MC68EC000FU16 - 16MHz M68000 16-bit MPU, 64-QFP | Motorola
MPN: MC68EC000FU16 ✗ End of Life| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $9.95 | $9.95 |
| 10 | $8.5 | $85.00 |
| 100 | $7.25 | $725.00 |
| 500 | $6.1 | $3,050.00 |
| 1,000 | $5.2 | $5,200.00 |
MC68EC000FU16 Overview
What is an M68000 microprocessor? The M68000 (often called "68k") is a CISC microprocessor architecture introduced by Motorola in 1979 that pioneered 32-bit internal programming with 16-bit external data and 24-bit address buses for early Unix workstations, arcade systems, gaming consoles, and industrial controllers. Within the M68000 taxonomy (MC68000 -> MC68EC000 -> MC68SEC000), the MC68EC000 retains full instruction-set compatibility with the original 68000 but simplifies the bus interface to 8-bit data, reducing pin count and enabling smaller, lower-cost embedded designs where the original 16-bit bus was unnecessary.
Key features of the MC68EC000FU16 include 8 32-bit data registers, 8 32-bit address registers, 16 MB linear address space, 56 instruction types with 5 main addressing modes, supervisor/user operating modes, and 7 levels of interrupt priority. It supports vectored interrupts, a TRAP instruction, and the full M68000 exception processing model used by countless 68k operating systems and bare-metal firmware. Static HCMOS technology allows clock speeds down to DC for low-power standby designs.
Architecturally, the MC68EC000FU16 implements a microcoded CISC engine with a 4-byte instruction prefetch queue, two supervisor stack pointers, and on-chip memory management through function codes only (no MMU). It is fully software-compatible with the original MC68000 and MC68SEC000, allowing code written for one variant to run on the others when bus-width differences are handled.
Typical applications include industrial controllers, embedded instrumentation, point-of-sale terminals, legacy system maintenance, automotive ECU prototypes, and education platforms for 68k assembly learning. The 64-pin QFP package is significantly smaller than the original 64-pin DIP, allowing space-constrained retrofits.
Designers should note that the MC68EC000FU16 requires an external clock oscillator and a bus arbitration scheme. Because the bus is 8-bit, 32-bit memory accesses take 4 cycles versus 2 cycles on a full MC68000. Choose the FU16 speed grade for systems targeting 16 MHz operation.
This page synthesizes distributor stock, drop-in alternatives, and practical design notes not found in the original Motorola M68000 addendum.
Drop-in alternatives for MC68EC000FU16 — 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 MC68EC000FU16 (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Address Bus Width.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
MC68EC000FU10
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
MC68EC000FU20
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
MC68SEC000CFU10
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
MC68SEC000FU10
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
MC68EC000FU16 Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core | M68000 (68k) |
| Core Architecture | CISC, 32-bit internal / 16-bit instruction |
| Data Bus Width | 8-bit external |
| Address Bus Width | 24-bit (16 MB linear) |
| Clock Speed (Speed Grade) | 16 MHz |
| Package | 64-QFP (14x14 mm) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Supply Voltage | 5 V ± 5% |
| Process Technology | Static HCMOS |
| Data Registers | 8 x 32-bit |
| Address Registers | 8 x 32-bit |
| Interrupt Levels | 7 priority levels |
| Operating Modes | User / Supervisor |
MC68EC000FU16 64-qfp (14x14 mm) Pin Configuration Guide
Pin configuration for MC68EC000FU16 (64-qfp (14x14 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 MC68EC000FU16.
Refer to the datasheet for full pin configuration.
Typical Applications
MC68EC000FU16 is suitable for 6 applications: Industrial Embedded Controller, Legacy System Maintenance, Point-of-Sale Terminal, Educational 68k Development Platform, Automotive ECU Prototype, Instrumentation and Data Acquisition.
Industrial Embedded Controller
The MC68EC000FU16 fits industrial embedded controllers thanks to its 16 MHz clock, 8-bit external data bus, and proven 68k instruction set compatibility. Industrial PLCs, machine controllers, and process-control nodes frequently use the 68k family because of its deterministic interrupt latency and rich addressing modes. With 16 MB of addressable memory and 7 interrupt priority levels, the part handles typical supervisory control loops, HMI serial communication, and small RTOS kernels like OS-9 or RT-68k. Designers route the 8-bit data bus to external SRAM and EPROM for firmware storage, and use the FC0-FC2 function code pins to distinguish supervisor/user and program/data cycles. The 64-QFP package is significantly more compact than the original 64-pin DIP, enabling denser industrial control boards.
Recommended
Legacy System Maintenance
The MC68EC000FU16 is widely used for legacy system maintenance where original 68k parts are unavailable. Many industrial, medical, and aerospace systems designed in the 1980s-1990s used the MC68000 or MC68EC000 as their main processor, and field maintenance requires functional replacements decades later. With the same instruction set and bus protocol as the original MC68000, the FU16 serves as a drop-in replacement in legacy boards after verifying the 8-bit data bus width. Its 16 MHz speed grade matches many original MC68000-12 designs. The part's continued availability through Rochester Electronics supports long-lifecycle industrial maintenance programs.
Recommended
Point-of-Sale Terminal
The MC68EC000FU16 fits point-of-sale (POS) terminal designs requiring a proven processor with deterministic response times. POS systems in retail and hospitality need reliable control of card readers, receipt printers, and display controllers, all of which the 68k's interrupt structure handles cleanly. The 8-bit external data bus reduces PCB complexity versus a full 16-bit MC68000 while still allowing the 32-bit internal register file to perform 32-bit arithmetic for transaction totals. With 16 MB addressable memory, the FU16 supports typical POS firmware sizes including menu databases, cryptographic routines, and network stacks. The 64-QFP package suits compact POS enclosures where board space is at a premium.
Recommended
Educational 68k Development Platform
The MC68EC000FU16 is popular in educational platforms teaching 68k assembly language and embedded systems design. Universities and self-learners build breadboard-compatible retrocomputers around the part because it offers the full 68k instruction set at an affordable price. With 8 32-bit data registers, 8 32-bit address registers, and 5 main addressing modes, students learn fundamentals that transfer to ColdFire and other modern 32-bit architectures. The 16 MHz clock is fast enough to demonstrate meaningful instruction throughput while slow enough for students to follow execution with logic analyzers. The 64-QFP package requires breakout boards, but adapters to DIP are widely available.
Recommended
Automotive ECU Prototype
The MC68EC000FU16 has been used historically for automotive ECU prototypes and engine management research platforms. While not AEC-Q100 qualified, the 68k family's deterministic interrupt response and well-characterized timing make it suitable for engine control research, body controller prototypes, and CAN network experiments. The 5V supply matches traditional automotive electrical systems. Designers typically pair the FU16 with external CAN controller ICs and power-management circuitry. Note that production automotive ECUs should use AEC-Q100 qualified processors; the FU16 is appropriate only for lab prototypes and university research vehicles.
Recommended
Instrumentation and Data Acquisition
The MC68EC000FU16 fits instrumentation and data acquisition systems that require a stable, deterministic processor with low interrupt latency. Test equipment, laboratory instruments, and signal analyzers benefit from the 68k's well-defined exception processing model. The 16 MHz clock handles typical GPIB/IEEE-488 controller tasks, display refresh, and serial communication. With 16 MB addressable memory, the FU16 supports large sample buffers and lookup tables for calibration data. The 8-bit external data bus simplifies memory interfacing when high throughput is not required. Designers often pair the FU16 with external ADC/DAC ICs and display drivers.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for MC68EC000FU16 — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | MC68EC000FU10 | MC68EC000FU20 | MC68SEC000CFU10 | MC68SEC000FU10 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | NXP Semiconductors (Motorola legacy) | NXP Semiconductors | NXP Semiconductors | NXP Semiconductors | NXP Semiconductors |
| Package | 64-QFP (14x14) | 64-QFP (14x14) - same | 64-QFP (14x14) - same | 64-QFP (14x14) - same | 64-QFP (14x14) - same |
| Clock Speed | 16 MHz | 10 MHz | 20 MHz | 10 MHz | 10 MHz |
| External Data Bus | 8-bit | 8-bit | 8-bit | 8-bit | 8-bit |
| Address Space | 16 MB (24-bit) | 16 MB | 16 MB | 16 MB | 16 MB |
| Supply Voltage | 5 V | 5 V | 5 V | 3.3 V / 5 V | 3.3 V / 5 V |
| Instruction Set | M68000 | M68000 | M68000 | M68000 | M68000 |
| Lifecycle Status | NRND | NRND | NRND | Active (lower power) | Active (lower power) |
Key Differentiators
- Cost-reduced 8-bit external data bus for smaller PCBs (vs Original MC68000 (16-bit bus))
- 16 MHz speed grade matches the MC68000-12 timing envelope (vs MC68EC000FU10 (10 MHz))
- 3.3V/5V dual supply option exists in the same package family (vs MC68SEC000CFU10)
Design Notes
The MC68EC000FU16 requires a stable 5 V ± 5% supply; add bulk decoupling (10 µF tantalum) close to the VCC pins and 0.1 µF ceramic caps per supply pin for high-frequency noise. Because the part is static-HCMOS, you can stop the clock to enter standby but VCC must remain valid. For 68SEC000 variants (3.3 V/5 V operation), verify your design supports both rails before substituting.
Route the 8-bit external data bus (D0-D7) with matched trace lengths to avoid bus skew, and place external SRAM/EPROM as close to the data and address pins as possible. The 64-QFP package has a relatively fine 0.8 mm pitch that requires careful solder-pad design; verify your PCB house supports 0.8 mm QFP assembly. Use a 4-layer PCB with dedicated ground and power planes for best EMI performance in industrial environments.
Do not confuse the MC68EC000 (8-bit data bus, this part) with the original MC68000 (16-bit data bus); the pinouts are NOT identical and the EC variant will not work in a full MC68000 design without re-routing. Also verify the clock source can drive the CLK input; many oscillator modules require a series-termination resistor. Use the FC0-FC2 function code outputs to decode supervisor/user and program/data cycles for memory protection or bus arbitration.
Compliance Information
RoHS and lead-free status not explicitly confirmed in the verified distributor data as of 2026-10-17. The part predates RoHS, so standard ordering codes may use lead-bearing terminations. Contact Rochester Electronics for confirmed lead-free / RoHS-compliant reels. Not AEC-Q100 qualified; do not use in production automotive ECUs.