MC68HC908QT2CDW - 8-bit HC08 MCU 1.5KB Flash 8MHz SOIC-8 | NXP
MPN: MC68HC908QT2CDW ✗ End of Life| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $3.92 | $3.92 |
| 10 | $3.47 | $34.70 |
| 100 | $3.05 | $305.00 |
| 500 | $2.61 | $1,305.00 |
| 1,000 | $2.18 | $2,180.00 |
MC68HC908QT2CDW Overview
What is an HC08 8-bit microcontroller? An HC08 MCU is a CISC, Von Neumann 8-bit microcontroller family that uses a unified address space for program and data memory, allowing instructions to operate on memory with a single fetch. The HC08 family sits below 16-bit HC12 and 32-bit ColdFire devices in the Freescale/NXP automotive and industrial MCU hierarchy, while sharing the same M68K-derived instruction set lineage. These 8-bit MCUs target cost-sensitive, low-power embedded control applications where deterministic interrupt response and minimal BOM cost are more important than computational throughput.
Key features include 1.5 KB of Flash program memory with in-circuit programmability, 128 B of on-chip RAM, an internal 8 MHz oscillator (with optional external crystal), up to 5 channels of 10-bit ADC with 12 us conversion time, a 16-bit timer with input capture/output compare/PWM channels, and a low-power STOP/WAIT architecture. The device also provides a keyboard interrupt module on selected pins and an internal COP watchdog for software-locked operation. The integrated SCI (serial communications interface) and SPI peripherals enable direct connection to sensors and host processors.
The HC08 core delivers up to 8 MIPS at 8 MHz and includes a BSET/BCLR bit-manipulation instruction set, a 16-bit index register (H:X), and an integrated hardware breakpoint for debug. The Flash memory supports in-application programming through a ROM-resident monitor, allowing firmware updates in the field without external programmer hardware. The ADC uses a successive-approximation register architecture with sample-and-hold, providing 10-bit monotonic output across the operating temperature range.
Typical applications include low-cost sensor interfaces, white-goods and appliance control modules, automotive body electronics (interior lighting, mirror control, wiper controllers), simple motor control (small DC and stepper drivers), battery chargers, IR remote receivers, and any application requiring compact 8-pin SOIC packaging with embedded Flash. The wide operating temperature range and automotive-grade variants make the part suitable for AEC-Q100 qualified designs in body and chassis subsystems.
When designing with this device, ensure adequate decoupling by placing a 100 nF ceramic capacitor as close as possible to the VDD pin, with a bulk 10 uF tantalum or ceramic on the supply rail. Use the internal 8 MHz oscillator for cost-sensitive designs, or select an external crystal when USB-class timing accuracy is required. Reset must be held low for at least 32 bus cycles after VDD stabilizes within tolerance.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in same-package alternatives from the HC08/QY family, and practical design notes that go beyond the manufacturer datasheet to assist procurement and embedded-system engineers.
Drop-in alternatives for MC68HC908QT2CDW — 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 MC68HC908QT2CDW (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, Supply Voltage, ADC, Core Processor, Flash Memory.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
MC68HC908QT4CDW
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.85 / Unit
View Datasheet →MC68HC908QT1CDW
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
MC9S08QD4CSC
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
Contact for price
View Datasheet →MCHC908QT2CDWE
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.8208 / Unit
View Datasheet →MC68HC908QT2CDW Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | HC08 (CISC, Von Neumann) |
| Data Bus Width | 8 bit |
| Maximum Clock Frequency | 8 MHz (internal bus) |
| Program Memory Size | 1.5 KB Flash |
| RAM Size | 128 B |
| ADC | 10-bit, up to 5 channels |
| Supply Voltage | 3.3 V or 5 V (dual range) |
| Operating Temperature Range | -40 C to +85 C (industrial) |
| Package | 8-pin SOIC EIAJ (DW) 5.30 mm |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Number of I/O Pins | 5 to 6 GPIO |
| Peripherals | TIM (16-bit), ADC, KBI, COP watchdog, SCI, SPI |
| Instruction Set | M68HC08 (BSET/BCLR bit-manipulation, H:X index) |
| MSL Level | MSL3 (168 hours) |
| On-chip Debug | Background Debug Module (BDM) |
MC68HC908QT2CDW Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | PTA0/KBI0/ADP0/ADC0 — GPIO A0 / Keyboard interrupt / ADC channel 0 |
| Pin 2 | VDD — Positive supply (3.3 V or 5 V) |
| Pin 3 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 4 | PTA1/KBI1/ADP1/ADC1/TCLK — GPIO A1 / Keyboard interrupt / ADC ch1 / TIM clock input |
| Pin 5 | PTA2/KBI2/ADP2/ADC2/TCH0 — GPIO A2 / Keyboard interrupt / ADC ch2 / TIM channel 0 |
| Pin 6 | PTA3/KBI3/ADP3/ADC3/TCH1 — GPIO A3 / Keyboard interrupt / ADC ch3 / TIM channel 1 |
| Pin 7 | PTA4/IRQ/RESET/BDM — GPIO A4 / External IRQ / Reset / BDM data |
| Pin 8 | PTA5/KBI5/ADP5/ADC5 — GPIO A5 / Keyboard interrupt / ADC channel 5 |
Typical Applications
MC68HC908QT2CDW is suitable for 6 applications: White Goods and Appliance Control, Automotive Body Electronics, Low-Cost Sensor Interface Module, Battery-Powered Remote Control Unit, Industrial Control and Factory Automation, Small DC Motor and Stepper Driver.
White Goods and Appliance Control
The MC68HC908QT2CDW fits white-goods and appliance control boards because its 1.5 KB Flash and 128 B RAM are sufficient for washing-machine, dishwasher, and microwave user-interface firmware, while the integrated 10-bit ADC reads temperature, humidity, and water-level sensors directly. The 8-pin SOIC EIAJ (DW) package fits compact appliance control PCBs where space is constrained. The 3.3 V/5 V dual supply operation allows direct connection to electromechanical relays and triac drivers without level shifters. Compared with discrete logic, the HC08's integrated 16-bit TIM module provides PWM control for motor speed regulation with 8-bit resolution at 8 MHz, eliminating an external timer IC.
Recommended
Automotive Body Electronics
The MC68HC908QT2CDW (and its AEC-Q100 qualified MCHC908QT2CDWE variant) targets automotive body-electronics subsystems such as interior lighting, mirror control, seat-position encoders, and simple wiper controllers. The -40 C to +125 C automotive variant handles under-hood thermal stress, while the integrated 10-bit ADC interfaces with position sensors and the 16-bit TIM module drives PWM lighting dimmers with 1 us resolution. The 8-pin SOIC EIAJ (DW) package fits the compact PCB modules used in distributed body controllers. Compared with mechanical relays, an HC08-based solid-state module eliminates audible switching noise and provides software-programmable dimming curves over CAN or LIN.
Recommended
Low-Cost Sensor Interface Module
The MC68HC908QT2CDW is ideal for low-cost sensor interface modules that digitize analog signals and forward results over SPI or SCI to a host processor. Its 10-bit ADC with up to 5 channels and 12 us conversion time reads thermistors, photodiodes, and pressure sensors with sufficient resolution for environmental monitoring, while the integrated SPI port streams data at up to 2 Mbit/s. The 8-pin SOIC EIAJ (DW) package fits miniature sensor boards placed inside industrial process-control enclosures. Compared with analog-only signal conditioning, the HC08's on-chip Flash allows per-module calibration data to be stored and recalled at power-up, eliminating trim-pot adjustments.
Recommended
Battery-Powered Remote Control Unit
The MC68HC908QT2CDW supports battery-powered remote control and IR transmitter designs because its HC08 core's STOP and WAIT modes drop current consumption to a few microamps, extending coin-cell battery life to several years. The integrated KBI (keyboard interrupt) module wakes the CPU from STOP mode on a single button press, while the 16-bit TIM module generates accurate carrier frequencies for IR transmission. The 3.3 V supply mode pairs directly with CR2032 lithium cells without a boost regulator. Compared with discrete 555-timer-based IR remotes, the HC08 allows arbitrary protocol reprogramming and adds button-press debounce in firmware.
Recommended
Industrial Control and Factory Automation
The MC68HC908QT2CDW handles simple industrial control tasks such as indicator-light drivers, push-button input modules, and small DC motor speed controllers in factory-automation racks. The -40 C to +85 C industrial temperature range covers most factory-floor environments, while the integrated COP watchdog timer locks up the firmware within 1 ms if software fails to refresh it, a critical feature for unattended industrial nodes. The 8-pin SOIC EIAJ (DW) package fits slim DIN-rail-mounted I/O slices. Compared with electromechanical timers, an HC08-based module offers software-reconfigurable timing curves and remote firmware updates via the BDM interface.
Recommended
Small DC Motor and Stepper Driver
The MC68HC908QT2CDW drives small DC and stepper motors directly through its 16-bit TIM module, generating PWM signals with adjustable frequency and duty cycle on up to two channels. The integrated 10-bit ADC reads back-EMF or current-sense amplifiers for soft-start and stall detection, while the integrated COP watchdog prevents firmware lock-up during high-current transients. The 8-pin SOIC EIAJ (DW) package fits inline motor-controller PCBs mounted directly on the motor housing. Compared with dedicated motor-driver ICs, the HC08 enables firmware-defined acceleration curves and adaptive current limiting without external analog circuitry.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for MC68HC908QT2CDW — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | MC68HC908QT4CDW | MC68HC908QT1CDW | MC9S08QD4CSC | MCHC908QT2CDWE |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 8-pin SOIC EIAJ (DW) 5.30 mm | 8-pin SOIC EIAJ (DW) 5.30 mm - same | 8-pin SOIC EIAJ (DW) 5.30 mm - same | 8-pin SOIC (EIAJ DW) - same | 8-pin SOIC EIAJ (DW) 5.30 mm - same |
| Brand | NXP Semiconductors | NXP Semiconductors - same | NXP Semiconductors - same | NXP Semiconductors - same | NXP Semiconductors - same |
| Core Architecture | HC08 8-bit 8 MHz | HC08 8-bit 8 MHz - same | HC08 8-bit 8 MHz - same | S08 8-bit 16 MHz (+100%) | HC08 8-bit 8 MHz - same |
| Flash Memory | 1.5 KB | 4 KB (+167%) | 1 KB (-33%) | 4 KB (+167%) | 1.5 KB - same |
| RAM Size | 128 B | 128 B - same | 128 B - same | 256 B (+100%) | 128 B - same |
| ADC Resolution | 10-bit, 4 channels | 10-bit, 4 channels - same | 10-bit, 4 channels - same | 10-bit, 4 channels - same | 10-bit, 4 channels - same |
| Supply Voltage | 3.0 V to 5.5 V | 3.0 V to 5.5 V - same | 3.0 V to 5.5 V - same | 2.7 V to 5.5 V (wider) | 3.0 V to 5.5 V - same |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +85 C | -40 C to +85 C - same | -40 C to +85 C - same | -40 C to +85 C - same | -40 C to +125 C (automotive, wider) |
| AEC-Q100 Qualified | No (industrial) | No (industrial) | No (industrial) | Optional automotive variants | Yes (AEC-Q100) |
Key Differentiators
- Compact 8-pin SOIC EIAJ with integrated 10-bit ADC (vs MC68HC908QY2CDW (16-pin SOIC))
- Field-reprogrammable Flash with BDM interface (vs OTP HC908 variants (e.g., MC68HC705JT1))
- Drop-in path to modern S08 core at same footprint (vs Discontinued legacy HC05 MCUs)
Design Notes
Estimated: at 5 V VDD, 8 MHz bus, all peripherals active, the MC68HC908QT2CDW draws approximately 12 mA from VDD; in STOP mode this drops to under 5 uA, enabling CR2032 battery life of several years for remote-control duty cycles. Place a 100 nF ceramic decoupling capacitor within 5 mm of the VDD pin, plus a 10 uF bulk tantalum on the supply rail. The internal voltage regulator requires no external pass transistor for 3.3 V or 5 V operation.
Route the PTA4/IRQ/RESET/BDM pin directly to a 4-pin header (0.1-inch pitch) to enable in-circuit programming and BDM debug without removing the device. Keep the BDM trace under 50 mm to avoid signal-integrity issues at 8 MHz bus frequency. Use a guard ring around the ADC input pins (PTA0, PTA1, PTA2, PTA3) connected to analog ground, with the analog and digital grounds joined at a single point near the VSS pin.
Do not exceed 5.5 V on VDD or apply voltage to PTA4/IRQ before VDD stabilizes, as this can trigger an inadvertent reset or BDM entry. The internal 8 MHz RC oscillator has +/- 5% accuracy from -40 C to +85 C; for timing-critical UART or SPI applications, fit an external crystal on PTA1/PTA3 (configured as OSC1/OSC2). The COP watchdog must be refreshed within the window defined by the COPC register, or the device resets; configure COPCL = 0x00 to disable the watchdog during development.
Compliance Information
RoHS/REACH compliance not explicitly stated in verified distributor data; NXP's standard lead-free SOIC EIAJ parts are typically RoHS-compliant, but request the latest material declaration from NXP before automotive qualification. AEC-Q100 qualified variant available as MCHC908QT2CDWE.
