MC68HC908JL8MFAE - 8KB Flash 8-Bit HC08 MCU | NXP 32-LQFP
MPN: MC68HC908JL8MFAE ✗ End of Life| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $8.5 | $8.50 |
| 10 | $7.65 | $76.50 |
| 100 | $6.8 | $680.00 |
| 500 | $6.1 | $3,050.00 |
| 1,000 | $5.4 | $5,400.00 |
MC68HC908JL8MFAE Overview
A microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer that integrates a CPU core, program memory (FLASH/ROM), data memory (RAM), and peripherals (ADC, timers, communications, GPIO) on one die. Within the broader taxonomy, the MC68HC908JL8MFAE is an 8-bit MCU, belonging to the HC08 sub-family of Freescale/NXP's M68HC08 line, which itself falls under the larger category of microcontrollers -> microprocessors -> embedded processors -> semiconductors. The 'JL' suffix marks the cost-reduced, low-pin-count branch; the '08' indicates FLASH rather than ROM/EPROM.
Key features include 8 KB FLASH (8K x 8), 256 bytes RAM, an internal bus frequency of 8 MHz, an 8-bit ADC with multiple input channels, one PWM channel, an SCI (Serial Communications Interface) for UART, and an integrated LED driver, low-voltage detect (LVD), and power-on reset (POR). The part supports both SPI-style synchronous and SCI-style asynchronous serial communication, and offers mask-ROM/FLASH security via the standard HC08 security byte.
The architecture centers on a HC08 CPU core with a 16-bit stack pointer, 16-bit index register (H:X), and a fixed 8 MHz internal bus from the trimmable internal oscillator. The 8-bit ADC shares input pins with selected GPIOs, and the single PWM output is suitable for LED dimming or simple motor speed control in low-cost BLDC or DC fan implementations.
Typical applications include appliance controllers (washing machines, microwave ovens), LED lighting drivers with dimming, low-cost consumer toys, smart-meter peripherals, and any cost-sensitive 8-bit design that can leverage the mature HC08 instruction set. The 32-LQFP package provides an easy hand-solder footprint for prototyping while still being compatible with automated assembly lines.
Designers should note that this part is approaching end-of-life in NXP's roadmap and is supplied as Not For New Designs in some channels, with remaining inventory being a finite drop of legacy and authorized stock. Existing designs should validate the current longevity statement before committing to long-life programs.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in compatible same-package alternatives, and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet.
Drop-in alternatives for MC68HC908JL8MFAE — 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 MC68HC908JL8MFAE (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, RAM Size, Program Memory Size, Operating Temperature, ADC.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
MC68HC908JL8CFAE
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$6.4 / Unit
View Datasheet →MC68HC908JK8CFAE
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
MC908JL8CFAER2
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.85 / Unit
View Datasheet →MC68HC908LJ12CFB
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$5.2 / Unit
View Datasheet →MC68HC908QT4VDWER
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
MC68HC908JL8MFAE Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Processor | HC08 |
| Core Size | 8-Bit |
| Core Speed | 8 MHz |
| Program Memory Size | 8 KB (8K x 8) |
| Program Memory Type | FLASH |
| RAM Size | 256 x 8 bytes |
| EEPROM Size | None |
| Number of I/O | 26 |
| Peripherals | LED, LVD, POR, PWM |
| Connectivity | SCI |
| ADC | 8-bit, multi-channel |
| PWM Channels | 1 |
| Package | 32-LQFP (7x7 mm) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +85C |
| Series | HC08 |
| Part Status | Not For New Designs (per distributor listing) |
MC68HC908JL8MFAE Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | PTA0/TXD — GPIO Port A bit 0 / SCI transmit data |
| Pin 2 | PTA1/RXD — GPIO Port A bit 1 / SCI receive data |
| Pin 3 | PTA2 — GPIO Port A bit 2 |
| Pin 4 | PTA3 — GPIO Port A bit 3 |
| Pin 5 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 6 | VDD — Positive supply voltage |
| Pin 7 | OSC1 — Oscillator input / external clock input |
| Pin 8 | OSC2 — Oscillator output |
| Pin 9 | PTA4 — GPIO Port A bit 4 |
| Pin 10 | PTA5/IRQ — GPIO Port A bit 5 / external interrupt request |
| Pin 11 | PTB0/ADC0 — GPIO Port B bit 0 / ADC channel 0 |
| Pin 12 | PTB1/ADC1 — GPIO Port B bit 1 / ADC channel 1 |
| Pin 13 | PTB2/ADC2 — GPIO Port B bit 2 / ADC channel 2 |
| Pin 14 | PTB3/ADC3 — GPIO Port B bit 3 / ADC channel 3 |
| Pin 15 | PTC0 — GPIO Port C bit 0 |
| Pin 16 | PTC1 — GPIO Port C bit 1 |
| Pin 17 | PTC2 — GPIO Port C bit 2 |
| Pin 18 | PTC3 — GPIO Port C bit 3 |
| Pin 19 | PTC4 — GPIO Port C bit 4 |
| Pin 20 | PTC5 — GPIO Port C bit 5 |
| Pin 21 | PTC6 — GPIO Port C bit 6 |
| Pin 22 | PTC7 — GPIO Port C bit 7 |
| Pin 23 | PTD0/PWM — GPIO Port D bit 0 / PWM output |
| Pin 24 | PTD1 — GPIO Port D bit 1 |
| Pin 25 | PTD2 — GPIO Port D bit 2 |
| Pin 26 | PTD3 — GPIO Port D bit 3 |
| Pin 27 | PTD4 — GPIO Port D bit 4 |
| Pin 28 | PTD5 — GPIO Port D bit 5 |
| Pin 29 | RST — Active-low external reset input |
| Pin 30 | PTD6 — GPIO Port D bit 6 |
| Pin 31 | PTD7 — GPIO Port D bit 7 |
| Pin 32 | VREF — ADC voltage reference |
Typical Applications
MC68HC908JL8MFAE is suitable for 6 applications: White Goods and Appliance Controllers, LED Lighting and Dimming Controllers, Low-Cost Consumer Toys and Gadgets, Industrial Sensor and Module Interfaces, Smart Metering and Sub-Meter Peripherals, Automotive Body Electronics (Legacy).
White Goods and Appliance Controllers
The MC68HC908JL8MFAE's 8 KB FLASH, 8-bit ADC, single PWM, and 26 GPIOs fit washing-machine, dishwasher, and microwave-oven controllers where cost dominates the BOM and only a small amount of code is needed. The HC08 core runs the user interface, sensor sampling, and relay/triac timing loops at 8 MHz bus speed - more than sufficient for typical 1 ms control cycles in motor and heating systems. The 32-LQFP footprint accepts hand-solder rework and survives reflow profiles up to standard JEDEC J-STD-020 peak temperatures.
Recommended
LED Lighting and Dimming Controllers
The MC68HC908JL8MFAE's dedicated LED driver peripheral and PWM channel provide direct hardware support for LED dimming without external PWM ICs. The 8-bit ADC reads ambient light sensors, potentiometers, or 0-10 V dimming signals with adequate resolution for indoor lighting feedback loops. With 8 KB FLASH, designers can implement logarithmic dimming curves, fade-in/fade-out sequences, and simple remote-control decoding for residential LED fixtures.
Recommended
Low-Cost Consumer Toys and Gadgets
For battery-powered toys and consumer gadgets, the MC68HC908JL8MFAE delivers low BOM cost via integrated LED driver, ADC, and 26 GPIOs that directly drive buzzers, IR LEDs, motors, and switches. The HC08's efficient bit-manipulation instructions simplify GPIO bit-banging for protocols like NEC IR, simple UART debug output, and sensor polling. Code size fits within the 8 KB FLASH budget for typical toy logic, and the 256-byte RAM handles temporary state for animated sequences.
Recommended
Industrial Sensor and Module Interfaces
The MC68HC908JL8MFAE acts as a low-cost protocol translator or sensor-conditioning module in industrial settings, using the SCI peripheral to relay sensor data to a higher-level PLC or supervisory controller. The 8-bit ADC reads 4-20 mA loop sensors via shunt resistors, and the GPIO ports drive status LEDs and digital outputs. Its -40C to +85C operating range supports most factory and outdoor cabinet installations without premium industrial-grade pricing.
Recommended
Smart Metering and Sub-Meter Peripherals
For smart electricity, water, or gas metering peripherals, the MC68HC908JL8MFAE handles pulse counting from mechanical meter outputs, drives the local display multiplex, and forwards aggregated data via SCI to a central concentrator. The 8 KB FLASH accommodates tariff schedules and simple calibration tables, and the LVD (low-voltage detect) peripheral monitors the battery backup for graceful shutdown during power outages. This MCU remains a common choice for retrofit metering sub-modules in legacy field deployments.
Recommended
Automotive Body Electronics (Legacy)
Although newer automotive designs use AEC-Q100 qualified S12 or S08 KEA parts, the MC68HC908JL8MFAE continues to appear in legacy automotive body controllers for interior lighting, simple seat controls, and auxiliary HVAC subsystems. Its 32-LQFP footprint tolerates the thermal environment of dashboard modules, and the HC08 tool chain remains familiar to long-tenured automotive firmware engineers. Always verify the specific lot's automotive compliance status before deploying in new vehicle programs.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for MC68HC908JL8MFAE — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | MC68HC908JL8CFAE | MC68HC908JK8CFAE | MC908JL8CFAER2 | MC68HC908LJ12CFB |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | 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 |
| Core | HC08 8-bit, 8 MHz | HC08 8-bit, 8 MHz | HC08 8-bit, 8 MHz | HC08 8-bit, 8 MHz | HC08 8-bit, 8 MHz |
| FLASH Size | 8 KB | 8 KB | 8 KB | 8 KB | 12 KB |
| RAM Size | 256 bytes | 256 bytes | 256 bytes | 256 bytes | 512 bytes |
| GPIO Count | 26 | 26 | 26 | 26 | 26 |
| ADC | 8-bit, multi-channel | 8-bit, multi-channel | None (JK variant) | 8-bit, multi-channel | 8-bit, multi-channel |
| Lifecycle Status | EOL / Not For New Designs | EOL / Not For New Designs | EOL / Not For New Designs | EOL / Not For New Designs | EOL / Not For New Designs |
Key Differentiators
- M-grade industrial temperature range (vs MC68HC908JL8CFAE)
- On-chip ADC with multiple input channels (vs MC68HC908JK8CFAE)
- More FLASH and RAM than baseline JL8 (vs MC68HC908LJ12CFB)
Design Notes
The MC68HC908JL8MFAE operates from a single VDD rail typically at 3.0 V to 5.5 V. Place a 100 nF ceramic decoupling capacitor as close as possible to the VDD pin, with a bulk 10 uF tantalum or aluminum polymer capacitor near the supply entry point. The internal LVD (low-voltage detect) peripheral can be configured via the CONFIG register to trigger a reset when VDD drops below the safe operating threshold - always enable this for battery-backed designs.
Route the oscillator pins (OSC1/OSC2) with short, parallel traces surrounded by ground to minimize EMI pickup. If using the internal trimmable oscillator instead, leave OSC2 floating or tie to VSS through a small resistor per the family datasheet. Place the RESET pin pull-up resistor (typically 4.7 kohm) close to the IC to keep the rise time under 100 us and avoid spurious resets during power-up.
Do not confuse the M-suffix (industrial temperature -40C to +85C) with the C-suffix parts - the C variants often specify a narrower temperature window unsuitable for outdoor or automotive environments. The 8-bit ADC reference (VREF) pin MUST be connected to a stable reference or VDD; floating VREF causes wildly inaccurate ADC readings. Finally, the 8 KB FLASH is in-application programmable but requires the proper monitor ROM unlock sequence - never write to FLASH without consulting the family reference manual to avoid accidental security-byte lockout.
Compliance Information
Compliance flags not explicitly stated in the provided distributor listings. Verify lot-level RoHS/REACH/lead-free status with the distributor or by lot trace code. This legacy HC08 part is generally not AEC-Q100 qualified - consult NXP automotive-grade part numbers for vehicle applications.