NXP Semiconductors MCHC908JK8CPE

Overview

MCHC908JK8CPE from Freescale Semiconductor is an 8-bit HCS08-core microcontroller with 8 KB on-chip Flash memory, 512 B RAM, and integrated peripherals including a 10-bit ADC (8-channel), SCI serial interface, TIM timer module, and keyboard interrupt (KBI) support. It operates at up to 8 MHz bus frequency, supports 3.3 V or 5 V supply, and targets embedded control in industrial sensors and appliance motor interfaces.

For engineers reviewing the MCHC908JK8CPE datasheet, MCHC908JK8CPE pinout, MCHC908JK8CPE application, or MCHC908JK8CPE equivalent, key selection criteria include its 20-pin SOIC package, mask-programmable ROM option, COP watchdog, low-voltage inhibit (LVI), and compatibility with HC08 development tools and legacy code bases.

Technical Context

The MCHC908JK8CPE implements the HCS08 CPU core with 16-bit address space, indexed addressing modes, and 43-instruction set optimized for deterministic real-time control. Its System Integration Module (SIM) provides bus clock generation from internal RC or external crystal oscillator, configurable reset sources (POR, LVI, COP), and interrupt prioritization across 16 vectors.

Peripheral integration includes a 10-bit successive-approximation ADC with programmable sample time and trigger sources (software, SCI receive, TIM overflow), a full-duplex SCI supporting asynchronous communication at up to 115.2 kbps, and a 16-bit TIM module with two input capture/compare channels and PWM capability.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: 20-pin SOIC (SO-20), 0.300-inch body width, gull-wing leads, RoHS-compliant.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with MC9RS08KA8 and MC9S08QG8, the MCHC908JK8CPE offers unique KBI hardware support and full 4-channel TIM capability in a 20-pin SOIC - making it optimal for legacy-compatible, keypad-driven industrial controls requiring precise timing and robust fault handling.

Availability

MCHC908JK8CPE is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial sensor nodes, home appliance control units, and smart power outlets requiring stable component supply across extended production lifecycles.

Supply support for MCHC908JK8CPE 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 (now part of NXP Semiconductors) is a pioneer in embedded microcontrollers, known for automotive-grade reliability and broad toolchain support.

The MCHC908JK8CPE belongs to the HC08 family, designed for cost-sensitive, low-power industrial and consumer control applications where code density, interrupt responsiveness, and peripheral integration are critical.

FAQ

What is the maximum operating frequency of the MCHC908JK8CPE?

The MCHC908JK8CPE supports a maximum bus frequency of 8 MHz at 5 V supply and 4 MHz at 3.3 V. This frequency determines instruction execution speed and peripheral timing - for example, SCI baud rates scale directly with bus clock, and TIM counter increments occur at bus clock rate. The internal oscillator or external crystal must be configured accordingly in the SIM registers.

Does the MCHC908JK8CPE include a hardware watchdog timer?

Yes, the MCHC908JK8CPE includes a Computer Operating Properly (COP) watchdog timer with configurable timeout window and reset behavior. When enabled, the COP requires periodic service via the COPCTL register; failure to service triggers a hardware reset. This feature is essential for fail-safe operation in motor control or power management applications using the MCHC908JK8CPE.

Can the MCHC908JK8CPE perform analog-to-digital conversion?

Yes, the MCHC908JK8CPE integrates a 10-bit successive-approximation ADC with eight input channels (AN0–AN7). Conversion can be triggered by software, SCI receive event, or TIM overflow, and results are stored in 16-bit result registers. The ADC supports programmable sample time and reference selection (VDD or external VREFH/VREFL), enabling accurate voltage, temperature, or current measurements in the MCHC908JK8CPE-based design.

Is the MCHC908JK8CPE pin-compatible with other HC08 family members?

The MCHC908JK8CPE shares the same 20-pin SOIC package and pin assignments with MC68HC908JL8 and MC68HC908KL8, including identical VDD/VSS, OSC1/OSC2, IRQ, KBI, and TIM channel mappings. However, differences in Flash size, RAM, and peripheral enablement require firmware validation - the MCHC908JK8CPE is not a blind drop-in for all variants despite physical pin compatibility.

How is firmware loaded onto the MCHC908JK8CPE?

Firmware is loaded via the built-in Monitor ROM (MON) using the SCI interface and a standard UART connection. The MON provides a 2 KB resident bootloader that accepts S-record files, verifies checksums, and programs Flash memory without external hardware programmers. Entry into MON mode is triggered by asserting BKGD while holding RESET low - a process fully supported by standard HC08 development tools for the MCHC908JK8CPE.