MC68334GEH16 - 32-Bit CPU32 MCU 16MHz ROMless 132-PQFP | NXP
MPN: MC68334GEH16 ✗ End of Life| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $28.5 | $28.50 |
| 10 | $25.2 | $252.00 |
| 100 | $21.95 | $2,195.00 |
| 500 | $19.4 | $9,700.00 |
| 1,000 | $17.85 | $17,850.00 |
MC68334GEH16 Overview
A CPU32 microcontroller is a 32-bit embedded processor derived from the Motorola 68000 instruction set, optimized for deterministic real-time control. Within the broader chip taxonomy, it sits as: CPU32 -> M68300 family -> 32-bit microcontroller -> embedded processor -> semiconductor. CPU32 devices were widely deployed in automotive powertrain, chassis electronics, body controllers, and industrial automation before ARM-based MCUs took market share. The ROMless design forces external program memory, providing flexibility for late-stage firmware updates and large code bases.
Key features include the on-chip Time Processing Unit (TPU), which offloads complex timing functions (PWM, capture, pulse measurement) from the CPU, plus a System Integration Module that integrates chip-select logic, DRAM refresh, and interrupt control. The 132-pin PQFP exposes address, data, and peripheral buses for external memory and I/O expansion.
The CPU32 core uses a 32-bit internal architecture with a 16-bit external data bus (CISC design), a 3-stage instruction pipeline, and 4 GB linear address space. The 16 MHz clock yields roughly 2-4 MIPS performance depending on the instruction mix, sufficient for the 1990s-2000s automotive ECU workloads where it was deployed.
Typical applications include automotive engine control units, anti-lock brake systems (ABS), electronic stability control, industrial motion controllers, and SCADA equipment. The ROMless architecture supports large external flash for over-the-air firmware updates.
When designing with this device, account for its mature 5V CMOS I/O and the legacy 132-pin PQFP footprint, which requires through-hole-compatible surface-mount pads. Confirm RoHS status per lot since earlier PQFP production runs were non-RoHS.
Drop-in alternatives for MC68334GEH16 — same package, pin-to-pin compatible. Different-package parts requiring PCB rework are excluded.
Variants in this series
Same-series models that are drop-in compatible with MC68334GEH16 (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Core, Package, Supply Voltage, Number of I/O, Operating Temperature.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
MC68334GCEH16
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
MC68376BGVAB25
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$17.5 / Unit
View Datasheet →MC68332AVEH16
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified✓ In Stock
$28.3 / Unit
View Datasheet →MC68CK16Z1CAG16
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified✓ In Stock
$12.6 / Unit
View Datasheet →MC68376BGVAB25
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$17.5 / Unit
View Datasheet →MC68334GEH16 Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core | CPU32 (M68300 family) |
| Architecture | 32-bit CISC, 68000-derived |
| Maximum CPU Frequency | 16 MHz |
| Program Memory | ROMless (external memory required) |
| On-chip RAM | 1 KB |
| Time Processing Unit (TPU) | Yes (on-chip) |
| System Integration Module (SIM) | Yes (on-chip, with chip-select logic and DRAM refresh) |
| External Data Bus | 16-bit |
| External Address Bus | 24-bit (16 MB linear) |
| Package | 132-pin PQFP (24.13 x 24.13 mm) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| I/O Voltage | 5 V CMOS |
MC68334GEH16 132-pin pqfp (24.13 x 24.13 mm) Pin Configuration Guide
Pin configuration for MC68334GEH16 (132-pin pqfp (24.13 x 24.13 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 MC68334GEH16.
Refer to the datasheet for full pin configuration.
Typical Applications
MC68334GEH16 is suitable for 6 applications: Automotive Engine Control Unit (ECU), Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) Controller, Industrial Motion Controller, Body Control Module (BCM), SCADA and Industrial Telemetry, Legacy Telecom Infrastructure.
Automotive Engine Control Unit (ECU)
The MC68334GEH16's 16 MHz CPU32 core with integrated Time Processing Unit (TPU) and System Integration Module (SIM) makes it historically suited for engine control modules. The TPU handles crank/cam timing capture and fuel injector PWM with deterministic sub-microsecond response, offloading these real-time tasks from the CPU32 pipeline. The ROMless architecture with 24-bit external address bus supports large calibration tables and over-the-air firmware update capability through external NOR flash. Note: this is a legacy component; modern ECUs use ARM Cortex-R/M devices with AUTOSAR support.
Recommended
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) Controller
Anti-lock brake systems require deterministic real-time wheel-speed processing and PWM valve control, which the MC68334GEH16's TPU was specifically designed to handle. The TPU microcoded engine processes 4-channel wheel-speed capture and ABS valve PWM without burdening the CPU32 instruction pipeline, meeting the millisecond-class response required by ISO 11898 ABS functional safety profiles. The 5V CMOS I/O tolerates the noisy 12V automotive bus environment typical of brake system electronics. Migration to modern ASIL-D compliant ABS controllers is recommended for new designs.
Recommended
Industrial Motion Controller
The MC68334GEH16 served as the CPU core for industrial motion controllers driving stepper and servo motor systems through its TPU-based PWM generators and quadrature encoder interfaces. Its SIM with integrated chip-select logic simplified glue logic around external SRAM, DRAM, and ADC/DAC peripherals on the motion control board. The 16 MHz CPU32 with 16-bit external data bus delivered sufficient throughput for 4-axis stepper control with closed-loop PID. Modern replacements include the MKV56F512VLL24 with ARM Cortex-M7 and dedicated motor control peripherals.
Recommended
Body Control Module (BCM)
Body control modules aggregate vehicle functions including lighting, wipers, door locks, and instrument cluster interfaces - tasks that the MC68334GEH16 historically handled through its 16-bit timer, queued serial module, and SIM-managed chip-selects. The 1 KB on-chip RAM and 24-bit address bus accommodate the BCM firmware footprint while external flash storage enables feature set updates during the vehicle lifecycle. The 5V CMOS logic interfaces directly with automotive 12V bus through discrete level shifters. This is a legacy application; modern BCMs use ARM Cortex-M4F with CAN FD and LIN peripherals.
Recommended
SCADA and Industrial Telemetry
SCADA outstation equipment used the MC68334GEH16 as a serial communication and protocol processing engine, leveraging its queued serial module for multi-drop RS-485 industrial networks and the SIM for chip-select-driven modem interfaces. The 32-bit CPU32 with 16 MHz throughput was sufficient for parsing DNP3 and Modbus RTU frames while the TPU handled pulse counting for utility metering applications. The wide operating temperature range of industrial-grade lots (typically -40C to +85C) suited outdoor cabinet deployments.
Recommended
Legacy Telecom Infrastructure
The MC68334GEH16 was deployed in telecom switching equipment and base station controllers of the late 1990s and early 2000s, taking advantage of its TPU for framing pulse timing and its queued serial module for HDLC-style data link layer processing. The CPU32 with 16-bit external bus delivered sufficient throughput for T1/E1 link management and SS7 signaling while external program memory allowed field firmware revisions. Modern replacements use multicore DSPs or ARM Cortex-A processors with hardware crypto acceleration.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for MC68334GEH16 — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | MC68334GCEH16 | MC68376BGVAB25 | MC68332AVEH16 | MC68CK16Z1CAG16 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 132-PQFP (24.13 x 24.13 mm) | 132-PQFP (24.13 x 24.13 mm) - same | 132-PQFP (24.13 x 24.13 mm) - same | 132-PQFP (24.13 x 24.13 mm) - same | 132-PQFP (24.13 x 24.13 mm) - same |
| Brand | NXP Semiconductors | NXP Semiconductors | NXP Semiconductors | NXP Semiconductors | NXP Semiconductors |
| Core Architecture | CPU32 (32-bit CISC) | CPU32 (32-bit CISC) | CPU32 (32-bit CISC) | CPU32 (32-bit CISC) | CPU16 (16/32-bit CISC) |
| Maximum CPU Frequency | 16 MHz | 16 MHz | 25 MHz | 16 MHz | 16 MHz |
| On-chip RAM | 1 KB | 1 KB | 4 KB | 2 KB | 2 KB |
| Program Memory | ROMless (external) | ROMless (external) | ROMless (external) | ROMless (external) | ROMless (external) |
| Time Processing Unit (TPU) | Yes | Yes | Yes | Different timer (no TPU) | Yes |
| External Data Bus Width | 16-bit | 16-bit | 16-bit | 16-bit | 16-bit |
| Lifecycle Status | NRND | NRND | NRND | NRND | NRND |
Key Differentiators
- Lower CPU speed than upgrade variant MC68376BGVAB25 (vs MC68376BGVAB25)
- Includes Time Processing Unit (TPU) for deterministic I/O (vs MC68332AVEH16)
- 32-bit CPU32 core versus 16/32-bit CPU16 (vs MC68CK16Z1CAG16)
- 1 KB on-chip RAM is limited compared to upgrade variants (vs MC68376BGVAB25)
Design Notes
Estimated: The MC68334GEH16 5V CMOS I/O and 132-pin PQFP footprint are legacy by modern standards. Do not assume drop-in compatibility with the MC68332AVEH16 or MC68376BGVAB25 without checking the SIM register map and TPU channel pin assignments - while the package is the same 132-PQFP, peripheral pin multiplexing differs across M68300 variants. Verify the exact pinout against the manufacturer datasheet before PCB layout reuse. Additionally, confirm RoHS status per lot since earlier PQFP production runs used SnPb finishes.
The MC68334GEH16 requires a stable 5V supply with the VCC ramp time within the datasheet specification to avoid latch-up of the 5V CMOS I/O. Decoupling requires 100 nF ceramic capacitors at each VCC pin, plus bulk electrolytic capacitance near the package. The ROMless design means the external bus drivers can produce high transient currents during external memory accesses - place bulk capacitors within 25 mm of the package. Estimated typical supply current at 16 MHz is approximately 80-120 mA depending on peripheral activity.
The 132-pin PQFP with 0.635 mm lead pitch requires solder-pad geometry that matches the manufacturer mechanical drawing precisely - pads that are too narrow will cause opens, pads too wide will cause solder bridges. Use a 4-layer PCB with a continuous ground plane beneath the package to control impedance of the external address/data bus traces. Keep bus traces under 50 mm with matched lengths within 10 mm to avoid setup/hold violations on external memory accesses at 16 MHz.
Route the external address and data buses in a controlled-impedance stripline configuration on the inner PCB layers with via-stitching to ground on both sides of each bus trace. Place external SRAM, DRAM, and flash memories within 50 mm trace length to maintain timing margins at 16 MHz CPU clock. The TPU I/O pins should be routed with matched lengths if used for synchronized PWM outputs in motor control applications. Add a 4.7 kohm pull-up on the RESET line to prevent spurious resets during power-up.
Compliance Information
All compliance attributes are lot-dependent for the MC68334GEH16 due to its long production history spanning the transition to RoHS. Earlier PQFP production runs used SnPb finishes and pre-RoHS materials, while later lots may have transitioned to lead-free finishes. Verify compliance per lot via the manufacturer's lot-specific material declaration before deploying in RoHS-restricted or automotive-qualified production.
