MC908JL8CDWE - 8KB Flash 8-Bit HC08 MCU 28-SOIC | NXP
MPN: MC908JL8CDWE ✗ End of Life| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $8.45 | $8.45 |
| 10 | $7.62 | $76.20 |
| 100 | $6.85 | $685.00 |
| 500 | $6.1 | $3,050.00 |
| 1,000 | $5.45 | $5,450.00 |
MC908JL8CDWE Overview
An 8-bit microcontroller (MCU) is a small computer-on-a-chip that integrates a CPU, RAM, non-volatile program memory, and peripherals into a single IC. Within the broader taxonomy, 8-bit MCUs sit under microcontrollers, which sit under embedded processors, which sit under semiconductors. The HC08 family in particular targets cost-sensitive embedded control applications where deterministic behavior, low power, and ease of programming outweigh raw compute throughput.
Key features include 8KB (8K x 8) of on-chip Flash program memory, an 8-channel 8-bit ADC, an integrated clock generator, multiple timers, and a variety of I/O options. The device operates from 3.3V or 5V supplies, supports an 8MHz bus clock, and includes an on-chip in-circuit debugger interface. The 28-SOIC wide-body package provides a robust through-hole-replacement footprint that simplifies hand-soldering and rework.
Technically, the CPU08 core delivers CISC instruction set compatibility with the earlier HC05 family while adding indexed addressing improvements and a background debug mode (BDM). The Flash memory supports in-application reprogramming via the BDM or ROM-resident routines, enabling field firmware updates without an external programmer.
Typical applications include appliance control (washing machines, microwave ovens, HVAC fans), industrial sensor conditioning, low-end motor control, security keypads, and battery-powered consumer devices. Its small footprint and integrated ADC reduce external BOM in cost-driven designs.
When designing with this device, ensure the supply decoupling network follows the datasheet reference (typically 100 nF plus bulk capacitor). Verify that the BDM connector is accessible for in-circuit debugging and that the Flash programming voltage timing meets the data sheet specifications.
This page synthesizes current distributor pricing, drop-in compatible alternatives, and practical design notes that go beyond what the manufacturer datasheet alone provides, helping engineers evaluate, source, and apply the MC908JL8CDWE.
Drop-in alternatives for MC908JL8CDWE — 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 MC908JL8CDWE (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, Program Memory Size, Core Processor, Family, Operating Temperature.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
MCR908JL3ECDWE
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$4.45 / Unit
View Datasheet →MC908JL3EMDWE
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.78 / Unit
View Datasheet →MC68HC908JL3CDWE
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
MC68HC908JK3CDWE
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
MC908JK8CDWE
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified✓ In Stock
$3.05 / Unit
View Datasheet →MC908JL8CDWE Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core | HC08 (CPU08) |
| Data Bus Width | 8 bit |
| Maximum Clock Frequency | 8 MHz |
| Program Memory Size | 8 KB (8K x 8) Flash |
| Package | 28-SOIC (wide-body, 7.5 mm) |
| Pin Count | 28 |
| Operating Supply Voltage | 3.3 V / 5 V |
| ADC | 8-channel, 8-bit |
| Processor Series | HC08JL |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +85C (industrial) |
| On-chip Debug | Background Debug Mode (BDM) |
| Family | M68HC08 |
MC908JL8CDWE Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | IRQ — External interrupt request input |
| Pin 2 | PTA0 — Port A bit 0 / ADC channel 0 |
| Pin 3 | PTA1 — Port A bit 1 / ADC channel 1 |
| Pin 4 | PTA2 — Port A bit 2 / ADC channel 2 |
| Pin 5 | PTA3 — Port A bit 3 / ADC channel 3 |
| Pin 6 | PTA4 — Port A bit 4 / ADC channel 4 |
| Pin 7 | PTA5 — Port A bit 5 / ADC channel 5 |
| Pin 8 | PTA6 — Port A bit 6 / ADC channel 6 |
| Pin 9 | PTA7 — Port A bit 7 / ADC channel 7 |
| Pin 10 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 11 | PTB0 — Port B bit 0 |
| Pin 12 | PTB1 — Port B bit 1 |
| Pin 13 | PTB2 — Port B bit 2 |
| Pin 14 | PTB3 — Port B bit 3 / TCLK |
| Pin 15 | VSS — Ground (secondary) |
| Pin 16 | PTB4 — Port B bit 4 |
| Pin 17 | PTB5 — Port B bit 5 |
| Pin 18 | PTB6 — Port B bit 6 |
| Pin 19 | PTB7 — Port B bit 7 |
| Pin 20 | OSC1 — Crystal oscillator input |
| Pin 21 | OSC2 — Crystal oscillator output |
| Pin 22 | VDD — Supply voltage (3.3V / 5V) |
| Pin 23 | RST — Reset input (active low) |
| Pin 24 | BKGD — Background Debug Mode data |
| Pin 25 | PTC0 — Port C bit 0 |
| Pin 26 | PTC1 — Port C bit 1 |
| Pin 27 | PTC2 — Port C bit 2 |
| Pin 28 | PTC3 — Port C bit 3 |
Typical Applications
MC908JL8CDWE is suitable for 6 applications: White Goods Appliance Control, Industrial Sensor Conditioning, Low-End Motor Speed Control, Security Keypads and Access Panels, Battery-Powered Consumer Devices, Automotive Body Electronics (Legacy Nodes).
White Goods Appliance Control
The MC908JL8CDWE is well suited to white-goods appliance control (washing machines, dishwashers, microwave ovens, HVAC fan controllers) because its 8KB Flash accommodates mid-complexity state-machine firmware with display and keypad handling, while the integrated 8-channel 8-bit ADC reads NTC temperature sensors, water level probes, and motor current sense signals without external ADC hardware. The 8MHz CPU08 core executes deterministic control loops fast enough for triac-fired heater and universal-motor PWM at typical mains frequencies. The 28-SOIC wide-body package is friendly to hand-rework during field service, a practical advantage for service-depot repair. Combined with a wide -40C to +85C industrial operating range, the device tolerates the elevated ambient temperatures found behind appliance control panels.
Recommended
Industrial Sensor Conditioning
The MC908JL8CDWE serves low-to-mid complexity industrial sensor-conditioning nodes where its integrated 8-bit ADC samples bridge or thermistor outputs and the CPU08 core runs linearization and threshold-detection firmware. The 8KB Flash holds calibration tables and lookup data, while RAM retains recent samples. The 5V tolerance on digital I/O simplifies interface to legacy 5V industrial transceivers and to 4-20 mA loop-powered front-ends. Compared to a discrete op-amp + external ADC architecture, this integrated approach shrinks the BOM and improves reliability in vibration-prone factory environments. The wide-body SOIC also helps withstand thermal-cycling stress seen in enclosed industrial cabinets.
Recommended
Low-End Motor Speed Control
Low-end brushless-DC and universal-motor speed controllers are a strong fit for the MC908JL8CDWE because the device integrates capture/compare timer channels for back-EMF zero-cross detection or tachometer feedback, freeing firmware from external PLD logic. The CPU08 at 8MHz executes PI control loops with adequate margin for 60Hz mains-synchronous applications. The integrated ADC reads potentiometer speed-set inputs and shunt current sensors. Designers can leverage Freescale/NXP's mature M68HC08 toolchain and reference firmware for ceiling fans, small pumps, and small appliance motors, shortening time to market. The 28-SOIC wide-body footprint is large enough to dissipate modest on-chip power when driving low-side MOSFETs directly.
Recommended
Security Keypads and Access Panels
Security keypads, alarm panels, and access-control user interfaces benefit from the MC908JL8CDWE's combination of GPIO-driven matrix-scanned keypads, integrated ADC for tamper-switch sensing, and 8KB Flash for storing encrypted credential tables and event logs. The HC08 core's deterministic interrupt latency ensures no keypress is missed during scanning, and the BDM interface supports secure in-field firmware updates by service technicians. The wide SOIC package supports hand-rework for low-volume security installer markets where production volumes do not justify fine-pitch QFN assembly.
Recommended
Battery-Powered Consumer Devices
The MC908JL8CDWE's 3.3V/5V dual-supply operation and HC08 family's well-known low-power STOP and WAIT modes make the device a reasonable choice for battery-powered consumer products such as remote controls, electronic toys, and personal-care devices. The integrated ADC monitors battery voltage and sensor inputs, while 8KB Flash stores application firmware plus small data tables. Although newer Cortex-M0+ parts offer deeper sleep currents, the mature HC08 ecosystem and ultra-low cost keep the JL8 competitive in price-sensitive consumer segments. Wide SOIC aids hand-assembly for small-batch production.
Recommended
Automotive Body Electronics (Legacy Nodes)
Although newer automotive designs use SPC5 or S32K parts, the MC908JL8CDWE remains useful in legacy automotive body-electronics nodes (mirror controllers, seat-position memory, simple lighting drivers) where its 8KB Flash holds the calibration tables and state machines historically deployed in HC08 platforms. The integrated ADC reads potentiometer position sensors and current shunts; the 28-SOIC wide-body package supports the through-hole-replacement rework common in automotive service environments. Designers should confirm the specific suffix supports the automotive temperature range (-40C to +125C) before qualifying for new automotive programs.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for MC908JL8CDWE — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | MCR908JL3ECDWE | MC908JL3EMDWE | MC68HC908JL3CDWE | MC68HC908JK3CDWE | MC908JK8CDWE |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 28-SOIC wide-body | 28-SOIC wide-body - same | 28-SOIC wide-body - same | 28-SOIC wide-body - same | 28-SOIC wide-body - same | 28-SOIC wide-body - same |
| Brand | NXP Semiconductors | NXP Semiconductors | NXP Semiconductors | NXP Semiconductors | NXP Semiconductors | NXP Semiconductors |
| Core | HC08 (CPU08) | HC08 (CPU08) | HC08 (CPU08) | HC08 (CPU08) | HC08 (CPU08) | HC08 (CPU08) |
| Program Memory | 8 KB Flash | 4 KB Flash | 4 KB Flash | 3 KB Flash | 3 KB Flash | 8 KB Flash |
| Maximum Clock Frequency | 8 MHz | 8 MHz | 8 MHz | 8 MHz | 8 MHz | 8 MHz |
| ADC | 8-channel, 8-bit | 8-channel, 8-bit | 8-channel, 8-bit | 8-channel, 8-bit | Fewer ADC channels (JK variant) | Different ADC mapping (JK variant) |
| Operating Voltage | 3.3 V / 5 V | 3.3 V / 5 V | 3.3 V / 5 V | 3.3 V / 5 V | 3.3 V / 5 V | 3.3 V / 5 V |
| On-chip Debug | BDM | BDM | BDM | BDM | BDM | BDM |
Key Differentiators
- Largest on-chip Flash in the HC08JL 28-SOIC family (vs MCR908JL3ECDWE)
- Integrated 8-channel 8-bit ADC with same package (vs MC68HC908JK3CDWE)
- Wide-body SOIC simplifies hand-rework and field service (vs MC908JL8CFAE (QFP))
Design Notes
The MC908JL8CDWE requires a local 100 nF ceramic decoupling capacitor placed within 5 mm of the VDD pin (pin 22), per Freescale/NXP M68HC08JL8 hardware design guidelines. A bulk 10 uF tantalum or aluminum electrolytic capacitor should be placed near the IC supply rail to handle digital switching transients. In noisy industrial environments, add a ferrite bead in series with VDD to suppress conducted EMI from the 8 MHz bus clock back into the analog ADC supply.
Route the OSC1/OSC2 traces (pins 20, 21) as short, symmetric differential traces with a ground guard ring to minimize crystal oscillator pickup of switching noise. Keep ADC analog input traces (PTA0-PTA7) away from PTB digital outputs and route them over a continuous ground pour. The 28-SOIC wide-body land pattern leaves room for hand-rework; ensure the SOIC footprint follows the standard JEDEC MS-013 variation AB land pattern with 1.27 mm pitch.
The Background Debug Mode (BDM) pin (BKGD, pin 24) must remain accessible for in-circuit Flash programming - do NOT connect BKGD directly to VDD without a series resistor (typically 4.7 kohm to 10 kohm) as the BDM uses a bidirectional open-drain protocol. Confirm RESET (pin 23) has a pull-up to VDD if no external supervisor is used. Verify that firmware image fits within the 8KB on-chip Flash before committing to the JL8 die - if code exceeds 4KB, the JL3 die variants will NOT work as drop-in replacements.
At 8 MHz bus clock and 5 V supply, the MC908JL8CDWE draws approximately 15-20 mA active and <1 mA in STOP mode. Estimated: junction-to-ambient thermal resistance of the 28-SOIC is approximately 70 C/W, giving a 1.0-1.4 C rise above ambient in active mode - well within safe operating limits. Forced-air cooling is unnecessary for typical 8-bit control applications but verify in sealed enclosures with no convection.
Compliance Information
MC908JL8CDWE is a legacy Freescale (now NXP) part. RoHS/REACH/lead-free status not explicitly stated in the verified distributor data; check NXP product page or PCN for the specific date code suffix on received parts. Not AEC-Q100 qualified; standard industrial -40C to +85C only.
