NXP Semiconductors MC9S08LC36LK

Overview

MC9S08LC36LK from NXP Semiconductors (formerly Freescale) is an 8-bit HCS08 microcontroller with 36 KB on-chip flash, 2.5 KB RAM, and integrated LCD driver supporting 4×32 or 3×33 segment configurations in 64-pin LQFP package. It features a 40-MHz CPU, 12-bit ADC with temperature sensor, dual SPI, I²C, SCI, two TPM timers, analog comparator, and keyboard interrupt modules - deployed in industrial panel meters and portable medical displays.

For engineers reviewing the MC9S08LC36LK datasheet, MC9S08LC36LK pinout, MC9S08LC36LK application, or MC9S08LC36LK equivalent, key selection criteria include flash/RAM size trade-offs versus MC9S08LC60, LCD drive capability in Stop3 mode, real-time interrupt-triggered ADC sampling, and BKGD/MS debug interface compatibility.

Technical Context

The MC9S08LC36LK implements the HCS08 CPU core with BGND instruction support and background debugging system enabling single breakpoint setting during in-circuit debugging. Its memory subsystem includes dual in-circuit programmable flash arrays (36 KB main + security block) and 2.5 KB RAM, allowing concurrent execution and programming.

Peripherals are tightly coupled to low-power operation: LCD driver remains functional in Wait and Stop3 modes; ADC supports hardware triggering via RTI counter; and KBI modules provide edge-selectable wake-up from all stop modes. Clock generation supports crystal, resonator, external clock, or internal trimmed oscillator with automatic clock monitor.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MC9S08LC36LK is housed in a 64-pin LQFP (10 mm × 10 mm, 0.5 mm pitch) with exposed thermal pad. Pin functions align with the MC9S08LC60 series but exclude pins reserved for larger memory/peripheral variants.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with MC9S08LC36LK, the MC9S08LC60CLK offers 24 KB more flash for complex UI logic or protocol stacks, while the S9S08LC36F1CLK maintains identical functionality with automotive qualification - making the original optimal for cost-sensitive industrial designs operating within −40°C to 85°C.

Availability

MC9S08LC36LK is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial panel meters, portable medical displays, smart energy meter UIs, and handheld diagnostic tools requiring stable component supply across long product lifecycles.

Supply support for MC9S08LC36LK 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 company formed from the spin-off of Philips' semiconductor division, specializing in secure connectivity solutions for automotive, industrial, and IoT markets.

The HCS08 family - including MC9S08LC36LK - was designed for cost-sensitive, low-power embedded applications requiring integrated analog peripherals, LCD driving, and robust debug capabilities in compact packages.

FAQ

What is the maximum operating frequency of the MC9S08LC36LK?

The MC9S08LC36LK supports a maximum CPU frequency of 40 MHz, achieved using the internal FLL or external crystal/resonator clock source. This frequency enables sub-25 ns instruction execution cycles and meets real-time response requirements for industrial control loops and LCD refresh timing. The MC9S08LC36LK's internal clock generator includes nonvolatile trimming for ±2% accuracy without external components.

Does the MC9S08LC36LK support LCD operation in low-power modes?

Yes, the MC9S08LC36LK LCD driver remains fully functional in Wait mode and Stop3 mode. In Stop3, it continues updating the display while drawing less than 1.5 µA typical supply current - a key advantage for battery-powered instruments. The MC9S08LC36LK achieves this by retaining the LCD clock source and segment/backplane drivers in active state while disabling the CPU and most peripherals.

How much flash and RAM does the MC9S08LC36LK contain?

The MC9S08LC36LK integrates 36 KB of on-chip in-circuit programmable flash memory and 2.5 KB of RAM. The flash includes block protection and security features to prevent unauthorized access, while the RAM supports stack operations, variable storage, and LCD frame buffering. These capacities are validated in the MC9S08LC60 Series Data Sheet Rev. 4 and match the MC9S08LC36LK's ordering code specification.

What debug interface does the MC9S08LC36LK use?

The MC9S08LC36LK uses a single-wire Background Debug Mode (BDM) interface via the BKGD/MS pin. This interface supports full in-circuit debugging, flash programming, breakpoint setting, and memory inspection without requiring JTAG or SWD headers. The MC9S08LC36LK's BDM implementation is compatible with standard Freescale/NXP BDM tools and enables field firmware updates in deployed systems.

Is the MC9S08LC36LK pin-compatible with other members of the LC60 series?

Yes, the MC9S08LC36LK in 64-pin LQFP shares identical pinout and peripheral mapping with the MC9S08LC60CLK in the same package. Differences are limited to flash size (36 KB vs. 60 KB), RAM (2.5 KB vs. 4 KB), and minor fuse settings - enabling drop-in replacement where firmware fits within the smaller memory footprint. This compatibility is confirmed in the MC9S08LC60 Series Data Sheet Rev. 4 section "Devices in the MC9S08LC60 Series".