NXP Semiconductors MC9S08SE8MWL

Overview

MC9S08SE8MWL from NXP Semiconductors (formerly Freescale) is an 8-bit HCS08 microcontroller with 8 KB flash, 512 bytes RAM, 20 MHz CPU, 10 MHz bus frequency, and integrated peripherals including 10-channel 10-bit ADC, dual TPM timers, SCI with LIN support, RTC, and KBI. It targets low-power embedded control in automotive body electronics and industrial sensor interfaces.

For engineers reviewing the MC9S08SE8MWL datasheet, MC9S08SE8MWL pinout, MC9S08SE8MWL application, or MC9S08SE8MWL equivalent, this page delivers verified technical context, package-specific pin mapping, real-world use cases, and validated alternative options - all grounded in Rev. 4 (April 2015) official documentation and Freescale/NXP product line specifications.

Technical Context

The MC9S08SE8MWL implements the HCS08 CPU core with HC08 instruction set extension (BGND), supports up to 32 interrupt/reset sources, and features a flexible clock system combining internal ICS (FLL-based, 1–10 MHz bus) and external XOSC (31.25 kHz–16 MHz crystal/resonator). Its power architecture includes Wait, Stop2, and Stop3 modes with sub-μA retention current.

Peripherals are tightly integrated: SCI provides full-duplex NRZ with LIN master/slave break generation/detection; ADC offers 2.5 μs conversion, temperature sensor (1.7 mV/°C), bandgap reference, and stop3 operation; TPM1 (2-channel) and TPM2 (1-channel) support input capture, output compare, edge-aligned and buffered centered PWM; RTC uses binary/decimal prescaler.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MC9S08SE8MWL is packaged in a 28-pin SOIC (Case 751F), with pin assignments identical to the MC9S08SE8 series 28-pin SOIC/PDIP footprint. All pins support software-selectable pullups, slew rate, and drive strength. RESET, IRQ, and BKGD/MS include internal pullups to reduce BOM cost.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with MC9S08SE8MWL, MC9S08SE4MWL offers identical architecture at half the memory capacity for cost-sensitive designs, while S9S08SG8E2MTJR extends functionality with CAN but requires PCB redesign and firmware adaptation due to non-pin-compatible packaging and added peripherals.

Availability

MC9S08SE8MWL is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive body electronics, industrial sensor nodes, and smart appliance interfaces requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges (–40°C to 105°C).

Supply support for MC9S08SE8MWL 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 microcontroller innovation through its acquisition of Freescale.

The MC9S08SE8MWL belongs to the HCS08 family, designed specifically for cost-sensitive, low-power embedded control in harsh environments - emphasizing robust clocking, integrated analog peripherals, and ultra-low-power stop modes for battery-operated systems.

FAQ

What is the maximum operating frequency of the MC9S08SE8MWL CPU and bus?

The MC9S08SE8MWL CPU operates at up to 20 MHz, while its internal bus frequency is rated to 10 MHz. This performance is enabled by the HCS08 core and supported by both the internal ICS (FLL-based) and external XOSC clock sources. The MC9S08SE8MWL achieves this timing within its specified voltage range (2.7–5.5 V) and temperature grade (–40°C to 105°C).

Does the MC9S08SE8MWL support LIN communication natively?

Yes, the MC9S08SE8MWL integrates LIN 2.0-compliant functionality directly into its SCI module, supporting both master-mode extended break generation and slave-mode extended break detection. This eliminates the need for external LIN transceivers in basic implementations and is confirmed in the Rev. 4 datasheet Section "Peripherals → SCI".

What power-saving modes does the MC9S08SE8MWL offer, and what are their typical currents?

The MC9S08SE8MWL supports Wait, Stop2, and Stop3 modes. At 5 V and –40°C to 85°C, typical currents are: Wait mode - 220 μA (fBus = 1 MHz); Stop2 - 1.4 μA; Stop3 - 1.61 μA. Stop3 adds optional RTC (500 nA) and LVD (122 μA) current adders, as documented in Table 8 of the Rev. 4 datasheet.

Can the MC9S08SE8MWL operate without an external crystal?

Yes, the MC9S08SE8MWL can operate entirely from its internal ICS module, which uses a factory-trimmed 39.0625 kHz reference and FLL to generate bus frequencies from 1 MHz to 10 MHz. External crystals (31.25 kHz–16 MHz) are optional and used only when higher accuracy or specific frequency requirements apply.

What is the function of the BKGD/MS pin on the MC9S08SE8MWL?

The BKGD/MS pin on the MC9S08SE8MWL serves as the bidirectional single-wire background debug interface, enabling in-circuit programming, real-time register inspection, and single-breakpoint debugging. When configured as BKGD, it supports full debug functionality; as MS (Master Select), it enables multi-MCU synchronization - both roles are software-configurable per the HCS08 system control registers.