MC68HC908JL8CSPE - 8KB Flash 8-bit HC08 MCU | NXP | DIP-32
MPN: MC68HC908JL8CSPE ✗ End of Life| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $6.45 | $6.45 |
| 10 | $5.8 | $58.00 |
| 100 | $5.2 | $520.00 |
| 500 | $4.65 | $2,325.00 |
| 1,000 | $4.1 | $4,100.00 |
MC68HC908JL8CSPE Overview
What is an 8-bit microcontroller? An 8-bit microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer that fetches, decodes, and executes 8-bit-wide instructions, combining a CPU, RAM, Flash/ROM program memory, and peripheral set on a single silicon die. It sits hierarchically between a microprocessor (CPU only) and a System-on-Chip (SoC), typically serving as the lowest-cost, lowest-power computation node in embedded electronics. M68HC08 parts use a customer-specified integrated circuit (CSIC) design strategy with an HC08 core superseding the legacy HC05 instruction set.
Key features include 8 KB on-chip Flash with in-system programming support, 256 bytes of on-chip RAM, a 16-channel 8-bit ADC, two 16-bit dual-channel timer interface modules, a serial communications interface (SCI), and a serial peripheral interface (SPI). The part is also equipped with a real-time interrupt, computer operating properly (COP) watchdog, low-voltage inhibit (LVI), and POR reset blocks for robust system bring-up. The HC08 CPU executes most instructions in 2 to 5 bus cycles at 8 MHz, yielding roughly 1 MIPS at full speed.
Architecturally, the JL8 family belongs to NXP/Freescale's HC08JL/JK sub-line with a unified memory map, vectored interrupts, and a flexible internal oscillator trimmable via factory-programmed Flash trim values. The 32-SDIP footprint simplifies breadboarding and legacy harness compatibility for industrial control modules designed around through-hole pinouts.
Typical applications include appliance control boards (white goods, HVAC damper drivers), automotive body electronics (window lift, lighting controllers), low-cost sensor read-out boards, and industrial control front-ends interfacing to power switches through the ADC, PWM, and SCI peripherals. The 32-SDIP form factor is preferred where socketed field service is desirable.
When designing with this part, pay attention to the LVI/POR behavior during power ramp and ensure the oscillator stabilization delay is observed before code execution begins; CSIC mask revisions may also change peripheral channel assignments, so check the silicon rev against the datasheet Rev. 3.1 (March 2005) when porting code.
This page synthesizes official NXP documentation, distributor pricing, drop-in upgrade alternatives from the same HC908 family, and practical design guidance not found in the manufacturer datasheet alone.
Drop-in alternatives for MC68HC908JL8CSPE — 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 MC68HC908JL8CSPE (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Mounting Type, Operating Temperature, RAM Size, Connectivity, Program Memory Size.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
MC68HC908JK8CPE
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
MC68HC908KL8CPE
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
MC68HC908JK1CPE
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
MC68HC908JL8MPE
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
MC68HC908GR8CPE
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
MC68HC908JL8CSPE Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core | HC08 |
| CPU Architecture | 8-bit |
| Program Memory Type | Flash |
| Program Memory Size | 8 KB (8K x 8) |
| RAM Size | 256 B (256 x 8) |
| Maximum Clock Frequency | 8 MHz |
| Supply Voltage (Vcc/Vdd) | 2.7 V to 5.5 V |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +85 C |
| Package / Case | 32-SDIP |
| Pin Count | 32 |
| Mounting Type | Through Hole |
| ADC | 8-bit, multi-channel |
| Communication Interfaces | SCI (UART), SPI |
| Timers | Dual 16-bit timer interface modules |
| Watchdog | COP watchdog |
| Reset / Brown-out | POR + LVI (Low Voltage Inhibit) |
MC68HC908JL8CSPE Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | PTA0/TCH0 — Port A bit 0 / Timer channel 0 |
| Pin 2 | PTA1/TCH1 — Port A bit 1 / Timer channel 1 |
| Pin 3 | PTA2 — Port A bit 2 |
| Pin 4 | PTA3 — Port A bit 3 |
| Pin 5 | PTA4 — Port A bit 4 |
| Pin 6 | PTA5 — Port A bit 5 |
| Pin 7 | PTA6 — Port A bit 6 |
| Pin 8 | PTA7 — Port A bit 7 |
| Pin 9 | Vdd — Power supply |
| Pin 10 | Vss — Ground |
| Pin 11 | OSC1 — Crystal oscillator input |
| Pin 12 | OSC2 — Crystal oscillator output |
| Pin 13 | RST — External reset input |
| Pin 14 | IRQ — External interrupt request |
| Pin 15 | PTB0/ADC0 — Port B bit 0 / ADC channel 0 |
| Pin 16 | PTB1/ADC1 — Port B bit 1 / ADC channel 1 |
| Pin 17 | PTB2/ADC2 — Port B bit 2 / ADC channel 2 |
| Pin 18 | PTB3/ADC3 — Port B bit 3 / ADC channel 3 |
| Pin 19 | PTB4/ADC4 — Port B bit 4 / ADC channel 4 |
| Pin 20 | PTB5/ADC5 — Port B bit 5 / ADC channel 5 |
| Pin 21 | PTB6/ADC6 — Port B bit 6 / ADC channel 6 |
| Pin 22 | PTB7/ADC7 — Port B bit 7 / ADC channel 7 |
| Pin 23 | PTC0/SPSCK — Port C bit 0 / SPI clock |
| Pin 24 | PTC1/MOSI — Port C bit 1 / SPI MOSI |
| Pin 25 | PTC2/MISO — Port C bit 2 / SPI MISO |
| Pin 26 | PTC3/SS — Port C bit 3 / SPI slave select |
| Pin 27 | PTC4/TxD — Port C bit 4 / SCI transmit |
| Pin 28 | PTC5/RxD — Port C bit 5 / SCI receive |
| Pin 29 | PTC6 — Port C bit 6 |
| Pin 30 | PTC7 — Port C bit 7 |
| Pin 31 | BKGD — Background Debug Mode pin |
| Pin 32 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
Typical Applications
MC68HC908JL8CSPE is suitable for 7 applications: White-Goods Appliance Control Boards, Automotive Body Electronics, Industrial Sensor Read-out Front-Ends, Low-Cost HVAC Damper and Fan Drivers, Vending and POS Peripheral Controllers, Educational and Hobby Development Boards, Lighting Control and Ballast Drivers.
White-Goods Appliance Control Boards
The MC68HC908JL8CSPE's 8-bit HC08 core and 2.7-5.5 V supply make it ideal for low-cost white-goods controllers in washing machines, dishwashers, and refrigerators. Its 8 KB Flash stores motor-control state machines and user-interface logic, while the dual 16-bit timer interface modules drive TRIAC phase-angle control for heater and pump loads. The 32-SDIP package simplifies through-hole assembly on the wave-solder lines common in major-appliance manufacturing. The COP watchdog and POR/LVI reset block survive the brown-out events typical when compressor motors kick in, making the part a legacy staple in cost-sensitive home appliances.
Recommended
Automotive Body Electronics
The MC68HC908JL8CSPE is well suited to automotive body modules such as window-lift controllers, lighting drivers, and seat-position switches, where its 8 KB Flash and 256 bytes of RAM host simple supervisory logic. The 5.5 V absolute maximum tolerates 12 V battery transients when combined with external TVS clamps, and the ADC channels read potentiometer or thermistor inputs directly without signal conditioning. Operating from -40 C to +85 C it covers cabin electronics, and the COP watchdog catches firmware deadlocks that would otherwise leave a window partially open. The 32-SDIP footprint remained popular in pre-2008 automotive service harnesses.
Recommended
Industrial Sensor Read-out Front-Ends
For industrial sensor read-out modules, the MC68HC908JL8CSPE provides 8 KB of Flash to hold calibration lookup tables plus an 8-bit ADC for digitizing strain-gauge, thermistor, or 4-20 mA loop signals. The serial peripheral interface (SPI) drives an external DAC or digital isolator that bridges to a PLC backplane, while the SCI channel streams diagnostic telemetry. The 32-SDIP through-hole pinout simplifies socketed field service on factory floor installations, allowing technicians to swap modules without desoldering. The 2.7-5.5 V supply range is compatible with 24 V industrial bus rails after external step-down, making it a recurring choice for legacy PLC I/O cards.
Recommended
Low-Cost HVAC Damper and Fan Drivers
The MC68HC908JL8CSPE's PWM channels and dual 16-bit timers generate variable-duty outputs to drive small triac-controlled fan motors or damper actuators in residential HVAC equipment. Its 2.7-5.5 V supply rails accept 24 VAC wall-transformer-rectified power after a simple LDO, and the 8-bit ADC reads temperature sensors for closed-loop control. The internal COP watchdog recovers from line-noise-induced firmware hangs common on long HVAC harnesses. The 32-SDIP form factor continues to ship in replacement boards sold through HVAC parts distributors, making this MCU a recurring legacy specification.
Recommended
Vending and POS Peripheral Controllers
Vending machines and point-of-sale peripherals rely on the MC68HC908JL8CSPE for keypad scanning, coin acceptor signaling, and small LCD control. The 8 KB Flash holds menu firmware and coin-handling state machines while the SCI channel exchanges transaction data with a back-office controller. The 32-SDIP through-hole package simplifies field replacement because vending-machine service technicians can swap boards with basic tools. The 2.7-5.5 V rail is compatible with 5 V logic peripherals that dominated the legacy vending-machine market.
Recommended
Educational and Hobby Development Boards
The MC68HC908JL8CSPE is widely used on university and hobbyist development boards because the 32-SDIP package drops into a breadboard socket and the HC08 instruction set is straightforward to teach. Its on-chip 8-bit ADC, PWM timers, and SCI/SPI peripherals allow students to explore real embedded protocols with a single chip. The BDM port supports modern in-circuit debuggers such as USBDM and P&E Cyclone. Legacy stock from Rochester Electronics keeps labs supplied even though NXP has retired the part; many courses still rely on the JL8CSPE specifically because of its pin-accessible through-hole footprint.
Recommended
Lighting Control and Ballast Drivers
Lighting ballasts and dimmer modules used the MC68HC908JL8CSPE to drive trailing-edge MOSFET dimmers and DALI bridges before the CFL phase-out. The dual 16-bit timer modules generate the zero-cross detection delays and PWM outputs needed for phase-angle control, and the 8-bit ADC measures photocell feedback. The part operates from -40 C to +85 C, satisfying enclosed-luminaire thermal budgets. The 32-SDIP package is favored by aftermarket ballast manufacturers because socketed replacement lets electricians swap units without reflow soldering.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for MC68HC908JL8CSPE — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | MC68HC908JK8CPE | MC68HC908KL8CPE | MC68HC908JK1CPE | MC68HC908JL8MPE | MC68HC908GR8CPE |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 32-SDIP | 32-SDIP - same | 32-SDIP - same | 32-SDIP - same | 32-SDIP - same | 32-SDIP - same |
| Brand | NXP Semiconductors | NXP Semiconductors | NXP Semiconductors | NXP Semiconductors | NXP Semiconductors | NXP Semiconductors |
| Core | HC08 | HC08 | HC08 | HC08 | HC08 | HC08 |
| Program Memory | 8 KB Flash | 8 KB Flash | 8 KB Flash | 1.5 KB Flash | 8 KB Flash | 8 KB Flash |
| RAM Size | 256 B | 256 B | 256 B | 128 B | 256 B | 384 B |
| Maximum Clock Frequency | 8 MHz | 8 MHz | 8 MHz | 8 MHz | 8 MHz | 8 MHz |
| Supply Voltage | 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 |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +85 C | -40 C to +85 C | -40 C to +85 C | -40 C to +85 C | -40 C to +85 C | -40 C to +85 C |
| Lifecycle Status | Obsolete | Obsolete | Obsolete | Obsolete | Obsolete | Obsolete |
Key Differentiators
- Closest same-family pin-compatible alternative (vs MC68HC908JK8CPE)
- Larger memory alternative in same package (vs MC68HC908KL8CPE)
- Richer peripheral set in same package (vs MC68HC908GR8CPE)
- Lower cost but reduced memory variant (vs MC68HC908JK1CPE)
Design Notes
Estimated: With Vdd = 5 V, the MC68HC908JL8CSPE draws typical active current under 10 mA from a 2.7-5.5 V supply, giving roughly 50 mW dissipation worst case. Place a 0.1 uF decoupling capacitor within 5 mm of the Vdd and Vss pins, plus a bulk 10 uF tantalum or aluminum polymer bypass to absorb motor inrush when used in appliance or automotive body electronics. The LVI block generates a reset if Vdd drops below about 2.5 V, so design headroom above 2.7 V in noisy 5 V systems.
The MC68HC908JL8CSPE in 32-SDIP typically dissipates well under 0.5 W in active mode, keeping the junction well below thermal limits in 0-70 C commercial designs. In enclosed-luminaire or under-hood automotive applications approaching +85 C ambient, derate supply current and clock frequency or migrate to the MC9S08 family rated for +125 C automotive use. Avoid placing the part adjacent to high-dissipation MOSFETs without copper thermal relief.
Keep BDM (background debug mode) and RST traces short and away from switching nodes; pull-up the RST line to Vdd through a 10 kohm resistor and add a 0.1 uF cap for debounce. Place the OSC1/OSC2 crystal within 5 mm of the pins and route both traces over a continuous ground pour to avoid oscillator startup failures. Route ADC inputs away from PWM outputs by at least 2 mm or use a guard trace to ground for sensor-noise immunity. For automotive applications add TVS protection on all pins accessible from external harnesses.
Do not exceed the 5.5 V absolute-maximum rating on Vdd — even brief transients from inductive loads can latch the part. Always drain the security byte into a non-programmable state before production locking, otherwise the Flash erase/write routines can lock themselves out. The CSPE windowed/ceramic-lid package is intended for development; production builds should move to the standard CP package. When migrating code written for HC08 to HCS08 (MC9S08 family), verify that the interrupt vector base and ADC register layouts match, they differ across revisions.
Compliance Information
Compliance status not stated in the verified NXP product page or distributor listings. JL8 family was launched in 2005 and pre-dates the RoHS directive being strictly enforced at NXP. The CSPE suffix indicates a windowed/ceramic-lid development package, not a production lead-free variant. For RoHS-compliant equivalent, switch to a modern S08 part.
