MC68LK332GCEH16 - 32-bit CPU32 MCU, 16.78MHz, 132-PQFP | NXP
MPN: MC68LK332GCEH16 ✗ End of Life| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $38.5 | $38.50 |
| 10 | $34.65 | $346.50 |
| 100 | $29.95 | $2,995.00 |
| 500 | $26.4 | $13,200.00 |
| 1,000 | $23.1 | $23,100.00 |
MC68LK332GCEH16 Overview
Background: A microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer containing a CPU core, memory, and peripherals. The MC68332 family uses Freescale/NXP's CPU32 core - a 32-bit extension of the M68k architecture that retains full source compatibility with the 68000 instruction set while adding new instructions for embedded control. In the system hierarchy it sits as a microcontroller > 32-bit MCU > automotive/industrial MCU.
Key features include the TPU, a dedicated co-processor that offloads complex timing tasks (PWM, pulse measurement, motor control) from the CPU, and the QSM, which provides queued serial communications (SPI and SCI) with DMA-style handshaking. The SIM integrates chip selects, interrupt controllers, and clock generation, drastically reducing external glue logic. The ROMless architecture allows designers to use external flash or EPROM, supporting legacy and custom boot configurations.
Technical depth: Standard modules interface through the Intermodule Bus (IMB), a proprietary internal bus that decouples peripherals from the CPU. This architecture was industry-defining for modular embedded design in the 1990s and remains supported by long-lifecycle industrial and automotive customers. The part operates from a 5V supply, and the 16.78 MHz bus rate is derived from an internal oscillator.
Typical applications include industrial motor control using TPU channels, automotive body and chassis controllers, robotics servo control, and legacy equipment retrofits. This page synthesizes NXP product information, distributor availability, drop-in alternatives, and design considerations not all found in the original datasheet.
Drop-in alternatives for MC68LK332GCEH16 — 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 MC68LK332GCEH16 (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, Peripherals, Program Memory Type, Core Processor, Series.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
MC68332GCEH16
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$38.75 / Unit
View Datasheet →MC68LK332ACEH16
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
Contact for price
View Datasheet →MC68332ACEH16
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$40.34 / Unit
View Datasheet →MC68LK332CFC16
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
MC68332ACFC16
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified✓ In Stock
$9.95 / Unit
View Datasheet →MC68LK332GCEH16 Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Manufacturer | NXP Semiconductors |
| Series | M683xx (CPU32) |
| Core Processor | CPU32 (32-bit) |
| Core Architecture | M68k / 68000-compatible |
| Maximum Clock Frequency | 16.78 MHz |
| On-chip RAM | 2 KB (2K x 8) |
| Program Memory Type | ROMless (external memory required) |
| Number of I/O | 15 |
| Package / Case | 132-BQFP Bumpered (PQFP, 24.13 x 24.13 mm) |
| Supply Voltage | 5 V |
| Oscillator Type | Internal |
| Peripherals | TPU, QSM, SIM |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Packaging | Tray |
MC68LK332GCEH16 Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | ADDR19 — Address bus bit 19 (external bus) |
| Pin 2 | ADDR18 — Address bus bit 18 (external bus) |
| Pin 3 | ADDR17 — Address bus bit 17 (external bus) |
| Pin 4 | ADDR16 — Address bus bit 16 (external bus) |
| Pin 5 | VCC — 5V supply |
| Pin 6 | ADDR15 — Address bus bit 15 |
| Pin 7 | ADDR14 — Address bus bit 14 |
| Pin 8 | ADDR13 — Address bus bit 13 |
| Pin 9 | ADDR12 — Address bus bit 12 |
| Pin 10 | ADDR11 — Address bus bit 11 |
| Pin 11 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 12 | ADDR10 — Address bus bit 10 |
| Pin 13 | ADDR9 — Address bus bit 9 |
| Pin 14 | ADDR8 — Address bus bit 8 |
| Pin 15 | ADDR7 — Address bus bit 7 |
| Pin 16 | ADDR6 — Address bus bit 6 |
| Pin 17 | ADDR5 — Address bus bit 5 |
| Pin 18 | VCC — 5V supply |
| Pin 19 | ADDR4 — Address bus bit 4 |
| Pin 20 | ADDR3 — Address bus bit 3 |
| Pin 21 | ADDR2 — Address bus bit 2 |
| Pin 22 | ADDR1 — Address bus bit 1 |
| Pin 23 | ADDR0 — Address bus bit 0 / ECS |
| Pin 24 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 25 | DATA15 — Data bus bit 15 |
| Pin 26 | DATA14 — Data bus bit 14 |
| Pin 27 | DATA13 — Data bus bit 13 |
| Pin 28 | DATA12 — Data bus bit 12 |
| Pin 29 | DATA11 — Data bus bit 11 |
| Pin 30 | VCC — 5V supply |
| Pin 31 | DATA10 — Data bus bit 10 |
| Pin 32 | DATA9 — Data bus bit 9 |
| Pin 33 | DATA8 — Data bus bit 8 |
| Pin 34 | DATA7 — Data bus bit 7 |
| Pin 35 | DATA6 — Data bus bit 6 |
| Pin 36 | DATA5 — Data bus bit 5 |
| Pin 37 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 38 | DATA4 — Data bus bit 4 |
| Pin 39 | DATA3 — Data bus bit 3 |
| Pin 40 | DATA2 — Data bus bit 2 |
| Pin 41 | DATA1 — Data bus bit 1 |
| Pin 42 | DATA0 — Data bus bit 0 |
| Pin 43 | VCC — 5V supply |
| Pin 44 | CSBOOT — Boot chip-select (SIM) |
| Pin 45 | CS0/CS1 — Programmable chip-selects (SIM) |
| Pin 46 | CS2 — Chip-select 2 (SIM) |
| Pin 47 | CS3 — Chip-select 3 (SIM) |
| Pin 48 | CS4 — Chip-select 4 (SIM) |
| Pin 49 | CS5 — Chip-select 5 (SIM) |
| Pin 50 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 51 | CS6 — Chip-select 6 (SIM) |
| Pin 52 | CS7 — Chip-select 7 (SIM) |
| Pin 53 | CS8 — Chip-select 8 (SIM) |
| Pin 54 | CS9 — Chip-select 9 (SIM) |
| Pin 55 | CS10 — Chip-select 10 (SIM) |
| Pin 56 | VCC — 5V supply |
| Pin 57 | BR/IRQ7 — Bus request / IRQ7 |
| Pin 58 | BG/IRQ6 — Bus grant / IRQ6 |
| Pin 59 | RESET — Reset input |
| Pin 60 | HALT — Halt request |
| Pin 61 | TCLK — TPU clock input |
| Pin 62 | TPUCH15 — TPU channel 15 |
| Pin 63 | TPUCH14 — TPU channel 14 |
| Pin 64 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 65 | TPUCH13 — TPU channel 13 |
| Pin 66 | TPUCH12 — TPU channel 12 |
| Pin 67 | TPUCH11 — TPU channel 11 |
| Pin 68 | TPUCH10 — TPU channel 10 |
| Pin 69 | TPUCH9 — TPU channel 9 |
| Pin 70 | VCC — 5V supply |
| Pin 71 | TPUCH8 — TPU channel 8 |
| Pin 72 | TPUCH7 — TPU channel 7 |
| Pin 73 | TPUCH6 — TPU channel 6 |
| Pin 74 | TPUCH5 — TPU channel 5 |
| Pin 75 | TPUCH4 — TPU channel 4 |
| Pin 76 | TPUCH3 — TPU channel 3 |
| Pin 77 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 78 | TPUCH2 — TPU channel 2 |
| Pin 79 | TPUCH1 — TPU channel 1 |
| Pin 80 | TPUCH0 — TPU channel 0 |
| Pin 81 | RXD — QSM SCI receive |
| Pin 82 | TXD — QSM SCI transmit |
| Pin 83 | VCC — 5V supply |
| Pin 84 | MISO — QSM SPI MISO |
| Pin 85 | MOSI — QSM SPI MOSI |
| Pin 86 | SCK — QSM SPI clock |
| Pin 87 | PCS — QSM SPI chip-select |
| Pin 88 | IRQ1 — Interrupt request 1 |
| Pin 89 | IRQ2 — Interrupt request 2 |
| Pin 90 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 91 | IRQ3 — Interrupt request 3 |
| Pin 92 | IRQ4 — Interrupt request 4 |
| Pin 93 | IRQ5 — Interrupt request 5 |
| Pin 94 | MODCK — Mode clock / configuration |
| Pin 95 | DSO — Development serial out / BKPT |
| Pin 96 | DSI — Development serial in / IFETCH |
| Pin 97 | VCC — 5V supply |
| Pin 98 | R/W — Read/Write control |
| Pin 99 | AS — Address strobe |
| Pin 100 | DS — Data strobe |
| Pin 101 | AVEC — Autovector acknowledge |
| Pin 102 | DSACK0 — Data transfer acknowledge 0 |
| Pin 103 | DSACK1 — Data transfer acknowledge 1 |
| Pin 104 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 105 | BERR — Bus error |
| Pin 106 | HALT — Halt acknowledge |
| Pin 107 | RMC — Read-modify-write cycle |
| Pin 108 | FC0 — Function code 0 |
| Pin 109 | FC1 — Function code 1 |
| Pin 110 | FC2 — Function code 2 |
| Pin 111 | VCC — 5V supply |
| Pin 112 | XTAL — Crystal oscillator input |
| Pin 113 | EXTAL — External clock input |
| Pin 114 | VSTBY — Standby voltage (RAM keep-alive) |
| Pin 115 | XFC — PLL external filter capacitor |
| Pin 116 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 117 | ADDR23 — Address bus bit 23 |
| Pin 118 | ADDR22 — Address bus bit 22 |
| Pin 119 | ADDR21 — Address bus bit 21 |
| Pin 120 | ADDR20 — Address bus bit 20 |
| Pin 121 | VCC — 5V supply |
| Pin 122 | TPUMASK0 — TPU output mask 0 |
| Pin 123 | TPUMASK1 — TPU output mask 1 |
| Pin 124 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 125 | QSPI_GPIO0 — QSM GPIO 0 |
| Pin 126 | QSPI_GPIO1 — QSM GPIO 1 |
| Pin 127 | QSPI_GPIO2 — QSM GPIO 2 |
| Pin 128 | QSPI_GPIO3 — QSM GPIO 3 |
| Pin 129 | QSPI_GPIO4 — QSM GPIO 4 |
| Pin 130 | QSPI_GPIO5 — QSM GPIO 5 |
| Pin 131 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 132 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
Typical Applications
MC68LK332GCEH16 is suitable for 6 applications: Industrial Servo Motor Control, Automotive Body and Chassis Controllers, Robotics and CNC Machine Controllers, Industrial Instrumentation and Data Acquisition, Legacy Telecom Line Card Control, Avionics Subsystem Controllers (Legacy).
Industrial Servo Motor Control
The MC68LK332GCEH16's integrated Time Processing Unit (TPU) executes PWM generation, pulse-width measurement, and quadrature decoding autonomously, offloading timing-critical tasks from the CPU32 core. This makes the part ideal for industrial servo drives and stepper controllers in the 10-50 kHz switching range. Engineers benefit from 2KB on-chip RAM for fast loop variables while storing the application in external EPROM mapped via the SIM chip-select logic. Unlike newer Cortex-M parts, the MC68LK332 provides deterministic interrupt latency through its SIM, which is critical for closed-loop motor control where jitter translates directly into torque ripple. The 132-PQFP package supports legacy industrial backplanes still in service.
Recommended
Automotive Body and Chassis Controllers
The MC68LK332GCEH16 was widely adopted in automotive body controllers (window lifts, seat control, HVAC flaps) and chassis subsystems where deterministic real-time response matters more than raw clock speed. The TPU handles multiple PWM channels for motor drivers and lighting, while the QSM provides SCI links to other ECUs over the vehicle CAN bridge. With 16.78 MHz and 32-bit instructions, the part can service 15 I/O lines plus serial channels without software bottlenecks. Although obsolete for new automotive designs, the MC68LK332 remains in service fleets and aftermarket parts programs where pin compatibility with the 132-PQFP footprint is essential for repair without board rework.
Recommended
Robotics and CNC Machine Controllers
The MC68LK332GCEH16 is a strong fit for legacy robotics and CNC controllers thanks to its combination of CPU32 throughput, TPU-driven servo loops, and QSM serial links. The 32-bit core executes trajectory planner code while the TPU independently maintains up to 16 timing channels for axis PWM and encoder feedback. With 2KB on-chip RAM the CPU32 handles PID loops for multi-axis machines and can serve as the master controller over RS-485 or SPI links to per-axis drives. The 132-PQFP package remains common in industrial backplane designs where existing CNC retrofit programs need an exact pin-compatible MCU.
Recommended
Industrial Instrumentation and Data Acquisition
For data-acquisition front-ends and process instrumentation, the MC68LK332GCEH16 combines the CPU32's 32-bit math with the QSM's serial channels for sensor interfacing. The part streams converted data over SCI or SPI to a host controller while the TPU maintains precise sample-timing intervals. Its 5V supply rail is well matched to legacy industrial signal chains. Although the 2KB on-chip RAM is modest, external SRAM expansion via the SIM chip-select pins supports buffer sizes typical of process-control systems. The 132-PQFP footprint is also accepted by test fixtures already deployed for calibration and burn-in.
Recommended
Legacy Telecom Line Card Control
The MC68LK332GCEH16 was designed into telecom line cards and central-office control boards where the CPU32's deterministic interrupt response and QSM serial ports simplified multi-port management. The integrated SIM provides chip-select decoding for the multiple EPROM and SRAM devices typical of telecom firmware storage, eliminating external glue logic. With 16.78 MHz and 32-bit instructions, the part manages switch-hook detection, ringing control, and codec handshaking in real time. The 132-PQFP package remains in service on legacy backplanes and is required for repair-only programs.
Recommended
Avionics Subsystem Controllers (Legacy)
Although the MC68LK332GCEH16 is obsolete, it remains specified in some legacy avionics subsystems (actuator controllers, cockpit lighting, fuel-system monitors) where its deterministic interrupt structure and QSM serial channels provide reliable real-time control. The TPU generates precision PWM for servo actuators while the CPU32 runs the supervisor loop. The 132-PQFP package is qualified in legacy DO-160 environmental windows for certain platform programs. Engineers maintaining these systems rely on the exact pin-compatible MC68332 family to support repair and overhaul pipelines without re-laying out boards.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for MC68LK332GCEH16 — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | MC68332GCEH16 | MC68LK332ACEH16 | MC68332ACEH16 | MC68LK332CFC16 | MC68332ACFC16 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 132-BQFP Bumpered (PQFP, 24.13x24.13 mm) | 132-BQFP Bumpered (PQFP, 24.13x24.13 mm) - same | 132-BQFP Bumpered (PQFP, 24.13x24.13 mm) - same | 132-BQFP Bumpered (PQFP, 24.13x24.13 mm) - same | 132-BQFP Bumpered (PQFP, 24.13x24.13 mm) - same | 132-BQFP Bumpered (PQFP, 24.13x24.13 mm) - same |
| Brand | NXP Semiconductors | NXP Semiconductors | NXP Semiconductors | NXP Semiconductors | NXP Semiconductors | NXP Semiconductors |
| Core | CPU32 (32-bit) | CPU32 (32-bit) | CPU32 (32-bit) | CPU32 (32-bit) | CPU32 (32-bit) | CPU32 (32-bit) |
| Maximum Clock Frequency | 16.78 MHz | 16 MHz | 16.78 MHz | 16 MHz | 16.78 MHz | 16 MHz |
| On-chip RAM | 2 KB | 2 KB | 2 KB | 2 KB | 2 KB | 2 KB |
| Program Memory | ROMless | ROMless | ROMless | ROMless | ROMless | ROMless |
| Peripherals | TPU, QSM, SIM | TPU, QSM, SIM | TPU, QSM, SIM | TPU, QSM, SIM | TPU, QSM, SIM | TPU, QSM, SIM |
| Operating Temperature Grade | Industrial (G suffix) | Industrial (G suffix) | Automotive (A suffix) | Automotive (A suffix) | Industrial (C suffix) | Automotive (A suffix, C grade) |
| Supply Voltage | 5 V | 5 V | 5 V | 5 V | 5 V | 5 V |
Key Differentiators
- Identical 132-PQFP footprint across the entire M68332 family enables zero-cost board reuse (vs MC68332GCEH16)
- Same CPU32 core with added internal-lockstep features on the LK332 variant (vs MC68LK332ACEH16)
- ROMless design allows flexible program-memory selection versus masked-ROM variants (vs MC68332ACEH16)
Design Notes
The MC68LK332GCEH16 requires a stable 5V supply; the VSTBY pin must be connected to a backup supply (typically a coin cell or super-cap) to retain the 2KB on-chip static RAM during power-down. Add bulk decoupling (10uF tantalum) close to each VCC pin and 0.1uF ceramic bypass capacitors near every supply pair to suppress switching noise from the TPU output transitions. The VSTBY current is in the microampere range - see NXP datasheet for exact retention current when sizing the backup source.
The 132-PQFP package has fine-pitch leads (0.635 mm pitch typical); the Bumpered corners help protect the leads during handling but do not relax PCB layout rules. Use 4-layer PCB with continuous ground plane directly under the IC to control impedance on the address and data buses, which toggle at 16.78 MHz. Match the trace lengths of DS, AS, and R/W strobes to avoid skew, and route CLKOUT away from analog sections to minimize crosstalk with the VCO-controlled PLL filter capacitor on XFC.
Do not assume the MC68LK332GCEH16 has internal Flash - it is ROMless, requiring external EPROM or Flash for program storage. Mapping errors in the System Integration Module (SIM) chip-select configuration are the most common bring-up failures; verify CSBOOT and CS0/CS1 base-address registers against the actual memory device addresses. Also confirm the PLL filter capacitor value on XFC matches the NXP reference design - a wrong value causes clock jitter or lock failure, leading to intermittent operation across temperature.
Place external memory (EPROM/Flash and SRAM) as close to the address and data bus pins as possible to minimize bus-loading and reflection. The 32-bit address bus plus 16-bit data bus totals 48 high-speed signals; route them over a continuous ground plane and use series damping resistors (22-33 ohm) near the MCU on heavily-loaded signals if needed. Keep the XFC PLL filter capacitor within 5mm of the pin with a short, guarded trace, since noise coupling into XFC directly modulates the system clock.
Compliance Information
Compliance status not stated in verified web data; the part is obsolete per NXP product page and the original 1996 datasheet predates current RoHS/REACH documentation. Designers should request a compliance certificate from the distributor for any new procurement.
