flash programming or erase operations, where insufficient voltage could corrupt memory contents. The LVI threshold is factory-trimmed and cannot be adjusted in software.

Is the MC908AP32CFBER pin-compatible with other devices in the AP family?

Yes, the MC908AP32CFBER shares identical 44-pin LQFP packaging and pin assignments with MC908AP64CFBER, MC908AP16CFBER, and MC908AP8CFBER. This allows hardware design reuse across memory variants - only Flash size and some configuration bits differ. However, mask options (CONFIG1/CONFIG2) and ROM-resident routines may vary slightly between variants and must be verified per device-specific datasheet sections.