MC68HC908JL8CFAE - 8KB Flash 8-bit HC08 MCU | NXP | 32-LQFP
MPN: MC68HC908JL8CFAE ⚠ Last Time Buy| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $9.2 | $9.20 |
| 10 | $8.45 | $84.50 |
| 100 | $7.62 | $762.00 |
| 500 | $6.95 | $3,475.00 |
| 1,000 | $6.4 | $6,400.00 |
MC68HC908JL8CFAE Overview
A microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer that integrates a CPU core, volatile and non-volatile memory, and a configurable set of peripheral interfaces. Within the broader semiconductor taxonomy, an 8-bit MCU sits under microcontroller -> embedded processor -> semiconductor device. The HC08 architecture is the successor to the long-lived HC05 family: it is object-code compatible with the HC05 instruction set, but adds additional addressing modes, a slightly higher-performance bus interface, and improved debug support, all while preserving the ultra-low cost point that made the HC05 ubiquitous in appliances, automotive body electronics, and consumer devices.
Key features of the MC68HC908JL8CFAE include 8KB of Flash program memory (8K x 8), 256 bytes of on-chip RAM, an internal bus frequency of up to 8 MHz (typically derived from an internal oscillator or external crystal), an integrated 13-channel 8-bit ADC with multiple input options, multiple timers (TIM1 with two channels), a serial communications interface (SCI), and an internal 32 kHz oscillator for low-power modes. The device operates from a single 3 V to 5.5 V supply (5 V nominal in the part suffix 'F' variants), and includes a 32-pin LQFP package option for space-constrained designs.
The CPU08 core at 8 MHz provides roughly 1.5 MIPS throughput, well-suited to interrupt-driven control loops, simple state machines, and basic serial-protocol handling. The integrated ADC performs a conversion in approximately 16 ADC clock cycles and supports both single-shot and continuous conversion modes. Brownout detection, low-voltage reset, and a stop/wait low-power mode round out the feature set, enabling battery-backed and energy-conscious designs.
Typical applications for the MC68HC908JL8CFAE include household appliance control (white goods, washing machines, microwave ovens), automotive body modules (interior lighting, simple motor control, sensor reading), industrial sensor interfaces, consumer remote controls, low-end security panels, and legacy field-replacement designs where the HC08 instruction set is already deployed in production firmware.
When designing with this part, verify the voltage suffix (CFAE = 5 V) matches the system's supply rail; the JL family also ships as 3 V variants. A decoupling capacitor of 0.1 µF placed as close as possible to the VDD/VSS pins is mandatory, and unused ADC channels should be tied to a defined voltage level rather than left floating.
This page consolidates distributor pricing, lifecycle status, drop-in package-compatible alternatives, and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet alone.
Drop-in alternatives for MC68HC908JL8CFAE — 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 MC68HC908JL8CFAE (same form factor and footprint) — differing in RAM Size, Operating Temperature, Program Memory Size, ADC, Peripherals.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
MC908JL8CFAER2
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.85 / Unit
View Datasheet →MC68HC908JL8CFA
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$5.4 / Unit
View Datasheet →MC68HC908JL8MFAE
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$5.4 / Unit
View Datasheet →MC68HC908JL8CSPE
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$4.1 / Unit
View Datasheet →MC68HC908JL8CFAE Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Manufacturer | NXP Semiconductors (formerly Freescale Semiconductor) |
| Series | HC08 |
| Core Processor | CPU08 (M68HC08) |
| Core Size | 8-bit |
| Maximum Internal Bus Frequency | 8 MHz |
| Program Memory Size | 8 KB (8K x 8) Flash |
| RAM Size | 256 bytes |
| Data EEPROM | Not present on this device |
| Number of I/O Pins | Up to 23 (depending on configuration) |
| ADC Resolution | 8-bit, up to 13 channels |
| Supply Voltage (Vdd) | 3 V to 5.5 V (5 V nominal) |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +85C |
| Package | 32-LQFP (7x7 mm) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Connectivity | SCI (asynchronous serial) |
| Timers | TIM1 (2-channel, 16-bit) |
| Low-Power Modes | Stop, Wait |
| Peripheral Highlights | 13-channel 8-bit ADC, SCI, TIM1, KBI, COP watchdog |
| Instruction Set | HC08 (object-code compatible with HC05) |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
| MSL Level | 3 (per JEDEC J-STD-020, 168 hours) |
MC68HC908JL8CFAE Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | IRQ — External interrupt request input (falling edge / low-level selectable) |
| Pin 2 | OSC1 — Crystal oscillator input or external clock input |
| Pin 3 | OSC2 — Crystal oscillator output (leave open when external clock drives OSC1) |
| Pin 4 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 5 | VDD — Positive supply voltage (5 V nominal, 3 V to 5.5 V) |
| Pin 6 | PTA0 / T1CH0 / AN0 — GPIO A0 / Timer 1 channel 0 / ADC input 0 |
| Pin 7 | PTA1 / T1CH1 / AN1 — GPIO A1 / Timer 1 channel 1 / ADC input 1 |
| Pin 8 | PTA2 / AN2 — GPIO A2 / ADC input 2 |
| Pin 9 | PTA3 / AN3 — GPIO A3 / ADC input 3 |
| Pin 10 | PTA4 / AN4 — GPIO A4 / ADC input 4 |
| Pin 11 | PTA5 / AN5 — GPIO A5 / ADC input 5 |
| Pin 12 | PTA6 / AN6 — GPIO A6 / ADC input 6 |
| Pin 13 | PTA7 / AN7 — GPIO A7 / ADC input 7 |
| Pin 14 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 15 | VDD — Positive supply voltage |
| Pin 16 | PTB0 / RxD — GPIO B0 / SCI receive data input |
| Pin 17 | PTB1 / TxD — GPIO B1 / SCI transmit data output |
| Pin 18 | PTB2 — GPIO B2 |
| Pin 19 | PTB3 — GPIO B3 |
| Pin 20 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 21 | VDD — Positive supply voltage |
| Pin 22 | PTC0 / AN8 — GPIO C0 / ADC input 8 |
| Pin 23 | PTC1 / AN9 — GPIO C1 / ADC input 9 |
| Pin 24 | PTC2 / AN10 — GPIO C2 / ADC input 10 |
| Pin 25 | PTC3 / AN11 — GPIO C3 / ADC input 11 |
| Pin 26 | PTC4 / AN12 — GPIO C4 / ADC input 12 |
| Pin 27 | PTC5 / KBI0 — GPIO C5 / Keyboard interrupt 0 |
| Pin 28 | PTC6 / KBI1 — GPIO C6 / Keyboard interrupt 1 |
| Pin 29 | PTC7 / KBI2 — GPIO C7 / Keyboard interrupt 2 |
| Pin 30 | RST — Reset input (active-low, internal pull-up) |
| Pin 31 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 32 | VDD — Positive supply voltage |
Typical Applications
MC68HC908JL8CFAE is suitable for 6 applications: Household Appliance Control, Automotive Body Control Modules, Consumer Remote Controls, Industrial Sensor Interfaces, Low-End Security Panels, Legacy Field Replacement / Industrial Retrofits.
Household Appliance Control
The MC68HC908JL8CFAE is widely deployed in washing machines, microwave ovens, dishwashers, and similar white-goods controllers where cost dominates over raw throughput. Its 8-bit CPU08 core at 8 MHz runs the supervisor loop, button-debouncing, relay timing, and beeper patterns without exhausting the 8 KB Flash budget. The integrated 13-channel 8-bit ADC handles water-level sensors, thermistor inputs, and motor-current feedback with adequate resolution. Brownout and low-voltage reset logic protect flash write operations during line-voltage sag. A single 5 V supply with a 0.1 µF decoupling capacitor plus a 10 µF bulk cap is the typical front end. Compared with newer Cortex-M parts, the HC08 still wins on cost per board in sub-$5 BOM designs.
Recommended
Automotive Body Control Modules
Interior lighting drivers, simple seat-position motors, mirror adjusters, and wiper timers have historically relied on 8-bit MCUs, and the MC68HC908JL8CFAE fits that role. With 23 configurable I/O, two timer channels, and the SCI for LIN-transceiver-friendly half-duplex links, it can replace several discrete timer components. The 5 V tolerance survives 12 V battery transients after downstream regulation. For AEC-Q100 qualified operations a Q-suffixed variant or a newer S12Z part is recommended instead, since the JL8CFAE itself is a commercial grade. In engine compartments or under-hood modules the operating-temperature grade must be re-verified.
Recommended
Consumer Remote Controls
IR/RF remote controllers need an MCU that boots in milliseconds, runs on AAA or coin-cell batteries, and costs under a dollar in volume. The MC68HC908JL8CFAE's STOP and WAIT low-power modes draw microamps, letting a remote survive months on a single battery set. The CPU08 instruction set is already familiar to many legacy firmware teams. Designers pair the ADC to read potentiometers and touch sliders, and the SCI to drive RF transceivers or IR LEDs. PCB layout typically keeps the part in a 32-LQFP footprint on a thin 1.0 mm board. For two-way communications consider a part with hardware I²C.
Recommended
Industrial Sensor Interfaces
Low-end industrial 4-20 mA loop transmitters, RTD conditioners, and panel-meter front-ends do not require a 32-bit core but do demand deterministic interrupt response and a stable ADC. The MC68HC908JL8CFAE satisfies both, with the 8-bit ADC providing 19.5 mV resolution at 5 V reference and the TIM1 module generating accurate PWM drive for excitation or H-bridge control. The 32-LQFP package tolerates reflow soldering on industrial-grade boards. For installations above 60 °C ambient, verify the operating-temperature grade or derate supply current. Multiple ADC channels support thermocouple cold-junction compensation and supply-rail monitoring on the same board.
Recommended
Low-End Security Panels
PIR sensor interfaces, door contact debouncers, and keypad scanners in low-cost intrusion panels cycle on the MC68HC908JL8CFAE. The 256-byte RAM buffers recent events while the 8 KB Flash holds the call-out list and keypad driver. The hardware SCI ships dialer commands or keypad data to a downstream modem. Brownout reset and watchdog timer guard against supply dips and firmware deadlocks. The 8-bit ADC monitors backup-battery voltage and PIR analog outputs. For networked panels the SCI also implements RS-485 half-duplex with external transceiver.
Recommended
Legacy Field Replacement / Industrial Retrofits
Brownfield industrial sites often hold PLCs, scales, and HVAC controllers whose firmware dates back to the HC05 era. The MC68HC908JL8CFAE is object-code-compatible with the HC05, allowing existing firmware to be recompiled with minimal change when a board is rebuilt. The 32-LQFP footprint matches typical retrofit adapter PCBs. Industrial temperature range (-40 °C to +85 °C) covers indoor and sheltered outdoor enclosures. SCI lets the rebuild integrate with newer supervisory SCADA nodes without changing toolchains.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for MC68HC908JL8CFAE — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | MC908JL8CFAER2 | MC68HC908JL8CFA | MC68HC908JL8MFAE | MC68HC908JL8CSPE | MC68HC908JK8 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | NXP Semiconductors | NXP Semiconductors | NXP Semiconductors | NXP Semiconductors | NXP Semiconductors | NXP Semiconductors |
| Package | 32-LQFP (7x7 mm) | 32-LQFP (same) | 32-LQFP (same) | 32-LQFP (same) | 32-LQFP / CSP | DIP-16 / 20-SOIC |
| Program Memory | 8 KB Flash | 8 KB Flash | 8 KB Flash | 8 KB Flash | 8 KB Flash | 8 KB Flash |
| RAM Size | 256 bytes | 256 bytes | 256 bytes | 256 bytes | 256 bytes | 128 bytes |
| Core / Frequency | CPU08 / 8 MHz | CPU08 / 8 MHz | CPU08 / 8 MHz | CPU08 / 8 MHz | CPU08 / 8 MHz | CPU08 / 8 MHz |
| ADC | 8-bit, 13 channels | 8-bit, 13 channels | 8-bit, 13 channels | 8-bit, 13 channels | 8-bit, 13 channels | 8-bit, fewer channels |
| Supply Voltage | 3 V to 5.5 V (5 V nom) | 3 V to 5.5 V | 3 V to 5.5 V | 3 V to 5.5 V | 3 V to 5.5 V | 3 V to 5.5 V |
| Lifecycle | Last-Time-Buy | Last-Time-Buy | Last-Time-Buy | Last-Time-Buy | Last-Time-Buy | Last-Time-Buy (same family) |
Key Differentiators
- True 32-LQFP drop-in compatibility across the entire date-code band (vs MC908JL8CFAER2 / MC68HC908JL8CFA)
- 8-bit HC08 object-code compatibility with HC05 (vs MC68HC908JK8)
- JTAG debug interface for in-circuit programming (vs MC68HC908LB8CDWE)
Design Notes
Place a 0.1 µF decoupling capacitor as close as possible to each VDD/VSS pin pair on the 32-LQFP. Add a single 10 µF bulk capacitor at the regulator output to suppress transient loads during ADC bursts. The HC08 has no internal voltage regulator, so all logic runs from the same 5 V rail - noisy relay switching should be buffered away from MCU VDD.
The 32-LQFP package dissipates very little power - estimated below 200 mW even at 8 MHz with all peripherals active. Estimating: I_dd ~ 8 mA active, P ~ 8 mA * 5 V = 40 mW. A small copper pour tied to the device's four VSS pads (pins 4/14/20/31) doubles as thermal relief without needing a separate heatsink. Industrial designs operating near 85 °C ambient should still derate the maximum clock slightly to guard against ADC drift.
Floating ADC inputs measure between supplies erratically and couple into adjacent channels. Tie unused ADC channels to either VSS or VREF through a defined resistor. Do not assume HC05 code runs unmodified - while object-code-compatible, the HC08 adds new instructions; verify any hand-written assembly, especially with new addressing modes. When migrating from an HC05 design, pay close attention to STOP-instruction wake-up behavior, which differs from HC08 STOP.
Route the OSC1/OSC2 crystal traces symmetrically and shield them with a ground guard ring. Keep ADC analog traces away from the SCI digital lines; if the board has both, place a ground island between the analog and digital sections. The RST pin requires a 4.7 kΩ pull-up to VDD and a 100 nF capacitor to VSS for an RC-reset filter. NXP strongly recommends the COP watchdog be enabled in production firmware - config bits set the COP timeout and must be set before the first instruction executes.
Compliance Information
RoHS and REACH compliance confirmed via NXP product page and DigiKey attributes (as of 2026-10-19). The -40 °C to +85 °C operating temperature range is commercial/industrial, not automotive AEC-Q100. Halogen-free status listed as 'unknown' because it was not explicitly confirmed in the provided distributor snippets; consult NXP environmental docs for definitive answer.