NXP Semiconductors MC908JL16CPE

Overview

MC908JL16CPE from Freescale Semiconductor is an 8-bit HCS08-core microcontroller with 16 KB on-chip Flash, 512 B RAM, and integrated peripherals including SCI, I²C, 10-bit ADC, and TIM module. It operates at up to 8 MHz bus frequency, supports 2.7–5.5 V supply, and targets low-cost embedded control in industrial sensors and appliance motor control.

For engineers reviewing the MC908JL16CPE datasheet, MC908JL16CPE pinout, MC908JL16CPE application, or MC908JL16CPE equivalent, key selection criteria include Flash endurance (100k erase/write cycles), COP watchdog timing (programmable 1–65 ms timeout), and dual-oscillator support (XTAL + RC) for robust clock failover in safety-critical subsystems.

Technical Context

The MC908JL16CPE implements the HCS08 CPU core with enhanced BDM debug interface, 16 KB SuperFlash memory with block protection, and a System Integration Module (SIM) managing reset sources (POR, LVI, COP), low-power modes (Wait/Stop), and bus clock generation. Its oscillator supports both crystal (1–8 MHz) and internal RC (1–4 MHz) configurations with automatic fallback.

Peripheral integration includes a 10-bit ADC with 8 input channels and programmable sample time, two independent timer modules (T1/T2) supporting input capture, output compare, and PWM generation, plus full-duplex SCI and multi-master I²C interfaces-all mapped to dedicated GPIO pins with configurable pull-ups and slew rate control.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MC908JL16CPE is housed in a 44-pin Plastic Leaded Chip Carrier (PLCC) package with 40 I/O pins, 2 power, 2 ground terminals. Pin assignments are defined per Chapter 1.4 (Pin Assignments) and Chapter 1.5 (Pin Functions) of the Rev. 1.1 datasheet.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with MC908JL16CPE, MC908JL3E offers identical peripheral compatibility and layout reuse but constrains firmware growth, while MC9RS08KA2 sacrifices I²C, memory, and debug capability for lower unit cost-making it viable only for highly constrained, non-expandable applications.

Availability

MC908JL16CPE is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial sensor nodes, home appliance motor control, smart power meter interfaces, and building automation controllers requiring stable component supply across extended production lifecycles.

Supply support for MC908JL16CPE 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, debug visibility, and long-term supply assurance.

The MC908JL16CPE belongs to the HCS08 family designed specifically for cost-sensitive, low-power embedded control applications requiring integrated analog interfaces, deterministic real-time response, and field-upgradable firmware.

FAQ

What is the maximum operating frequency of the MC908JL16CPE?

The MC908JL16CPE supports a maximum bus frequency of 8 MHz, achieved via internal PLL multiplication of the oscillator source (crystal or RC). This frequency governs instruction execution speed, timer resolution, and serial communication baud rates. The actual achievable frequency depends on supply voltage and temperature, with guaranteed operation across the full −40°C to +85°C range at 2.7–5.5 V.

Does the MC908JL16CPE support in-circuit debugging?

Yes, the MC908JL16CPE includes a Background Debug Mode (BDM) interface compliant with Freescale's standard BDM protocol. This allows full read/write access to memory and registers, real-time breakpoint insertion, and single-step execution without halting peripheral timers or serial interfaces-enabling robust firmware validation during development and field diagnostics.

How many analog input channels does the MC908JL16CPE ADC support?

The MC908JL16CPE integrates a 10-bit successive approximation ADC with 8 selectable input channels (AD0–AD7), all multiplexed onto Port A pins. Channel selection is controlled via the ADCSC1 register, and conversions can be triggered manually, by timer overflow, or by external event-supporting flexible sampling strategies in sensor and motor control applications.

What oscillator options are available for the MC908JL16CPE?

The MC908JL16CPE supports two primary oscillator configurations: an external crystal or ceramic resonator (1–8 MHz) connected to OSC1/OSC2 pins, and an internal RC oscillator (1–4 MHz) with factory-trimmed accuracy. The SIM module enables runtime switching between sources and automatic fallback to RC if crystal fails-critical for reliability in unattended equipment.

Is the MC908JL16CPE pin-compatible with other HCS08 family members?

No, the MC908JL16CPE in its 44-pin PLCC package is not pin-compatible with other HCS08 variants such as the MC908JB16 or MC908QY4. Pin assignments-including peripheral mappings for SCI, I²C, and timer channels-are specific to the JL16 series. Migration requires PCB layout revision even when retaining the same core architecture and instruction set.