MC908JL8CPE - HC08 8MHz 8KB Flash 28-PDIP MCU | NXP
MPN: MC908JL8CPE ✗ End of Life| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $7.92 | $7.92 |
| 10 | $7.15 | $71.50 |
| 100 | $6.05 | $605.00 |
| 500 | $5.4 | $2,700.00 |
| 1,000 | $4.85 | $4,850.00 |
MC908JL8CPE Overview
What is an 8-bit microcontroller? An 8-bit microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer that integrates a CPU, program memory (ROM/Flash), data memory (RAM), and peripherals on one die. The HC08 architecture is a CISC (Complex Instruction Set Computer) successor to the legacy M68HC05 family; it improves code density through indexed addressing modes and a wider instruction set while preserving the tool-chain and programmer model that legacy HC05 users already know.
Key features of the MC908JL8CPE include 128 bytes of RAM, 8 Kbytes of Flash, an 8-bit ADC with up to 8 input channels, a 16-bit timer with pulse-width modulation capability, and an SCI (Serial Communications Interface) for asynchronous serial communication. The device operates from a single 3.0 V to 5.5 V supply and includes a low-power wait/stop mode that drops quiescent current for battery-powered or sleep-dominated duty cycles.
From a system architecture standpoint, the HC08JL core uses a 16-bit stack pointer, an 8-bit accumulator (A) and an 8-bit index register (H:X) for compact C and assembly code. The Flash controller supports in-application reprogramming, allowing firmware updates in the field without removing the MCU from the board. The 8-bit successive-approximation ADC shares its analog supply with the digital VDD through internal isolation, but a clean VREF decoupling is required for full-resolution conversion accuracy.
Typical applications for the MC908JL8CPE include white-goods control boards (washing machines, dishwashers, microwave ovens), simple sensor-interface modules, low-end HVAC controls, two- and three-wheeled vehicle body controllers, battery chargers, and consumer remote controls. Its small Flash size, on-chip ADC, and SCI make it a strong fit when cost is more critical than processing throughput.
When designing with this part, budget the ADC acquisition time and add a 100 nF decoupling cap on VREFAD; the 8-bit converter is sensitive to high-frequency digital switching noise injected into the analog rail. Avoid routing high-current motor traces near pins 24-28 to prevent ADC reading instability.
This page consolidates distributor pricing, NXP/Freescale HC08JL pinout, drop-in replacement MPNs, and application notes not always obvious from the standalone datasheet - giving engineers a single reference for design-in and sourcing decisions.
Drop-in alternatives for MC908JL8CPE — 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 MC908JL8CPE (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, ADC, RoHS Status, Mounting Type, MSL Level.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
MC908JL8CFA
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
MC908JL3CPE
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
MC908JL16CPE
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified✓ In Stock
$2.99 / Unit
View Datasheet →MC68HC908JL8CP
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
MC908JL8CPE Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Manufacturer | NXP Semiconductors (formerly Freescale) |
| Part Number | MC908JL8CPE |
| Core Architecture | HC08 (M68HC08 family), CISC 8-bit |
| Sub-Family | HC08JL |
| Maximum Bus Clock | 8 MHz |
| Program Memory | 8 KB Flash (8K x 8) |
| Data Memory (RAM) | 128 bytes |
| On-Chip ADC | 8-bit, up to 8 input channels, successive-approximation |
| Timer Modules | 1 x 16-bit timer with PWM capability |
| Serial Interface | SCI (Serial Communications Interface) |
| Supply Voltage (VDD) | 3.0 V to 5.5 V |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +85 C (industrial) |
| Package | 28-pin PDIP (Plastic Dual In-line Package), through-hole |
| Package Code | DIP-28 |
| Mounting Type | Through-Hole (THT) |
| MSL Level | 1 (unlimited) |
| RoHS Status | Compliant per distributor listings |
MC908JL8CPE Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 2 | VDD — Positive supply (3.0-5.5 V) |
| Pin 3 | PTA0/TCLK — Port A bit 0 / Timer clock input |
| Pin 4 | PTA1 — Port A bit 1 |
| Pin 5 | PTA2 — Port A bit 2 |
| Pin 6 | RST — Reset input, active low |
| Pin 7 | PTA3 — Port A bit 3 |
| Pin 8 | PTA4 — Port A bit 4 |
| Pin 9 | PTA5 — Port A bit 5 |
| Pin 10 | PTA6 — Port A bit 6 |
| Pin 11 | PTB0/AD0 — Port B bit 0 / ADC channel 0 |
| Pin 12 | PTB1/AD1 — Port B bit 1 / ADC channel 1 |
| Pin 13 | PTB2/AD2 — Port B bit 2 / ADC channel 2 |
| Pin 14 | PTB3/AD3 — Port B bit 3 / ADC channel 3 |
| Pin 15 | PTB4/AD4 — Port B bit 4 / ADC channel 4 |
| Pin 16 | PTB5/AD5 — Port B bit 5 / ADC channel 5 |
| Pin 17 | PTB6/AD6 — Port B bit 6 / ADC channel 6 |
| Pin 18 | PTB7/AD7 — Port B bit 7 / ADC channel 7 |
| Pin 19 | PTC0/TxD — Port C bit 0 / SCI transmit data |
| Pin 20 | PTC1/RxD — Port C bit 1 / SCI receive data |
| Pin 21 | PTC2 — Port C bit 2 |
| Pin 22 | PTC3 — Port C bit 3 |
| Pin 23 | IRQ — External interrupt request input |
| Pin 24 | OSC1 — Crystal oscillator input |
| Pin 25 | OSC2 — Crystal oscillator output |
| Pin 26 | VREFAD — ADC analog reference supply |
| Pin 27 | VDDAD — ADC analog supply |
| Pin 28 | VSSAD — ADC analog ground |
Typical Applications
MC908JL8CPE is suitable for 6 applications: White-Goods Appliance Control, Automotive Body Electronics, Industrial Sensor Interface Module, Battery Charger Control, Consumer Remote Control and IR Learning, Low-End HVAC Control Module.
White-Goods Appliance Control
The MC908JL8CPE fits white-goods control boards (washing machines, dishwashers, microwave ovens) because its 8 KB Flash comfortably holds motor-control state machines, the 8-bit ADC reads water-level and temperature sensors directly, and the 16-bit PWM timer drives triac-controlled pumps and heaters without external circuitry. Its 3.0-5.5 V supply range tolerates rectified mains-derived rails common in appliance power supplies, and its industrial -40 to +85 C temperature grade survives the warm, humid environment inside a dishwasher or dryer. Engineers value the PDIP-28 footprint for hand-soldered prototype boards used during EMC pre-compliance testing.
Recommended
Automotive Body Electronics
Body controllers for two- and three-wheeled vehicles (mirror adjusters, wiper controllers, simple lighting modules) leverage the MC908JL8CPE's HC08JL core running at 8 MHz, which is sufficient for CAN-style bit-banged or LIN-stack firmware. The on-chip 8-bit ADC monitors potentiometers for mirror position feedback, and the SCI peripheral communicates with a master ECU over LIN or UART. The wide supply range (3.0-5.5 V) survives load-dump transients when paired with a TVS diode. While not AEC-Q100 qualified, the part is widely used in non-safety automotive body applications where cost dominates qualification requirements.
Recommended
Industrial Sensor Interface Module
Sensor-interface modules in factory automation use the MC908JL8CPE to digitize analog signals from thermocouples, RTDs, pressure transducers, and 4-20 mA loops. The integrated 8-bit ADC with 8 input channels handles multi-sensor scanning, while the SCI peripheral streams readings to a PLC or supervisory controller. The -40 to +85 C operating range meets industrial environment requirements, and the PDIP-28 package simplifies field-replacement service workflows. A typical 4-20 mA loop transmitter fits entirely in 8 KB of Flash, including linearization tables and HART-style protocol state machines.
Recommended
Battery Charger Control
Lead-acid and lithium-ion chargers for cordless tools, e-bikes, and small UPS systems use the MC908JL8CPE as the charge-controller brain. Its ADC measures battery voltage and charge current via sense resistors, the 16-bit timer generates PWM for the buck converter's power stage, and the SCI reports status to a host display. The HC08JL's low-power wait/stop mode drops quiescent current to a few microamps for battery-backed designs, and the 5 V supply range simplifies integration with 4-cell Li-ion packs (12.8-16.8 V nominal, regulated to 5 V locally).
Recommended
Consumer Remote Control and IR Learning
Universal remote controls and IR-learning modules pair the MC908JL8CPE with an external IR receiver to decode RC5, NEC, and SIRC protocols. The 8-bit core is sufficient for protocol timing analysis at 8 MHz, and the 8 KB Flash stores learned key-codes for multiple device brands. Low-power stop mode extends battery life to a year or more on a pair of AAA cells, and the SCI allows firmware updates via a serial bootloader. The PDIP-28 package enables rapid hand-prototyping of remote-control reference designs before committing to a smaller SMD MCU.
Recommended
Low-End HVAC Control Module
Small HVAC controllers (fan-coil units, zone valves, simple thermostats) use the MC908JL8CPE to read temperature setpoint potentiometers, drive TRIACs for compressor and fan control, and communicate with a central thermostat over SCI. The 8-bit ADC resolves thermistor temperature to 1 C steps, and the 16-bit timer generates the zero-crossing-switched phase-angle control for the TRIACs. Industrial temperature grading allows deployment in unconditioned mechanical rooms, and the PDIP-28 package supports field-service replacement without surface-mount rework.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for MC908JL8CPE — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | MC908JL8CFA | MC908JL3CPE | MC908JL16CPE | MC68HC908JL8CP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | NXP Semiconductors | NXP Semiconductors | NXP Semiconductors | NXP Semiconductors | NXP Semiconductors |
| Package | 28-PDIP (through-hole) | 28-PDIP (through-hole) - same | 28-PDIP (through-hole) - same | 28-PDIP (through-hole) - same | 28-PDIP (through-hole) - same |
| Core | HC08, 8-bit | HC08, 8-bit | HC08, 8-bit | HC08, 8-bit | HC08, 8-bit |
| Maximum Bus Clock | 8 MHz | 8 MHz | 8 MHz | 8 MHz | 8 MHz |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 8 KB | 8 KB | 4 KB (-50%) | 16 KB (+100%) | 8 KB |
| RAM | 128 bytes | 128 bytes | 128 bytes | 128 bytes | 128 bytes |
| On-Chip ADC | 8-bit, 8 channels | 8-bit, 8 channels | 8-bit, 8 channels | 8-bit, 8 channels | 8-bit, 8 channels |
| Supply Voltage | 3.0 V to 5.5 V | 3.0 V to 5.5 V | 3.0 V to 5.5 V | 3.0 V to 5.5 V | 3.0 V to 5.5 V |
Key Differentiators
- Factory-programmed Flash variant gives OEM flexibility (vs MC68HC908JL8CP)
- Larger Flash headroom for richer feature sets (vs MC908JL3CPE)
- Smaller Flash footprint reduces cost when over-budget (vs MC908JL16CPE)
Design Notes
Decouple VDD (pin 2) with a 100 nF ceramic capacitor placed within 5 mm of the pin; add a 10 uF bulk electrolytic or tantalum capacitor on the same supply rail to suppress voltage transients during Flash programming pulses. The HC08JL Flash charge-pump draws short high-current bursts during erase/write cycles that can momentarily sag VDD without adequate bulk capacitance, causing unintended reset events. VREFAD (pin 26) and VDDAD (pin 27) require their own 100 nF decoupling for ADC accuracy.
Route the OSC1/OSC2 crystal traces (pins 24/25) as short and symmetric as possible, with the load capacitors (typically 15-33 pF) placed within 2 mm of the MCU pins. Keep the crystal area clear of switching signal traces and noisy power traces; ground the crystal can to a quiet ground pour. For designs without a crystal, drive OSC1 with an external CMOS clock and leave OSC2 floating - do NOT add a load capacitor when OSC2 is unused.
Do not exceed 5.5 V on any VDD pin, including transient spikes. Avoid connecting analog and digital grounds together directly at the MCU - use a star-ground topology with the analog ground (VSSAD, pin 28) tied to digital ground only at the power-supply entry point. The RST pin (pin 6) is bidirectional; on some HC08JL mask sets the internal pull-up is disabled, so an external 10 kohm pull-up to VDD is mandatory if no reset supervisor IC is used.
When using the SCI peripheral for RS-232 communication, ensure the TxD/RxD traces are kept short and routed away from the crystal and ADC analog pins. For ADC accuracy, route analog inputs as short as possible and avoid running them parallel to high-current switching traces such as PWM outputs. Adding a 100 ohm series resistor at the ADC input pin can help reduce charge-injection effects when the analog mux switches channels.
Compliance Information
RoHS compliance confirmed by distributor listings. The HC08JL family predates formal AEC-Q100 automotive qualification but is widely used in non-safety body electronics. REACH compliance per NXP product policy. Conflict-mineral and halogen-free status not explicitly disclosed in available data.
