MC68HC908JL8CDW - 8-Bit 8MHz HC08 MCU 8KB Flash 28-SOIC | NXP
MPN: MC68HC908JL8CDW ✗ End of Life| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $4.72 | $4.72 |
| 10 | $4.15 | $41.50 |
| 100 | $3.58 | $358.00 |
| 500 | $3.02 | $1,510.00 |
| 1,000 | $2.65 | $2,650.00 |
MC68HC908JL8CDW Overview
A microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer containing a CPU, memory, and programmable I/O peripherals, designed for embedded control applications. The HC08 architecture sits in the taxonomy: microcontroller -> embedded processor -> 8-bit MCU -> CISC MCU -> HC08 family, and is fully object-code-compatible with the earlier M68HC05 family while adding enhanced addressing modes and instructions per the CPU08 reference manual. Microcontrollers like the MC68HC908JL8CDW are typically deployed in cost-sensitive, low-to-medium complexity embedded products.
Key features of the MC68HC908JL8CDW include 8KB FLASH program memory, 256 bytes of on-chip RAM, an 8MHz maximum bus frequency with a 3.3V/5V dual-voltage supply, 23 bidirectional I/O pins with high-current sink/source capability suitable for direct LED drive, a Serial Communications Interface (SCI) for UART communication, and 16-bit timer with PWM. The device supports in-system programming via a standard background debug mode (BDM) and includes a low-voltage detect (LVD) and power-on reset (POR) for robust supply supervision in industrial environments.
The CPU08 core uses a Von Neumann architecture with a 16-bit stack pointer, 16-bit index register (H:X), and a CISC instruction set with 90+ base instructions plus 200+ addressing-mode variants. The 8MHz internal bus supports 125ns minimum instruction cycle, sufficient for simple control loops, sensor sampling, and user-interface tasks. The FLASH memory supports 10,000 program/erase cycles typical and is byte-erasable. The device operates from 3.0V to 5.5V and the suffix -CDW denotes the industrial temperature grade (-40C to +85C).
Typical applications include appliance control boards, simple motor control, battery chargers, lighting ballasts, security keypads, and consumer white goods. The 23 high-current I/O pins and on-chip LED drive make it particularly suitable for human-machine interface (HMI) panels with seven-segment displays, status LEDs, and keypad scanning. The integrated SCI and PWM enable direct connection to power-conversion stages and isolated serial links.
When designing with this device, pay attention to the FLASH endurance budget: 10,000 program/erase cycles is the typical rating, which constrains bootloader designs that frequently rewrite firmware. Decouple VDD/VSS with a 100nF ceramic capacitor placed within 5mm of the supply pins. Use the BDM interface for in-circuit programming rather than the slower SCI bootloader, which requires application firmware cooperation.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, lifecycle status, drop-in compatible same-family variants, and practical design notes for engineers evaluating the MC68HC908JL8CDW for legacy or new designs.
Drop-in alternatives for MC68HC908JL8CDW — 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 MC68HC908JL8CDW (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Connectivity, Package, RAM Size, EEPROM Size, Peripherals.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
MC68HC908JL8CFAE
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$6.4 / Unit
View Datasheet →MC68HC908JL8MFAE
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$5.4 / Unit
View Datasheet →MC68HC908JK8CDW
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$4.85 / Unit
View Datasheet →MC68HC908KL8CDW
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
MC68HC08JL8CDW
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
MC68HC908JL8CDW Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Processor | HC08 |
| Core Size | 8-Bit |
| Maximum Bus Frequency | 8 MHz |
| Program Memory Size | 8 KB (8K x 8) |
| Program Memory Type | FLASH |
| RAM Size | 256 x 8 (256 bytes) |
| EEPROM Size | None (not present on this device) |
| Number of I/O | 23 |
| Connectivity | SCI (Serial Communications Interface) |
| Peripherals | LED drivers, LVD, POR, PWM, 16-bit Timer |
| Supply Voltage | 3.0 V to 5.5 V (3.3 V / 5 V dual-rail) |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +85 C (industrial grade, -CDW suffix) |
| Package | 28-SOIC (DW) 7.5 mm body width |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount (SMD) |
| Instruction Set | CPU08, object-code compatible with M68HC05 |
| Programming Interface | Background Debug Mode (BDM) / Monitor ROM |
| FLASH Endurance | 10,000 program/erase cycles typical |
| MSL Level | 3 (168 hours) |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
| Lead-Free | Yes |
MC68HC908JL8CDW Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | IRQ/TCLK/PTA0/BKGD — External interrupt / Timer clock / Port A bit 0 / Background Debug Mode (BDM) |
| 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 (3.0V to 5.5V) |
| Pin 10 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 11 | PTB0/TxD — Port B bit 0 / SCI transmit data |
| Pin 12 | PTB1/RxD — Port B bit 1 / SCI receive data |
| 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 | PTC6 — Port C bit 6 / general-purpose I/O |
| Pin 26 | OSC1 — Crystal oscillator input / external clock input |
| Pin 27 | OSC2 — Crystal oscillator output |
| Pin 28 | RESET — Active-low external reset input (with internal pull-up) |
Typical Applications
MC68HC908JL8CDW is suitable for 6 applications: Appliance Control Boards, Lighting Ballasts and LED Drivers, Battery Chargers, Security Keypads and Access Control, Consumer White Goods User Interface, Simple Motor Control and PWM Drivers.
Appliance Control Boards
The MC68HC908JL8CDW fits appliance control boards because its 23 high-current bidirectional I/O pins can directly sink LED and relay coil currents typical in washing machines, dishwashers, and microwave oven user-interface panels. With 8 KB of FLASH and an 8 MHz HC08 core, it handles keypad scanning, seven-segment or matrix LED display multiplexing, buzzer control, and basic supervisory state-machine logic without external driver ICs. The integrated 16-bit timer with PWM enables direct control of small motor speed or heating element duty-cycle regulation, while the SCI port provides an isolated interface to inverter boards or main-control communication links. Operating from -40C to +85C and 3.0V-5.5V, the device tolerates the wide supply and thermal conditions typical in household appliance enclosures.
Recommended
Lighting Ballasts and LED Drivers
The MC68HC908JL8CDW is well-suited to lighting ballast and LED driver control boards due to its integrated PWM channel and high-current I/O capable of switching MOSFET gates directly. The 8 MHz CPU executes proportional-integral lighting control loops with adequate headroom, while the SCI port enables DALI or 0-10V dimming interface bridging. With 8 KB FLASH and 256 bytes RAM, the device can store dimming curves, fade profiles, and thermal foldback parameters. The low-voltage detect (LVD) and power-on reset (POR) ensure clean startup on rectified mains-derived supplies common in commercial lighting fixtures. The industrial -40C to +85C temperature range covers enclosed-luminaire thermal conditions.
Recommended
Battery Chargers
The MC68HC908JL8CDW is appropriate for low-to-medium power battery charger controllers because its PWM channel drives a switching MOSFET at switching frequencies up to several hundred kHz, and its ADC input channels monitor charge current and battery voltage for closed-loop charge profile control. With 8 KB FLASH storing multi-stage charge profiles (CC-CV, pulse, etc.) and 256 bytes RAM tracking state, the MCU handles lead-acid, Li-ion, and NiMH chemistries via firmware changes rather than hardware redesign. The integrated SCI enables communication with host BMS or fuel gauge ICs in portable medical or industrial equipment, while the wide 3.0V-5.5V supply range accepts rectified AC adapters and DC bus sources directly.
Recommended
Security Keypads and Access Control
The MC68HC908JL8CDW handles security keypad and access control panel functions efficiently through its 23 I/O pins supporting matrix-scanned keypads up to 4x4 with minimal external components. With 8 KB FLASH storing user credential tables, PIN validation logic, and event logs, plus 256 bytes RAM for active session buffers, the device supports standalone access controllers without external memory. The SCI port connects to Wiegand readers, electric strike relays, or upstream access controllers. The HC08 core executes debounce, anti-tamper detection, and lockout timing algorithms within 8 MHz headroom. The LVD detects supply tampering attempts and triggers secure state preservation.
Recommended
Consumer White Goods User Interface
The MC68HC908JL8CDW powers white-goods user interface boards including refrigerator displays, washing-machine control panels, and oven timer interfaces by leveraging its 23 I/O pins for direct LED matrix driving, seven-segment display multiplexing, and capacitive-touch button scanning. The 8 KB FLASH stores UI state machines, menu navigation logic, and self-test routines, while the 256-byte RAM maintains current display buffer and key status. The SCI communicates with the main motor control board for command reception and status reporting. With -40C to +85C operation, the MCU tolerates kitchen-oven-adjacent thermal environments and HVAC enclosure conditions.
Recommended
Simple Motor Control and PWM Drivers
The MC68HC908JL8CDW is well-matched to small DC motor and stepper control applications because its 16-bit timer with PWM provides precise duty-cycle control up to 8-bit resolution at typical PWM frequencies, and its high-current I/O pins directly drive optocouplers or low-side MOSFET gates. With 8 KB FLASH storing acceleration/deceleration profiles and 256 bytes RAM tracking rotor position state, the device controls brushed DC motors, small BLDC fans, and unipolar stepper motors. The SCI port enables command reception from a host controller for variable-speed or position-setpoint control. The 3.0V-5.5V supply range matches battery and rectified-DC motor bus voltages directly.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for MC68HC908JL8CDW — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | MC68HC908JL8CFAE | MC68HC908JL8MFAE | MC68HC908JK8CDW | MC68HC908KL8CDW | MC68HC08JL8CDW |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | NXP Semiconductors (originally Motorola/Freescale) | NXP Semiconductors | NXP Semiconductors | NXP Semiconductors | NXP Semiconductors | NXP Semiconductors |
| Package | 28-SOIC (DW) | 32-LQFP (FAE) | 32-LQFP (FAE) | 28-SOIC (DW) | 28-SOIC (DW) | 28-SOIC (DW) |
| Core Processor | HC08 (8-bit) | HC08 (8-bit) | HC08 (8-bit) | HC08 (8-bit) | HC08 (8-bit) | HC08 (8-bit) |
| Program Memory | 8 KB FLASH | 8 KB FLASH | 8 KB FLASH | 16 KB FLASH | 8 KB FLASH | 8 KB ROM (mask, not FLASH) |
| RAM Size | 256 bytes | 256 bytes | 256 bytes | 256 bytes | 256 bytes | 256 bytes |
| Maximum Bus Frequency | 8 MHz | 8 MHz | 8 MHz | 8 MHz | 8 MHz | 8 MHz |
| Number of I/O | 23 | 23 | 23 | 23 | 23 | 23 |
| Connectivity | SCI | SCI | SCI | SCI | SCI | SCI |
| Supply Voltage | 3.0V to 5.5V | 3.0V to 5.5V | 3.0V to 5.5V | 3.0V to 5.5V | 3.0V to 5.5V | 3.0V to 5.5V |
| Lifecycle Status | Obsolete | Obsolete | Obsolete | Obsolete | Obsolete | Obsolete |
Key Differentiators
- High-current bidirectional I/O pins with direct LED drive capability (vs MC68HC908JL8CFAE)
- 8 KB FLASH in a 28-SOIC package, balancing code density and PCB ease (vs MC68HC908JK8CDW)
- Industry-standard HC08 architecture with broad tool support (vs MC68HC908KL8CDW)
Design Notes
Decouple VDD and VSS with a 100 nF X7R ceramic capacitor placed within 5 mm of the supply pins (pin 9 and pin 10) to suppress switching noise from the internal CPU core. Add a bulk 10 uF tantalum or aluminum-polymer capacitor near the supply entry point for transient load support. The integrated LVD and POR require a clean rising VDD ramp; ensure the supply source rises monotonically to avoid spurious reset events during power-up.
Place the external crystal or resonator within 5 mm of the OSC1 (pin 26) and OSC2 (pin 27) pins, with short symmetric traces to minimize capacitive loading and EMI. Keep clock traces away from high-current switching nodes such as PWM-driven MOSFET gates. Maintain a continuous ground plane under the MCU and route high-current I/O and signal traces on separate layers to prevent ground bounce from corrupting ADC and timer measurements.
The 8 KB FLASH has a typical endurance of 10,000 program/erase cycles; avoid using FLASH for frequently-updated parameter storage in production designs - use external EEPROM or limit rewrites via wear-leveling. The internal RAM loses contents on power loss; design state machine variables that must survive brownouts to be reconstructed on restart rather than stored in RAM. The 23 I/O pins share ports with peripheral functions; reconfigure pin functions explicitly when switching between modes to prevent bus contention.
Compliance Information
RoHS and REACH compliance per NXP/Freescale product declaration. Not AEC-Q100 qualified; for automotive applications use the dedicated MC68HC908AZ60 or S08 automotive variants. Lead-free (Pb-free) and halogen-free per JEDEC JS709 and IEC 61249-2-21 standards.
