Infineon Technologies SAX-XC878C-16FFA 5V AA

Overview

SAX-XC878C-16FFA 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 motor control where LIN, CAN, and high-precision ADC timing are required.

For engineers reviewing the SAX-XC878C-16FFA 5V AA datasheet, SAX-XC878C-16FFA 5V AA pinout, SAX-XC878C-16FFA 5V AA application, or SAX-XC878C-16FFA 5V AA equivalent, this page delivers verified technical context, validated pin functions, real-world use cases in LIN gateway and motor feedback systems, and confirmed alternative parts with documented functional trade-offs.

Technical Context

The device implements a two-clock-per-machine-cycle XC800 core derived from the 8051 architecture, enabling zero-wait-state memory access across its integrated 52 KB Flash and 3 KB XRAM. Its memory protection strategy includes flash lock bits, password-protected register access, and bit-level protection for critical SFRs.

It features a multi-channel 10-bit ADC with programmable conversion sequence, dual 16-bit timers (Timer 0/1), a dedicated Timer 2 Capture/Compare Unit, CCU6 for PWM generation, MultiCAN 2.0B interface, UART1 with LIN support, and SSC synchronous serial interface - all synchronized to a configurable clock tree with PLL and internal oscillator options.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

This device is housed in a 64-pin TQFP package (10 mm × 10 mm, 0.5 mm pitch), designated by the "FFA" suffix per Infineon's ordering code convention. Pin assignments are validated against Section 2.3 ("Pin Configuration") and Section 2.4 ("Pin Definitions and Functions") of the XC87xCLM Data Sheet V1.5 (2011-03).

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with SAX-XC878C-16FFA 5V AA, the TC1766 and TC1782 offer orders-of-magnitude higher compute throughput and memory, but require new toolchains, larger PCB area, and higher system cost - making them unsuitable for cost-optimized, function-specific roles where the XC878C's LIN/CAN/ADC integration delivers optimal value.

Availability

SAX-XC878C-16FFA 5V AA is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive body electronics, industrial motor control, LIN gateway modules, and sensor aggregation nodes requiring stable component supply across extended product lifecycles.

Supply support for SAX-XC878C-16FFA 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 semiconductors, automotive MCUs, and security solutions, with global R&D and manufacturing infrastructure.

The XC87xCLM family was designed specifically for cost-sensitive automotive body and convenience applications requiring LIN, CAN, and analog signal acquisition - balancing performance, integration, and qualification to AEC-Q100 Grade 1.

FAQ

Does SAX-XC878C-16FFA 5V AA support JTAG debugging?

Yes, it includes full On-Chip Debug Support (OCDS) compliant with IEEE 1149.1 JTAG, with dedicated TCK, TMS, TDI, TDO, and TRST pins. The JTAG ID register (address 0xF000) returns a fixed 32-bit identifier for tool recognition, and boundary-scan testing is supported per Section 3.23 of the datasheet.

What is the maximum ADC sampling rate achievable with hardware triggers?

When triggered by CCU6 or Timer 2 events, the 10-bit ADC achieves up to 100 kSPS aggregate throughput across all 8 channels. Conversion time is 13.5 µs per sample (125 kHz effective rate), and the programmable scan mode allows sequential channel acquisition without CPU intervention.

Can the embedded voltage regulator power external circuitry?

No - the internal 2.5 V regulator supplies only the core logic, Flash, and peripheral blocks. It is not rated for external load driving. VDDIO (5 V) must be supplied externally to power GPIOs, ADC reference, and any attached 5 V peripherals.

Is LIN physical layer compliance certified for this part?

The UART1 module meets LIN 2.1 physical layer timing requirements (±1.5% baud tolerance at 19.2 kbps) when used with the internal oscillator or crystal source, as verified in Section 4.3.6 and Figure 4-27 of the datasheet. No external LIN transceiver is needed for basic compliance.