NXP Semiconductors MC908QY8CPE

Overview

MC908QY8CPE from Freescale Semiconductor is an 8-bit M68HC08 core microcontroller with 8 KB on-chip FLASH, 256 B RAM, and integrated peripherals including ADC10, ESCI, SPI, TIM, AWU, COP, and KBI. It operates at up to 8 MHz bus frequency, supports 5 V operation, and features monitor mode security with eight-byte flash protection at $FFF6–$FFFD.

For engineers reviewing the MC908QY8CPE datasheet, MC908QY8CPE pinout, MC908QY8CPE application, or MC908QY8CPE equivalent, this device is selected for cost-sensitive embedded control in industrial sensors, appliance sub-systems, and automotive body electronics where low-power wake-up, serial communication, and secure firmware update are required.

Technical Context

The MC908QY8CPE implements the M68HC08 CPU core with 16-bit address space, Harvard architecture, and 32-instruction-cycle minimum interrupt latency. Its memory map includes 8 KB FLASH (with block protect register), 256 B RAM, and 64 B EEPROM-like configuration registers. The internal oscillator supports RC trimming and automatic fallback to external crystal on failure.

Peripherals include a 10-bit ADC with 8-channel multiplexed inputs, ESCI supporting LIN 1.3 master/slave modes, SPI with master/slave capability, 16-bit TIM with input capture/output compare, and Auto Wakeup Module with programmable sleep intervals down to 1 ms. Security enforcement denies monitor entry if ≥5 of the eight security bytes at $FFF6–$FFFD are zero.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MC908QY8CPE is housed in a 28-pin plastic DIP (Dual In-line Package) with 0.6-inch body width and 0.1-inch pin pitch. Pin assignments follow the MC68HC908QB8/QY8 family layout, with PORTA (PA0–PA7), PORTB (PB0–PB7), PORTC (PC0–PC7), and dedicated OSC1/OSC2, RESET, IRQ, and VDD/VSS pins.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar 8-bit microcontroller applications.

Compared with MC68HC908QB8CP and MC9RS08KA2CSC, the MC908QY8CPE delivers unique value through its combination of integrated LIN-capable ESCI, 10-bit ADC, and programmable AWU - enabling single-chip solutions for battery-operated sensor nodes and automotive body electronics where protocol compliance and ultra-low-power operation are mandatory.

Availability

MC908QY8CPE is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial sensor nodes, home appliance control panels, automotive body electronics, and legacy PLC I/O modules requiring stable component supply and long-term manufacturability.

Supply support for MC908QY8CPE 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 automotive and industrial markets, emphasizing robustness, mixed-signal integration, and toolchain maturity.

The MC908QY8CPE belongs to the M68HC08 family, designed specifically for cost-constrained embedded control applications requiring analog sensing, serial communication (LIN/UART), and secure firmware execution in harsh environments.

FAQ

What is the maximum bus frequency supported by the MC908QY8CPE?

The MC908QY8CPE supports a maximum bus frequency of 8 MHz. This is derived from its internal RC oscillator (trimmable to ±2%) or external crystal (1–8 MHz), with BUSCLKX4 reaching up to 32 MHz for internal timing. The actual system clock must be validated against electrical specifications in Chapter 18 of the datasheet, particularly under voltage and temperature extremes.

Does the MC908QY8CPE include an analog-to-digital converter?

Yes, the MC908QY8CPE integrates a 10-bit successive-approximation ADC (ADC10) module with eight selectable analog input channels mapped to PORTA pins (PA0–PA7). It supports software or hardware triggering, configurable reference voltages (VREFH/VREFL), and conversion-complete interrupts - eliminating need for external ADC in most sensor interface designs.

How does the security feature work during monitor mode entry for the MC908QY8CPE?

The MC908QY8CPE enforces flash security by requiring eight user-defined bytes stored at memory locations $FFF6–$FFFD to match those sent by the host during monitor mode entry. If five or more of those bytes are $00, monitor mode access is denied - preventing unauthorized firmware readout even if default values are used. This mechanism is active regardless of whether the locations are used for interrupt vectors.

Which serial communication protocols does the MC908QY8CPE support natively?

The MC908QY8CPE supports LIN 1.3 via its Enhanced Serial Communications Interface (ESCI), including hardware-assisted sync field detection, break generation, and checksum calculation. It also provides full-duplex UART functionality and SPI master/slave operation - but does not support CAN, I²C, or USB natively. ESCI is pin-multiplexed with PORTB signals.

What low-power capabilities does the MC908QY8CPE offer for battery-powered applications?

The MC908QY8CPE supports Wait and Stop low-power modes, with the Auto Wakeup Module (AWU) enabling programmable wake-up intervals from 1 ms to 2.1 s using its internal RC oscillator. In Stop mode, current consumption drops below 1 µA, making it suitable for battery-backed sensor nodes that transmit data infrequently while maintaining accurate timing via AWU.