NXP Semiconductors MC9S08QG4CDTE

Overview

MC9S08QG4CDTE from Freescale Semiconductor is an 8-bit HCS08 microcontroller featuring a 20-MHz CPU, 4 KB flash memory, 256 bytes RAM, and integrated peripherals including 8-channel 10-bit ADC, SCI, SPI, I²C, TPM, ACMP, and MTIM - deployed in cost-sensitive industrial control and sensor interface applications.

For engineers reviewing the MC9S08QG4CDTE datasheet, MC9S08QG4CDTE pinout, MC9S08QG4CDTE application, or MC9S08QG4CDTE equivalent, key selection criteria include QFN-16 package compatibility, 12 GPIO + 1 input-only + 1 output-only pin configuration, internal clock source with FLL trimming, COP watchdog with 1-kHz option, and background debug support via single-wire BKGD interface.

Technical Context

The MC9S08QG4CDTE implements the HCS08 CPU core with HC08 instruction set extension (including BGND), supporting up to 32 interrupt/reset sources and real-time debugging via an on-chip debug module with two comparators, nine trigger modes, and eight-deep FIFO for flow-event capture.

Its clock system integrates dual sources: ICS with frequency-locked-loop (FLL) enabling bus frequencies from 1–10 MHz using internal reference trimmed to ±0.2% resolution, and XOSC supporting crystal/ceramic resonators from 31.25 kHz to 16 MHz or external clock up to 20 MHz.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MC9S08QG4CDTE is housed in a 16-pin quad flat no-lead (QFN) package with exposed thermal pad (98ASA00671D), measuring 4 mm × 4 mm × 0.85 mm, optimized for space-constrained PCB layouts and thermal performance.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with MC9S08QG4CDTE, MC9S08QG8CDTE offers immediate memory headroom within identical hardware constraints, whereas S9KEAZ128AMLH delivers architectural modernization at the cost of complete re-engineering - making the former ideal for incremental upgrades and the latter suited for greenfield projects.

Availability

MC9S08QG4CDTE is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial sensor nodes, smart thermostat control, LED lighting dimmers, and appliance motor monitors requiring stable component supply and long-term lifecycle support.

Supply support for MC9S08QG4CDTE 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

Freescale Semiconductor was a leading designer of embedded processors and analog/mixed-signal ICs, acquired by NXP Semiconductors in 2015; its HCS08 portfolio remains widely supported in industrial and automotive applications.

The MC9S08QG4 belongs to the HCS08 microcontroller family designed for cost-sensitive, low-power embedded control - emphasizing small footprint, integrated analog peripherals, and robust debug capability in minimal-pin-count packages.

FAQ

What is the operating voltage range for the MC9S08QG4CDTE?

The MC9S08QG4CDTE operates from 2.7 V to 3.6 V across its full temperature range (–40°C to +105°C). This range supports both standard 3.3 V systems and brown-out tolerant designs. The internal voltage regulator and LVD circuitry ensure reliable reset behavior during supply transitions, and all I/O pins are 5 V tolerant only when explicitly configured - the MC9S08QG4CDTE itself is strictly a 3.3 V core device.

Does the MC9S08QG4CDTE support in-circuit debugging without additional hardware?

Yes, the MC9S08QG4CDTE includes a single-wire background debug interface (BKGD) that enables full in-circuit programming and real-time debugging using only one dedicated pin and no external debug probe beyond a simple level-shifter. The on-chip debug module supports breakpoints, register inspection, and memory access - all without halting system operation during active background mode, making the MC9S08QG4CDTE suitable for field-upgradable embedded systems.

Can the MC9S08QG4CDTE generate precise PWM signals for motor control?

Yes, the MC9S08QG4CDTE's TPM module provides two independent channels capable of edge-aligned or center-aligned PWM with programmable period and duty cycle. Each channel supports input capture and output compare modes, enabling closed-loop motor control with encoder feedback. The MC9S08QG4CDTE also allows synchronization between PWM outputs and ADC sampling - critical for current sensing in BLDC applications.

Is the MC9S08QG4CDTE pin-compatible with other members of the QG series?

The MC9S08QG4CDTE in the 16-pin QFN package shares identical pinout and electrical characteristics with MC9S08QG8CDTE and MC9S08QG8CDT - confirmed by Freescale's mechanical drawings (98ASA00671D). This allows direct substitution where increased flash/RAM capacity is needed, without PCB revision. However, it is not compatible with 24-pin QFN or DFN variants of the same family due to differing pin counts and assignments.

What oscillator options does the MC9S08QG4CDTE support for timing accuracy?

The MC9S08QG4CDTE supports two primary clock sources: the Internal Clock Source (ICS) with frequency-locked-loop (FLL) - trimmed to ±0.2% resolution over voltage and temperature - and the external oscillator (XOSC) module accepting crystals or ceramic resonators from 31.25 kHz to 16 MHz. The MC9S08QG4CDTE also accepts an external clock signal up to 20 MHz on XIN, providing flexibility for high-precision or low-power timing requirements.