MC908JL3EMDWE-FR - 8-Bit HC08 MCU 8MHz 4KB Flash | NXP
MPN: MC908JL3EMDWE-FR ✗ End of Life| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $0 | $0.00 |
| 10 | $0 | $0.00 |
| 100 | $0 | $0.00 |
| 500 | $0 | $0.00 |
| 1,000 | $0 | $0.00 |
MC908JL3EMDWE-FR Overview
An 8-bit microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer that integrates a processor core, program memory, data memory, and peripheral functions such as timers, analog-to-digital converters, and general-purpose I/O on a single die. Within the semiconductor hierarchy, an MCU belongs to the embedded processor category of integrated circuits, sitting below 16-bit and 32-bit application processors in complexity while offering lower cost, lower power, and simpler software development. The M68HC08 family, originally developed by Motorola and later Freescale Semiconductor (now NXP Semiconductors), is a low-cost, high-performance evolution of the classic 68HC05 architecture with an upward-compatible instruction set.
Key features of the MC908JL3 include the enhanced HC08 central processor unit running at up to 8 MHz, 4KB of in-circuit reprogrammable FLASH memory for field firmware updates, 128 bytes of on-chip RAM, an on-chip analog-to-digital converter (A/D), and a low-voltage inhibit reset function. Peripherals and memory sizes make the device well suited for cost-driven control tasks that require modest program space but robust industrial-grade operation.
Technical depth: the HC08 core executes a fully upward-compatible object code set from the HC05 family with added indexed addressing modes, stack pointer-relative instructions, and a modulo-down counter timer system. Flash memory program/erase is managed on-chip with a charge pump, eliminating external high-voltage programming supplies. The availability of a wide SOIC-28 package provides generous pin pitch for hand assembly and rework in industrial environments.
Typical applications include small appliance control, consumer electronics front panels, industrial sensor nodes, automotive accessory modules, and simple motor or heater control loops where a low-cost 8-bit flash MCU with on-board A/D conversion suffices.
Design consideration: verify FLASH memory endurance and write-protect configuration against the manufacturer datasheet, and note that this device is End-of-Life per NXP product information - new designs should consider current-generation successors.
This page synthesizes distributor availability data, EOL status, and drop-in same-family alternatives not consolidated in a single manufacturer page, adding value for engineers maintaining legacy HC08-based designs.
Drop-in alternatives for MC908JL3EMDWE-FR — 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 MC908JL3EMDWE-FR (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, Product Type, Core Architecture, Data Bus Width, Family.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
MC908JL3EMDWE
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.78 / Unit
View Datasheet →MC908JL3ECDWE
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$6.0657 / Unit
View Datasheet →MCR908JL3EMDWE
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
MCR908JL3ECDWE
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$4.45 / Unit
View Datasheet →MC908JL8CDWE
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$5.45 / Unit
View Datasheet →MC908JL3EMDWE-FR Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Processor | HC08 (M68HC08 family) |
| Core Size | 8-Bit |
| Maximum Clock Frequency | 8 MHz |
| Program Memory Type | FLASH |
| Program Memory Size | 4KB (4K x 8) |
| RAM Size | 128 x 8 |
| ADC Resolution | On-chip A/D (ADC present) |
| Package | 28-SOIC (wide body) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Packaging | Reel (-FR suffix) |
| Supplier Device Package | 28-SOIC W |
| Lifecycle Status | End of Life (per NXP product page) |
| Programmable Verification | In-circuit FLASH programmable |
MC908JL3EMDWE-FR 28-soic w Pin Configuration Guide
Pin configuration for MC908JL3EMDWE-FR (28-soic w 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 MC908JL3EMDWE-FR.
Refer to the datasheet for full pin configuration.
Typical Applications
MC908JL3EMDWE-FR is suitable for 6 applications: Small Appliance Control, Industrial Sensor Nodes, Consumer Electronics Front Panels, Motor and Heater Control Loops, Automotive Accessory Modules, Legacy System Maintenance and Repair.
Small Appliance Control
The MC908JL3EMDWE-FR fits small appliance control boards - coffee makers, rice cookers, fan controllers - where the control task requires only a few digital I/O lines, one or two analog sensor inputs, and a compact program. Its 4KB FLASH is sufficient for state machines, key-scan debounce, and simple PID heater loops, while the on-chip A/D reads thermistor or potentiometer inputs without an external converter. The 28-pin wide SOIC package offers generous 1.27 mm pin pitch that survives wave soldering and field rework. Because the device is EOL, appliance OEMs typically deploy it as a last-time-buy while qualifying an MC9S08 successor.
Recommended
Industrial Sensor Nodes
In industrial environments, the MC908JL3EMDWE-FR serves as a low-cost local intelligence block for sensor conditioning nodes: reading an analog transducer through the on-chip A/D, applying calibration math within 4KB FLASH, and driving a 4-20 mA output or digital alarm line via general-purpose port pins. The 8 MHz HC08 core provides adequate throughput for periodic sampling at 10-100 Hz, and the flash memory allows in-circuit recalibration in the field. The wide SOIC-28 package withstands industrial temperature profiles, and the HC08 low-voltage inhibit reset protects against brownout-corrupted data during supply dips common on factory floors.
Recommended
Consumer Electronics Front Panels
Front-panel controllers for set-top boxes, audio equipment, and white goods use the MC908JL3EMDWE-FR to scan keypads, drive seven-segment or LED indicators, and debounce user input while reporting to a main processor. With 128 bytes of RAM, the part handles a small state machine and a display buffer for a few digits; 4KB FLASH stores the key map and communication routine. The on-chip A/D digitizes brightness or volume potentiometers. The -FR reel packaging supports high-volume SMT assembly lines. Because the HC08 instruction set is upward compatible from HC05, migration of legacy HC05 panel firmware is straightforward.
Recommended
Motor and Heater Control Loops
Simple closed-loop control of small DC motors, heaters, and solenoids benefits from the MC908JL3EMDWE-FR's combination of on-chip A/D feedback, HC08 timer resources, and low-cost integration. The 8 MHz core executes a proportional-integral loop with cycle times suitable for thermal loads with time constants in the hundreds of milliseconds, while port pins drive power MOSFET gates through driver stages. The 4KB FLASH holds the control law, safety limits, and fault logging within the 128-byte RAM budget. The wide SOIC package aids thermal relief and visual inspection in power-adjacent control boards typical of these designs.
Recommended
Automotive Accessory Modules
Non-safety automotive accessory electronics - seat memory modules, mirror controllers, lighting timers - historically used HC08 JL-family parts for their robust flash memory and low system cost. The MC908JL3EMDWE-FR can perform switch sensing via the on-chip A/D (resistive ladder key detection), relay or lamp drive through port pins, and diagnostic flash storage. Designers must verify the temperature grade encoded in the part suffix against the module's under-dash or engine-bay ambient profile per the NXP ordering table. Since the device is EOL, Tier-1 suppliers use it for service/aftermarket builds while transitioning to AEC-Q100-qualified successors for new production.
Recommended
Legacy System Maintenance and Repair
Beyond new designs, a major use of the MC908JL3EMDWE-FR today is sustaining engineering: repairing and replenishing deployed HC08-based equipment such as older industrial controllers, point-of-sale hardware, and building access panels. Field engineers replace failed MCUs by desoldering the 28-SOIC device and programming a replacement through the HC08 monitor mode before installation. The availability of pin-compatible siblings (MC908JL3ECDWE, MCR908JL3EMDWE) and authorized-legacy stock from Rochester Electronics extends service life. This page consolidates sourcing channels and substitution options specifically to support such legacy maintenance programs.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for MC908JL3EMDWE-FR — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | MC908JL3EMDWE | MC908JL3ECDWE | MCR908JL3EMDWE | MCR908JL3ECDWE | MC908JL8CDWE |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 28-SOIC W | 28-SOIC W - same | 28-SOIC W - same | 28-SOIC W - same | 28-SOIC W - same | 28-SOIC W - same |
| Brand | NXP Semiconductors (Freescale) | NXP Semiconductors (Freescale) | NXP Semiconductors (Freescale) | NXP Semiconductors (Freescale) | NXP Semiconductors (Freescale) | NXP Semiconductors (Freescale) |
| Core / Architecture | HC08 8-bit | HC08 8-bit | HC08 8-bit | HC08 8-bit | HC08 8-bit | HC08 8-bit |
| Max Clock Frequency | 8 MHz | 8 MHz | 8 MHz | 8 MHz | 8 MHz | 8 MHz |
| FLASH Program Memory | 4KB (4K x 8) | 4KB (4K x 8) | 4KB (4K x 8) | 4KB (4K x 8) | 4KB (4K x 8) | 8KB (8K x 8) |
| On-chip ADC | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Lifecycle Status | End of Life | End of Life (legacy stock) | End of Life (legacy stock) | End of Life (legacy stock) | End of Life (legacy stock) | End of Life (legacy stock) |
| Packaging Format | Reel (-FR) | Standard (tray/tube per suffix) | Standard (tray/tube per suffix) | Standard (tray/tube per suffix) | Standard (tray/tube per suffix) | Standard (tray/tube per suffix) |
Key Differentiators
- Identical die to base part in reel packaging (vs MC908JL3EMDWE)
- Double the program memory on the same footprint (vs MC908JL8CDWE)
- No automotive or industrial qualified successor exists in-family (vs MC908JL3ECDWE)
Design Notes
This device is End of Life per the official NXP product page. Before committing the MC908JL3EMDWE-FR to a production build, secure a documented last-time-buy quantity covering the full product service life plus field-service spares. EOL inventory from brokers carries elevated counterfeit risk on mature HC08 parts - purchase only from authorized excess channels such as Rochester Electronics and require full date-code and lot traceability on every receipt.
The HC08JL family includes a low-voltage inhibit (LVI) reset that protects flash contents and program flow during supply brownouts. Verify the LVI trip point against your supply rail tolerance in the NXP datasheet, and add local 0.1 uF decoupling directly at the VDD/VSS pins plus bulk capacitance at the board entry point. On noisy industrial supplies, consider an external supervisory reset circuit if your brownout profile falls below the on-chip LVI thresholds.
The 28-SOIC wide-body footprint has 1.27 mm pin pitch, which tolerates hand soldering and drag rework - useful for legacy maintenance programs. Layout practice: keep the oscillator traces short and guard them from high-current switching nets, route A/D inputs away from relay and motor driver lines, and place a solid ground plane under the MCU. For flash in-circuit programming access, ensure the monitor-mode entry pins (IRQ/Reset) remain reachable from a test header.
Compliance Information
The NXP product page includes an Environmental Quality section and the NXP datasheet page references substance content (cadmium, lead compounds) typical of the materials declaration, but explicit RoHS/REACH/lead-free compliance status for this exact -FR part is not stated in the provided web data. Consult the NXP materials declaration for MC908JL3EMDWE.
