MC68EC020AA16 - 16MHz 32-Bit M68000 MPU | NXP | 100-QFP
MPN: MC68EC020AA16 ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $24.5 | $24.50 |
| 10 | $22.1 | $221.00 |
| 100 | $19.75 | $1,975.00 |
| 500 | $17.4 | $8,700.00 |
| 1,000 | $15.95 | $15,950.00 |
MC68EC020AA16 Overview
The MC68EC020 belongs to the M680x0 microprocessor family, a 32-bit CISC architecture that evolved from the original Motorola 68000 introduced in 1979. The M68000 family occupies a distinct position in microprocessor history: it powered iconic systems including the Apple Macintosh, Amiga, Atari ST, Sega Genesis, and early Sun workstations. EC versions embedded the market an economical 32-bit engine, retaining full 32-bit registers, data paths and addressing while omitting the MMU and floating-point coprocessor interface, making them well-suited to deterministic single-purpose controllers.
Key features of the MC68EC020AA16 include a 16.67MHz clock, 10 MIPS sustained throughput, 32-bit data and address buses, 8 32-bit general-purpose data registers, and a 16-bit asynchronous bus interface. The static HCMOS design allows the clock to be stopped without losing internal state, enabling low-power standby modes. The device operates from a single 5V supply and supports seven asynchronous bus arbitration levels.
At the architecture level, the MC68EC020AA16 implements a 32-bit programming model, an instruction cache-less pipeline (vs the full MC68020), a barrel shifter for single-cycle multi-bit shifts, and a multiply/divide unit supporting 32x32-bit signed/unsigned operations in tens of cycles. The integrated MMU-less memory model simplifies board design and software: embedded firmware can use a flat 4GB address space without translation tables.
Typical applications include industrial motion controllers, laser printer engines, RAID storage controllers, telecommunications switches, point-of-sale terminals, and avionics subsystems. The combination of deterministic execution, static HCMOS design, and the large M68000 software ecosystem (including compilers and RTOS ports) keeps the part in production for long-lifecycle embedded systems.
When designing with the MC68EC020AA16, ensure the 5V power rail is well decoupled and that bus termination matches the asynchronous memory timing budget. The static core allows clock-stopped operation, simplifying board design.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in same-package alternatives, and practical design notes not consolidated in the legacy Motorola Freescale datasheet.
Drop-in alternatives for MC68EC020AA16 — 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 MC68EC020AA16 (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Address Bus Width, Data Bus Width, MMU, Processor Type.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
MC68EC020AA10
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
MC68EC020AA8
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
MC68EC020AA12
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
MC68EC020AA16B
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
MC68EC020RP16
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
MC68EC020AA16 Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Processor Type | M680x0 32-Bit Microprocessor |
| Family | MC68EC020 (no MMU, no FPU coprocessor interface) |
| Core Count | 1 |
| Data Bus Width | 32-bit |
| Address Bus Width | 32-bit |
| Clock Speed (Max) | 16.67 MHz |
| Performance | 10 MIPS (Dhrystone 1.1) |
| Supply Voltage | 5 V |
| Technology | Static HCMOS |
| Package / Case | 100-QFP (14x20 mm), also described as 100-BQFP / PQFP |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Operating Temperature | 0C to +70C (commercial) |
| Packaging | Tray |
| Lead-Free Status | Lead Free |
| RoHS Status | RoHS Compliant |
| Instruction Cache | None (EC variant) |
| MMU | Not integrated |
MC68EC020AA16 Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | VCC — +5V supply |
| Pin 10 | D11 — Data bus bit 11 |
| Pin 20 | D21 — Data bus bit 21 |
| Pin 30 | A4 — Address bus bit 4 |
| Pin 40 | A14 — Address bus bit 14 |
| Pin 50 | A24 — Address bus bit 24 |
| Pin 60 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 70 | BR — Bus Request |
| Pin 80 | IPL0 — Interrupt Priority Level 0 |
| Pin 90 | DS — Data Strobe |
| Pin 100 | CLK — Clock input |
Typical Applications
MC68EC020AA16 is suitable for 6 applications: Industrial Motion Controller, Laser Printer Engine Controller, RAID Storage Controller, Telecommunications Switch Control Plane, Point-of-Sale Terminal, Avionics Subsystem Controller.
Industrial Motion Controller
The MC68EC020AA16 fits industrial motion controllers because its 32-bit data paths and 10 MIPS throughput at 16.67 MHz handle 4-axis trajectory calculations within 1 ms update loops. The static HCMOS design lets the CPU halt clock during emergency-stop intervals, cutting system power while preserving axis state. The 32-bit address space simplifies mapping of I/O, dual-port RAM, and DRAM motion buffers without MMU overhead. Placed on the backplane as the central CPU, it issues pulse-train or analog +/-10V commands to servo drives through parallel DACs. Unlike MCUs that need an RTOS, the bare-metal EC020 executes deterministic control loops without context-switch jitter.
Recommended
Laser Printer Engine Controller
The MC68EC020AA16 fits laser printer engine controllers because its 32-bit DMA-style bus mastering moves pixel data from page memory to the video ASIC without CPU overhead. The 16.67 MHz clock and 10 MIPS throughput sustain 600 dpi print pipelines at 30 ppm. The flat 32-bit address space allows the engine firmware to map frame buffers, font ROM, and laser-diode control registers into a single contiguous address map. Placed between the operator panel and the print engine, the EC020 sequences fuser temperature, paper transport, and laser modulation in real time. The static HCMOS design supports standby modes during power-save idle.
Recommended
RAID Storage Controller
The MC68EC020AA16 fits RAID storage controllers because its 32-bit data bus and 10 MIPS throughput sustain XOR parity calculations and SCSI/IDE protocol stack execution in real time. The MC68EC020's mature toolchain (GCC68K, Diab Data) supports the firmware volume that RAID vendors have shipped since the 1990s. Placed as the I/O processor alongside an ASIC, the EC020 offloads host-command parsing, drive-state machines, and rebuild scheduling. The static design simplifies integration with the +5V ASIC ecosystem typical of legacy disk arrays. Unlike a 16-bit CPU, the 32-bit registers halve XOR cycle counts.
Recommended
Telecommunications Switch Control Plane
The MC68EC020AA16 fits telecommunications switch control planes because its deterministic 32-bit execution runs protocol stacks (X.25, ISDN D-channel, SS7) without RTOS scheduling overhead. The 16.67 MHz clock and 10 MIPS throughput manage call-control state machines and switch fabric configuration. The flat 32-bit address space maps dual-port RAM to fabric ASICs directly, removing MMU translation latency from cell forwarding paths. Placed as the supervisory processor, the EC020 manages line cards, alarm telemetry, and management interfaces. The static HCMOS core allows the clock to halt during off-peak hours, dropping power without losing configuration.
Recommended
Point-of-Sale Terminal
The MC68EC020AA16 fits point-of-sale terminals because its 32-bit MIPS throughput drives encrypted PIN-pad transactions, receipt printer queues, and EFT/credit network protocol stacks within sub-second latency budgets. The MC68EC020's mature C compiler support simplifies porting legacy POS firmware. The 100-QFP package fits within the constrained mainboard layout of compact retail terminals. Placed as the central CPU, it interfaces to magnetic-stripe readers, thermal printers, and Ethernet controllers over the 32-bit bus. The static HCMOS design supports battery-backed RAM for transaction journaling during power events.
Recommended
Avionics Subsystem Controller
The MC68EC020AA16 fits avionics subsystem controllers (e.g., flight management, engine FADEC, inertial navigation) because its deterministic execution without cache/MMU produces predictable worst-case interrupt latency required by DO-178C software levels. The 32-bit data paths process navigation waypoint calculations and engine sensor fusion within the strict cycle budgets of FAA-certified software. The static HCMOS design supports power-down modes between data-acquisition windows. Placed as the subsystem CPU, it interfaces to ARINC 429 transceivers, MIL-STD-1553 ASICs, and discrete avionics I/O. The mature toolchain is already DO-178C-validated across multiple avionics programs.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for MC68EC020AA16 — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | MC68EC020AA10 | MC68EC020AA8 | MC68EC020AA12 | MC68EC020AA16B | MC68EC020RP16 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | NXP Semiconductors | NXP Semiconductors | NXP Semiconductors | NXP Semiconductors | NXP Semiconductors | NXP Semiconductors |
| Package | 100-QFP (14x20 mm) | 100-QFP (14x20 mm) - same | 100-QFP (14x20 mm) - same | 100-QFP (14x20 mm) - same | 100-QFP (14x20 mm) - same | 100-QFP (14x20 mm) - same |
| Clock Speed (Max) | 16.67 MHz | 10 MHz | 8 MHz | 12 MHz | 16.67 MHz | 16 MHz |
| Performance | 10 MIPS | 6 MIPS | 5 MIPS | 7 MIPS | 10 MIPS | 10 MIPS |
| Supply Voltage | 5 V | 5 V | 5 V | 5 V | 5 V | 5 V |
| MMU | None | None | None | None | None | None |
| Instruction Cache | None | None | None | None | None | None |
| Data Bus Width | 32-bit | 32-bit | 32-bit | 32-bit | 32-bit | 32-bit |
| RoHS Status | Compliant | Compliant | Compliant | Compliant | Compliant | Compliant |
Key Differentiators
- Highest clock speed grade in the EC020 family (vs MC68EC020AA10)
- Software-compatible 32-bit upgrade for AA10 designs (vs MC68EC020AA8)
- Mid-tier cost-performance option exists (vs MC68EC020AA12)
Design Notes
Estimated: at 16.67 MHz clock and 5V supply, the MC68EC020AA16 typically draws 130-160 mA active and approximately 20 mA standby when CLK is halted (static HCMOS). Use a 100 uF bulk + 0.1 uF decoupling capacitor per VCC pin pair, placed within 5 mm of the package. Provide separate analog and digital ground returns if the design mixes analog I/O; otherwise a single ground plane is sufficient for the 32-bit bus switching currents.
Route the 32-bit data bus (D0-D31) and 32-bit address bus (A0-A31) as matched-length groups to within +/- 25 mm at 16.67 MHz to avoid bus skew across 100-QFP packages. Place 33 ohm series termination on AS, DS, R/W and FC0-FC2 if bus lengths exceed 50 mm. Use a 4-layer PCB with dedicated VCC and GND planes; the 100-QFP's 14x20 mm footprint requires thermal relief spokes only on internal power pins.
Do not assume the MC68EC020AA16 includes an instruction cache or MMU; the 'EC' suffix indicates they were intentionally removed. Do not point BGACK (Bus Grant Acknowledge) to a non-existent master without a pull-up; a floating BGACK can latch spurious bus grants. When migrating from MC68020 designs, verify the FPU coprocessor interface (MC68881/MC68882) is NOT populated - the EC020 ignores those signals but the board cost still includes the parts.
The asynchronous M68000 bus uses AS, DS, R/W and FC0-FC2 as control strobes. At 16.67 MHz with 32-bit wide memories, hold time violations occur if bus loads exceed 50 pF per strobe. Buffer the strobes with 74FCT244 if driving more than 4 loads. The CLK input requires a 50% +/- 10% duty cycle clock source; use a dedicated oscillator rather than a derived clock to avoid metastability on register reads.
Compliance Information
RoHS and Lead Free confirmed per DigiKey listing. AEC-Q100 not applicable for legacy MPU. Halogen-free status not stated in current distributor data - set to unknown rather than assume.
