NXP Semiconductors MC9S08QA4CPAE

Overview

MC9S08QA4CPAE from NXP Semiconductors (formerly Freescale) is an 8-bit HCS08 microcontroller designed for ultra-low-power embedded control in space-constrained applications. It features a 20 MHz CPU core, 4 KB on-chip flash, 256 B RAM, 10-bit ADC with temperature sensor, analog comparator, and single-channel TPM/PWM - all operating from 1.8 V to 3.6 V across –40°C to +85°C. It targets battery-powered sensors, smart switches, and simple motor controls.

For engineers reviewing the MC9S08QA4CPAE datasheet, MC9S08QA4CPAE pinout, MC9S08QA4CPAE application, or MC9S08QA4CPAE equivalent, this page delivers verified technical context, package-specific pin mapping, real-world use cases, and validated alternative options - all grounded in the official Rev. 3 datasheet and mechanical drawings for the 8-pin SOIC variant.

Technical Context

The MC9S08QA4CPAE integrates an HCS08 CPU core with frequency-locked-loop (FLL)-based Internal Clock Source (ICS), enabling bus frequencies up to 10 MHz with ±2% deviation over voltage and temperature. Its ICS supports precision trimming for 0.2% resolution and includes dedicated low-power real-time interrupt (RTI) operation in run, wait, and stop modes.

Peripherals include a 4-channel 10-bit ADC with internal bandgap reference and 1.7 mV/°C temperature sensor, an analog comparator with edge-selectable interrupt and internal tie to TPM input capture, and a single-channel timer/pulse-width modulator supporting input capture, output compare, and PWM generation - all functional down to 1.8 V supply.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MC9S08QA4CPAE is housed in an 8-pin narrow-body SOIC (Case 751-07), measuring 3.9 mm × 4.9 mm × 1.75 mm, with 1.27 mm pitch and gull-wing leads. Pin functions follow strict priority ordering per the datasheet's Table 1 and Figure 2.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with MC9S08QA4CPAE, MC9S08QG4CDTE offers expanded I/O and UART at the cost of size and layout change, while S9KEAZ128AMLH delivers modern ARM performance but requires full firmware rewrite and PCB redesign - neither is pin-compatible, making MC9S08QA4CPAE optimal for minimal-footprint, ultra-low-power 8-bit control.

Availability

MC9S08QA4CPAE is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for smart valve actuators, industrial sensor nodes, motor starter modules, and disposable medical loggers requiring stable component supply and long-term lifecycle support.

Supply support for MC9S08QA4CPAE 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 deep heritage in microcontrollers dating back to Motorola and Freescale.

The MC9S08QA4CPAE belongs to the HCS08 Q-Series - a family of ultra-low-power, small-footprint 8-bit MCUs specifically engineered for cost-sensitive, battery-operated embedded control in harsh environments.

FAQ

What is the maximum bus frequency supported by the MC9S08QA4CPAE?

The MC9S08QA4CPAE supports a maximum bus frequency of 10 MHz, achieved via its internal clock source (ICS) with frequency-locked-loop (FLL) and precision trimming. This allows the HCS08 CPU core to operate up to 20 MHz while maintaining ±2% frequency accuracy across the full –40°C to +85°C temperature range and 1.8 V to 3.6 V supply voltage.

Does the MC9S08QA4CPAE include an integrated temperature sensor?

Yes, the MC9S08QA4CPAE includes a calibrated on-die temperature sensor accessible through the 10-bit ADC. Its output exhibits a slope of 1.7 mV/°C between 25°C and 85°C, with a 25°C reference voltage of 701.2 mV. This eliminates the need for external thermal sensors in applications like thermostatic control or battery temperature monitoring.

Can the MC9S08QA4CPAE operate in ultra-low-power modes with the ADC active?

Yes, the MC9S08QA4CPAE supports ADC operation in Stop3 mode - one of its deepest low-power states. In Stop3, the ADC remains fully functional and can perform conversions using internal clock sources, enabling periodic temperature or sensor readings while maintaining typical current consumption of only 750 nA (excluding RTI or LVD overhead).

What debug interface does the MC9S08QA4CPAE use, and how many pins are required?

The MC9S08QA4CPAE uses a single-wire background debug (BDM) interface routed through the PTA4 pin (shared with ACMPO and MS functions). Only one signal line (BKGD) plus ground is required for full in-circuit debugging, programming, and breakpoint support - making it ideal for space-constrained 8-pin designs where pin count is critical.

Is the MC9S08QA4CPAE pin-compatible with other members of the QA-series?

No, the MC9S08QA4CPAE is not pin-compatible with other QA-series variants such as MC9S08QA2, despite sharing the same 8-pin package options. Differences in peripheral enablement, register mapping, and memory configuration mean that firmware and hardware design must be validated specifically for MC9S08QA4CPAE - even within the same package footprint.