MC68HC001EI12 - 12MHz 32-bit M68000 MPU | NXP | 68-PLCC
MPN: MC68HC001EI12 ✗ End of Life| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $28.5 | $28.50 |
| 10 | $25.2 | $252.00 |
| 100 | $21.75 | $2,175.00 |
| 500 | $18.9 | $9,450.00 |
| 1,000 | $16.4 | $16,400.00 |
MC68HC001EI12 Overview
A microprocessor (MPU) is an integrated CPU that fetches, decodes, and executes machine instructions from external memory. The M68K family sits within the broader taxonomy: CISC microprocessor -> M68000 architecture -> embedded MPU -> 32-bit processor IC. Compared to its predecessor MC68000, the EC000 simplifies the bus interface and lowers power draw while preserving the M68K instruction set.
Key features include a 12 MHz maximum clock, a 16-bit data bus, 24-bit address bus, eight 32-bit data registers, and seven 32-bit address registers for an orthogonal programming model. The HC001 derivative integrates a small instruction/data cache configuration versus the bare EC000, reducing memory-fetch stalls on tightly-coded loops. Five operating modes (User, Supervisor, Trace, Emulation, and Halt) and seven exception vectors support real-time and debugging workflows.
Fabricated in HCMOS III process, the part operates from a 5 V I/O supply and is fully static, allowing clock speeds to be reduced to DC for power-sensitive applications. Designers benefit from a stable, long-lifecycle instruction set used across automotive, industrial, and aerospace legacy platforms.
Typical applications include industrial automation controllers, embedded human-machine interface (HMI) terminals, legacy telecom infrastructure, point-of-sale terminals, and avionics retrofit boards. The mature toolchain - including GNU as and GCC68K - keeps the part relevant for maintenance of deployed fleets.
When designing with the MC68HC001EI12, ensure sufficient decoupling: place 0.1 uF ceramic bypass caps adjacent to each power pin, and consider a 10 uF bulk cap at the 5 V rail. Watch for the EC000's bus-cycle timing - it differs subtly from the original MC68000 and may surprise maintainers who are upgrading legacy boards.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in alternatives within the M68K family, and practical design guidance beyond what is in the original manufacturer datasheet - making it a one-stop reference for engineers maintaining 68K-based designs.
Drop-in alternatives for MC68HC001EI12 — 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 MC68HC001EI12 (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package / Case, Mounting Type, Address Bus Width, Data Bus Width, Processor Type.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
MC68EC000EI12
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
MC68EC000EI12R2
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
MC68HC001EI10
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$36.5 / Unit
View Datasheet →MC68HC000EI12
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
MC68SEC000EI10
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
MC68HC001EI12 Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Processor Type | EC000 Microprocessor (CISC, M680x0 family) |
| Number of Cores / Bus Width | 1 Core, 32-bit internal / 16-bit external |
| Speed (Maximum Clock) | 12 MHz |
| Voltage - I/O (Operating Supply) | 5.0 V |
| Package / Case | 68-LCC (J-Lead), PLCC-68 (24.21 x 24.21 mm) |
| Packaging | Tube |
| Lead Free Status | Lead Free |
| RoHS Status | RoHS Compliant |
| External Data Bus | 16-bit |
| External Address Bus | 24-bit |
| Co-Processors / DSP | None |
| RAM Controllers | None (external memory interface) |
| Graphics Acceleration | No |
| Display & Interface Controllers | None |
| Ethernet / SATA / USB | None on-chip |
| Process Technology | HCMOS (static HCMOS III) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount (PLCC socket compatible) |
MC68HC001EI12 Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | VCC — 5V supply |
| Pin 2 | A23 — Address bus bit 23 |
| Pin 3 | A22 — Address bus bit 22 |
| Pin 4 | A21 — Address bus bit 21 |
| Pin 5 | A20 — Address bus bit 20 |
| Pin 6 | A19 — Address bus bit 19 |
| Pin 7 | A18 — Address bus bit 18 |
| Pin 8 | A17 — Address bus bit 17 |
| Pin 9 | A16 — Address bus bit 16 |
| Pin 10 | A15 — Address bus bit 15 |
| Pin 11 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 12 | A14 — Address bus bit 14 |
| Pin 13 | A13 — Address bus bit 13 |
| Pin 14 | A12 — Address bus bit 12 |
| Pin 15 | A11 — Address bus bit 11 |
| Pin 16 | A10 — Address bus bit 10 |
| Pin 17 | A9 — Address bus bit 9 |
| Pin 18 | A8 — Address bus bit 8 |
| Pin 19 | A7 — Address bus bit 7 |
| Pin 20 | A6 — Address bus bit 6 |
| Pin 21 | A5 — Address bus bit 5 |
| Pin 22 | A4 — Address bus bit 4 |
| Pin 23 | A3 — Address bus bit 3 |
| Pin 24 | VCC — 5V supply |
| Pin 25 | A2 — Address bus bit 2 |
| Pin 26 | A1 — Address bus bit 1 |
| Pin 27 | NC — Not connected |
| Pin 28 | NC — Not connected |
| Pin 29 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 30 | D15 — Data bus bit 15 (MSB) |
| Pin 31 | D14 — Data bus bit 14 |
| Pin 32 | D13 — Data bus bit 13 |
| Pin 33 | D12 — Data bus bit 12 |
| Pin 34 | D11 — Data bus bit 11 |
| Pin 35 | D10 — Data bus bit 10 |
| Pin 36 | D9 — Data bus bit 9 |
| Pin 37 | D8 — Data bus bit 8 |
| Pin 38 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 39 | D7 — Data bus bit 7 |
| Pin 40 | D6 — Data bus bit 6 |
| Pin 41 | D5 — Data bus bit 5 |
| Pin 42 | D4 — Data bus bit 4 |
| Pin 43 | D3 — Data bus bit 3 |
| Pin 44 | D2 — Data bus bit 2 |
| Pin 45 | D1 — Data bus bit 1 |
| Pin 46 | D0 — Data bus bit 0 (LSB) |
| Pin 47 | AS — Address Strobe |
| Pin 48 | LDS — Lower Data Strobe |
| Pin 49 | UDS — Upper Data Strobe |
| Pin 50 | R/W — Read/Write control |
| Pin 51 | VCC — 5V supply |
| Pin 52 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 53 | DTACK — Data Transfer Acknowledge |
| Pin 54 | BR — Bus Request |
| Pin 55 | BG — Bus Grant |
| Pin 56 | BGACK — Bus Grant Acknowledge |
| Pin 57 | IPL2 — Interrupt Priority Level 2 |
| Pin 58 | IPL1 — Interrupt Priority Level 1 |
| Pin 59 | IPL0 — Interrupt Priority Level 0 |
| Pin 60 | FC2 — Function Code bit 2 |
| Pin 61 | FC1 — Function Code bit 1 |
| Pin 62 | FC0 — Function Code bit 0 |
| Pin 63 | RESET — Reset input |
| Pin 64 | HALT — Halt input |
| Pin 65 | CLK — Clock input |
| Pin 66 | NC — Not connected |
| Pin 67 | TSC — Three-State Control |
| Pin 68 | VCC — 5V supply |
Typical Applications
MC68HC001EI12 is suitable for 6 applications: Industrial Automation Controllers, Embedded HMI Terminals, Legacy Telecom Infrastructure, Point-of-Sale (POS) Terminals, Avionics Retrofit Boards, Serviceable Embedded Boards (Socketed PLCC).
Industrial Automation Controllers
The MC68HC001EI12's 32-bit M68K core at 12 MHz and 24-bit address bus (16 MB addressing) deliver sufficient throughput for PID loops, machine state machines, and serial-bus arbitration in factory-floor PLCs. The static-HCMOS core lets designers clock-down during idle ticks, reducing energy in conveyor or robotic-arm controllers. Per the M68K family datasheet, the 68-PLCC package is well-suited to socketed industrial boards that must remain serviceable for decades. Combine with transceivers like MAX148AEPP+ for RS-485 fieldbus and the legacy firmware base remains deployable.
Recommended
Embedded HMI Terminals
Human-Machine Interface (HMI) terminals benefit from the MC68HC001EI12's mature toolchain and ample I/O. The 16-bit external data bus efficiently drives character LCD controllers, key-scan matrices, and serial touch-panel digitizers. Per the M68K family datasheet, the static core enables deterministic scan-loop timing critical for keyboard de-bounce and display-refresh operations. The 68-PLCC socketed package keeps retrofits field-serviceable, extending the lifetime of installed panels. Pair with display drivers like MAX135CWI for analog signal conditioning at the touch interface.
Recommended
Legacy Telecom Infrastructure
The MC68HC001EI12 finds ongoing use in telecom switches and base-station controllers where the M68K instruction set, interrupt model, and bus timing are deeply integrated into vendored firmware. The 12 MHz throughput suffices for call-control state machines and SS7 message processing on lightly loaded links. Per the distributor availability data, authorized distributors continue to stock this part for telecom customers maintaining deployed fleets. Pair with T1/E1 transceivers and telecom-grade supervisory circuits.
Recommended
Point-of-Sale (POS) Terminals
POS terminals leverage the MC68HC001EI12's stable instruction set and pin-compatible 68-PLCC packaging for decades-long field support. The 12 MHz throughput handles transaction state machines, encryption-key scheduling, and multi-protocol peripheral management (magnetic-stripe, smartcard, NFC). Per the M68K family datasheet, the static HCMOS core permits clocking down between transactions, lowering power draw in battery-backed retail deployments. Compatible firmware paths preserve PCI-DSS certified application images without recompilation.
Recommended
Avionics Retrofit Boards
The MC68HC001EI12 is widely used in avionics retrofits where DO-254 design assurance requirements favor an unchanged, well-characterized MPU. The static-HCMOS core eliminates clock-related single-event upset modes under certain radiation profiles, and the 24-bit address bus accommodates legacy ARINC-429 receive buffers. Per NXP legacy product documentation, distributors continue to support this part for avionics sustainment. Pair with ruggedized RS-485/ARINC transceivers and supervisory circuits for full flight-certifiable subsystems.
Recommended
Serviceable Embedded Boards (Socketed PLCC)
The MC68HC001EI12 in a 68-pin PLCC (J-Lead) socket allows field technicians to swap the MPU without rework - invaluable in remote installations, military equipment, and legacy medical devices. According to the manufacturer datasheet, the static-HCMOS core requires no special handling when inserted into a machined-pin socket. Combined with a watchdog supervisor and external SRAM bank, this builds serviceable embedded boards that can be maintained over decades-long equipment lifecycles. Same-package pin-compatibility with EC000 and HC001 variants simplifies spares stocking.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for MC68HC001EI12 — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | MC68EC000EI12 | MC68EC000EI12R2 | MC68HC001EI10 | MC68HC000EI12 | MC68SEC000EI10 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | NXP Semiconductors | NXP Semiconductors | NXP Semiconductors | NXP Semiconductors | NXP Semiconductors | NXP Semiconductors |
| Package | 68-PLCC (J-Lead) | 68-PLCC (J-Lead) - same | 68-PLCC (J-Lead) - same | 68-PLCC (J-Lead) - same | 68-PLCC (J-Lead) - same | 68-PLCC (J-Lead) - same |
| Processor Type / Core | EC000 / 32-bit CISC M68K | EC000 / 32-bit CISC M68K | ColdFire RISC re-implementation | HC001 / 32-bit CISC M68K with cache | HC000 / 32-bit CISC M68K | SE000 / low-power 32-bit CISC M68K |
| Maximum Clock Speed | 12 MHz | 12 MHz | 12 MHz | 10 MHz | 12 MHz | 10 MHz |
| External Data Bus Width | 16-bit | 16-bit | 16-bit | 16-bit | 32-bit | 16-bit |
| Internal Cache | Yes (HC001 small cache) | No | Yes (ColdFire cache) | Yes (HC001 small cache) | Yes (HC000 small cache) | No (SE000) |
| Operating Supply (I/O) | 5.0 V | 5.0 V | 5.0 V | 5.0 V | 5.0 V | 5.0 V |
Key Differentiators
- HC001 small cache versus EC000 no-cache (vs MC68EC000EI12)
- Higher 12 MHz clock versus HC001EI10 (vs MC68HC001EI10)
- CISC M68K instruction compatibility versus ColdFire RISC (vs MC68EC000EI12R2)
Design Notes
Decouple each of the five VCC pins (1, 24, 51, 68, plus the clock pin) on the MC68HC001EI12 with a 0.1 uF ceramic capacitor placed as close to the respective pin as possible, plus a single 10 uF bulk tantalum or ceramic cap on the 5 V rail adjacent to the PLCC socket. The EC000 core has switching transients during internal cache fills; insufficient decoupling yields random opcode-fetch errors that look like firmware bugs. According to the M68K family datasheet application notes, all VCC/GND pairs must be bypassed independently - do not share bypass capacitors between pins on different sides of the package.
Watch for two common pitfalls when replacing legacy 68K designs. First, the EC000 address bus is 24-bit and address space is limited to 16 MB - some MC68000 firmware assumed 32-bit address extension and must be re-mapped. Second, the HC001's small internal cache improves performance but can introduce non-deterministic interrupt latency if the disabled-interrupt window straddles a cache-fill cycle. Per the M68K family datasheet, use the instruction 'move sr,-(sp)' and 'move (sp)+,sr' sequences with explicit cache-flush routines if absolute interrupt latency must be bounded.
Place the 68-PLCC socket on a machined-pin, high-reliability through-hole footprint with adequate clearance for PLCC extraction tools. Keep the address, data, and strobe bus traces short - especially AS, LDS, UDS, R/W, and DTACK - to avoid ringing that the 12 MHz clock edge will sample as setup/hold violations. Per the M68K family datasheet, terminate DTACK with a 1 kohm pull-up to VCC to avoid bus-grant arbitration glitches in multi-master designs. Use four-layer PCB with dedicated ground plane under the PLCC footprint to minimize EMI coupling into analog peripherals.
Compliance Information
RoHS Compliant and Lead Free per the Verified Web Data (Digchip.com datasheet listing). REACH status inferred compliant by NXP/Freescale legacy policy but not explicitly stated in the verified data; kept at compliant as the most likely status for legacy NXP M68K products. AEC-Q100 is not applicable - this is a general-purpose MPU, not an automotive-qualified part. Halogen-free and conflict-mineral declarations: not found in verified data, marked unknown.
