MC68HC908JL8CFAE-FR - 8-bit 8KB Flash MCU 32-LQFP | NXP
MPN: MC68HC908JL8CFAE-FR ✗ End of Life| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $8.45 | $8.45 |
| 10 | $7.62 | $76.20 |
| 100 | $6.78 | $678.00 |
| 500 | $5.95 | $2,975.00 |
| 1,000 | $5.2 | $5,200.00 |
MC68HC908JL8CFAE-FR Overview
An 8-bit microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer that integrates an 8-bit CPU core, program and data memory, I/O peripherals, and timers onto one silicon die. The HC08 family belongs to the M68HC08 taxonomy of 8-bit MCUs from NXP (formerly Freescale/Motorola), which itself descends from the Freescale HCS08 broad-market product family. Positioned in the embedded microcontroller hierarchy, the HC08 sits below 32-bit ARM Cortex-M devices and above 4-bit microcontrollers in capability while maintaining a low-cost, low-power profile ideal for cost-sensitive embedded designs.
Key features of the MC68HC908JL8 include on-chip FLASH with in-circuit programming, an internal oscillator with software-trimmable bus frequency, an analog watchdog on the ADC, low-voltage reset (LVR), and a low-power STOP/WAIT mode. The integrated 8-bit ADC with 13 input channels provides up to 8-bit resolution for sensor reading and battery monitoring applications, while the SCI (Serial Communications Interface) supports asynchronous serial communication up to the bus clock rate.
The M68HC08 CPU is object-code-compatible with the earlier M68HC05 family, easing migration of legacy firmware. The CPU08 features an enhanced instruction set with a 16-bit index register, stack pointer, and program counter, plus additional addressing modes compared to the HC05. The device includes a security feature that protects on-chip FLASH from unauthorized read-out, supporting secure firmware IP protection for OEM designs.
Typical applications include remote keyless entry (RKE) transmitters, low-end automotive body controllers, white goods and appliance control, lighting controllers, security keypads, battery chargers, and small industrial sensor interfaces. The low-power STOP mode draws microampere-level current, making the MCU well suited to battery-powered and energy-harvesting designs where quiescent drain matters.
When designing with the MC68HC908JL8, ensure that the supply decoupling network uses a 100 nF ceramic capacitor placed within 5 mm of the VDD/VSS pair, and add a 10 uF bulk capacitor at the board input. The internal oscillator accuracy is adequate for asynchronous serial communication up to modest baud rates, but designs requiring tight UART timing should use an external crystal where the package pinout permits it. The IC has a maximum junction temperature of 150 C and an operating temperature range suitable for industrial and consumer environments.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, verified drop-in same-package alternatives, and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet alone, structured for engineers selecting or replacing this MCU in production designs.
Drop-in alternatives for MC68HC908JL8CFAE-FR — 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-FR (same form factor and footprint) — differing in ADC, Core, Number of I/O Pins, Package, RAM.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
MC68HC908JL8CFAE
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$6.4 / Unit
View Datasheet →MC908JL8CFAER2
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.85 / Unit
View Datasheet →MC68HC908JK8CFAE
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
MC9S08PT16VLH
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
MC9S08PA8VLC
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.84 / Unit
View Datasheet →MC908AP64CFAER528
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified✓ In Stock
$4.85 / Unit
View Datasheet →MC68HC908JL8CFAE-FR Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core | M68HC08 (CPU08) |
| Data Bus Width | 8 bit |
| Program Memory Size | 8 KB (8K x 8) FLASH |
| RAM Size | 256 x 8 bytes |
| Maximum Clock Frequency | 8 MHz internal bus |
| Supply Voltage Range | 2.7 V to 5.5 V |
| Number of I/O Pins | 23 GPIO |
| ADC | 8-bit, 13 channels |
| Timers | 2 x 16-bit (TIM1, TIM2) |
| Serial Interface | 1 x SCI (UART) |
| Keyboard Interrupt Module (KBI) | Yes |
| Low Voltage Reset (LVR) | Yes |
| Package | 32-LQFP (7x7 mm) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
MC68HC908JL8CFAE-FR Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | IRQ — External interrupt request / reset-related input |
| Pin 2 | PTA0 — Port A bit 0 (general-purpose I/O, KBI) |
| Pin 3 | PTA1 — Port A bit 1 (general-purpose I/O, KBI) |
| Pin 4 | PTA2 — Port A bit 2 (general-purpose I/O, KBI) |
| Pin 5 | PTA3 — Port A bit 3 (general-purpose I/O, KBI) |
| Pin 6 | PTA4 — Port A bit 4 (general-purpose I/O, KBI) |
| Pin 7 | PTA5 — Port A bit 5 (general-purpose I/O, KBI) |
| Pin 8 | PTA6 — Port A bit 6 (general-purpose I/O, KBI) |
| Pin 9 | PTA7 — Port A bit 7 (general-purpose I/O, KBI) |
| Pin 10 | VDD — Positive supply voltage (2.7 V to 5.5 V) |
| Pin 11 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 12 | PTB0 — Port B bit 0 (ADC channel, general-purpose I/O) |
| Pin 13 | PTB1 — Port B bit 1 (ADC channel, general-purpose I/O) |
| Pin 14 | PTB2 — Port B bit 2 (ADC channel, general-purpose I/O) |
| Pin 15 | PTB3 — Port B bit 3 (ADC channel, general-purpose I/O) |
| Pin 16 | PTB4 — Port B bit 4 (ADC channel, general-purpose I/O) |
| Pin 17 | PTB5 — Port B bit 5 (ADC channel, general-purpose I/O) |
| Pin 18 | PTB6 — Port B bit 6 (ADC channel, general-purpose I/O) |
| Pin 19 | PTB7 — Port B bit 7 (ADC channel, general-purpose I/O) |
| Pin 20 | PTC0 — Port C bit 0 (general-purpose I/O / timer channel) |
| Pin 21 | PTC1 — Port C bit 1 (general-purpose I/O / timer channel) |
| Pin 22 | PTC2 — Port C bit 2 (general-purpose I/O / timer channel) |
| Pin 23 | PTC3 — Port C bit 3 (general-purpose I/O / timer channel) |
| Pin 24 | PTC4 — Port C bit 4 (general-purpose I/O / SCI) |
| Pin 25 | PTC5 — Port C bit 5 (general-purpose I/O / SCI TxD) |
| Pin 26 | PTC6 — Port C bit 6 (general-purpose I/O / SCI RxD) |
| Pin 27 | OSC1 — Oscillator input / external clock input |
| Pin 28 | OSC2 — Oscillator output |
| Pin 29 | RST — External reset input (active low) |
| Pin 30 | PTD0 — Port D bit 0 (general-purpose I/O / ADC reference) |
| Pin 31 | PTD1 — Port D bit 1 (general-purpose I/O / ADC reference) |
| Pin 32 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet package pinout) |
Typical Applications
MC68HC908JL8CFAE-FR is suitable for 7 applications: Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) Transmitter, White Goods Appliance Control, Lighting Control Module, Security Keypad and Access Control, Battery Charger Controller, Industrial Sensor Interface Module, HVAC Thermostat Control.
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) Transmitter
The MC68HC908JL8CFAE-FR's low-power STOP/WAIT modes drawing under 1 mA quiescent current and 23 GPIO for keypad matrix scanning fit battery-powered remote keyless entry transmitters. The integrated SCI (UART) at up to 8 MHz bus frequency enables rolling-code generator communication with the vehicle receiver. With 8 KB Flash and 256 bytes RAM, the part stores rolling-code algorithms and button-press debounce logic; the security lock-bit feature protects OEM proprietary firmware from unauthorized read-out.
Recommended
White Goods Appliance Control
The HC08 MC68HC908JL8CFAE-FR's 13-channel 8-bit ADC and 23 GPIO suit washing machine, dishwasher, and refrigerator control boards where multiple temperature sensors, water level switches, and motor drivers must be monitored. Operating from 2.7 V to 5.5 V lets the MCU connect directly to 5 V-regulated appliance rails without level shifters. The two 16-bit timers drive triac-based motor phase-angle control and PWM for variable-load appliances in homes.
Recommended
Lighting Control Module
Dimmable LED drivers and DMX-controlled lighting benefit from the MC68HC908JL8CFAE-FR's 13 ADC channels reading ambient light sensors and potentiometer inputs, while 23 GPIO drive LED PWM channels and zero-cross detection. The 8 MHz CPU08 core executes lighting state tables and DMX-512 protocol decoding in real time. Security lock-bits protect custom lighting sequences from cloning in commercial installations.
Recommended
Security Keypad and Access Control
The MC68HC908JL8CFAE-FR's integrated keyboard interrupt module (KBI) wakes the MCU from STOP on keypad press, conserving battery life in wireless security keypads and access-control panels. The 23 GPIO matrix-scan up to 6x6 key grids, while the 13 ADC channels monitor tamper switches and battery voltage. Security lock-bits protect stored credential tables against external read attempts.
Recommended
Battery Charger Controller
The MC68HC908JL8CFAE-FR's 8-bit ADC with analog watchdog continuously monitors battery voltage and current during NiCd, NiMH, or Li-ion charge cycles. Two 16-bit timers generate PWM for buck/boost charger topologies, and the SCI port reports charge status to a host controller. Operating at 2.7-5.5 V lets the MCU work directly from single-cell Li-ion or multi-cell NiMH stacks.
Recommended
Industrial Sensor Interface Module
The MC68HC908JL8CFAE-FR's 13-channel 8-bit ADC and SCI port suit 4-20 mA loop-powered sensor interfaces in industrial environments, reading thermocouples, RTDs, pressure sensors, and flow meters. The HC08 CPU08 core at 8 MHz executes linearization and scaling algorithms in real time, and the 2.7-5.5 V supply accepts 24 V industrial bus rails with external regulation.
Recommended
HVAC Thermostat Control
The MC68HC908JL8CFAE-FR's 13 ADC channels monitor temperature sensors (NTC thermistors), humidity sensors, and user-setpoint potentiometers in residential HVAC thermostats. Two 16-bit timers drive triac-fired compressor and blower motor control, while the SCI interfaces to Wi-Fi or sub-GHz RF modules for smart-thermostat connectivity. Low-power STOP mode below 1 mA extends battery life in wireless thermostat designs.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for MC68HC908JL8CFAE-FR — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | MC68HC908JL8CFAE | MC908JL8CFAER2 | MC68HC908JK8CFAE | MC9S08PT16VLH | MC9S08PA8VLC |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | NXP Semiconductors | NXP Semiconductors | NXP Semiconductors | NXP Semiconductors | NXP Semiconductors | NXP Semiconductors |
| Package | 32-LQFP (7x7 mm) | 32-LQFP (7x7 mm) - same | 32-LQFP (7x7 mm) - same | 32-LQFP (7x7 mm) - same | 32-LQFP (7x7 mm) - same | 32-LQFP (7x7 mm) - same |
| Core | M68HC08 (CPU08) 8-bit | M68HC08 (CPU08) 8-bit | M68HC08 (CPU08) 8-bit | M68HC08 (CPU08) 8-bit | S08 (enhanced) 8-bit | S08 8-bit |
| Program Memory | 8 KB Flash | 8 KB Flash | 8 KB Flash | 8 KB Flash | 16 KB Flash | 8 KB Flash |
| RAM Size | 256 bytes | 256 bytes | 256 bytes | 256 bytes | 1 KB | 1 KB |
| Maximum Clock Frequency | 8 MHz | 8 MHz | 8 MHz | 8 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz |
| Supply Voltage Range | 2.7 V to 5.5 V | 2.7 V to 5.5 V | 2.7 V to 5.5 V | 2.7 V to 5.5 V | 2.7 V to 5.5 V | 2.7 V to 5.5 V |
| Lifecycle Status | NRND | NRND | NRND | NRND | Active | Active |
Key Differentiators
- Identical die available in same 32-LQFP footprint with reel-code suffix flexibility (vs MC68HC908JL8CFAE)
- Active-lifecycle modern S08 successor with 4x Flash and 4x RAM in same package (vs MC9S08PT16VLH)
- Pin-compatible family member from the same datasheet (vs MC68HC908JK8CFAE)
Design Notes
Place a 100 nF ceramic decoupling capacitor within 5 mm of the VDD (pin 10) and VSS (pin 11) pair, with traces short and direct. Add a 10 uF bulk capacitor at the board's supply input. The internal oscillator draws bursts of current when the bus clock gates wake from STOP mode, so decoupling near the package is critical to prevent supply droop from corrupting Flash writes during in-circuit programming.
The RST pin (pin 29) is bidirectional: holding it low externally during power-up resets the part, but the internal reset driver also drives it low on brown-out events. Do not pull RST high with a weak pull-up; use at least 10 kohm. When migrating firmware from M68HC05 code, note that the CPU08's new instructions and addressing modes require recompilation - object-code compatibility is at the source level only.
Route the oscillator pins OSC1 (pin 27) and OSC2 (pin 28) with short traces guarded by a ground plane to minimize clock noise injection into adjacent analog ADC channels on PTB. If using an external crystal, place load capacitors within 2 mm of the oscillator pins. For ADC accuracy, route analog PTB inputs away from PTD switching signals and add a small RC filter (1 kohm + 100 nF) at the ADC pin for sensor inputs.
The SCI (UART) signals on PTC4-PTC6 carry logic depending on baud rate; at 8 MHz bus clock the SCI baud rate is configured by the SCBR register. For UART communication at 9600 baud or higher, use shielded routing if cable length exceeds 10 cm. The KBI module wake-from-STOP on PTA pins requires debouncing in firmware - debouncing may be added inline in the keypad scan loop.
Compliance Information
RoHS compliance varies by date code; pre-2006 lots may be non-compliant. AEC-Q100 not qualified - not recommended for new automotive designs. Lead-free yes per modern NXP manufacturing.