NXP Semiconductors MC9S08DN16MLF

Overview

MC9S08DN16MLF from NXP (formerly Freescale) is an 8-bit HCS08 microcontroller with 16 KB on-chip Flash, 2 KB RAM, and 2 KB in-circuit programmable EEPROM. It features a 40-MHz CPU core (20-MHz bus), 12-bit 16-channel ADC, dual analog comparators, SPI/I²C/SCI interfaces, two TPM modules (6+2 channels), RTC, and real-time interrupt capability. It targets low-power industrial control and sensor interface applications requiring deterministic timing and robust system protection.

For engineers reviewing the MC9S08DN16MLF datasheet, MC9S08DN16MLF pinout, MC9S08DN16MLF application, or MC9S08DN16MLF equivalent, key selection criteria include Flash size (16 KB), EEPROM endurance (100K erase/write cycles), 53 GPIO with configurable slew rate and pull devices, single-wire background debug support, and compatibility with LIN 2.0 and SAE J2602 protocols via SCI1.

Technical Context

The MC9S08DN16MLF implements the HCS08 CPUV3 core with HC08 instruction set extension including BGND for debug entry. Its Multi-Purpose Clock Generator (MCG) supports FLL (±1.5% accuracy with internal temperature compensation) and PLL modes, plus factory-trimmed internal reference clock with stored trim value in Flash.

System-level protection includes COP watchdog with dual-clock source (1 kHz internal or bus clock), low-voltage detect with reset/interrupt options, illegal opcode/address detection, Flash block protect, and loss-of-lock monitoring - all designed for reliable operation in automotive-adjacent and industrial environments without external supervision.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MC9S08DN16MLF is housed in a 48-pin LQFP package (7×7 mm, 0.5 mm pitch), compatible with standard surface-mount reflow processes. Pin assignments follow Freescale's MC9S08DNxx series layout per Data Sheet Rev 3 (2008), Section 2.1.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with S9S08DN16F1MLF and MC9RS08LA8CP, the MC9S08DN16MLF offers balanced performance for mid-tier embedded control: sufficient Flash and EEPROM for field-updatable firmware, LIN-ready SCI, and real-time interrupt capability - making it optimal for applications needing protocol compliance, data logging, and low-power scheduling without RS08's architectural constraints or F1MLF's qualification overhead.

Availability

MC9S08DN16MLF is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial motor control, automotive body electronics, smart sensor nodes, and portable medical diagnostics requiring stable component supply and long-term lifecycle support.

Supply support for MC9S08DN16MLF 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. Formerly Freescale Semiconductor, it acquired the HCS08 portfolio in 2015.

The MC9S08DNxx family was designed for cost-effective, low-power embedded control in automotive body electronics and industrial automation - emphasizing robust clocking, integrated analog peripherals, and debug-friendly architecture for rapid development.

FAQ

What is the maximum operating frequency of the MC9S08DN16MLF CPU core?

The MC9S08DN16MLF CPU core operates at up to 40 MHz, delivering a 20-MHz bus frequency. This is achieved via the on-chip Multi-Purpose Clock Generator (MCG) in PLL or FLL mode. The core maintains full instruction execution integrity at this speed across its specified voltage (2.7–5.5 V) and temperature (−40°C to +105°C) range, as verified in Freescale's MC9S08DN60 Series Data Sheet Rev 3, Section 8.4.1.

Does the MC9S08DN16MLF support LIN 2.0 communication natively?

Yes, the MC9S08DN16MLF supports LIN 2.0 natively through its SCI1 peripheral. Hardware features include master extended break generation and slave extended break detection, enabling compliant physical layer timing without CPU overhead. This capability is documented in Section 13 of the MC9S08DN60 Series Data Sheet Rev 3 and applies identically to the MC9S08DN16MLF variant.

How much EEPROM does the MC9S08DN16MLF include, and what is its erase granularity?

The MC9S08DN16MLF includes 2 KB of in-circuit programmable EEPROM. Erase operations are performed in sectors: 8-byte single-page erase or 4-byte dual-page erase. This fine-grained granularity allows efficient updates of small calibration or configuration records without disturbing adjacent data, as specified in Section 4.5.2 of the official datasheet.

Can the MC9S08DN16MLF operate from internal clock sources only - without an external crystal?

Yes, the MC9S08DN16MLF can operate entirely from internal clock sources. Its MCG supports FLL mode using the factory-trimmed internal reference clock (IRC), and the RTC module includes a dedicated 1 kHz low-power oscillator for wake-up during Stop modes. External crystals are optional and used only when higher accuracy or specific frequency requirements apply.

What debug interface does the MC9S08DN16MLF provide, and what hardware is required?

The MC9S08DN16MLF provides a single-wire background debug (BDM) interface via the BKGD/MS pin. Debugging requires a compatible BDM pod (e.g., P&E Micro USB-ML-12 or Cyclone Universal) and OpenSDA-compatible toolchain. No additional pins or level-shifting circuitry are needed - the interface uses open-drain signaling and shares the BKGD pin with mode selection functionality.