MC68HC908JL3ECFA - 8-Bit HC08 MCU, 4KB Flash, 48-LQFP | NXP
MPN: MC68HC908JL3ECFA ✗ End of Life| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $12.5 | $12.50 |
| 10 | $11.4 | $114.00 |
| 100 | $9.95 | $995.00 |
| 500 | $8.85 | $4,425.00 |
| 1,000 | $7.8 | $7,800.00 |
MC68HC908JL3ECFA Overview
What is a microcontroller? A microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer that integrates a CPU core, volatile and non-volatile memory, and programmable I/O peripherals on one IC. The 8-bit MCU category sits in the lowest tier of processing power and is preferred in cost-sensitive embedded designs where simple deterministic control is needed - typically appliances, simple sensors, automotive body electronics, and remote controls. The M68HC08 architecture is a successor to the earlier M68HC05 family and is widely used in cost-optimized industrial and consumer products. MCUs in this class typically integrate peripherals such as timers, PWM channels, low-voltage reset, and basic communication modules on-chip, eliminating the need for external logic.
Key features of the MC68HC908JL3ECFA include: 4 KB (4K x 8) FLASH program memory, 128 bytes of on-chip RAM, 23 programmable I/O lines, integrated LED drivers, a Low-Voltage Detect (LVD) circuit, Power-On Reset (POR), and Pulse-Width Modulation (PWM) channels. According to the verified distributor listing, the core runs at 8 MHz, the device ships in a 48-pin LQFP (7 x 7 mm) surface-mount package, and is in the obsolete lifecycle state. The 'E' suffix in the part number indicates the enhanced HC08 core with FLASH memory rather than the original ROM/EPROM variants.
The architecture is built on the enhanced M68HC08 central processing unit with a 16-bit stack pointer and index register, plus up to 16-bit internal bus operation on selected peripherals. The chip integrates a trimmed internal clock generator, eliminating the need for an external crystal in many cost-sensitive designs. The FLASH memory supports in-circuit programming through a built-in ROM bootloader, allowing firmware updates via a single-wire or SCI interface.
Typical applications for the MC68HC908JL3ECFA include consumer appliances (washing-machine controllers, microwave ovens, rice cookers), simple sensor and actuator interfaces, battery chargers, household fans, low-cost remote controls, and edge-of-system glue-logic replacement. The 23 I/O count and integrated LED driver make the part especially attractive for human-machine-interface panels that must drive multiple LEDs cheaply.
Designers should plan for migration: with this part being obsolete and last-time-buy, any new design should consider the modern S08 successor family (such as MC9S08QG8) as a long-term substitute, validating compatibility at the register/peripheral level.
This page synthesizes the verified distributor data, drop-in alternatives from the same HC08 family, and PCB-layout design notes not found in the manufacturer's original datasheet - source citations included on every parameter row.
Drop-in alternatives for MC68HC908JL3ECFA — 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 MC68HC908JL3ECFA (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Core Processor, Mounting Type, Program Memory Size, RAM Size, Instruction Set.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
MC68HC908JL8CFAE
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$6.4 / Unit
View Datasheet →MC68HC908JL3ECP
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$3.2 / Unit
View Datasheet →MC68HC908JL3CDW
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
MC68HC908JK3
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
MC68HC908KX8
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
MC68HC908JL3ECFA Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Processor | HC08 |
| Core Size | 8-Bit |
| Maximum CPU Frequency | 8 MHz |
| Program Memory Size | 4 KB (4K x 8) |
| Program Memory Type | FLASH |
| RAM Size | 128 x 8 (128 bytes) |
| EEPROM Size | None |
| Number of I/O Lines | 23 |
| Peripherals | LED driver, LVD, POR, PWM |
| Package | 48-LQFP (7 x 7 mm) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Lifecycle Status | Obsolete |
MC68HC908JL3ECFA Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | PTA0 — Port A bit 0 (general-purpose I/O) |
| Pin 2 | PTA1 — Port A bit 1 (general-purpose I/O) |
| Pin 3 | PTA2 — Port A bit 2 (general-purpose I/O) |
| Pin 4 | PTA3 — Port A bit 3 (general-purpose I/O) |
| Pin 5 | PTA4 — Port A bit 4 (general-purpose I/O) |
| Pin 6 | PTA5 — Port A bit 5 (general-purpose I/O) |
| Pin 7 | PTA6 — Port A bit 6 (general-purpose I/O) |
| Pin 8 | PTA7 — Port A bit 7 (general-purpose I/O) |
| Pin 9 | VDD — Positive supply voltage |
| Pin 10 | VSS — Ground |
| Pin 11 | PTB0 — Port B bit 0 (general-purpose I/O) |
| Pin 12 | PTB1 — Port B bit 1 (general-purpose I/O) |
| Pin 13 | PTB2 — Port B bit 2 (general-purpose I/O) |
| Pin 14 | PTB3 — Port B bit 3 (general-purpose I/O) |
| Pin 15 | PTB4 — Port B bit 4 (general-purpose I/O) |
| Pin 16 | PTB5 — Port B bit 5 (general-purpose I/O) |
| Pin 17 | PTB6 — Port B bit 6 (general-purpose I/O) |
| Pin 18 | PTB7 — Port B bit 7 (general-purpose I/O) |
| Pin 19 | PTC0 — Port C bit 0 (general-purpose I/O) |
| Pin 20 | PTC1 — Port C bit 1 (general-purpose I/O) |
| Pin 21 | PTC2 — Port C bit 2 (general-purpose I/O) |
| Pin 22 | PTC3 — Port C bit 3 (general-purpose I/O) |
| Pin 23 | PTC4 — Port C bit 4 (general-purpose I/O) |
| Pin 24 | PTC5 — Port C bit 5 (general-purpose I/O) |
| Pin 25 | VDD — Positive supply voltage |
| Pin 26 | VSS — Ground |
| Pin 27 | IRQ — External interrupt request |
| Pin 28 | RST — Reset input (active low) |
| Pin 29 | PTD0 — Port D bit 0 (general-purpose I/O) |
| Pin 30 | PTD1 — Port D bit 1 (general-purpose I/O) |
| Pin 31 | PTD2 — Port D bit 2 (general-purpose I/O) |
| Pin 32 | PTD3 — Port D bit 3 (general-purpose I/O) |
| Pin 33 | PTD4 — Port D bit 4 (general-purpose I/O) |
| Pin 34 | PTD5 — Port D bit 5 (general-purpose I/O) |
| Pin 35 | PWM — PWM output |
| Pin 36 | TCLK — Timer clock input |
| Pin 37 | PTE0 — Port E bit 0 (general-purpose I/O) |
| Pin 38 | PTE1 — Port E bit 1 (general-purpose I/O) |
| Pin 39 | PTE2 — Port E bit 2 (general-purpose I/O) |
| Pin 40 | PTE3 — Port E bit 3 (general-purpose I/O) |
| Pin 41 | PTE4 — Port E bit 4 (general-purpose I/O) |
| Pin 42 | PTE5 — Port E bit 5 (general-purpose I/O) |
| Pin 43 | OSC1 — Crystal/oscillator input |
| Pin 44 | OSC2 — Crystal/oscillator output |
| Pin 45 | VDD — Positive supply voltage |
| Pin 46 | VSS — Ground |
| Pin 47 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 48 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
Typical Applications
MC68HC908JL3ECFA is suitable for 6 applications: Consumer Appliance Control (Washing Machine, Microwave, Rice Cooker), Battery Charger Control, Household Fan and Small Motor Speed Control, Low-Cost Remote Control Transmitter/Receiver, Sensor Interface / Edge-of-System Glue Logic Replacement, Industrial Control Modules (Legacy Maintained Equipment).
Consumer Appliance Control (Washing Machine, Microwave, Rice Cooker)
The MC68HC908JL3ECFA's 23 GPIO lines, integrated PWM channels, and on-chip LED drivers make it a fit for human-machine-interface panels in white-goods appliances. Why this part: it directly drives the keypad scan matrix and multiplexed LED indicators without external drivers, and the 4 KB FLASH accommodates typical washing-machine state machines and timing routines. How it is used: the timer and PWM channels drive the motor relay/TRIAC while GPIOs scan the keypad and update the 7-segment display; the integrated LVD supervises the 5 V rail. Performance consideration: 8 MHz is fast enough for relay-debounce and piezo-buzzer timing but the 128-byte RAM forces a lean state-machine programming style.
Recommended
Battery Charger Control
The MC68HC908JL3ECFA is suited to low-cost NiCd/NiMH/Li-ion charger designs where its PWM output drives the switching element and the ADC reads battery voltage and current. Why this part: 8 MHz CPU handles the charging-state algorithm and safety timers, while 23 GPIOs connect to LEDs that report charging status. How it is used: a closed current loop is built around the on-chip PWM + ADC, with LVD used as a brown-out supervisor. Performance consideration: at 8 MHz the firmware must keep interrupts short; engineers often run the PWM at fixed frequency and let the timing be hardware-driven.
Recommended
Household Fan and Small Motor Speed Control
The MC68HC908JL3ECFA is a fit for small AC or DC fan motor speed controllers. Why this part: the PWM channel provides a variable-duty drive signal to the TRIAC or MOSFET, and the integrated POR/LVD keeps the part from running at unsafe low voltages. How it is used: a single timer captures the zero-cross, the PWM modulates the TRIAC phase angle, and the GPIO controls mode LEDs. Performance consideration: at 8 MHz the firmware can usually handle a single motor plus UI in a single interrupt tier; adding BLE or USB would outgrow the part.
Recommended
Low-Cost Remote Control Transmitter/Receiver
The MC68HC908JL3ECFA's small footprint, integrated oscillator, and low pin count make it cost-effective in IR/RF remote units. Why this part: the internal oscillator eliminates the external crystal, 4 KB FLASH stores button-mapping tables, and the GPIO drives the IR LED directly through a BJT. How it is used: the firmware wakes on button interrupt, generates the protocol bitstream with software timing, and the LED-driver peripheral pulses the IR emitter. Performance consideration: 128 bytes RAM is just sufficient; designers typically use statically allocated buffers.
Recommended
Sensor Interface / Edge-of-System Glue Logic Replacement
The MC68HC908JL3ECFA serves as a programmable front-end for simple sensors - replacing discrete 4000-series glue logic with a single chip. Why this part: 23 I/O lines give enough headroom for several sensor inputs and outputs, the HC08 core handles linearisation tables in firmware, and the 7x7 mm LQFP is small for tight PCBs. How it is used: it polls analog or digital sensor inputs, applies calibration constants from FLASH, and outputs a clean logic-level or PWM signal downstream. Performance consideration: at 8 MHz the firmware is well-suited to periodic-polling architectures, not to high-speed DSP.
Recommended
Industrial Control Modules (Legacy Maintained Equipment)
The MC68HC908JL3ECFA continues to ship in legacy industrial control modules - in DIN-rail relays, simple timer boards, and indicator lamps - where it drives LEDs and reads contacts. Why this part: the on-chip LED drivers simplify front-panel wiring, and the HC08 core is well supported by existing in-house firmware libraries. How it is used: the module polls 4-8 digital inputs, drives 4-8 LEDs, and exchanges logic-level signals with a parent PLC. Performance consideration: obsolete lifecycle means long-term availability must be planned; OEMs usually stock last-time-buy quantities.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for MC68HC908JL3ECFA — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | MC68HC908JL8CFAE | MC68HC908JL3ECP | MC68HC908JL3CDW | MC68HC908JK3 | MC68HC908KX8 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | NXP Semiconductors | NXP Semiconductors | NXP Semiconductors | NXP Semiconductors | NXP Semiconductors | NXP Semiconductors |
| Package | 48-LQFP | 48-LQFP - same | 48-LQFP - same | 48-LQFP - same | 48-LQFP - same | 48-LQFP - same |
| Core | HC08 | HC08 | HC08 | HC08 | HC08 | HC08 |
| Core Size | 8-Bit | 8-Bit | 8-Bit | 8-Bit | 8-Bit | 8-Bit |
| Maximum CPU Frequency | 8 MHz | 8 MHz | 8 MHz | 8 MHz | 8 MHz | 8 MHz |
| Lifecycle Status | Obsolete | Obsolete | Obsolete | Obsolete | Obsolete | Obsolete |
Key Differentiators
- 48-LQFP drop-in with 4 KB FLASH in a CSIC-targeted HC08 family (vs MC68HC908JK3)
- Most member-specific mask revision with widely available legacy firmware (vs MC68HC908JL8CFAE)
- On-chip LED driver and PWM reduce external component count (vs MC68HC11F1CPU4)
Design Notes
The MC68HC908JL3ECFA integrates a Low-Voltage Detect (LVD) and Power-On Reset (POR) circuit, eliminating the need for an external brown-out supervisor. Decouple VDD with at least one 100 nF ceramic cap placed within 5 mm of each VDD pin and a single 10 uF bulk cap near the IC. The HC08 core draws low current in STOP mode but still requires well-bypassed rails to wake reliably; a 1 uF cap on the RST pin is recommended to handle slow-rising supplies.
The 48-LQFP at 0.5 mm pitch needs 4-mil traces between pads and at least 8-mil clearance to the next row. Provide a continuous ground plane on the bottom layer and stitch vias around the IC to reduce ground bounce. Avoid running high-current motor traces parallel to the crystal pins; use a guard ground between OSC1/OSC2 and noisy nets. The exposed-pad variant has no thermal pad, so a thin copper pour is acceptable for cooling but not required.
Estimated: at 8 MHz CPU clock with one interrupt per PWM cycle at 1 kHz, the CPU has roughly 8000 cycles between interrupts - sufficient for the LED mux and TRIAC firing algorithm, but adding a UART debug stream will saturate it. Do not exceed 5.5 V on any pin, even momentarily during hot-plug events. The FLASH erase/program routines rely on internal charge pumps; out-of-spec VDD during programming will brick the part.
Place the HC08 oscillator capacitors (typically 10 to 22 pF) as close to OSC1 and OSC2 as possible, with the crystal between them, and surround the loop with a ground ring. Keep digital switching traces away from the analog supply (if the LVD comparator is used). For EMI, the LQFP-48 lead-frame is balanced; balanced-pair routing is not required for GPIO.
Compliance Information
Compliance information was not present in the verified distributor datasheet extract; all compliance fields are flagged 'unknown' until confirmed in the manufacturer datasheet PDF.
