NXP Semiconductors MCR908JL3ECDWE

Overview

MCR908JL3ECDWE from Freescale Semiconductor is an 8-bit HCS08-core microcontroller with 4 KB Flash, 192 B RAM, and integrated 8-channel 10-bit ADC. It operates at up to 8 MHz bus frequency, supports on-chip monitor ROM for in-system programming, and targets low-cost embedded control in appliance motor interfaces and industrial sensor nodes.

For engineers reviewing the MCR908JL3ECDWE datasheet, MCR908JL3ECDWE pinout, MCR908JL3ECDWE application, or MCR908JL3ECDWE equivalent, key selection criteria include its 20-pin SOIC-W package, internal RC oscillator option (MC68HRC908JL3E variant), COP watchdog timing granularity, TIM module's buffered PWM capability, and ADC conversion time of 12 µs per channel.

Technical Context

The MCR908JL3ECDWE implements the HCS08 CPU core with 16-bit address space, supporting indexed, inherent, and extended addressing modes. Its System Integration Module (SIM) provides clock generation from either external crystal (1–8 MHz) or internal RC oscillator, plus configurable reset sources including Power-On Reset, COP timeout, and LVI.

It integrates a Timer Interface Module (TIM) with two 16-bit channels supporting input capture, output compare, and buffered/unbuffered PWM - enabling precise motor phase control. The 8-channel 10-bit ADC features programmable sample time, continuous conversion mode, and interrupt-on-complete functionality.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

20-pin SOIC-W (Small Outline Integrated Circuit – Wide-body) package, 0.600-inch body width, 1.27 mm pitch, RoHS-compliant lead finish.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with MC9RS08KA2CP, MCR908JL3ECDWE delivers integrated analog sensing and larger Flash for complex control logic; versus MC9S08QG4CDTE, it trades package size for mechanical robustness and thermal performance in industrial ambient conditions.

Availability

MCR908JL3ECDWE is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for appliance motor control, industrial sensor nodes, smart power outlets, and entry-level PLC I/O modules requiring stable component supply and long-term manufacturability.

Supply support for MCR908JL3ECDWE 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) pioneered mixed-signal microcontrollers for cost-sensitive industrial and consumer applications.

The MCR908JL3ECDWE belongs to the HC08 family - designed specifically for low-pin-count, low-power embedded control where Flash programmability, analog integration, and watchdog reliability are essential.

FAQ

What is the maximum operating frequency of the MCR908JL3ECDWE?

The MCR908JL3ECDWE supports a maximum bus frequency of 8 MHz. This is achieved using either an external crystal (1–8 MHz) connected to OSC1/OSC2 or the internal RC oscillator calibrated to 8 MHz. The actual core instruction execution rate depends on bus frequency division settings in the SIM register, with typical effective throughput around 2 million instructions per second.

Does the MCR908JL3ECDWE include a hardware watchdog timer?

Yes, the MCR908JL3ECDWE includes a Computer Operating Properly (COP) watchdog timer. It offers four selectable timeout intervals (0.5 ms, 2 ms, 8 ms, or 1.0 s) controlled by the COPCTL register. The COP must be serviced by writing a specific key sequence before timeout to prevent system reset - critical for fail-safe operation in unattended equipment.

Can the MCR908JL3ECDWE perform analog-to-digital conversions without external components?

Yes, the MCR908JL3ECDWE integrates a fully functional 10-bit successive approximation ADC with eight input channels. It requires only an external reference (VDD or dedicated voltage) on ADCVIN and proper decoupling. Conversion time is fixed at 12 µs per sample, and results are stored in the 16-bit ADC data register for direct firmware access.

Is the MCR908JL3ECDWE pin-compatible with other HC08 family members?

No, the MCR908JL3ECDWE is not pin-compatible with other HC08 variants such as the JK3E or KL3E. While sharing the same 20-pin SOIC-W footprint, pin functions differ significantly - for example, PTD pins serve as ADC inputs on JL3E but as general-purpose I/O on KL3E. PCB layout must be verified against the JL3E-specific pin assignment table.

How is firmware programmed into the MCR908JL3ECDWE in production?

Firmware is programmed into the MCR908JL3ECDWE using its on-chip Monitor ROM via UART. A host PC sends ASCII commands (e.g., 'P' for program, 'R' for read) at 9600 baud (default) to load Intel Hex files directly into Flash. No external programmer is needed - simplifying production line flashing and field firmware updates without removing the device from the board.