NXP Semiconductors MC9S08LC60LH

Overview

MC9S08LC60LH from NXP Semiconductors (formerly Freescale) is an 8-bit HCS08 microcontroller with 60 KB on-chip FLASH, 4 KB RAM, and integrated LCD driver supporting up to 4×40 segments. It features a 40-MHz CPU core, dual SPI, I²C, SCI, two TPM timers, 12-bit ADC with temperature sensor, analog comparator, and keyboard interrupt modules. Used in low-power industrial and consumer LCD-based control panels.

For engineers reviewing the MC9S08LC60LH datasheet, MC9S08LC60LH pinout, MC9S08LC60LH application, or MC9S08LC60LH equivalent, key selection criteria include LCD segment drive capability, stop-mode current (<1.5 µA in Stop3), FLASH security options, peripheral coexistence (e.g., ADC + TPM + LCD active simultaneously), and LQFP-64 package compatibility with legacy HCS08 toolchains.

Technical Context

The MC9S08LC60LH implements the HCS08 CPU core with BGND instruction support and an on-chip background debug module enabling single breakpoint and ICE-triggered trace via two comparators and nine trigger modes. Its memory architecture supports concurrent FLASH execution and programming - one array runs code while the other is erased or reprogrammed.

Peripherals are clock-gated and individually configurable for low-power operation: LCD driver remains functional in Wait and Stop3 modes; ADC can be hardware-triggered by RTI; KBI modules detect edge transitions on up to 16 pins with software-selectable pullups and edge polarity. Clock generation includes internal trimmed RC, crystal, resonator, or external source with automatic clock monitor.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MC9S08LC60LH is housed in a 64-pin low-profile quad flat package (LQFP) with 0.5 mm lead pitch and exposed thermal pad. Pin functions are defined per Chapter 2 of the MC9S08LC60 Rev. 4 data sheet, with dedicated LCD frontplane/backplane drivers, dual SPI/I²C/SCI interfaces, and configurable GPIO across Ports A, B, and C.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with MC9S08LC36LH, the MC9S08LC60LH provides critical headroom for secure bootloader integration and field-upgradable firmware; versus S9KEAZN64ACLH, it delivers lower system-level cost and simpler layout for LCD-centric designs by eliminating external display bias circuitry.

Availability

MC9S08LC60LH is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial panel meters, home appliance control, portable medical devices, and energy monitoring displays requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and qualified automotive-grade traceability.

Supply support for MC9S08LC60LH 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, IoT, and mobile applications, with roots in Freescale's MCU heritage.

The MC9S08LC60LH belongs to the HCS08 family designed specifically for cost-sensitive, LCD-based embedded control applications demanding low power, high integration, and robust debug capabilities in industrial and consumer environments.

FAQ

What is the maximum operating frequency of the MC9S08LC60LH CPU core?

The MC9S08LC60LH features an HCS08 CPU core rated for up to 40 MHz operation. This frequency is achievable using the internal trimmed RC oscillator, crystal, or external clock source. At 40 MHz, the core executes instructions in as little as 100 ns, supporting deterministic real-time response in control loops and UI refresh routines. The MC9S08LC60LH maintains this speed across its full industrial temperature range (-40°C to +85°C) when powered at 2.7–5.5 V.

Does the MC9S08LC60LH support in-circuit debugging without additional hardware?

Yes, the MC9S08LC60LH integrates a background debug module accessible via the BKGD/MS pin using a single-wire interface. No external JTAG emulator is required - standard NXP Cyclone or OpenSDA debug probes connect directly. The module supports breakpoint setting, register inspection, memory read/write, and real-time trace via an eight-deep FIFO. This capability is active in Run, Wait, and Stop3 modes, enabling full visibility during ultra-low-power operation of the MC9S08LC60LH.

How many LCD segments can the MC9S08LC60LH drive in its 64-pin LQFP package?

In the 64-pin LQFP package, the MC9S08LC60LH supports either 4 frontplane × 32 backplane segments (4×32) or 3 frontplane × 33 backplane segments (3×33), totaling up to 128 or 99 active segments respectively. This configuration matches common alphanumeric and graphical LCD modules used in industrial HMIs and appliance displays. Segment drive is fully integrated - no external charge pump or bias resistor network is needed for 3-V or 5-V glass operation.

What low-power modes does the MC9S08LC60LH support, and what is the lowest current draw?

The MC9S08LC60LH supports Wait mode and three Stop modes (Stop1, Stop2, Stop3). In Stop3 mode - the deepest sleep state - typical current consumption is ≤1.5 µA at 3.3 V and 25°C, with guaranteed <2.5 µA across the full -40°C to +85°C range. LCD, RTC, and KBI remain active in Stop3, enabling wake-up from button press or timer event within 4 µs. This makes the MC9S08LC60LH suitable for battery-backed applications where multi-year operation is required.

Is the MC9S08LC60LH pin-compatible with other members of the MC9S08LCxx family?

Yes, the MC9S08LC60LH shares identical pinout and electrical characteristics with the MC9S08LC36LH in the 64-pin LQFP package. All peripheral signals, power pins, and debug interface pins occupy the same locations. Firmware and PCB layouts designed for MC9S08LC36LH can be reused for MC9S08LC60LH without modification - only FLASH/RAM resource allocation and security settings require update. This enables seamless capacity upgrade path within the same hardware platform.