NXP Semiconductors MC9S08GT8ACFBE

Overview

MC9S08GT8ACFBE from NXP Semiconductors (formerly Freescale) is an 8-bit HCS08 microcontroller with 8 KB flash, 512 B RAM, 40-MHz CPU, and integrated peripherals including dual SCI, SPI, I²C, 10-bit ATD, and dual TPM timer/PWM modules. It operates from 1.8–3.6 V and targets low-power embedded control in industrial sensors and motor drives.

For engineers reviewing the MC9S08GT8ACFBE datasheet, MC9S08GT8ACFBE pinout, MC9S08GT8ACFBE application, or MC9S08GT8ACFBE equivalent, key selection criteria include its QFN-32 package, copper-wire bonded construction per 98ASA00473D, FLL-based clock generation with ±0.5% accuracy across voltage/temperature, and background debug support via single-wire BKGD interface.

Technical Context

The MC9S08GT8ACFBE implements the HCS08 CPU core with HC08 instruction set plus BGND, supporting up to 32 interrupt/reset sources and three very low-power stop modes. Its internal clock generator uses a frequency-locked loop (FLL) with selectable sources: internal reference, external crystal (32 kHz–4 MHz), or resonator.

Peripherals include an 8-channel 10-bit ATD converter, two serial communication interfaces (SCI1/SCI2), one SPI module, one I²C bus module, two timer/PWM modules (TPM1 with 3 channels, TPM2 with 2 channels), and an 8-pin keyboard interrupt (KBI) module - all accessible through software-configurable I/O ports with internal pullups and high-current drive capability.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MC9S08GT8ACFBE is housed in a 32-pin QFN package (exposed pad) with 5 mm × 5 mm footprint, compliant with JEDEC MO-220 and Freescale package outline 98ASA00473D (copper wire bond migration from legacy gold wire).

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with MC9S08GT8ACFBE, MC9S08GT16ACFBE offers double FLASH/RAM in identical packaging for seamless firmware scaling, while S9KEAZ128AMLH provides ARM-based upgrade path with full peripheral feature parity and layout reuse - both require no PCB redesign but differ in toolchain and power profile.

Availability

MC9S08GT8ACFBE is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial sensor nodes, small motor controllers, smart meter interfaces, and home automation hubs requiring stable component supply and long-term lifecycle support.

Supply support for MC9S08GT8ACFBE 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, with roots in Freescale's microcontroller heritage.

The MC9S08GT8ACFBE belongs to the HCS08 family - designed specifically for cost-sensitive, ultra-low-power embedded control where deterministic real-time response, minimal external components, and robust debug capability are critical.

FAQ

What is the maximum operating frequency of the MC9S08GT8ACFBE CPU?

The MC9S08GT8ACFBE features an HCS08 CPU core with a maximum bus frequency of 40 MHz. This is achieved using the internal frequency-locked loop (FLL) with appropriate clock source configuration - such as an external 4 MHz crystal in FEE mode. The core executes instructions at this bus speed, delivering deterministic real-time performance for time-critical control loops in the MC9S08GT8ACFBE.

Does the MC9S08GT8ACFBE support in-circuit debugging without JTAG?

Yes, the MC9S08GT8ACFBE integrates a single-wire background debug (BKGD) interface on PTG0, enabling full in-circuit debugging - including breakpoints, real-time bus capture, and memory inspection - without requiring a multi-pin JTAG header. This reduces PCB footprint and simplifies test fixture design while maintaining full visibility into the MC9S08GT8ACFBE's execution flow during development and validation.

What are the power supply requirements for the MC9S08GT8ACFBE?

The MC9S08GT8ACFBE operates from a single 1.8 V to 3.6 V supply, with separate VDDAD/VSSAD pins for analog circuitry to minimize noise coupling into the 10-bit ATD. It includes low-voltage detection (LVD) with programmable thresholds and reset/interrupt capability. These features ensure reliable operation across battery discharge curves and unregulated supplies - a key requirement for portable and energy-harvested systems using the MC9S08GT8ACFBE.

How many analog input channels does the MC9S08GT8ACFBE support?

The MC9S08GT8ACFBE integrates an 8-channel, 10-bit analog-to-digital converter (ATD) with flexible trigger sources (software, TPM, RTI, or external pin). All eight channels map to Port B pins (PTB0–PTB7), which can be configured as either analog inputs or digital I/O. This allows mixed-signal applications - such as sensor monitoring or motor current sensing - to use the MC9S08GT8ACFBE without external ADC components.

Is the MC9S08GT8ACFBE pin-compatible with other members of the GT series?

Yes, the MC9S08GT8ACFBE in the 32-pin QFN package (98ASA00473D) shares identical pinout and electrical characteristics with the MC9S08GT16ACFBE and MC9S08GT32ACFBE. This enables hardware reuse across firmware variants - for example, designing one PCB that supports 8 KB, 16 KB, or 32 KB FLASH versions of the MC9S08GT8ACFBE family without layout changes.