NXP Semiconductors MC908GR16VFAE

Overview

MC908GR16VFAE from Freescale Semiconductor is an 8-bit M68HC08 microcontroller featuring 16 KB on-chip Flash memory, 512 B RAM, a 10-bit ADC with 8 input channels, and integrated peripherals including SPI, ESCI, TIM, TBM, KBI, and CGM with PLL-based clock generation. It operates at up to 8 MHz bus frequency and supports low-power Wait/Stop modes for battery-sensitive applications such as industrial sensor nodes and appliance control panels.

For engineers reviewing the MC908GR16VFAE datasheet, MC908GR16VFAE pinout, MC908GR16VFAE application, or MC908GR16VFAE equivalent, this page delivers verified technical context, exact pin functions, real-world use cases, and validated alternative parts - all grounded in Freescale's Rev. 5.0 datasheet and mechanical specifications.

Technical Context

The MC908GR16VFAE implements the CPU08 core with 16-bit index register, 8-bit accumulator, and condition-code-based branching. Its Clock Generator Module (CGM) integrates a crystal oscillator and PLL capable of generating stable internal clocks from 32 kHz to 8 MHz, with programmable acquisition time and manual/automatic bandwidth control.

The device includes a 10-bit successive-approximation ADC with configurable sample time, left/right-justified result registers, and dedicated VDDAD/VSSAD analog supply pins. Its ESCI module supports asynchronous serial communication with baud rate generation tied to CGMXCLK or bus clock, and its SPI interface operates in master/slave mode with independent control over clock polarity and phase.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MC908GR16VFAE is housed in a 64-pin QFP (Quad Flat Package) with 0.5 mm pitch, compliant with JEDEC MS-026. Pin assignments are defined per Freescale Rev. 5.0 datasheet Section 1.4 and Figure 1-4.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with MC908GR16VFAE, MC908GR32CFUE offers seamless scalability within the same architecture, while S9KEAZ128AMLH provides a generational leap in compute capability and peripheral richness - but requires full firmware rewrite and layout review.

Availability

MC908GR16VFAE is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial sensor nodes, home appliance control panels, automotive body electronics, and portable medical diagnostics requiring stable component supply and long-term manufacturability.

Supply support for MC908GR16VFAE 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 8-bit MCU architectures for cost-sensitive, reliability-critical embedded systems across automotive and industrial markets.

The MC68HC908GR16 family was designed for space-constrained, low-power control applications requiring integrated analog sensing, human interface, and robust serial communication - with emphasis on Flash endurance and mixed-signal integrity.

FAQ

What is the maximum operating frequency of the MC908GR16VFAE?

The MC908GR16VFAE supports a maximum bus frequency of 8 MHz, achieved via its integrated PLL-based Clock Generator Module. This frequency defines instruction execution speed and peripheral timing limits. The PLL accepts input crystals from 32 kHz to 8 MHz and multiplies them to generate the final bus clock, with acquisition time specified in the datasheet's Section 4.8.

Does the MC908GR16VFAE support in-circuit programming?

Yes, the MC908GR16VFAE supports in-circuit programming via its on-chip Background Debug Mode (BDM) interface, as documented in Chapter 19 of the Rev. 5.0 datasheet. This allows firmware updates and debugging without removing the device from the PCB, using standard Freescale BDM tools and compatible third-party debuggers.

What ADC reference options are available on the MC908GR16VFAE?

The MC908GR16VFAE ADC supports two reference configurations: external reference using VREFH and VREFL pins, or internal reference derived from VDDAD. The choice is controlled by the ADCCFG register. Using external references enables higher precision when paired with stable bandgap or precision voltage sources, while VDDAD referencing simplifies design at the cost of supply-voltage sensitivity.

Can the MC908GR16VFAE operate from a 3.3 V supply?

Yes, the MC908GR16VFAE is fully specified for operation from 2.7 V to 5.5 V, including 3.3 V nominal systems. Electrical characteristics in Section 20.6 of the Rev. 5.0 datasheet confirm DC parameters, ADC performance, and timing behavior at 3.3 V, making it suitable for mixed-voltage designs interfacing with 3.3 V peripherals.

How does the Keyboard Interrupt Module (KBI) function on the MC908GR16VFAE?

The KBI on the MC908GR16VFAE monitors up to eight inputs (KBD0–KBD7 mapped to PTA0–PTA7) for key press/release events. It supports programmable debounce, edge-selectable interrupts, and wake-up from Stop mode. Configuration is handled through the KBI Status and Control Register (KBSCR) and KBI Interrupt Enable Register (KBIER), as detailed in Chapter 9 of the datasheet.