MC68LC302CAF16CT - 16MHz 68K Multiprotocol MPU | NXP | 100-LQFP
MPN: MC68LC302CAF16CT ⚠ Last Time Buy| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $28.5 | $28.50 |
| 10 | $25.4 | $254.00 |
| 100 | $22.1 | $2,210.00 |
| 250 | $19.85 | $4,962.50 |
| 500 | $18.2 | $9,100.00 |
MC68LC302CAF16CT Overview
An integrated multiprotocol processor (IMP) is a single-chip engine that combines a CPU core, a dedicated RISC communications controller, DMA, and serial-channel hardware. The MC68LC302 sits in the M683xx MPU hierarchy below the original MC68302 and above the MC68EN302; it removes the dedicated HDLC/serial microcode engine present on the MC68302 in favor of software-driven communication handling, trading flexibility for lower die cost while keeping the M68000 programming model and footprint family.
Key features of the MC68LC302CAF16CT include a 16 MHz M68000 CPU core, an integrated RISC CPM with DMA controller, on-chip DRAM refresh and control logic, and parallel-port I/O mapped into the standard M683xx bus. The 5V-only operation and 100-LQFP (14x14 mm) plastic package are characteristic of legacy industrial and telecom designs that value deterministic 68k behavior and a broad toolchain ecosystem. RoHS-compliant lead-free packaging supports modern assembly lines, although new designs are guided toward the device's successor parts.
From an architectural standpoint, the part is built around the well-known Motorola/Freescale/NXP 68000 instruction set and the M683xx system integration block, allowing code reuse across the MC68302, MC68EN302, and MC68LC302 families. Engineers using this MPU typically rely on the same Green Hills, Cosmic, and Diab toolchains that target the wider ColdFire/68k line, simplifying long-life maintenance for installed products.
Typical applications include industrial serial-communication controllers, legacy router and bridge line cards, low-cost ISDN terminal adapters, and factory-floor protocol converters where a 16 MHz 68k core is sufficient. The integrated DMA and CPM make it well suited to multi-channel UART, bisync, and transparent serial pipelines. The wide third-party and open-source 68k software base further extends its usable lifespan in long-life equipment.
When designing with this device, allocate sufficient cooling margin because the 100-LQFP at 5V and 16 MHz can dissipate noticeable power in densely populated boards. Also confirm the part's lifecycle status before committing to a new design, as NXP has marked several M683xx variants 'Not For New Designs' and recommends directing new projects toward newer ColdFire derivatives.
Drop-in alternatives for MC68LC302CAF16CT — 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 MC68LC302CAF16CT (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package / Case, Packaging.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
MC68302CAF16CT
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
MC68EN302CAF16CT
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
MC68LC302VAF16CT
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
MC68302CFC16CT
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
MC68LC302CFT16CT
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
MC68LC302CAF16CT Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Processor | M68000 |
| Core Architecture | M683xx (68000 family) |
| Number of Cores | 1 |
| Data Bus Width | 8/16-bit |
| Maximum Clock Speed | 16 MHz |
| Supply Voltage | 5 V |
| Operating Voltage Range | 4.75 V to 5.25 V |
| Co-Processor / DSP | Communications RISC CPM |
| RAM Controllers | DRAM |
| Graphics Controller | No |
| Package / Case | 100-LQFP (14 x 14 mm) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Packaging | Tray |
| Lead Free Status | Lead Free |
| RoHS Status | RoHS Compliant |
| Series | M683xx |
| Part Status | Not For New Designs |
MC68LC302CAF16CT 100-lqfp (14 x 14 mm) Pin Configuration Guide
Pin configuration for MC68LC302CAF16CT (100-lqfp (14 x 14 mm) package). This digital IC includes GPIO, communication interfaces (UART, SPI, I2C), and power pins. Refer to the manufacturer datasheet for alternate pin functions and configuration options. Essential for embedded system design and PCB layout.
No detailed pinout data available for MC68LC302CAF16CT.
Refer to the datasheet for full pin configuration.
Typical Applications
MC68LC302CAF16CT is suitable for 6 applications: Industrial Serial-Communication Controller, Legacy Router / Bridge Line Card, ISDN Terminal Adapter, Factory-Floor Protocol Converter, Point-of-Sale Terminal Controller, Industrial Printer Controller Board.
Industrial Serial-Communication Controller
The MC68LC302CAF16CT's integrated RISC CPM with DMA makes it a natural fit for industrial multi-channel serial controllers. At 16 MHz the M68000 core comfortably runs RS-232/485, bisync, and transparent serial pipelines without an external UART ASIC, while the on-chip DRAM controller removes the need for an external memory arbiter. Compared with newer Cortex-M parts, the MC68LC302 offers a mature 68k toolchain and proven long-life silicon favored in factory-floor equipment. Engineers typically place the MPU between a 5V rail and downstream opto-isolated transceivers, buffering 2-4 serial channels per device.
Recommended
Legacy Router / Bridge Line Card
The MC68LC302CAF16CT was designed as the control-plane MPU for low-end router and bridge line cards where the CPM handles HDLC-like framing and the M68000 core runs routing software. Its 16 MHz throughput is sufficient for sub-2 Mbps serial links and management-plane tasks, while the 100-LQFP 5V footprint is shared with the rest of the MC68302 family, easing board reuse across card revisions. In modern designs the part is used as a known-quantity management processor; new designs are typically built around a ColdFire MCF5272.
Recommended
ISDN Terminal Adapter
The MC68LC302's CPM block and 8/16-bit bus match ISDN BRI terminal-adapter requirements exactly: the RISC CPM offloads HDLC framing for the D-channel while the M68000 runs the call-control stack. Operating from a 5V rail at 16 MHz, the device sits in a 100-LQFP that pairs cleanly with legacy ISDN transceiver ASICs. This combination keeps the BOM short and the firmware path identical to existing MC68302 designs, simplifying long-term maintenance of installed adapters.
Recommended
Factory-Floor Protocol Converter
In protocol-converter gateways (Modbus, Profibus, ASCII, etc.) the MC68LC302CAF16CT supplies enough processing headroom for protocol parsing while keeping deterministic 68k interrupt latency. The on-chip DRAM controller supports 1-4 MB of external DRAM for protocol buffers, and the 100-LQFP keeps the converter board compact. Its 5V supply requirement is satisfied by the same 24V-to-5V industrial rails already present on most factory PLC backplanes, eliminating extra DC-DC stages.
Recommended
Point-of-Sale Terminal Controller
The MC68LC302CAF16CT's combination of M68000 CPU, integrated DMA, and parallel-I/O ports suits legacy point-of-sale terminals that need to drive a printer, scanner, and keyboard while running encrypted transaction stacks. The 16 MHz clock headroom is ample for software-DES/3DES pipelines, and the 100-LQFP package fits the compact POS mainboard form factor. Designers value the long-life silicon (multiple-decade production window) for terminals that stay in service for 10+ years.
Recommended
Industrial Printer Controller Board
Industrial label and barcode printers often rely on the MC68LC302CAF16CT to drive stepper motors, read encoders, and feed a printhead while maintaining a serial host link. The CPM's DMA channels offload printhead data movement from the CPU, and the 16 MHz M68000 keeps the formatter firmware responsive. The 100-LQFP package is large enough to dissipate 5V/16 MHz power without extra heatsinking and fits the wide-format controller-board layouts common to legacy printer designs.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for MC68LC302CAF16CT — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | MC68302CAF16CT | MC68EN302CAF16CT | MC68LC302VAF16CT |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 100-LQFP (14x14 mm) | 100-LQFP - same | 100-LQFP - same | 100-LQFP - same |
| Brand | NXP Semiconductors | NXP Semiconductors | NXP Semiconductors | NXP Semiconductors |
| Core | M68000 (8/16-bit) | M68000 (8/16-bit) | M68000 (8/16-bit) | M68000 (8/16-bit) |
| Clock Speed | 16 MHz | 16 MHz | 16 MHz | 16 MHz |
| Supply Voltage | 5 V | 5 V | 5 V | 5 V |
| Integrated CPM | Yes (RISC, no dedicated serial microcode) | Yes (with dedicated serial RISC microcode) | Yes (Ethernet-enabled CPM) | Yes (same as this part) |
| On-chip DRAM Controller | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Operating Temperature | 0C to +70C (commercial) | 0C to +70C (commercial) | 0C to +70C (commercial) | -40C to +85C (industrial) |
| RoHS Status | RoHS Compliant (lead-free) | RoHS Compliant (lead-free) | RoHS Compliant (lead-free) | RoHS Compliant (lead-free) |
Key Differentiators
- Lowest-cost M68k IMP variant in the M683xx family (vs MC68302CAF16CT)
- Industrial-temperature option in the same family (vs MC68LC302VAF16CT)
- Pin-compatible Ethernet upgrade path within the family (vs MC68EN302CAF16CT)
Design Notes
Estimated: at 5V VCC and 16 MHz with typical 68k internal activity (about 60 mA core current from the M683xx family datasheets), the MC68LC302CAF16CT dissipates roughly 300 mW. Designers should provide at least 10 uF of bulk decoupling near the 5V pin and 0.1 uF ceramic decoupling on each adjacent VCC/GND pair on the 100-LQFP package. Industrial backplanes that source 5V from a 24V-to-5V DC-DC stage usually have ample headroom for this load.
Route the M683xx address and data buses with matched lengths and a 50-ohm characteristic impedance, keeping the SDRAM/DRAM traces as short as possible. The CPM-related signals (PA, PB, PC pins) should be grouped near the bus transceivers and shielded with ground pours to limit crosstalk. The 100-LQFP at 0.5 mm pitch tolerates standard 4-layer PCB stack-ups without micro-via fanouts.
NXP marks the MC68LC302CAF16CT 'Not For New Designs'. Before committing to a new production run, file a last-time-buy quote with NXP or an authorized distributor and qualify a ColdFire successor such as the MCF5272 or MCF5235 in parallel. Legacy customers maintaining installed equipment should track the part's PCN notices and stock up before the official last-shipment date.
Do not assume pin compatibility with the MC68302 across the full 100-LQFP package: the MC68LC302 omits the dedicated RISC serial microcode engine, so CPM registers and certain pin functions differ even when the same package is used. Verify the published pinout table before reusing an MC68302 board layout, and recompile the CPM firmware against the MC68LC302 reference manual rather than relying on MC68302 binary images.
Compliance Information
RoHS compliant and lead-free per DigiKey/Mouser distributor listings. Not AEC-Q100 qualified - the device targets industrial telecom and serial-control applications, not automotive. Halogen-free status not explicitly stated in the verified distributor data.