MC908GR48ACFJE - 8-Bit HC08 MCU 48KB Flash 8MHz LQFP-32 | NXP
MPN: MC908GR48ACFJE ✗ End of Life| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $8.92 | $8.92 |
| 10 | $8.03 | $80.30 |
| 100 | $7.14 | $714.00 |
| 500 | $6.32 | $3,160.00 |
| 1,000 | $5.55 | $5,550.00 |
MC908GR48ACFJE Overview
An 8-bit microcontroller (MCU) is a self-contained computing element that integrates a CPU, RAM, Flash program memory, and peripherals onto a single silicon die. The HC08 family uses a CISC (Complex Instruction Set Computing) architecture that emphasises compact code density and deterministic interrupt response for real-time control. Microcontrollers in this class sit in the broader embedded semiconductor hierarchy as: MCU -> microprocessor -> semiconductor device -> electronic component. The 8-bit class remains dominant in applications where cost, simplicity, and deterministic behaviour outweigh raw compute throughput.
Key features of the MC908GR48ACFJE include 48KB (48K x 8) of Flash program memory, an 8MHz bus clock, an on-chip oscillator, timers, an analog-to-digital converter, and standard serial peripherals suited to motor control, white goods, and human-machine interface front-ends. The 32-pin LQFP package (7x7 mm body) supports surface-mount assembly and is suitable for compact PCB layouts with generous copper area for thermal dissipation.
From an architectural perspective, the HC08 GR core uses a von Neumann memory model with a 16-bit stack pointer and index register, providing predictable interrupt latency for time-critical control loops. The integrated Flash memory supports in-application reprogramming via background debug mode, allowing firmware updates without removing the part from the board. Combined with the 32-LQFP footprint, this makes the device well suited to industrial-grade embedded products.
Typical applications include industrial control front-ends, low-end consumer appliances, small motor control boards, sensor conditioning platforms, and white-goods user interfaces. The wide operating voltage range (3.3V/5V) and industrial temperature grade make it a fit for factory automation modules and HVAC controls where reliability over temperature is critical.
When designing with this part, verify that your firmware toolchain (CodeWarrior HC08 or compatible) supports the GR48 sub-family before committing. Note that the original Freescale HC08 line is mature; NXP recommends designers evaluate newer Kinetis or S08 families for new designs, and use MC908GR48ACFJE primarily for maintenance of existing platforms.
This page synthesises distributor stock data from DigiKey, Mouser and Octopart, pin-compatible alternatives, and practical sourcing notes not consolidated on the manufacturer datasheet alone.
Drop-in alternatives for MC908GR48ACFJE — 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 MC908GR48ACFJE (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Program Memory Size, Manufacturer, Mounting Type, Package, Series.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
MC908GR48ACFJE
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$5.55 / Unit
View Datasheet →MC908GR48AVFJE
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
MC908GR48AVFUR
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
S9S08AW48CFJE
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
S9S08SH48CFJE
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
MC9S08AW48CFDE
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified✓ In Stock
$5.02 / Unit
View Datasheet →MC908GR48ACFJE Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | HC08 (8-bit CISC) |
| Program Memory Type | Flash |
| Program Memory Size | 48 KB (48K x 8) |
| CPU Clock Speed (Max) | 8 MHz |
| Operating Voltage | 3.3 V / 5 V |
| Package | 32-LQFP (7x7 mm) |
| Pin Count | 32 |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Terminal Form | Gull Wing |
| Package Code | LQFP |
| Package Shape | Square |
| Temperature Grade | Industrial |
| Series | HC08 GR |
| Manufacturer | NXP USA Inc. (formerly Freescale Semiconductor) |
MC908GR48ACFJE Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | IRQ — External interrupt request input |
| Pin 2 | PTA0 — Port A I/O pin 0 |
| Pin 3 | PTA1 — Port A I/O pin 1 |
| Pin 4 | VDD — Supply voltage (3.3V/5V) |
| Pin 5 | VSS — Ground |
| Pin 6 | PTA2 — Port A I/O pin 2 |
| Pin 7 | PTA3 — Port A I/O pin 3 |
| Pin 8 | PTA4 — Port A I/O pin 4 |
| Pin 9 | PTA5 — Port A I/O pin 5 |
| Pin 10 | PTA6 — Port A I/O pin 6 |
| Pin 11 | PTA7 — Port A I/O pin 7 |
| Pin 12 | PTB0 — Port B I/O pin 0 |
| Pin 13 | PTB1 — Port B I/O pin 1 |
| Pin 14 | PTB2 — Port B I/O pin 2 |
| Pin 15 | PTB3 — Port B I/O pin 3 |
| Pin 16 | PTB4 — Port B I/O pin 4 |
| Pin 17 | PTB5 — Port B I/O pin 5 |
| Pin 18 | PTB6 — Port B I/O pin 6 |
| Pin 19 | PTB7 — Port B I/O pin 7 |
| Pin 20 | PTC0 — Port C I/O pin 0 |
| Pin 21 | PTC1 — Port C I/O pin 1 |
| Pin 22 | PTC2 — Port C I/O pin 2 |
| Pin 23 | PTC3 — Port C I/O pin 3 |
| Pin 24 | PTC4 — Port C I/O pin 4 |
| Pin 25 | PTC5 — Port C I/O pin 5 |
| Pin 26 | PTC6 — Port C I/O pin 6 |
| Pin 27 | PTC7 — Port C I/O pin 7 |
| Pin 28 | OSC1 — Crystal oscillator input |
| Pin 29 | OSC2 — Crystal oscillator output |
| Pin 30 | RESET — Reset input (active low) |
| Pin 31 | BKGD — Background debug mode (BDM) |
| Pin 32 | VPP — Flash programming voltage (test mode) |
Typical Applications
MC908GR48ACFJE is suitable for 7 applications: Industrial Control Front-End, White-Goods User Interface, Small Motor Control Board, HVAC Sensor Conditioning Platform, Low-End Consumer Appliance Controller, Factory Automation Module (Legacy Maintenance), Human-Machine Interface Front-End.
Industrial Control Front-End
The MC908GR48ACFJE fits industrial control front-ends because its 8MHz HC08 core delivers deterministic interrupt response for time-critical control loops, and its 48KB Flash accommodates state-machine firmware plus lookup tables. Its 3.3V/5V supply tolerance lets the part interface directly with 5V industrial sensors and 3.3V digital logic on the same board. Compared to a software-driven PLC module, an HC08 GR48 front-end reduces BOM cost and offers predictable timing for relay or solenoid drive sequencing. The 32-LQFP package places all peripherals in a 7x7 mm footprint, simplifying layout for DIN-rail module designers who need industrial temperature-grade silicon.
Recommended
White-Goods User Interface
White-goods appliances such as washing machines, dishwashers, and microwave ovens benefit from the MC908GR48ACFJE's 48KB Flash for storing display strings, key-debounce state machines, and sensor-calibration tables. The HC08 CISC core provides compact code density, allowing a full appliance UI firmware in well under 32KB. The industrial temperature grade supports operation in warm enclosures near motors and heating elements. Unlike a more capable ARM Cortex-M0 part, the HC08 GR48 reduces BOM cost in a price-sensitive consumer appliance where the UI does not require networking or graphics.
Recommended
Small Motor Control Board
The MC908GR48ACFJE can drive small brushed DC or stepper motor control boards using its on-chip timers for PWM generation. At 8MHz bus clock, the HC08 timer modules produce PWM frequencies suitable for low-RPM fan, pump, or valve control. The 48KB Flash holds speed-profile tables and protection logic, while 5V I/O tolerance simplifies direct interface to gate-driver ICs. Although the HC08 lacks dedicated motor-control peripherals of newer Kinetis parts, its deterministic ISR latency is often sufficient for hobby-grade and appliance-grade small motor control.
Recommended
HVAC Sensor Conditioning Platform
The MC908GR48ACFJE serves HVAC sensor-conditioning platforms by reading thermistor, humidity, and pressure sensors and transmitting processed values over UART or SPI. Its industrial temperature grade tolerates equipment-room ambient swings. The 48KB Flash accommodates linearisation curves for multiple sensor types, while the 8-bit ADC is adequate for slow-changing environmental signals. For HVAC retrofits where installers need a reliable, low-cost module with proven Flash endurance, the HC08 GR48 remains a strong fit despite being a mature part.
Recommended
Low-End Consumer Appliance Controller
Low-end consumer appliance controllers such as rice cookers, kettles, and small air purifiers pair well with the MC908GR48ACFJE. The 48KB Flash comfortably holds mode logic and basic safety routines, while the 32-LQFP footprint fits compact product enclosures. The 3.3V/5V supply tolerance supports both AC-DC adapter-fed 5V rails and 3.3V battery systems. Compared to a discrete logic controller, an HC08 GR48 reduces PCB area, lowers component count, and provides field-upgradeable firmware via BDM.
Recommended
Factory Automation Module (Legacy Maintenance)
The MC908GR48ACFJE remains a fit for factory automation modules that were originally designed around the HC08 GR family and now require spare-part maintenance. Its industrial temperature grade, Flash-based firmware, and 32-LQFP package allow direct board-level swap into legacy PLC daughter-cards. For new factory automation designs, NXP recommends migrating to Kinetis or S08AW parts, but for sustaining engineering of installed equipment, the GR48 silicon continues to be a reliable choice with mature datasheet documentation.
Recommended
Human-Machine Interface Front-End
HMI front-ends with simple 7-segment or character LCD displays benefit from the MC908GR48ACFJE's generous Flash budget and timer-driven refresh routines. At 8MHz bus clock, the HC08 core easily drives multiplexed key-pad scanning and LCD segment updates without taxing CPU bandwidth. The 32-LQFP footprint supports through-hole or socketed LCD daughter-cards. Compared to a higher-end ARM Cortex part, the GR48 keeps the BOM cost low for budget HMI panels in industrial machinery or elevator controls.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for MC908GR48ACFJE — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | MC908GR48AVFJE | S9S08AW48CFJE | S9S08SH48CFJE | MC9S08AW48CFDE |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 32-LQFP (7x7) | 32-LQFP (7x7) - same | 32-LQFP - same footprint | 32-LQFP - same footprint | 32-LQFP - same footprint |
| Brand | NXP Semiconductors | NXP Semiconductors | NXP Semiconductors | NXP Semiconductors | NXP Semiconductors |
| Core Architecture | HC08 (8-bit CISC) | HC08 (same) | S08 (CISC, recompile required) | S08 (CISC, recompile required) | S08 (CISC, recompile required) |
| Program Memory Size | 48 KB Flash | 48 KB Flash | 48 KB Flash | 48 KB Flash | 48 KB Flash |
| CPU Clock (Max) | 8 MHz | 8 MHz | 20 MHz (faster) | 20 MHz (faster) | 20 MHz (faster) |
| Operating Voltage | 3.3 V / 5 V | 3.3 V / 5 V (variant) | 2.7 V - 5.5 V | 2.7 V - 5.5 V | 2.7 V - 5.5 V |
| Temperature Grade | Industrial | Industrial | Industrial / -40C to +85C | Industrial / -40C to +85C | Industrial / -40C to +85C |
| Lifecycle Status | NRND (mature) | NRND | Active | Active | Active |
Key Differentiators
- Mature HC08 GR family with extensive legacy support (vs S9S08AW48CFJE)
- Industrial temperature rating in a compact 32-LQFP (vs MC908GR48AVFJE)
- 48KB Flash suitable for full appliance-class firmware (vs MC9S08AW48CFDE)
Design Notes
Decouple the VDD pin (pin 4) with a 100nF ceramic capacitor placed within 5mm of the package pin, plus a bulk 10uF tantalum or ceramic capacitor on the same rail. The HC08 GR48 core draws tens of mA in active mode; a poor decoupling layout can cause the internal oscillator to glitch and reset the part. For battery-powered applications, switch the regulator into low-dropout mode when the MCU enters STOP to minimise quiescent draw.
Do not confuse the MC908GR48ACFJE with the A-prefix or V-prefix variants - the trailing letter encodes the voltage and temperature option and must match the design's operating envelope. When migrating to the S9S08AW48CFJE drop-in alternative, firmware MUST be recompiled for the S08 instruction set - the HC08 and S08 ISAs are source-compatible but not binary-compatible. Verify that the BDM (background debug mode) tool supports the target sub-family before committing to production boards.
Route the crystal traces (OSC1 pin 28, OSCC2 pin 29) as short, symmetric loops with a ground guard ring to reduce EMI pickup. Keep digital switching traces at least 3mm away from the oscillator pins. The 32-LQFP 7x7 mm package leaves ample room for a 4-layer PCB with a dedicated ground plane beneath the MCU, which improves ADC accuracy when the on-chip ADC is used for sensor measurements.
Compliance Information
RoHS/REACH/lead-free status not stated in verified web data; consult NXP product page material declaration for current compliance information. AEC-Q100 not applicable for this industrial-grade MCU.