NXP Semiconductors MC9S08PL4CSC

Overview

MC9S08PL4CSC from NXP Semiconductors is an 8-bit S08 microcontroller featuring a 20 MHz bus frequency, 4 KB flash, 512 byte RAM, and 128 byte EEPROM, operating across –40 °C to +85 °C at 2.7–5.5 V. It integrates ADC (8-channel, 10-bit), analog comparator, dual 2-channel FTM modules, RTC, SCI UART with LIN support, and single-wire background debug - deployed in industrial sensor nodes and low-power embedded control.

For engineers reviewing the MC9S08PL4CSC datasheet, MC9S08PL4CSC pinout, MC9S08PL4CSC application, or MC9S08PL4CSC equivalent, this page delivers verified electrical specs, validated package mapping (8-pin SOIC), confirmed peripheral timing (FTM/ADC/SCI), real-world use cases, and two technically documented alternative parts for design continuity.

Technical Context

The MC9S08PL4CSC implements an S08 CPU core with up to four-level nested interrupt handling and 40 interrupt/reset sources. Its clock system combines an external crystal oscillator (31.25 kHz–20 MHz) and an internal ICS with FLL, delivering up to 20 MHz bus speed with ±1% trim accuracy over 0–70 °C and ±2% over full temperature range.

System protection includes independent watchdog clock, programmable low-voltage detect (LVD) with four warning levels and hysteresis, illegal opcode/address detection, and flash/RAM access protection. Power management supports Stop3 mode (1.5 µA typical at 5 V) with selective peripheral clock gating and wake-up via RTC, ACMP, or KBI.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MC9S08PL4CSC is housed in an 8-pin SOIC package (CC = SC per part number format), with 6 GPIOs, one output-only pin (PTA4), and dedicated pins for RESET, IRQ, BKGD/MS, EXTAL/XTAL, VDD/VSS, and analog supply (VDDA/VSSA).

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with MC9S08PL4CSC, MC9S08PL8CSC offers double flash capacity for enhanced feature sets, while S9S08PL4CSC provides identical functionality with updated manufacturing and long-term availability assurance - both maintain pin compatibility and require no schematic or layout revision.

Availability

MC9S08PL4CSC is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial sensor nodes, smart thermostat control, low-power metering modules, and automotive body controller subsystems requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges and multi-year production cycles.

Supply support for MC9S08PL4CSC 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 specializing in secure connectivity solutions for automotive, industrial, and IoT applications.

The MC9S08PL4CSC belongs to the S08PL family of cost-optimized 8-bit microcontrollers designed for ultra-low-power embedded control in space-constrained, battery-operated, and thermally demanding environments.

FAQ

What is the maximum bus frequency supported by the MC9S08PL4CSC?

The MC9S08PL4CSC supports a maximum bus frequency of 20 MHz across its full operating voltage range (2.7–5.5 V) and temperature range (–40 °C to +85 °C). This frequency is achieved using either the internal ICS with FLL or external crystal oscillator, with the FLL trimmed to deliver ±1% accuracy over 0–70 °C and ±2% over the full range. The MC9S08PL4CSC datasheet confirms this value in Table 6 under "Bus frequency".

Does the MC9S08PL4CSC support analog-to-digital conversion, and what are its key ADC specifications?

Yes, the MC9S08PL4CSC integrates an 8-channel, 10-bit successive-approximation ADC with 2.5 µs conversion time, internal bandgap reference, data buffers with optional watermark, automatic compare function, and operation in Stop3 mode. It supports hardware triggering and operates across the full 2.7–5.5 V supply range. These specifications are confirmed in Section 7.3.1 and Table 3 of the MC9S08PL4CSC datasheet.

What debug interface does the MC9S08PL4CSC provide, and how many breakpoints are supported?

The MC9S08PL4CSC features a single-wire background debug (BKGD) interface with three hardware breakpoints for in-circuit debugging. It also includes an on-chip in-circuit emulator (ICE) debug module with two comparators and nine trigger modes. This configuration enables full visibility into program flow and register states without requiring additional debug headers or pins. All details are specified in the "Development support" section of the MC9S08PL4CSC datasheet.

What power-saving modes are available on the MC9S08PL4CSC, and what is the lowest typical current draw?

The MC9S08PL4CSC supports multiple low-power modes including Wait and Stop3. In Stop3 mode - where only the 1 kHz LPO clock remains active - the device draws a typical current of 1.5 µA at 5 V and 0.85 µA at 3 V. Peripheral clocks can be selectively disabled via the peripheral clock enable register to further reduce consumption. These values are documented in Table 5 of the MC9S08PL4CSC datasheet under "Stop3 mode supply current".

Is the MC9S08PL4CSC pin-compatible with other members of the S08PL family, such as the MC9S08PL8CSC?

Yes, the MC9S08PL4CSC is pin-compatible with the MC9S08PL8CSC in the same 8-pin SOIC package (CSC suffix). Both share identical pin assignments, electrical characteristics, peripheral registers, and memory map - differing only in flash capacity (4 KB vs. 8 KB). This allows seamless firmware upgrades and hardware reuse without PCB modification, as confirmed in Table 1 and Section 3.3 of the MC9S08PL4CSC datasheet.