NXP Semiconductors MC908QC16CDSE

Overview

MC908QC16CDSE from Freescale Semiconductor is an 8-bit M68HC08 core microcontroller with 16 KB on-chip FLASH memory, 512 B RAM, and integrated peripherals including ADC10, ESCI, SPI, TIM1/TIM2, KBI, and COP watchdog. It operates at up to 8 MHz bus frequency, supports 3.3 V or 5 V supply, and targets embedded control in industrial sensors, motor drives, and appliance UI subsystems.

For engineers reviewing the MC908QC16CDSE datasheet, MC908QC16CDSE pinout, MC908QC16CDSE application, or MC908QC16CDSE equivalent, key selection considerations include its 28-pin TSSOP package, FLASH security byte validation ($FFF6–$FFFD), 10-bit ADC with 8-channel analog input, ESCI serial interface, and low-power stop/wait modes with LVI reset protection.

Technical Context

The MC908QC16CDSE implements the M68HC08 CPU core with 16-bit address space, Harvard architecture, and 72-instruction set optimized for real-time control. Its memory map includes 16 KB FLASH (with page/mass erase and block protection), 512 B RAM, and 64 B EEPROM emulation via FLASH.

Peripherals are managed through the System Integration Module (SIM), supporting clock generation (INTCLK/RC/XTAL sources), interrupt prioritization (IRQ, KBI, ADC, ESCI), and power management (COP, LVI, PWU). Monitor mode entry requires matching eight user-defined security bytes stored at $FFF6–$FFFD - entry is denied if five or more are zero.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MC908QC16CDSE is housed in a 28-lead Thin Shrink Small Outline Package (TSSOP) with 0.65 mm lead pitch, designed for surface-mount assembly and thermal performance in compact industrial PCB layouts.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with MC908QC8CDSE and MC908QY4CDTE, the MC908QC16CDSE provides the largest on-chip FLASH (16 KB) and full peripheral complement (ESCI + SPI + TIM1/TIM2), making it the optimal choice for applications requiring firmware extensibility, multi-interface connectivity, and real-time peripheral coordination without external glue logic.

Availability

MC908QC16CDSE is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial sensor nodes, appliance control panels, small motor drive interfaces, and legacy industrial I/O modules requiring stable component supply across extended production lifecycles.

Supply support for MC908QC16CDSE 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) was a leading designer of embedded processors, analog, and mixed-signal ICs for automotive, industrial, and consumer markets.

The MC68HC908QC16 series belongs to Freescale's legacy HC08 microcontroller family, engineered for cost-sensitive, low-power embedded control applications demanding high reliability, on-chip FLASH security, and integrated analog/digital peripherals.

FAQ

What is the maximum bus frequency supported by the MC908QC16CDSE?

The MC908QC16CDSE supports a maximum bus frequency of 8 MHz. This timing is achieved using the internal RC oscillator, external crystal (up to 8 MHz), or ceramic resonator. The actual achievable frequency depends on supply voltage (3.3 V or 5 V) and ambient temperature, with electrical specifications validated across –40°C to +125°C operating range per the Rev. 5 datasheet.

How does the FLASH security feature work on the MC908QC16CDSE?

The MC908QC16CDSE implements FLASH security through eight user-programmable bytes stored at memory addresses $FFF6–$FFFD. During monitor mode entry, the host must transmit these exact bytes; if five or more are $00, monitor mode access is denied. This prevents unauthorized firmware readout while allowing legitimate debug access when keys are properly programmed.

Which analog input channels are available on the MC908QC16CDSE ADC10 module?

The MC908QC16CDSE ADC10 module supports eight analog input channels mapped to Port C pins: AD0–AD3 correspond to PTC0–PTC3, and AD4–AD7 are routed to PTA0–PTA3. Each channel is selectable via the ADSCR register, and the 10-bit result is stored across ADRH and ADRL registers for software retrieval.

Does the MC908QC16CDSE support both 3.3 V and 5 V operation?

Yes, the MC908QC16CDSE is specified for dual-supply operation: 3.3 V ±0.3 V or 5.0 V ±10 %. Electrical characteristics-including DC injection current, LVI trip points, and run/stop mode supply currents-are separately characterized for both voltage domains in the Rev. 5 datasheet, enabling flexible integration into mixed-voltage systems.

What peripheral modules are integrated into the MC908QC16CDSE?

The MC908QC16CDSE integrates the ADC10 (10-bit, 8-channel), ESCI (full-duplex UART), SPI (master/slave), TIM1 and TIM2 (16-bit timers with capture/compare), KBI (keyboard interrupt), COP (watchdog), LVI (brownout detection), and PWU (periodic wake-up) modules - all coordinated via the System Integration Module (SIM) for centralized clock and interrupt management.