C8051F230 - 25MHz 8-Bit Flash MCU | Silicon Labs
MPN: C8051F230 ✗ End of Life| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $13.41 | $13.41 |
| 10 | $0 | $0.00 |
| 100 | $0 | $0.00 |
| 500 | $0 | $0.00 |
| 1,000 | $0 | $0.00 |
C8051F230 Overview
A microcontroller is a semiconductor device that integrates a processor core, memory, and peripherals into one package. The C8051F230 belongs to the C8051F2xx family and is an 8-bit MCU, meaning its internal data path and instruction set operate on 8-bit values. Its 25 MHz clock provides the timing basis for executing firmware and controlling external hardware, while the 8 KB Flash memory stores program code. This device is distinct from a general-purpose microprocessor because it also incorporates embedded-system peripherals and digital I/O.
The verified C8051F230 information identifies the part as a highly integrated mixed-signal 8-bit MCU. The family also includes communication and timing resources referenced in the cross-reference data, including SPI, UART, and three 16-bit timers. The 48-TQFP package exposes the device's I/O and mixed-signal connections through a relatively high pin count, making it suitable for prototypes and embedded industrial or control designs that need more external connectivity than a small-package MCU.
C8051F230 is primarily suited to embedded control, data acquisition, communication, and low-to-medium-speed automation. Its 8-bit architecture can handle digital control, sensor conditioning, actuator control, and communication tasks when firmware requirements do not demand a high-performance 32-bit processor. The mixed-signal positioning is useful when a design must combine digital control with analog or sensor-related functions, although exact ADC, DAC, timer, and electrical details must be confirmed in the manufacturer documentation before final design release.
Designers should preserve the 48-TQFP footprint, verify pin multiplexing, and confirm the device-specific oscillator, reset, programming, and peripheral requirements against the manufacturer datasheet. Software compatibility must also be checked because a family-compatible MCU can differ in memory size, peripheral availability, and package pin assignment. The provided verified data supports the 25 MHz core speed, 8-bit architecture, 8 KB Flash memory, and 48-pin TQFP package, but does not provide a complete electrical timing or pin-function table.
This product page combines verified distributor specifications, package information, lifecycle caveat handling, comparison fields, and engineering-oriented design guidance. It is intended to support initial component selection and sourcing review, while final procurement and firmware deployment should use the latest manufacturer datasheet and authorized distributor inventory data as of 2026-10-23.
Drop-in alternatives for C8051F230 — same package, pin-to-pin compatible. Different-package parts requiring PCB rework are excluded.
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Request AlternativesC8051F230 Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Product Type | 8-bit mixed-signal microcontroller |
| Processor Family | C8051F2xx |
| Maximum Clock | 25 MHz |
| Data Bus Width | 8 bit |
| Flash Memory | 8 KB (8K x 8) |
| RAM Memory | 0.25 kB |
| Package | 48-pin TQFP (7x7 mm) |
| Core | 8051 |
| Programming | In-system programming (ISP) Flash |
| Communication Interfaces | SPI and UART |
| Timers | 3 x 16-bit timers |
| ADC Resolution | 8-bit or 12-bit, depending on family variant |
| ADC Input Multiplexer | Up to 32-channel input multiplexer |
| ADC INL | ±1/4 LSB at 8-bit; ±2 LSB at 12-bit |
| ADC Conversion Rate | Up to 100 ksps |
| Mounting Type | Surface mount |
C8051F230 48-pin tqfp (7x7 mm) Pin Configuration Guide
Pin configuration for C8051F230 (48-pin tqfp (7x7 mm) package). This digital IC includes GPIO, communication interfaces (UART, SPI, I2C), and power pins. Refer to the manufacturer datasheet for alternate pin functions and configuration options. Essential for embedded system design and PCB layout.
No detailed pinout data available for C8051F230.
Refer to the datasheet for full pin configuration.
Typical Applications
C8051F230 is suitable for 7 applications: Embedded Industrial Control, Sensor Data Acquisition, UART Communication Controller, SPI-Based Peripheral Controller, Timing and Motor-Control Platform, Educational 8051 Training Platform, Compact Instrumentation Controller.
Embedded Industrial Control
The Silicon Labs C8051F230 fits compact embedded-control boards that need an 8051-compatible core, 25 MHz operation, 8 KB of Flash, timers, UART, and SPI. It can supervise digital I/O, coordinate sensor readings, and control actuators without requiring a larger processor. The mixed-signal MCU positioning is useful for industrial prototypes, although the verified data does not provide the complete electrical ratings or operating-temperature limits needed for final qualification.
Recommended
Sensor Data Acquisition
The C8051F230 is suitable for acquisition and conditioning systems built around its mixed-signal MCU capabilities. The verified family data references an input multiplexer of up to 32 channels and conversion rates up to 100 ksps, with resolution and input-linearity values that vary by family variant. Firmware can sample channels, filter results, and report measurements through UART or SPI, but the exact ADC configuration for this ordering code must be confirmed.
Recommended
UART Communication Controller
The C8051F230 can serve as the central controller in a compact UART bridge, configuration interface, or serial test fixture. Its verified family information includes UART communication and three 16-bit timers, allowing firmware to handle received commands, generate periodic activity, and pass data to another peripheral. Designers should verify baud-rate, parity, framing, and alternate-pin details in the manufacturer datasheet before laying out the PCB.
Recommended
SPI-Based Peripheral Controller
For designs requiring a short, deterministic peripheral bus, the C8051F230 can use its verified SPI capability to connect sensors, flash, displays, or converters. The 8051 firmware can manage transactions and timers while the mixed-signal MCU handles local control functions. The verified data does not specify SPI clock range or signal voltage, so those parameters must be taken from the complete C8051F230 datasheet and the selected peripheral requirements.
Recommended
Timing and Motor-Control Platform
The three 16-bit timers identified in the verified family data make the C8051F230 relevant to timing, stepper-motor, valve, and small actuator-control systems. Firmware can generate precise timing sequences, count external events, and coordinate outputs while UART or SPI provides supervisory control. Actual motor voltage, current, isolation, thermal protection, and safety requirements are application-specific and are not supplied by the verified data.
Recommended
Educational 8051 Training Platform
The C8051F230 is well suited to training and laboratory systems that teach 8051 firmware, timer use, serial communication, SPI, and mixed-signal measurement. Its 25 MHz core and 8 KB of Flash provide a defined platform for interrupt exercises, peripheral experiments, and embedded-control demonstrations. Educators should verify development-tool support and the exact memory map because the supplied data does not include a current toolchain recommendation.
Recommended
Compact Instrumentation Controller
The C8051F230 can act as the control MCU in compact test and measurement equipment, combining local sequencing, digital I/O, serial control, and mixed-signal acquisition. The verified 48-pin TQFP package provides external connections for sensors and support circuitry, while the 8-bit core handles control logic and user commands. Final instrumentation use requires checking analog accuracy, reference voltage, clock accuracy, operating temperature, and calibration requirements.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for C8051F230 — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | C8051F230-GQ | C8051F230-GQR | C8051F220 | C8051F221 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Silicon Labs | Silicon Labs | Silicon Labs | Silicon Labs | Silicon Labs |
| Processor Core | 8051 / C8051F2xx | C8051F2xx | C8051F2xx family context | C8051F2xx family context | C8051F2xx family context |
Key Differentiators
- Verified 8051-compatible 25 MHz MCU positioning (vs ATMEGA328-AU)
- Integrated mixed-signal control (vs STM32F030C8T6TR)
- Communication peripheral integration (vs ATMEGA328-AU)
- Legacy ecosystem compatibility (vs STM32F030C8T6TR)
Design Notes
Start the PCB layout by reserving the exact 48-pin TQFP land pattern and verifying the manufacturer pin numbering before routing. Because the complete pinout is not supplied in the verified data, do not infer analog, digital, power, ground, programming, or reset functions from package position alone. Check the latest package drawing and keep power and ground routing short and low-impedance.
Decouple each appropriate supply pin according to the manufacturer datasheet and place bulk and high-frequency capacitors close to the device pins. The verified data does not state the operating-voltage range or supply current, so voltage selection and capacitor values cannot be finalized from this page. Confirm rail limits, sequencing, startup behavior, and current budget before power-up.
Keep sensitive mixed-signal and communication routes away from noisy switching nodes and high-current return paths. If using SPI, UART, or ADC signals, match trace lengths where timing matters and provide common-return paths. Because exact pin multiplexing and ADC input requirements are unavailable in the supplied data, freeze the pin assignment only after reviewing the complete manufacturer documentation.
Do not treat the C8051F230, C8051F230-GQ, and C8051F230-GQR names as interchangeable without checking the ordering table. Suffix changes can affect package, temperature, qualification, or marking, while the supplied data does not provide a complete comparison. Also do not assume that every C8051F2xx member has identical ADC resolution, RAM, timers, or peripheral mapping.
Preserve the original toolchain, linker settings, register definitions, and boot or ISP workflow when replacing or sourcing a related C8051F2xx part. Firmware portability cannot be guaranteed from the processor-family label alone because memory sizes, peripheral registers, interrupts, and package pin functions may differ. Compile and run a hardware-in-the-loop smoke test before production use.
Compliance Information
The supplied verified results do not provide definitive compliance statements for the target C8051F230. Obtain current manufacturer or authorized-distributor documentation for the exact ordering code.
