NXP Semiconductors MC9S08QL8CTJ

Overview

MC9S08QL8CTJ from NXP Semiconductors is an 8-bit HCS08 microcontroller designed for ultra-low-power embedded control in space-constrained applications. It delivers up to 20 MHz CPU operation across 1.8–3.6 V and –40 °C to 85 °C, integrates 8 KB flash and 512 B RAM, features a 12-bit ADC with temperature sensor, and supports LIN-capable SCI communication - enabling use in battery-powered sensor nodes and smart actuators.

For engineers reviewing the MC9S08QL8CTJ datasheet, MC9S08QL8CTJ pinout, MC9S08QL8CTJ application, or MC9S08QL8CTJ equivalent, key selection criteria include its stop3-mode current (0.45 µA typical), 6 µs wakeup time, dual clock sources (XOSC + ICS with ±0.2% trimming), and 20-pin TSSOP package with 18 GPIOs including dedicated KBI and ACMP inputs.

Technical Context

The MC9S08QL8CTJ implements the HCS08 CPU core with BGND instruction support and handles up to 32 interrupt/reset sources. Its power architecture includes two very low-power stop modes, peripheral clock gating via PCE register, and low-power run/wait states - all coordinated by a dedicated voltage regulator and LVD circuitry with selectable trip points (1.80–1.96 V).

Timing is managed through dual clock domains: a precision internal clock source (ICS) with FLL and factory-trimmed 32.768 kHz reference (±0.2% resolution), and an external oscillator (XOSC) supporting 31.25 kHz–16 MHz crystals or resonators. The RTC runs continuously on a free-running 1 kHz LPO, enabling cyclic wakeups without external components.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MC9S08QL8CTJ is housed in a 20-pin Thin Shrink Small Outline Package (TSSOP), Case 948E, with 0.65 mm lead pitch and exposed pad not present. Pin functions are validated per NXP's MC9S08QL8 Series Data Sheet Rev. 1 (July 2018), Figures 2 and Table 2.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with S9KEAZ128AMLH and MC9RS08LA8CTJ, the MC9S08QL8CTJ uniquely balances ultra-low-power stop3 operation (0.45 µA), integrated RTC with LPO, and analog peripherals (12-bit ADC + ACMP) in a 20-pin TSSOP - making it optimal for battery-operated, mixed-signal edge nodes where size, power, and analog integration are co-constrained.

Availability

MC9S08QL8CTJ is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for smart sensor nodes, industrial actuators, energy metering subsystems, and medical wearable monitors requiring stable component supply across automotive-grade temperature ranges (–40 °C to 85 °C).

Supply support for MC9S08QL8CTJ 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, with deep expertise in microcontrollers, RF, and security IP.

The MC9S08QL8CTJ belongs to NXP's S08QL family - engineered for ultra-low-power, cost-sensitive embedded control in space-constrained devices, emphasizing analog integration, robust debug, and extended battery life.

FAQ

What is the maximum operating frequency of the MC9S08QL8CTJ CPU core?

The MC9S08QL8CTJ CPU core operates at up to 20 MHz across its full voltage range (1.8–3.6 V) and temperature range (–40 °C to 85 °C). However, the maximum achievable bus frequency is 10 MHz in FEI/FEE modes due to internal clock division - this governs peripheral timing and instruction execution rate. The device uses the HCS08 core with HC08 instruction set plus BGND instruction for efficient background debugging.

Does the MC9S08QL8CTJ support LIN communication?

Yes, the MC9S08QL8CTJ supports LIN communication via its SCI module, which includes LIN master extended break generation and LIN slave extended break detection capabilities. This allows the MC9S08QL8CTJ to serve as either a LIN master node coordinating a subnetwork or a LIN slave responding to header frames - essential for automotive body electronics and industrial distributed control where cost and power efficiency are critical.

What is the typical stop3-mode current consumption of the MC9S08QL8CTJ?

The typical stop3-mode current consumption of the MC9S08QL8CTJ is 0.45 µA at 3 V and 25 °C, with a maximum of 0.80 µA under the same conditions. This ultra-low quiescent current enables multi-year battery operation in intermittent-sensing applications. The device achieves this by disabling all clocks except the 1 kHz low-power oscillator used by the RTC, while retaining RAM and register contents.

Can the MC9S08QL8CTJ operate without an external crystal?

Yes, the MC9S08QL8CTJ can operate without an external crystal using its internal clock source (ICS) module, which includes a frequency-locked loop (FLL) controlled by a factory-trimmed internal reference (32.768 kHz ±0.2%). The ICS supports bus frequencies from 1 MHz to 10 MHz and enables full functionality - including ADC, ACMP, and SCI - making the MC9S08QL8CTJ suitable for crystal-free designs where board space or BOM cost must be minimized.

How many GPIO pins does the MC9S08QL8CTJ provide in its 20-pin TSSOP package?

The MC9S08QL8CTJ provides 18 GPIO pins in its 20-pin TSSOP package: 17 bidirectional I/O pins (including PTA0–PTA3, PTA4, PTB0–PTB7, PTC0–PTC3) plus one input-only pin (PTA5) and one output-only pin (PTA4). All input pins feature configurable hysteresis and pullup/pulldown resistors (17.5–52.5 kΩ), while output pins support selectable drive strength - enabling robust interfacing with diverse external circuitry.