NXP Semiconductors MC908LJ12CPBE
- Part No.:
- MC908LJ12CPBE
- Manufacturer:
- NXP Semiconductors
- Category:
- Microcontrollers
- Package:
- 64-LQFP
- Datasheet:
-
MC908LJ12CPBE.pdf
- Description:
- IC MCU 8BIT 12KB FLASH 64LQFP
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:4,994
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Product details
Overview
MC908LJ12CPBE from NXP (formerly Freescale) is an 8-bit HCS08 microcontroller with 12 KB on-chip FLASH, 512 B RAM, integrated RTC, LCD driver (up to 18 segments), IRSCI, SPI, and TIM modules. It operates at up to 8 MHz bus frequency, supports 2.7–5.5 V supply, and targets low-power embedded instrumentation and consumer displays.
For engineers reviewing the MC908LJ12CPBE datasheet, MC908LJ12CPBE pinout, MC908LJ12CPBE application, or MC908LJ12CPBE equivalent, key selection criteria include its integrated real-time clock with calendar/alarm, 4×18-segment LCD drive capability, infrared serial interface compliance with IrDA 1.0 physical layer, and FLASH-based in-system programmability with MON ROM bootloader.
Technical Context
The MC908LJ12CPBE implements the HCS08 CPU core with enhanced addressing modes and a 16-level hardware stack. Its Clock Generator Module includes a PLL for flexible bus clock derivation from internal RC or external crystal sources, enabling precise timing control across variable operating conditions.
System integration is managed by the SIM module, which coordinates reset sources (POR, LVI, COP, illegal opcode), interrupt prioritization (IRQ, TIM, RTC, IRSCI), and low-power modes (Wait/Stop). The IRSCI combines infrared modulation/demodulation with standard SCI framing, supporting both IrDA-compliant and legacy UART protocols.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| CPU Core | HCS08 8-bit CISC core with 16-level hardware stack and 20+ addressing modes |
| FLASH Memory | 12 KB on-chip FLASH with block protection, mass/sector erase, and in-system programming |
| RAM | 512 bytes of on-chip RAM with retention in Stop mode |
| Bus Frequency | Up to 8 MHz - determines maximum instruction throughput and peripheral timing resolution |
| Supply Voltage | 2.7 V to 5.5 V - enables direct operation from single-cell Li-ion or 3.3/5 V rails without regulation |
| RTC Functionality | Full calendar (year/month/day/hour/min/sec), alarm, chronograph, and timebase interrupts with battery-backed operation |
| LCD Driver | Supports 4 backplanes × 18 frontplanes (72 segments) with software-configurable bias and duty cycle |
Pinout & Package
MC908LJ12CPBE 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 Section 1.5 (Pin Assignments) and Section 1.6 (Pin Functions) of the MC68HC908LJ12 Technical Data Rev. 2.1.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| VDD, VSS | Power supply and ground | Dual power domains: digital (VDD/VSS) and analog (VDDA/VSSA) for noise isolation in ADC/LCD/RTC paths |
| OSC1, OSC2 | Crytal oscillator terminals | Supports 32.768 kHz watch crystal for RTC or 1–8 MHz crystals for main system clock |
| RST | Active-low reset input | Asynchronous external reset with internal pull-up; triggers full system initialization and register clearing |
| PTA0–PTA7 | Port A I/O pins | 8-bit general-purpose bidirectional port with configurable pull-ups and IRQ capability on PTA0 |
| PTB0/TxD, PTB1/RxD | IRSCI transmit/receive pins | Dedicated SCI pins with integrated IR encoder/decoder; support 38 kHz carrier modulation per IrDA 1.0 |
| BP0–BP2, FP0/BP3–FP18 | LCD backplane/frontplane outputs | Direct segment drive outputs; enable multiplexed static or 1/2/1/3/1/4 bias LCD panel control without external drivers |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Monitor ROM (MON) | Factory-programmed 1 KB ROM providing UART-based flash programming, memory dump, and secure bootloader without external programmer |
| Infrared Serial Interface (IRSCI) | Integrated IrDA 1.0 PHY + SCI controller - eliminates external IR transceiver and reduces BOM count by one IC |
| Real-Time Clock (RTC) | Full BCD calendar with alarm, wake-from-Stop capability, and independent 32.768 kHz oscillator domain |
| LCD Driver | Configurable 4-backplane × 18-frontplane drive with software-selectable bias, duty, and charge pump enable |
| Low-Voltage Inhibit (LVI) | Programmable brown-out detection (2.5 V / 2.7 V / 3.0 V thresholds) with interrupt or reset output option |
Applications
| Smart Meter Display Interface | Industrial Panel Controller |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Driving segmented LCD display in electricity/water/gas meters with real-time consumption data and tariff indicators. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary MCU managing sensor data acquisition, tariff calculation, LCD refresh, and IR-based utility communication. Use Value: Integrated RTC ensures accurate billing timestamps; IRSCI enables optical data readout per DLMS/COSEM standards without external transceiver. | Use Scenario: Local HMI on factory floor panels requiring pushbutton response, LED status feedback, and segmented display of machine state. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Standalone controller handling keypad scanning, LED/PWM dimming, and 4×18-segment LCD update at 60 Hz. Use Value: On-chip LCD driver eliminates external driver IC; 512 B RAM suffices for button debouncing buffers and display RAM shadowing. |
| Portable Medical Device Timer | Home Appliance Control Unit |
Use Scenario: Battery-powered clinical thermometer or nebulizer with elapsed time tracking, dose countdown, and low-power sleep between measurements. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: System-on-chip managing sensor interface, RTC-based alarm, LCD display, and ultra-low-power Stop mode operation. Use Value: RTC retains calendar/time during Stop mode with <1 µA current draw; LVI prevents erratic behavior during battery voltage sag. | Use Scenario: Microwave oven or washing machine control board displaying cooking cycles, timers, and error codes via segmented LCD. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Main application controller executing state machine, interpreting user inputs, updating display, and driving relays/indicators. Use Value: 12 KB FLASH accommodates firmware with multiple language strings and safety diagnostics; SPI supports external EEPROM for recipe storage. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar microcontroller applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| MC908LJ12CDTE | TQFP-44 package (vs. QFP-64); reduced I/O count (34 vs. 54 GPIO), no LCD driver, no IRSCI | Suitable for compact designs without display or IR requirements; lacks RTC calendar and LCD segment drive | Select when footprint and cost are critical and LCD/IR/RTC are unnecessary |
| MC9S08LG32CPBE | HCS08 core upgrade; 32 KB FLASH, 2 KB RAM, USB 2.0 device controller, enhanced SPI/I²C, same 64-pin QFP | Enables USB host/device connectivity and larger firmware; requires updated toolchain and layout review for USB routing | Choose for future-proofing, USB integration, or increased code/data space needs |
Compared with MC908LJ12CDTE and MC9S08LG32CPBE, the MC908LJ12CPBE uniquely balances integrated LCD/IR/RTC functionality in a mature, production-proven 64-pin package-making it optimal for cost-sensitive, display-centric industrial and consumer devices where USB or high memory density are not required.
Availability
MC908LJ12CPBE is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for smart meter interfaces, industrial HMIs, portable medical timers, and home appliance control units requiring stable component supply and long-term lifecycle support.
Supply support for MC908LJ12CPBE 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
NXP Semiconductors is a global semiconductor leader focused on secure connectivity solutions for automotive, industrial, and IoT applications.
The MC908LJ12CPBE belongs to the HCS08 microcontroller family, designed specifically for cost-sensitive, low-power embedded systems requiring integrated human interface peripherals - especially LCD display, infrared communication, and real-time timekeeping.
FAQ
What is the maximum bus frequency supported by the MC908LJ12CPBE?
The MC908LJ12CPBE supports a maximum bus frequency of 8 MHz. This value is derived from the internal PLL or direct oscillator input and defines the timing base for all on-chip peripherals including TIM, RTC, and SPI. Operation above this frequency is not guaranteed and may result in undefined behavior or data corruption.
Does the MC908LJ12CPBE include a hardware real-time clock with calendar functions?
Yes, the MC908LJ12CPBE integrates a full-featured Real-Time Clock (RTC) module supporting year/month/day/hour/minute/second in BCD format, plus calendar functions (day-of-week, leap-year correction), alarm interrupts, and chronograph capabilities - all operable in Stop mode with external 32.768 kHz crystal.
Can the MC908LJ12CPBE drive a 128-segment LCD display?
No, the MC908LJ12CPBE's LCD driver supports up to 4 backplanes × 18 frontplanes = 72 segments. Driving a 128-segment display would require external LCD driver ICs or a higher-segment MCU such as the MC9S08LG32CPBE with extended LCD controller options.
What programming interface does the MC908LJ12CPBE use for in-system firmware updates?
The MC908LJ12CPBE uses its built-in Monitor ROM (MON) accessed via the IRSCI or standard SCI interface. With a simple UART connection and MON commands, users can perform FLASH erase, program, and verify operations without requiring a dedicated debug probe or external programmer.
Is the MC908LJ12CPBE pin-compatible with the MC9S08LG32CPBE?
No, although both parts use a 64-pin QFP package, the MC908LJ12CPBE and MC9S08LG32CPBE are not pin-compatible. Key differences include relocated VDDA/VSSA pins, reassignment of certain PORTB pins to USB functions on the LG32, and distinct reset configuration pin behavior - requiring PCB redesign for migration.
MC908LJ12CPBE Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- NXP Semiconductors
- Package/Case:
- 64-LQFP
- Series:
- HC08
- Packaging:
- Tray
- Product Status:
- Obsolete
- Programmable:
- Verified
- Core Processor:
- HC08
- Core Size:
- 8-Bit
- Speed:
- 8MHz
- Connectivity:
- IRSCI, SPI
- Peripherals:
- LCD, LVD, POR, PWM
- Number of I/O:
- 32
- Program Memory Size:
- 12KB (12K x 8)
- Program Memory Type:
- FLASH
- EEPROM Size:
- -
- RAM Size:
- 512 x 8
- Voltage - Supply (Vcc/Vdd):
- 3V ~ 5.5V
- Data Converters:
- A/D 6x10b
- Oscillator Type:
- Internal
- Operating Temperature:
- -40°C ~ 85°C (TA)
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
MC908LJ12CPBE FAQ
1.How can I place an order for MC908LJ12CPBE through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for MC908LJ12CPBE on Aetrix. Our sales agent will provide a competitive quotation and guide you through the order confirmation once you accept the terms.
2.Are the price and stock information for MC908LJ12CPBE reliable?
The price and inventory of MC908LJ12CPBE are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for MC908LJ12CPBE is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for MC908LJ12CPBE?
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4.How is shipping managed for MC908LJ12CPBE?
MC908LJ12CPBE orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your MC908LJ12CPBE order is processed, you will receive an email with the shipment details and tracking number.
Note: Tracking information may take up to 24 hours to appear. Express delivery typically takes 3–5 business days.
5.How can I obtain technical support or documentation for MC908LJ12CPBE?
For technical support, including MC908LJ12CPBE datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your MC908LJ12CPBE requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that MC908LJ12CPBE is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All MC908LJ12CPBE products on Aetrix are procured from qualified distributors and authorized channels. Our dedicated quality assurance team conducts strict verification, including traceability checks and, if necessary, third-party testing. This ensures that MC908LJ12CPBE meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of MC908LJ12CPBE?
All MC908LJ12CPBE units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with MC908LJ12CPBE, returns or replacements are accepted under the following conditions:
1.Quantity discrepancies, incorrect items, or visible external defects (such as breakage or corrosion), acknowledged by Aetrix.
2.The issue is reported within 90 days of delivery.
3.The MC908LJ12CPBE part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for MC908LJ12CPBE:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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