Infineon Technologies SAX-XC878-13FFA 5V AA

Overview

SAX-XC878-13FFA 5V AA from Infineon Technologies is an 8-bit single-chip microcontroller based on the XC800 core, compatible with the standard 8051 instruction set and executing instructions at two clocks per machine cycle. It integrates 52 KB Flash, 3 KB XRAM, 256 B RAM, and 8 KB Boot ROM, with dual-voltage operation (5 V I/O, 2.5 V core via embedded regulator). It targets automotive body electronics and industrial control where LIN, CAN, and high-precision ADC timing are required.

For engineers reviewing the SAX-XC878-13FFA 5V AA datasheet, SAX-XC878-13FFA 5V AA pinout, SAX-XC878-13FFA 5V AA application, or SAX-XC878-13FFA 5V AA equivalent, key selection criteria include its 16-bit CCU6 timer for motor control, MultiCAN 2.0B interface, 10-bit 8-channel ADC with configurable conversion sequence, and on-chip debug support via JTAG.

Technical Context

The XC878 implements a two-clock-per-machine-cycle 8051-compatible CPU core with dual data pointers and hardware multiplication/division (MDU) plus CORDIC coprocessor for trigonometric computation. Its memory architecture separates 52 KB Flash (with bank pagination and password-protected write/erase), 3 KB XRAM, and 256 B internal RAM, all accessible without wait states under 26 MHz operation.

Peripherals include a 16-bit CCU6 unit with three capture/compare channels and dead-time insertion, a MultiCAN controller supporting up to 16 message objects, and a 10-bit ADC with programmable sampling time and auto-triggering from Timer 2 or CCU6. Clock generation supports external crystal (1–20 MHz), RC oscillator, or PLL-based internal clock up to 26 MHz.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

This device is housed in a 64-pin LQFP package (10 mm × 10 mm, 0.5 mm pitch) with exposed thermal pad, designated as "FFA" in Infineon's ordering code. Pin functions are defined across eight I/O ports (P0–P5, P7, P8), each supporting configurable digital input/output, alternate peripheral functions, and selectable pull-up/pull-down.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with SAX-XC878-13FFA 5V AA, the XC886 offers extended CAN capability and clock headroom at higher cost and complexity, while the TC1766 delivers 32-bit performance and Ethernet but sacrifices LIN timing accuracy and increases BOM cost-making the XC878 optimal for cost-constrained, LIN/CAN edge nodes.

Availability

SAX-XC878-13FFA 5V AA is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive body electronics, industrial motor drives, smart power outlets, and sensor hubs requiring stable component supply and long-term lifecycle assurance.

Supply support for SAX-XC878-13FFA 5V AA 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

Infineon Technologies AG is a German semiconductor manufacturer specializing in power management, automotive ICs, and security solutions, with global R&D and manufacturing infrastructure.

The XC87x family was designed specifically for cost-sensitive automotive body electronics and industrial motor control applications requiring integrated LIN, CAN, high-resolution ADC, and motor timing peripherals in an 8-bit footprint.

FAQ

What is the maximum operating frequency of the SAX-XC878-13FFA 5V AA?

The device supports a maximum system clock frequency of 26 MHz, achieved via internal PLL multiplication of an external crystal (1–20 MHz) or RC oscillator. This frequency is sustained across the full industrial temperature range (−40 °C to +125 °C) with 5 V supply, and enables zero-wait-state execution of all on-chip memory accesses.

Does the SAX-XC878-13FFA 5V AA support hardware LIN 2.1 compliance?

Yes-it includes dedicated LIN hardware that generates standardized headers with automatic synchronization break detection, parity calculation, and checksum generation per LIN 2.1 specification. This eliminates software timing dependencies and guarantees ±1.5% baud rate tolerance across voltage and temperature variations.

How is flash memory protected against unauthorized access or accidental overwrite?

Protection is implemented via a multi-layer scheme: Flash bank pagination allows sector-level locking; a password register (PW) must be written with a 16-bit key before any erase/write operation; and boot ROM can be permanently locked to prevent modification of startup code. These features are enforced in hardware and survive power cycles.

Can the ADC operate concurrently with CCU6-triggered PWM updates?

Yes-the 10-bit ADC supports hardware triggering from CCU6 events (e.g., center-aligned PWM zero crossing), enabling synchronized current sampling within 100 ns of PWM edge transitions. Conversion results are stored in dedicated result registers and can generate interrupts without CPU intervention.