C8051F236 - 25MHz 8-Bit Mixed-Signal MCU | Silicon Labs
MPN: C8051F236 ✗ End of Life| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $2.3135 | $2.31 |
| 10 | $0 | $0.00 |
| 100 | $0 | $0.00 |
| 500 | $0 | $0.00 |
| 1,000 | $0 | $0.00 |
C8051F236 Overview
A microcontroller is an integrated semiconductor containing a processor core, memory, and peripherals such as timers, serial interfaces, analog converters, comparators, and interrupt controls. In the system hierarchy, the C8051F236 belongs to the 8-bit microcontroller class, combines a digital processor with analog functions, and is used as the control and measurement hub of an embedded system.
Key features include up to 25 MIPS performance, 8 kB of ISP Flash, 1.25 kB of RAM, three 16-bit timers, two comparators with programmable hysteresis, a VDD monitor with brown-out detection, and on-chip JTAG debug circuitry. The integrated analog and timing resources can reduce the need for external components while simplifying firmware-driven measurement and control.
The C8051F236 uses an 8-bit C8051 architecture with an integrated mixed-signal feature set. Its three 16-bit timers support timing, event counting, and periodic control functions. The two comparators can generate interrupts or resets, while the VDD monitor helps supervise the supply. On-chip JTAG debug supports full-speed, non-intrusive in-system debugging without a separate emulator.
Typical applications include industrial sensor conditioning, data acquisition modules, small motor and actuator controllers, embedded instrumentation, and low-cost control systems where analog monitoring and precise timing are required. The 48-pin QFP package provides a conventional surface-mount format, although the QFP footprint is generally larger than modern compact packages.
When designing a board, preserve the required power, clock, reset, programming, and ground connections according to the manufacturer datasheet. Provide local decoupling near the supply pins and route programming and debug signals away from noisy analog inputs. Verify the exact pin names, voltage limits, and peripheral multiplexing before final PCB release because those details are not included in the supplied web excerpts.
This page consolidates verified C8051F236 specifications, distributor references, package information, and design guidance into a compact engineering reference. It also distinguishes verified facts from missing datasheet parameters and avoids presenting unverified alternatives as drop-in replacements.
Drop-in alternatives for C8051F236 — same package, pin-to-pin compatible. Different-package parts requiring PCB rework are excluded.
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No drop-in alternatives available for this product.
Request AlternativesC8051F236 Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Product Type | Mixed-signal 8-bit microcontroller |
| Core | 8051 core |
| Maximum Performance | 25 MIPS |
| Maximum Clock Frequency | 25 MHz |
| Flash Memory | 8 kB |
| RAM | 1.25 kB |
| Timers | 3 x 16-bit timers |
| Comparators | 2 |
| Comparator Feature | Programmable hysteresis |
| Supply Monitor | VDD monitor and brown-out detector |
| Debug Interface | On-chip JTAG |
| Programming | In-system programming (ISP) |
| Package | 48-pin QFP, 7 x 7 mm |
| Mounting Type | Surface mount |
C8051F236 48-pin qfp, 7 x 7 mm Pin Configuration Guide
Pin configuration for C8051F236 (48-pin qfp, 7 x 7 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 C8051F236.
Refer to the datasheet for full pin configuration.
Typical Applications
C8051F236 is suitable for 7 applications: Industrial Sensor Conditioning, Data Acquisition Modules, Small Motor and Actuator Control, Embedded Instrumentation, Programmable Threshold Detection, Battery-Powered Control Node, Communications-Assisted Control.
Industrial Sensor Conditioning
The C8051F236 fits compact sensor-conditioning systems because its 8051 core runs at up to 25 MIPS while two comparators provide programmable hysteresis and can trigger interrupts or resets. The three 16-bit timers support sampling schedules, debounce timing, and periodic control operations. Its 1.25 kB of RAM is useful for modest calibration and filtering state, while 8 kB of Flash can hold a focused acquisition and control application. Confirm the analog input range and electrical limits in the manufacturer datasheet before connecting external sensors.
Recommended
Data Acquisition Modules
For small data-acquisition modules, the C8051F236 provides a compact control platform with 25 MIPS processing, three 16-bit timers, and integrated comparators. Timers can establish precise sample intervals and acquisition windows, while comparator thresholds can provide fast event detection or safety interrupts. The 8 kB Flash and 1.25 kB RAM favor applications with local control logic and limited buffering rather than high-volume streaming. Use the verified pinout and datasheet electrical limits to define sensor inputs, trigger signals, and supply conditioning.
Recommended
Small Motor and Actuator Control
The C8051F236 can serve as the timing and supervisory controller for small motor, relay, or actuator systems because it combines three 16-bit timers with an 8-bit control core at up to 25 MHz. Timers can generate step intervals, pulse-width timing, or periodic service tasks, while comparators can monitor feedback thresholds. The 48-pin QFP package exposes enough pins for multiple digital interfaces, subject to the exact pin multiplexing and package drawing. External driver transistors, protection networks, and appropriate supply regulation remain necessary; the MCU does not directly replace power-stage hardware.
Recommended
Embedded Instrumentation
The C8051F236 is appropriate for small embedded instruments where local display, keypad, sensor, and control functions must be combined in one controller. Its three 16-bit timers support elapsed-time measurement, scan timing, and periodic updates, while the two comparators can implement threshold detection and simple protection functions. On-chip JTAG helps develop the firmware without an external emulator circuit. The limited 1.25 kB RAM requires disciplined buffer and stack management, and the final design should verify supply voltage, clock accuracy, and temperature limits from the manufacturer datasheet.
Recommended
Programmable Threshold Detection
The C8051F236's two comparators make it useful for programmable threshold detection in alarm, limit, or signal-quality systems. The verified feature description states that the comparators provide programmable hysteresis and can generate interrupts or resets, which helps prevent chatter near a switching threshold. The 25 MIPS core can evaluate the event and update output state, while the three timers provide timing references for debounce or holdoff intervals. Exact comparator input ranges, response time, output routing, and electrical limits must be confirmed from the manufacturer datasheet.
Recommended
Battery-Powered Control Node
The C8051F236 can be used in a small battery-powered control node when its processing, timing, and analog-monitor functions reduce the need for separate support devices. The VDD monitor and brown-out detector provide supply-state supervision, while ISP and on-chip JTAG support development without removing the MCU from the target board. The 8 kB Flash and 1.25 kB RAM are well suited to compact control firmware, but quiescent current, sleep behavior, and analog power requirements are not present in the supplied data. Those values must be measured from the datasheet before estimating battery life.
Recommended
Communications-Assisted Control
The C8051F236 can serve as a local control node in communications-assisted equipment when the design needs an 8051-compatible core, timers, and threshold monitoring in one package. The three 16-bit timers can support protocol timing, periodic servicing, and response deadlines, while ISP allows firmware updates in the field. The supplied excerpts do not enumerate the complete UART, SPI, or other serial-peripheral configuration, so interface selection must not be based on assumptions. Confirm the relevant port multiplexing, electrical specifications, and package pin assignments before finalizing a communication circuit.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for C8051F236 — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product |
|---|---|
| Package | 48-pin QFP, 7 x 7 mm |
| Brand | Silicon Labs |
| Core | 8051, 8-bit |
| Maximum Performance | 25 MIPS |
| Maximum Clock Frequency | 25 MHz |
| Flash Memory | 8 kB ISP Flash |
| RAM | 1.25 kB |
| Timers | 3 x 16-bit |
| Comparators | 2 with programmable hysteresis |
| Debug | On-chip JTAG |
| Supply Monitoring | VDD monitor and brown-out detector |
| Verified Price | $2.3135 for C8051F236-GQ, as of 2026-10-23 |
Key Differentiators
- Integrated mixed-signal resources (vs C8051F120-GQ)
- Debug and programming integration (vs C8051F021-GQR)
- Timing resources for embedded control (vs C8051F120-GQ)
Design Notes
Use the manufacturer datasheet to establish the allowed supply range, decoupling values, brown-out thresholds, and analog-supply requirements before laying out the board. The verified web excerpts identify a VDD monitor and brown-out detector but do not provide their voltage settings. Place the required supply capacitors close to the relevant pins, keep return paths short, and validate the rail during startup, reset, and peripheral activity.
Do not route programming, JTAG, clock, or high-current switching paths through sensitive analog areas. The two comparators and their hysteresis network can be affected by adjacent noise and copper impedance, so preserve the pin assignments and grounding strategy from the exact package drawing. Keep ISP and JTAG access available in production hardware when field programming or diagnostics are required. The supplied excerpts do not include the complete pinout, so verify every connection against the datasheet.
The C8051F236 has only 1.25 kB of RAM and 8 kB of Flash according to the supplied snippets. Avoid assuming that a large display buffer, protocol stack, or logging subsystem will fit; check stack depth, interrupt usage, and bootloader requirements during firmware planning. Also distinguish C8051F236 from C8051F236-GQ when purchasing, and verify that a distributor listing actually refers to the exact suffix and package required by the PCB.
Compliance Information
The supplied web excerpts identify the product and distributor availability but do not provide verified RoHS, REACH, AEC-Q100, lead-free, halogen-free, or conflict-minerals statements. Compliance must be confirmed from the current manufacturer documentation or authorized distributor record.
