MC68340AB16EB1 - 16MHz CPU32 MPU, DMA, 144-QFP | Freescale
MPN: MC68340AB16EB1 ✗ End of Life| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $28.5 | $28.50 |
| 10 | $25.2 | $252.00 |
| 100 | $22.75 | $2,275.00 |
| 500 | $19.8 | $9,900.00 |
| 1,000 | $17.95 | $17,950.00 |
MC68340AB16EB1 Overview
A microprocessor (MPU) is the central processing unit of an embedded system, executing instructions fetched from external memory and orchestrating peripherals. The MC68340 belongs to the broader 68000 family of CISC processors (CPU32 -> M68000 -> 32-bit microprocessor -> embedded processor -> semiconductor IC), an architecture that powered early UNIX workstations, gaming consoles, and millions of embedded industrial controllers throughout the 1990s and 2000s. The integration of DMA alongside the core reduces external bus traffic and improves throughput for data-intensive peripherals.
Key features include a 32-bit data bus, integrated two-channel DMA controller, parallel I/O, dual timers, and a 16 MHz system clock that delivers approximately 4 MIPS of integer performance. The 144-QFP package offers generous pin count for address, data, and peripheral signals. According to verified distributor data, the part is supplied via Rochester Electronics as a long-term semiconductor stocking partner for legacy NXP/Freescale components.
Typical applications include industrial automation controllers, point-of-sale terminals, networked routers, automotive body electronics, and legacy telecom infrastructure. The MC68340's integrated peripherals made it popular for designs where board space and BOM cost mattered more than raw compute throughput.
When designing with this device, verify the 5V supply rail noise budget and ensure the external memory interface timing meets the CPU32 wait-state requirements. For new designs, consider whether a ColdFire or ARM Cortex-M replacement offers lower power consumption while maintaining compatibility through a software abstraction layer.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, lifecycle data, and engineering alternatives not consolidated in the original Freescale datasheet, providing decision-ready context for embedded engineers maintaining legacy 68k platforms.
Drop-in alternatives for MC68340AB16EB1 — 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 MC68340AB16EB1 (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Operating Supply Voltage, Package, Series.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
MC68340AG16EB1
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
MC68340CAB16EB1
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
MC68340AB16E
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
MC68340FE16
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
MC68340AB16EB1 Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | CPU32 (M68000-compatible, 32-bit) |
| Core Count | 1 |
| Data Bus Width | 32-bit |
| Maximum Clock Frequency | 16 MHz (16.78 MHz per Rochester) |
| Series | MC68xx |
| Operating Supply Voltage | 5 V |
| Integrated DMA Channels | 2 |
| On-chip Timers | Yes (dual 16-bit timers) |
| Serial I/O | Yes (UART) |
| Package | 144-QFP (28x28 mm) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Terminal Form | Gull Wing |
| Package Code | QFP |
| Package Shape | Square |
| Temperature Grade | Commercial |
MC68340AB16EB1 square Pin Configuration Guide
Pin configuration for MC68340AB16EB1 (square 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 MC68340AB16EB1.
Refer to the datasheet for full pin configuration.
Typical Applications
MC68340AB16EB1 is suitable for 6 applications: Industrial Automation Controllers, Point-of-Sale Terminals, Legacy Network Routers and Telecom Equipment, Automotive Body Electronics (Legacy), Test and Measurement Instrumentation, Medical Device Controllers (Legacy).
Industrial Automation Controllers
The MC68340AB16EB1's integrated DMA, dual timers, and parallel I/O make it well-suited for industrial PLC and motion controller designs where deterministic response and low BOM count are priorities. The CPU32 core delivers 4 MIPS at 16 MHz, sufficient for ladder-logic execution, encoder counting via timers, and fieldbus communication through the UART. The 144-QFP package exposes generous address/data bus width for external SRAM and Flash memory interfaces typical in industrial applications. Its commercial temperature grade and Rochester Electronics long-term supply make it attractive for factory automation lines requiring 10-15 year service intervals. Engineers can leverage existing 68k firmware without recompilation, preserving validated control algorithms. The on-chip DMA offloads high-speed data transfer from the CPU, enabling precise servo-loop timing in CNC and robotics applications.
Recommended
Point-of-Sale Terminals
The MC68340AB16EB1 was widely deployed in point-of-sale (POS) terminals during the 1990s and remains in service today across retail and hospitality systems. Its integrated UART supports serial peripherals such as receipt printers and barcode scanners, while the parallel I/O drives keypads and customer displays. The CPU32 core's 32-bit address space allows direct memory access for transaction logging, encrypting card data, and managing network stacks. According to Freescale reference designs, the on-chip DMA enables efficient buffer management for EFT (electronic funds transfer) communications over Ethernet or modem connections. The 5V supply and 144-QFP package align with legacy POS board layouts, simplifying field replacement and refurbishment workflows. Rochester Electronics continues to supply the part for ongoing maintenance of deployed terminals worldwide.
Recommended
Legacy Network Routers and Telecom Equipment
The MC68340AB16EB1 served as the central processor in early WAN routers, CSU/DSU units, and base-station controllers where its integrated peripherals reduced board complexity. Its CPU32 core executes routing protocols, while the DMA channels manage packet buffer transfers between memory and serial network interfaces without CPU intervention. The 16 MHz clock is adequate for sub-10 Mbps serial links typical of legacy telecom infrastructure. Engineers maintaining these systems rely on Rochester Electronics' long-term supply to keep networks operational. Compared to a discrete M68000 plus external DMA chip, the MC68340 saves 3-4 ICs per board, reducing power consumption and improving reliability in 24/7 telecom deployments. The 144-QFP package provides the address and data bus width required for external DRAM and Flash memory expansions.
Recommended
Automotive Body Electronics (Legacy)
Although superseded by automotive-grade microcontrollers, the MC68340AB16EB1 powered body controllers, instrument clusters, and HVAC modules in 1990s-era vehicles. The CPU32 core handled dashboard displays via parallel I/O, while timers generated PWM signals for motor control of mirrors and HVAC dampers. The integrated DMA offloaded sensor data acquisition, freeing the CPU for display refresh and CAN bus communication. Today, Rochester Electronics supplies this part for maintaining classic and specialty vehicles where modern MCUs would require extensive harness modifications. Engineers should note that the commercial temperature grade (0C to +70C) limits under-hood use; the MC68340AG16EB1 variant offers an extended range for harsher environments. The 144-QFP package is robust against vibration when properly mechanically secured.
Recommended
Test and Measurement Instrumentation
The MC68340AB16EB1's combination of 32-bit processing, DMA, and parallel I/O made it a popular choice for oscilloscopes, spectrum analyzers, and data acquisition systems in the late 1990s. The CPU32 core executes DSP-adjacent algorithms for waveform analysis, while DMA streams ADC samples into memory buffers without CPU overhead. The UART supports GPIB or RS-232 instrument control interfaces. The 5V supply rail is tolerant of analog front-end power supply noise common in measurement equipment. According to Freescale application notes, the on-chip timers generate precise sample-rate clocks for multi-channel data acquisition. The 144-QFP package accommodates the wide address space required for large waveform memory buffers. Legacy instruments in calibration labs continue to rely on this part for service and repair.
Recommended
Medical Device Controllers (Legacy)
The MC68340AB16EB1 was deployed in medical monitoring and infusion pump controllers where its deterministic CPU32 core and integrated peripherals met regulatory requirements for predictable behavior. The DMA channels handle real-time vital sign acquisition, while timers control infusion rates with microsecond precision. The 32-bit address space supports memory-mapped interfaces to LCD displays, keypads, and alarm systems. Medical device manufacturers maintain legacy equipment fleets for 15-20 years, sourcing the MC68340 from Rochester Electronics to honor service contracts. The 5V supply rail aligns with existing medical equipment power architectures. Engineers porting to modern platforms should evaluate NXP Kinetis or STM32 families with comparable peripheral integration and IEC 60730 software libraries for functional safety compliance.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for MC68340AB16EB1 — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | MC68340AG16EB1 | MC68340CAB16EB1 | MC68340AB16E | MC68340FE16 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | NXP Semiconductors / Freescale | NXP Semiconductors / Freescale | NXP Semiconductors / Freescale | NXP Semiconductors / Freescale | NXP Semiconductors / Freescale |
| Package | 144-QFP (28x28 mm) | 144-QFP (28x28 mm) - same | 144-QFP (28x28 mm) - same | 144-QFP (28x28 mm) - same | 144-QFP (28x28 mm) - same |
| Clock Frequency | 16 MHz (16.78 MHz) | 16 MHz | 16 MHz | 16 MHz | 16 MHz |
| Core | CPU32 (32-bit) | CPU32 | CPU32 | CPU32 | CPU32 (enhanced peripherals) |
| DMA Channels | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 (enhanced) |
| Temperature Grade | Commercial (0C to +70C) | Extended industrial | Commercial | Commercial | Commercial |
| Supply Voltage | 5 V | 5 V | 5 V | 5 V | 5 V |
| Lifecycle Status | NRND | NRND | NRND | NRND | NRND |
Key Differentiators
- Long-term supply via Rochester Electronics (vs MC68340CAB16EB1)
- Commercial temperature grade baseline (vs MC68340AG16EB1)
- Integrated peripheral set (vs MC68340FE16)
Design Notes
The MC68340AB16EB1 operates from a single 5V supply and draws approximately 80-120 mA active. Place a 0.1 uF ceramic decoupling capacitor adjacent to each VCC pin, with a 10 uF tantalum bulk capacitor on the supply rail. DMA burst activity creates transient current spikes up to 200 mA, so the bulk capacitor must be sized to maintain VCC within 5% tolerance during worst-case bus cycles. Estimated: assuming 16 MHz bus and 32-bit transfers, average active current is 100 mA with peaks of 200 mA.
The 144-QFP package has 0.5 mm lead pitch and gull-wing terminations. Use a land pattern with at least 0.25 mm trace width between pads and ensure solder mask dam width of 0.15 mm to prevent bridging. Route address and data buses in byte-lane groups with matched trace lengths (within 2 cm) to minimize skew. Keep clock traces short and isolated from I/O signals; place a ground guard trace adjacent to the system clock output.
Do not substitute the MC68340AB16EB1 with the MC68340FE16 variant without verifying errata documentation, as the FE16 has a different chip-select mapping. Ensure wait-state generator settings match the external memory access time; SRAM at 70 ns typically requires 1 wait state at 16 MHz. Verify reset supervisor (active-low RESET with hysteresis) holds the CPU for at least 100 ms after power stable to allow oscillator stabilization.
Compliance Information
Compliance data not provided in verified web sources. Refer to NXP/Freescale legacy documentation or contact Rochester Electronics for current RoHS/REACH declarations.
