MC68908GR16MFJE - 8-Bit HC08 MCU 16KB Flash 32-LQFP | NXP
MPN: MC68908GR16MFJE ⚠ Last Time Buy| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $14.1185 | $14.12 |
| 10 | $12.65 | $126.50 |
| 100 | $10.85 | $1,085.00 |
| 500 | $9.42 | $4,710.00 |
| 1,000 | $8.1 | $8,100.00 |
MC68908GR16MFJE Overview
An 8-bit microcontroller is a single-chip computer built around an 8-bit data path, integrating CPU, RAM, non-volatile program memory (Flash or ROM), and a curated set of on-chip peripherals (timers, communication controllers, ADC, GPIO). It sits within the broader hierarchy of microcontrollers -> MCUs -> embedded processors -> semiconductor IC. The HC08 architecture is fully upward-compatible object code with the M6805, M14805, and M68HC05 families, allowing legacy code reuse while offering a C-optimized instruction set, making the MCU well-suited for both hand-coded assembly and C compiler development environments.
Key features of the MC68908GR16MFJE include 16 KB (16K x 8) Flash, 1 KB SRAM, 21 digital I/O pins, an internal 8 MHz bus, integrated PWM channels for motor or LED control, and system-protection features such as LVD and POR. The 32-pin LQFP package provides generous board-level thermal dissipation and is friendly to hand-rework, simplifying prototype bring-up in education, hobbyist, and small-batch industrial designs.
Technical depth comes from the enhanced CPU08 core, which combines the legacy HC05 instruction set with improvements geared for C compilers, plus modular on-chip analog/digital peripherals configurable through software. The HC08G family's LinBus interface is tailored for automotive body and appliance networks where the LIN standard is dominant, allowing direct connection to LIN transceivers without external glue logic.
Typical applications include consumer-electronic controllers (small appliances, white goods, remote controls), industrial control modules (sensor front-ends, simple motor drivers via PWM), automotive LIN slaves (body controllers, seat/swirror nodes), and educational platforms teaching 8-bit embedded design. The combination of in-system programmable Flash and standard peripherals makes it attractive for short-cycle development.
When designing with the MC68908GR16MFJE, plan for an external crystal or resonator circuit on the OSC1/OSC2 pins (depending on the application) to define bus frequency, place decoupling capacitors immediately adjacent to VDD/VSS pins, and budget sufficient Flash endurance (typically 10K cycles) for field-reprogrammable products. Note that this part is marked Not For New Designs and is being phased toward PCN-discontinuance, so for new designs prefer the S08 (e.g., MC9S08) or Kinetis (Cortex-M0+) successors.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in alternatives, and design notes - including an honest lifecycle assessment and an EOL migration path to the S08 family - that are not aggregated on any single manufacturer or distributor page.
Drop-in alternatives for MC68908GR16MFJE — 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 MC68908GR16MFJE (same form factor and footprint) — differing in RAM Size, Package, Connectivity, Core Processor, EEPROM Size.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
MC68908GR16CFJE
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
MC68908GZ16CFJE
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
MC9S08GR16CFJE
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
MC908GZ32MFAE
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$8.95 / Unit
View Datasheet →MC9S08DZ16AMLC
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
MC68908GR16MFJE Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Processor | HC08 CPU08 |
| Core Size | 8-bit |
| Program Memory Size | 16 KB (16K x 8) Flash |
| RAM Size | 1 KB (1K x 8) |
| Maximum Internal Bus Frequency | 8 MHz |
| Number of I/O Lines | 21 |
| Connectivity | LINbus, SCI, SPI |
| Peripherals | LVD, POR, PWM |
| Package | 32-LQFP (7x7 mm) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
MC68908GR16MFJE Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | VDD — Positive supply voltage |
| Pin 2 | PTA0/TXD — GPIO / SCI transmit |
| Pin 3 | PTA1/RXD — GPIO / SCI receive |
| Pin 4 | PTA2 — GPIO |
| Pin 5 | PTA3 — GPIO |
| Pin 6 | PTA4 — GPIO |
| Pin 7 | PTA5 — GPIO |
| Pin 8 | PTA6 — GPIO |
| Pin 9 | PTA7 — GPIO |
| Pin 10 | VSS — Ground |
| Pin 11 | PTB0 — GPIO / PWM channel |
| Pin 12 | PTB1 — GPIO / PWM channel |
| Pin 13 | PTB2 — GPIO / SPI clock |
| Pin 14 | PTB3 — GPIO / SPI MOSI |
| Pin 15 | PTB4 — GPIO / SPI MISO |
| Pin 16 | PTB5 — GPIO / SPI SS |
| Pin 17 | PTC0 — GPIO |
| Pin 18 | PTC1 — GPIO |
| Pin 19 | PTC2 — GPIO |
| Pin 20 | PTC3 — GPIO |
| Pin 21 | PTC4 — GPIO / IRQ |
| Pin 22 | PTC5 — GPIO / TIM channel |
| Pin 23 | OSC1 — Crystal/oscillator input |
| Pin 24 | OSC2 — Crystal/oscillator output |
| Pin 25 | RST — Reset input (active low) |
| Pin 26 | IRQ — External interrupt |
| Pin 27 | VDD — Positive supply voltage (second VDD pin) |
| Pin 28 | PTC6 — GPIO |
| Pin 29 | PTC7 — GPIO |
| Pin 30 | PTD0 — GPIO |
| Pin 31 | PTD1 — GPIO |
| Pin 32 | VSS — Ground (second VSS pin) |
Typical Applications
MC68908GR16MFJE is suitable for 6 applications: Automotive LIN Slave Node, Small Appliance Motor Control, Industrial Sensor Front-End Module, Consumer Remote / IR Control, Educational 8-bit MCU Trainer Board, Smart Home Sensor Hub Node.
Automotive LIN Slave Node
Why this part fits: The MC68908GR16MFJE integrates an SCI/LINbus controller and 21 GPIOs, sized for low-end LIN 1.x/2.x slave nodes used in body-electronics. The HC08 core runs the standard LIN schedule table with deterministic 8 MHz execution, and 16 KB Flash holds the LIN state machine plus basic diagnostics. How it is used: The MCU is wired to a LIN transceiver such as the TJA1027 (NXP) on the LIN pin pair, with internal PWM driving a small motor or LED cluster on body modules such as seat controllers, window lifters, or mirror adjusters. Quantified trade-off: LIN is single-wire at 19.2 kbps, so the SCI hardware offloads UART framing; the 1 KB RAM constrains the diagnostic table to roughly 64 LIN frames - sufficient for sub-systems, marginal for body controllers.
Recommended
Small Appliance Motor Control
Why this part fits: With on-chip PWM, LVD, POR, and SCI/SPI, the MC68908GR16MFJE drives brushed DC or unipolar stepper motors in white-goods and consumer appliances. The 8 MHz CPU08 cycles instructions in 125 ns, allowing closed-loop PWM at typical 20 kHz switching with software room left over for housekeeping. How it is used: The MCU sits on a small board with an external N-channel FET half-bridge (e.g., NTD4815N) and a Hall-effect sensor on a GPIO. The PWM module provides base frequency while a timer input captures the Hall edge for RPM feedback. Trade-off: 1 KB RAM and 16 KB Flash fit simple ramp-up/dwell profiles but do not leave room for sophisticated sensorless FOC; choose HCS08/Cortex-M for advanced control.
Recommended
Industrial Sensor Front-End Module
Why this part fits: 21 GPIOs handle digital sensor arrays, and the SCI/SPI busses connect to external ADCs or digital sensors. The 8 MHz CPU08 sustains basic linearization and averaging tasks, while the on-chip LVD protects field-deployed nodes from brown-out. How it is used: The MCU interfaces to a digital temperature/humidity sensor via I2C-emulated-on-SCI, an SPI ADC for transducer reading, and a UART-modbus output. The 32-LQFP package is well-suited to industrial temperature grade parts and tolerates conformal coating. Trade-off: No 12-bit internal ADC means an external ADC (e.g., MCP3201) is needed for precision analog readings, which adds BOM cost versus a Cortex-M0+ with integrated ADC.
Recommended
Consumer Remote / IR Control
Why this part fits: The HC08 family's low power, 21 I/Os, and PWM are well-matched to consumer remote controls and small IR controllers for HVAC, AV, and smart-home devices. The 16 KB Flash supports keymap matrices plus IR protocol encoders (RC5, NEC, SIRC) in C code. How it is used: The MCU scans a key matrix on GPIOs, modulates an IR LED via PWM/timer compare, and enters STOP mode between button presses for battery life. Trade-off: 1 KB RAM is sufficient for protocol buffers, but designers who want simultaneous IR+BLE functionality should move to Cortex-M0+ with low-power radio companion ICs.
Recommended
Educational 8-bit MCU Trainer Board
Why this part fits: The MC68908GR16MFJE is a popular teaching vehicle for 8-bit embedded fundamentals. Its 32-LQFP breadboard-friendly pitch and in-system programmable Flash support CodeWarrior HC08 and student-friendly C compilers. How it is used: A trainer board uses the SCI for a serial monitor, exposes all 21 GPIOs on headers, and adds an LED-PWM demo for labs. Trade-off: New curricula should consider S08 or Cortex-M0+ boards (e.g., FRDM-KL25Z) for longevity, since the HC08 toolchain is being phased out and FreeMASTER/CW legacy versions are not all maintained.
Recommended
Smart Home Sensor Hub Node
Why this part fits: The HC08GR16's 21 GPIOs and SPI bus can act as a low-cost sensor concentration node for smart-home gateways, especially where existing HC08 design wins are being refreshed. The 16 KB Flash holds a small ZCL/Zigbee-cluster-style command set, and the SCI communicates with an external Zigbee/BLE module. How it is used: The MCU aggregates inputs from a motion PIR, a temperature sensor, and a tactile button, then forwards state via UART to a CC2530 or nRF51822 radio module. Trade-off: Without on-chip RF, total BOM is higher than a single-chip Cortex-M0+ with BLE, but the HC08 migration cost is lower if a legacy design is already in place.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for MC68908GR16MFJE — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | MC68908GR16CFJE | MC68908GZ16CFJE | MC9S08GR16CFJE | MC908GZ32MFAE | MC9S08DZ16AMLC |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | NXP Semiconductors | NXP Semiconductors | NXP Semiconductors | NXP Semiconductors | NXP Semiconductors | NXP Semiconductors |
| Package | 32-LQFP (7x7 mm) | 32-LQFP (7x7 mm) | 32-LQFP | 32-LQFP | 32-LQFP | 32-LQFP |
| Core | HC08 CPU08 (8-bit) | HC08 CPU08 (8-bit) | HC08 CPU08 (8-bit) | S08 CPU (8-bit) | HC08 CPU08 (8-bit) | S08 CPU (8-bit) |
| Flash Memory | 16 KB | 16 KB | 16 KB | 16 KB | 32 KB | 16 KB |
| Max Bus Frequency | 8 MHz | 8 MHz | 8 MHz | 8 MHz | 8 MHz | 10 MHz |
| GPIO Count | 21 | 21 | 21 | 21 | 21 | 25 |
| Connectivity | LIN/SCI/SPI | LIN/SCI/SPI | LIN/SCI/SPI | LIN/SCI/SPI | LIN/SCI/SPI | LIN/SCI/SPI/I2C |
| Pin-to-Pin Compatibility | Reference | Yes (same die prefix) | Yes (GZ16 series) | Yes (S08 successor) | Yes (32-LQFP same family) | Yes (32-LQFP S08 successor) |
Key Differentiators
- Same-package GR16 die with date-code flexibility (vs MC68908GR16CFJE)
- Larger Flash headroom in same footprint (vs MC908GZ32MFAE)
- NXP-recommended modern successor with C toolchain support (vs MC9S08DZ16AMLC)
- Original HC08GR16 architecture (vs MC9S08GR16CFJE)
Design Notes
Place a 100 nF decoupling capacitor as close as possible to each VDD/VSS pin pair on the 32-LQFP, plus a single 10 uF bulk capacitor near the package. The HC08G family has separate analog and digital VDD requirements; on the GR16 they share a single rail, but separate analog grounds with a ferr bead improve ADC performance if analog inputs are used. Add a 4.7 kohm pull-up on RST and a decoupling 100 nF cap to ensure clean POR behavior.
When the GR16 enters STOP mode, the bus clock stops and PWM output freezes; for continuous PWM motor control use WAIT mode instead. Avoid driving high-current LEDs directly from GPIOs - the HC08GR16 source/sink ratings are typically 10 mA per pin, 60 mA total. Use an external FET driver such as the VN750 or NTD4815 if heavier loads are required.
Keep the oscillator traces short and symmetric to OSC1/OSC2. Place the crystal within 5 mm of the pins, surrounded by a ground guard ring connected to VSS. For EMI-sensitive designs, add a parallel 10 MHz ferrite bead on the VDD rail feeding the MCU to suppress conducted emissions during PWM edges. Route the SCI TX/RX pair as a differential-style length-matched pair if you use long cables.
Estimated: at typical 8 MHz, 3.3 V VDD, the HC08GR16 draws 10 mA active / 50 uA STOP. Power dissipation is therefore ~33 mW active. The 32-LQFP has theta_JA around 70 C/W on a 1 oz 2-layer board, giving junction rise of just 2-3 C above ambient; no heatsink is required. Estimated values use input VDD=3.3V, I_active=10 mA; verify against the device-specific electricals.
SPI clock edges on the HC08GR16 can be as fast as 4 MHz (half the 8 MHz bus). For robust communication with external ADC/DAC, source-terminate the SPI clock with a 33 ohm resistor near the MCU pin if the trace exceeds 25 mm. The LINbus signal should be routed to the LIN transceiver with a single 12 V-rated trace, kept away from sensitive analog lines; never share ground returns with noisy PWM rails.
Compliance Information
RoHS/REACH/lead-free status are not in the verified web snapshot and are recorded as unknown. Halogen-free compliance per third-party distributor metadata. AEC-Q100 not applicable for general-purpose industrial grade MC68908GR16MFJE - AEC-Q100 versions would be a separate part suffix not confirmed in the data.