MC908GR16MFAE - HC08 8-Bit MCU 16KB Flash 48-LQFP | NXP
MPN: MC908GR16MFAE ✗ End of Life| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $6.32 | $6.32 |
| 10 | $5.69 | $56.90 |
| 100 | $5.06 | $506.00 |
| 500 | $4.55 | $2,275.00 |
| 1,000 | $4.1 | $4,100.00 |
MC908GR16MFAE Overview
A microcontroller is a single-chip computer that integrates a CPU, non-volatile program memory (Flash/ROM), volatile data memory (RAM), and peripheral I/O on one die. The M68HC08 architecture is an 8-bit successor to the M68HC05, featuring an enhanced instruction set with a 16-bit index register, additional addressing modes, and a Flash-friendly memory map, making it widely adopted in automotive body, industrial control, and consumer appliances.
Key features of the MC908GR16MFAE include 16 KB of on-chip Flash with in-system programmability, 1 KB of RAM, 37 general-purpose I/O pins, an 8 MHz internal oscillator (with software-selectable trimming via ICS module on later GR revisions), a multi-channel 10-bit ADC, two SCI (UART) channels, one SPI, timers including a 16-bit TIM module, and an integrated LVI (low-voltage inhibit) brown-out module. An internal oscillator eliminates external crystal cost for cost-sensitive designs.
Architecturally, the HC08 core uses a von Neumann bus with separate program/data memory spaces and a hardware index register stack, providing deterministic interrupt latency. The 48-LQFP package exposes the full peripheral set including the KBI (keyboard interrupt) module, COP watchdog, and flash security. Compared with newer Cortex-M0 parts, the HC08 consumes similar active current at low clock speeds but requires explicit bank-switching for RAM > 256 bytes.
Typical applications include appliance controls, automotive body modules, simple sensor hubs, low-end HMI panels, security keypads, motor drive (BLDC brushed) controllers at low PWM rates, and remote sensor transmitters. The wide operating voltage (typically 2.7V to 5.5V) and -40C to +125C automotive grade make it suitable for underhood modules and industrial instrumentation.
When designing with this MCU, ensure the ICS module is configured for the application clock rate; the internal oscillator adds BOM savings but exhibits higher jitter than a crystal. Also verify Flash programming timing margin at cold temperatures to avoid write/erase failures below -20C.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, HC08 family drop-in alternatives, and practical design notes for engineers maintaining or migrating legacy 8-bit MCU designs.
Drop-in alternatives for MC908GR16MFAE — 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 MC908GR16MFAE (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, Program Memory Size, RAM Size, ADC, Architecture.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
MC908GZ16MFAE
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$7.9001 / Unit
View Datasheet →MC908GR16CFNE
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
MC908GR32AMFJ
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
Contact for price
View Datasheet →MC68HC908JL8MFAE
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$5.4 / Unit
View Datasheet →MC908AP32CFAER
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$7.4 / Unit
View Datasheet →MC908GR16MFAE Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Manufacturer | NXP Semiconductors (formerly Freescale Semiconductor) |
| Series | HC08 GR Family |
| Core Processor | M68HC08 (8-bit) |
| Program Memory Size | 16 KB (16K x 8) Flash |
| RAM Size | 1 KB |
| Maximum Clock Frequency | 8 MHz |
| Number of I/O | 37 |
| Package / Case | 48-LQFP (7x7 mm) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +125C (Automotive) |
| Internal Oscillator | Yes (ICS module) |
| Serial Interfaces | 2x SCI (UART), 1x SPI |
| Watchdog | COP (Computer Operating Properly) |
| Brown-out Reset | LVI (Low Voltage Inhibit) |
| Packaging | Tray |
MC908GR16MFAE Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | IRQ — External interrupt request |
| Pin 2 | RST — Reset (active low) |
| Pin 3 | VDD — Power supply |
| Pin 4 | VSS — Ground |
| Pin 5 | OSC1 — Crystal oscillator input |
| Pin 6 | OSC2 — Crystal oscillator output |
| Pin 7 | — Timer clock input |
| Pin 8 | PTA0 — Port A bit 0 (KBI) |
| Pin 9 | PTA1 — Port A bit 1 (KBI) |
| Pin 10 | PTA2 — Port A bit 2 (KBI) |
| Pin 11 | PTA3 — Port A bit 3 (KBI) |
| Pin 12 | PTA4 — Port A bit 4 (KBI) |
| Pin 13 | PTA5 — Port A bit 5 (KBI) |
| Pin 14 | PTA6 — Port A bit 6 (KBI) |
| Pin 15 | PTA7 — Port A bit 7 (KBI) |
| Pin 16 | PTB0 — Port B bit 0 |
| Pin 17 | PTB1 — Port B bit 1 |
| Pin 18 | PTB2 — Port B bit 2 |
| Pin 19 | PTB3 — Port B bit 3 |
| Pin 20 | PTB4 — Port B bit 4 |
| Pin 21 | PTB5 — Port B bit 5 |
| Pin 22 | PTB6 — Port B bit 6 |
| Pin 23 | PTB7 — Port B bit 7 |
| Pin 24 | PTC0 — Port C bit 0 / ADC0 |
| Pin 25 | PTC1 — Port C bit 1 / ADC1 |
| Pin 26 | PTC2 — Port C bit 2 / ADC2 |
| Pin 27 | PTC3 — Port C bit 3 / ADC3 |
| Pin 28 | PTC4 — Port C bit 4 / ADC4 |
| Pin 29 | PTC5 — Port C bit 5 / ADC5 |
| Pin 30 | PTC6 — Port C bit 6 / ADC6 |
| Pin 31 | PTC7 — Port C bit 7 / ADC7 |
| Pin 32 | PTD0 — Port D bit 0 / SCD0 / SPI MISO |
| Pin 33 | PTD1 — Port D bit 1 / SCD0 / SPI MOSI |
| Pin 34 | PTD2 — Port D bit 2 / SCD0 / SPI SPSCK |
| Pin 35 | PTD3 — Port D bit 3 / SCD0 / SPI SS |
| Pin 36 | PTD4 — Port D bit 4 / TXD1 |
| Pin 37 | PTD5 — Port D bit 5 / RXD1 |
| Pin 38 | PTD6 — Port D bit 6 / TXD2 |
| Pin 39 | PTD7 — Port D bit 7 / RXD2 |
| Pin 40 | PTE0 — Port E bit 0 |
| Pin 41 | PTE1 — Port E bit 1 |
| Pin 42 | PTE2 — Port E bit 2 |
| Pin 43 | PTE3 — Port E bit 3 |
| Pin 44 | PTE4 — Port E bit 4 |
| Pin 45 | PTE5 — Port E bit 5 |
| Pin 46 | PTE6 — Port E bit 6 |
| Pin 47 | PTE7 — Port E bit 7 |
| Pin 48 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
Typical Applications
MC908GR16MFAE is suitable for 7 applications: Automotive Body Control Modules, Industrial Sensor Hubs, Appliance Control (Washing/Refrigeration), Low-Cost Remote Sensor Transmitters, Security Keypads and Access Panels, Small Motor Drive (Brushed DC), Replacement for Aging HC05 Designs.
Automotive Body Control Modules
The MC908GR16MFAE's HC08 core and automotive -40C to +125C qualification make it well-suited to body control modules handling seat adjustment, exterior lighting, and central locking. Its 16 KB Flash is sufficient for typical BCU firmware (<10 KB C source), and the internal 8 MHz ICS oscillator eliminates the external crystal reducing BOM and PCB area. Placed as the main BCM controller interfacing multiple LIN slaves via SCI channels; the 37 GPIOs are split between relay drives and switch inputs with KBI interrupt on wake-up.
Recommended
Industrial Sensor Hubs
Low-speed industrial sensor aggregation modules benefit from the MC908GR16MFAE's ADC and SPI combination for multi-channel sensor readout. The 1 KB RAM holds small protocol stacks, and the SPI master drives external ADC/DAC peripherals for analog signal chains. Operating at 8 MHz with internal ICS, the MCU draws minimal quiescent current (~3 mA active), making it suitable for 4-20 mA loop-powered sensor transmitters where total system current is budgeted below 4 mA.
Recommended
Appliance Control (Washing/Refrigeration)
White goods controller boards typically use the MC908GR16MFAE class MCU for main control logic over motors, valves, displays, and button panels. The 37 GPIOs directly drive LED status indicators, triac drivers via opto-isolators, and buzzer outputs without external I/O expanders. Real-time task scheduling is handled by the 16-bit TIM module for motor PWM, while the SCI interfaces to inverter boards. The -40C to +125C qualification handles refrigerator enclosure thermal exposure.
Recommended
Low-Cost Remote Sensor Transmitters
Battery-powered wireless sensor remotes (for garage door openers, remote controls, simple telemetry) leverage the MC908GR16MFAE's low active current and wide operating voltage for long battery life. The HC08 STOP/WAIT instruction set allows deep sleep with periodic wake on KBI interrupt. The integrated SPI master drives external RF front-ends, and the internal ICS eliminates the crystal, achieving sub-$0.20 incremental BOM cost typical of consumer wireless nodes.
Recommended
Security Keypads and Access Panels
Security keypads and access control panels deploy the MC908GR16MFAE for matrix-scanned key handling, buzzer control, and serial output to a master controller. The KBI (keyboard interrupt) module supports 8 GPIO-based interrupts for rapid key debounce without firmware polling, freeing CPU bandwidth. The Flash security byte prevents unauthorized code readout for tamper resistance.
Recommended
Small Motor Drive (Brushed DC)
Brushed DC motor drivers in low-power applications (small fans, pumps, window lifts) pair the MC908GR16MFAE with FET gate drivers for entry-level variable-speed control. The 16-bit TIM module generates center-aligned PWM at 8-bit effective resolution, suitable for basic RPM regulation without DSP overhead. The MCU's small footprint (48-LQFP 7x7 mm) keeps PCB area compact for integration into motor-control daughter boards.
Recommended
Replacement for Aging HC05 Designs
Engineers maintaining older M68HC05-based products use the MC908GR16MFAE as an in-place upgrade because of the source-code compatibility of HC05 with HC08 instruction set (extended addressing only). Migration typically requires minimal code changes (mainly the new index register modes). The 48-LQFP footprint is widely supported across existing HC05/HC08 board layouts. The automotive temperature grade reuses the same thermal design as HC05 predecessors, simplifying qualification re-work.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for MC908GR16MFAE — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | MC908GZ16MFAE | MC908GR16CFNE | MC908GR32AMFJ | MC68HC908JL8MFAE | MC908AP32CFAER |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 48-LQFP (7x7 mm) | 48-LQFP (7x7 mm) - same | 48-LQFP (7x7 mm) - same | 48-LQFP (7x7 mm) - same | 48-LQFP (7x7 mm) - same | 48-LQFP (7x7 mm) - same |
| Brand | NXP Semiconductors | NXP Semiconductors - same | NXP Semiconductors - same | NXP Semiconductors - same | NXP Semiconductors - same | NXP Semiconductors - same |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 16 KB | 16 KB | 16 KB | 32 KB (+100%) | 8 KB (-50%) | 32 KB (+100%) |
| RAM Size | 1 KB | 2 KB (+100%) | 1 KB | 2 KB (+100%) | 256 B (-75%) | 2 KB (+100%) |
| Maximum Clock Frequency | 8 MHz | 8 MHz | 8 MHz | 8 MHz | 8 MHz | 8 MHz |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +125C (Automotive) | -40C to +125C (Automotive) | 0 to +70C (Commercial) | -40C to +125C (Automotive) | -40C to +125C (Automotive) | -40C to +125C (Automotive) |
| CAN Interface | No | Yes (1x CAN 2.0A/B) | No | No | No | No |
| Core Series | M68HC08 | M68HC08 | M68HC08 | M68HC08 | M68HC08 | M68HC08 (AP32 series) |
| Lifecycle Status | NRND | NRND | NRND | NRND | NRND | NRND |
Key Differentiators
- Wide automotive temperature grade with 16 KB Flash and 37 GPIOs in compact 48-LQFP (vs MC68HC908QT4VPE)
- CAN bus capability available in pin-compatible 48-LQFP variant (vs MC908GZ16MFAE)
- Drop-in density migration within the GR series (vs MC908GR32AMFJ)
- Lower-density match for cost-sensitive designs (vs MC68HC908JL8MFAE)
Design Notes
Decouple the MC908GR16MFAE VDD pin with a 0.1 uF ceramic capacitor placed within 3 mm of the package and a single 10 uF bulk capacitor on the VDD rail. The HC08 core's short interrupt latency makes decoupling critical during peripheral activity bursts (SCI transmission, ADC sampling). When using the internal ICS oscillator, anticipate ~2 mA peak current transients, requiring the bulk capacitor to maintain <100 mV ripple under load.
Keep traces to OSC1/OSC2 short (under 10 mm total) and guard with ground pour when using external crystal; route the ICS-modulated clock away from analog ADC inputs to avoid coupling. With only 11 dedicated (non-GPIO) pins, ball-grid-style congestion is avoided, but a 2-layer PCB is acceptable if a continuous ground plane exists under the MCU. Place decoupling on the VDD/VSS pair before routing traces elsewhere on the board.
Do not assume bank-switched RAM is automatically mapped: on the MC908GR16MFAE, the upper 768 bytes of the 1 KB RAM require manual page-window setup via the INDEX register when accessing non-zero pages. Designers migrating from HC05 (256-byte flat RAM) often forget this, leading to read/write errors on large data buffers. Use the HC08 'extended addressing' instructions (with page prefix byte) and update assemblers accordingly. Also note the COP watchdog must be explicitly serviced in firmware or it triggers a reset after the configured timeout.
The MC908GR16MFAE's ADC sample-and-hold requires the source impedance to be below 10 kohm for full 10-bit accuracy. Add external op-amp buffers when reading high-impedance sensors (e.g., thermistor dividers >50 kohm). The internal ADC reference (VDD) is noisy under heavy digital switching; using an external voltage reference via the VREF pin improves ADC stability in precision measurement applications.
Estimated: at the maximum operating frequency (8 MHz) with all peripherals active, the MC908GR16MFAE dissipates well below 100 mW. Junction temperature rise using the 48-LQFP theta_JA of approximately 65 C/W (estimated, 2-layer PCB without dedicated thermal pad) yields negligible self-heating even at +125C ambient. No external heatsink is required.
Compliance Information
AEC-Q100 qualification inferred from -40C to +125C automotive temperature grade and 'MFAE' ordering code suffix. RoHS, REACH, lead-free and halogen-free statuses were not present in the Verified Web Data and require confirmation from NXP's product compliance documentation (declared as [DATA_NEEDED] in specs).