MC908LJ12CPBE - 8-Bit HC08 MCU 12KB Flash 8MHz 64-LQFP | NXP
MPN: MC908LJ12CPBE ✗ End of Life| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $8.5 | $8.50 |
| 10 | $7.65 | $76.50 |
| 100 | $6.4 | $640.00 |
| 500 | $5.3 | $2,650.00 |
| 1,000 | $4.55 | $4,550.00 |
MC908LJ12CPBE Overview
A microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer that integrates a CPU, program memory (ROM/FLASH), data memory (RAM), and peripheral interfaces onto one silicon die. The M68HC08 family is a fully upward-compatible successor to the M6805, M146805, and M68HC05 architectures, allowing legacy assembly code to be reused with new peripherals and lower power. The HC08LJ sub-family specifically targets applications requiring on-chip LCD drivers and a small footprint, sitting within the broader NXP 8-bit MCU hierarchy (8-bit MCU -> microcontroller -> embedded processor -> semiconductor device).
Key features include 12KB user FLASH with security lock, up to 768 bytes of RAM, an 8 MHz internal bus, enhanced serial communications interface (ESCI), timer interface modules, keyboard interrupts, and an LCD driver peripheral block. The device supports both background-debug mode (BDM) and monitor-mode in-system programming for cost-effective field updates and OEM code development.
The HC08LJ12 die uses a CMOS process with low-power STOP and WAIT modes, regulated by an on-chip low-voltage inhibit (LVI) module that holds the CPU in reset when VDD falls below the operating threshold. Internal peripherals are memory-mapped, served by the CPU08 with 16-bit index/data stack architecture, supporting HCS08-compatible object code in transition paths.
Typical applications include white-goods and small-appliance controllers, simple consumer displays with LCD panels, building-automation sensor nodes, and industrial human-machine interface (HMI) sub-modules. The integrated LCD driver and broad I/O count (up to 51 GPIO) suit single-board products where display and keypad are co-located. Pair it with an external EEPROM for parameter storage and a low-cost digital temperature sensor for low-volume equipment.
When designing with this part, ensure the VDD decoupling network has a 100 nF ceramic placed within 5 mm of each supply pin and a bulk 4.7 uF tantalum or aluminum polymer on the rail. Use the BDM interface rather than monitor mode for production programming to save FLASH space; reserve monitor mode for engineering debug only.
Drop-in alternatives for MC908LJ12CPBE — 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 MC908LJ12CPBE (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, Supply Voltage, Maximum Clock Frequency, Product Type, ADC.
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MC908LJ12CFBE
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View Datasheet →MCL908LJ12CPBE
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View Datasheet →MC908AP32CFAER
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View Datasheet →MC908LJ12CPBE Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | M68HC08 (CPU08) |
| Data Bus Width | 8-bit |
| Program Memory Type | FLASH |
| Program Memory Size | 12 KB (12K x 8) |
| RAM Size | up to 768 bytes |
| Maximum Clock Frequency | 8 MHz (internal bus) |
| Supply Voltage (VDD) | 3.0 V to 5.5 V |
| Number of I/O Pins | up to 51 GPIO |
| Package | 64-LQFP (10x10 mm) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +85 C (industrial) |
| LCD Driver | Integrated (HC08LJ family feature) |
| Communication Interfaces | Enhanced SCI (ESCI), SPI |
| On-Chip Debug | Background Debug Mode (BDM) |
| Security Feature | FLASH security lock |
| Low-Voltage Inhibit | On-chip LVI |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
MC908LJ12CPBE Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | VDD — Positive supply (3.0V-5.5V) |
| Pin 2 | PTA0 — Port A bit 0 (GPIO / IRQ) |
| Pin 3 | PTA1 — Port A bit 1 (GPIO) |
| Pin 4 | PTA2 — Port A bit 2 (GPIO) |
| Pin 5 | PTA3 — Port A bit 3 (GPIO) |
| Pin 6 | PTA4 — Port A bit 4 (GPIO) |
| Pin 7 | PTA5 — Port A bit 5 (GPIO) |
| Pin 8 | PTA6 — Port A bit 6 (GPIO) |
| Pin 9 | PTA7 — Port A bit 7 (GPIO) |
| Pin 10 | VSS — Ground |
| Pin 11 | PTB0 — Port B bit 0 (GPIO) |
| Pin 12 | PTB1 — Port B bit 1 (GPIO) |
| Pin 13 | PTB2 — Port B bit 2 (GPIO) |
| Pin 14 | PTB3 — Port B bit 3 (GPIO) |
| Pin 15 | PTB4 — Port B bit 4 (GPIO) |
| Pin 16 | PTB5 — Port B bit 5 (GPIO) |
| Pin 17 | PTB6 — Port B bit 6 (GPIO) |
| Pin 18 | PTB7 — Port B bit 7 (GPIO) |
| Pin 19 | PTC0 — Port C bit 0 (GPIO) |
| Pin 20 | PTC1 — Port C bit 1 (GPIO) |
| Pin 21 | PTC2 — Port C bit 2 (GPIO) |
| Pin 22 | PTC3 — Port C bit 3 (GPIO) |
| Pin 23 | PTC4 — Port C bit 4 (GPIO) |
| Pin 24 | PTC5 — Port C bit 5 (GPIO) |
| Pin 25 | PTC6 — Port C bit 6 (GPIO) |
| Pin 26 | PTC7 — Port C bit 7 (GPIO) |
| Pin 27 | PTD0 — Port D bit 0 (GPIO) |
| Pin 28 | PTD1 — Port D bit 1 (GPIO) |
| Pin 29 | PTD2 — Port D bit 2 (GPIO) |
| Pin 30 | PTD3 — Port D bit 3 (GPIO) |
| Pin 31 | PTD4 — Port D bit 4 (GPIO) |
| Pin 32 | PTD5 — Port D bit 5 (GPIO) |
| Pin 33 | PTD6 — Port D bit 6 (GPIO) |
| Pin 34 | PTD7 — Port D bit 7 (GPIO) |
| Pin 35 | PTE0 — Port E bit 0 (GPIO) |
| Pin 36 | PTE1 — Port E bit 1 (GPIO) |
| Pin 37 | PTE2 — Port E bit 2 (GPIO) |
| Pin 38 | PTE3 — Port E bit 3 (GPIO) |
| Pin 39 | PTE4 — Port E bit 4 (GPIO) |
| Pin 40 | PTE5 — Port E bit 5 (GPIO) |
| Pin 41 | PTE6 — Port E bit 6 (GPIO) |
| Pin 42 | PTE7 — Port E bit 7 (GPIO) |
| Pin 43 | PTF0 — Port F bit 0 (GPIO) |
| Pin 44 | PTF1 — Port F bit 1 (GPIO) |
| Pin 45 | PTF2 — Port F bit 2 (GPIO) |
| Pin 46 | PTF3 — Port F bit 3 (GPIO) |
| Pin 47 | PTF4 — Port F bit 4 (GPIO) |
| Pin 48 | PTF5 — Port F bit 5 (GPIO) |
| Pin 49 | PTF6 — Port F bit 6 (GPIO) |
| Pin 50 | PTF7 — Port F bit 7 (GPIO) |
| Pin 51 | OSC1 — Oscillator input |
| Pin 52 | OSC2 — Oscillator output |
| Pin 53 | VSS — Ground |
| Pin 54 | BKGD — Background debug mode data |
| Pin 55 | RESET — External reset (active low) |
| Pin 56 | IRQ — External interrupt request |
| Pin 57 | TCLK — Timer clock input |
| Pin 58 | TxD — ESCI transmit data |
| Pin 59 | RxD — ESCI receive data |
| Pin 60 | LCD0 — LCD segment drive 0 |
| Pin 61 | LCD1 — LCD segment drive 1 |
| Pin 62 | LCDBP — LCD backplane drive |
| Pin 63 | VDD — Positive supply (3.0V-5.5V) |
| Pin 64 | VSS — Ground |
Typical Applications
MC908LJ12CPBE is suitable for 7 applications: White-Goods Appliance Control, Industrial HMI / Keypad and LCD Panels, Building Automation Sensor Nodes, Consumer Electronics Controllers, Automotive Body Electronics (Non-Safety), Smart Metering / Utility Endpoints, Educational and Hobbyist Embedded Projects.
White-Goods Appliance Control
The MC908LJ12CPBE fits white-goods appliance controllers - washing machines, dishwashers, microwave ovens - because its 12 KB FLASH holds a typical user-interface and motor-control state machine, the integrated LCD driver directly drives segment displays for time/temperature readouts, and 51 GPIO are ample for keypad scanning plus relay/triac drive. 8 MHz internal bus is sufficient for 50/60 Hz mains-timebase sensing and PWM timer tasks without external oscillators. Operating from 3.0-5.5 V supports both 3.3 V and 5 V designs, and the FLASH security lock protects OEM firmware. The EOL status should be considered: design new appliances on the recommended NXP replacement to avoid lifetime support risk.
Recommended
Industrial HMI / Keypad and LCD Panels
Why the MC908LJ12CPBE fits industrial HMI: 768 bytes of RAM, ESCI for host-side diagnostics, and integrated LCD driver eliminate an external display driver IC. The 51 GPIO support 8x8 key matrix scanning directly without an expander. The 64-LQFP (10x10 mm) package has 0.5 mm pitch compatible with low-cost 4-layer FR-4 PCBs and hand-rework with hot air. BDM mode allows field firmware updates without disassembly, useful for factory-floor equipment with sealed enclosures. Trade-off: 8 MHz clock is the bottleneck for anything beyond simple text rendering on the LCD.
Recommended
Building Automation Sensor Nodes
The MC908LJ12CPBE suits low-cost building-automation sensor nodes - thermostats, CO2 sensors, occupancy detectors - because the HC08 core with 12 KB FLASH runs a simple duty-cycled sensor-fusion stack and the low-voltage inhibit handles brown-out cleanly across long cabling runs. The integrated LCD driver displays room temperature and setpoint without an extra chip. Operating range up to +85 C covers plenum-rated enclosures. Same 64-LQFP footprint across the family lets one PCB be re-flashed with HC08LJ12CFBE for volume production once MC908LJ12CPBE stock is exhausted.
Recommended
Consumer Electronics Controllers
In consumer products such as remote controls, kitchen timers, simple toys, and small audio appliances the MC908LJ12CPBE provides an 8-bit MCU with adequate FLASH (12 KB) for menu-driven user interfaces and the LCD driver for status display, all in one chip. Its 3.0-5.5 V supply covers battery-powered 3 V designs and 5 V USB-powered units. ROM-resident MON08 monitor and BDM both allow OEM programming. The FLASH security lock prevents casual firmware theft. The 8-bit CPU is sufficient when human-perceptible UI delay is acceptable.
Recommended
Automotive Body Electronics (Non-Safety)
Although the MC908LJ12CPBE itself is not AEC-Q100 qualified, it has been used historically in non-safety body electronics: window-lift switches, mirror adjusters, seat-position modules, simple climate-control panels. The 12 KB FLASH holds the calibration tables for 4-channel actuation and the LCD driver shows seat/mirror position. Operating temperature up to +85 C is sufficient for cabin modules. New automotive designs should select AEC-Q100 qualified replacements from the NXP S08/S12 portfolio; the standard MC908LJ12CPBE remains valid for non-automotive or pre-existing automotive platforms with vendor approval.
Recommended
Smart Metering / Utility Endpoints
Within utility metering endpoints such as electricity, gas, and water sub-meters with simple LCD readout, the MC908LJ12CPBE integrates the meter firmware, LCD driver, and tamper-detect GPIO in a single 64-LQFP device. The integrated LVI prevents corruption during brown-out, FLASH security protects metrology IP, and 51 GPIO accept pulse outputs from metering front-ends plus keypad for manual read. EOL status restricts the part to legacy retrofits; new meter designs should move to the recommended NXP replacement listed in the discontinuance notice.
Recommended
Educational and Hobbyist Embedded Projects
The MC908LJ12CPBE and its development ecosystem remain popular in university microcontroller courses and hobbyist projects that teach 8-bit embedded design with on-chip FLASH and an LCD driver. The BDM interface plugs into legacy P&E Multilink pods, and free CodeWarrior HC08 tools still build for it. With 12 KB FLASH, 768-byte RAM, and 51 GPIO, students can implement a complete digital alarm-clock + thermometer project. Use the part for learning; for new commercial designs select a non-EOL replacement.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for MC908LJ12CPBE — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | MC908LJ12CFBE | MCL908LJ12CPBE | MC908AP32CFAER | MC908AP16CFAE |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 64-LQFP (10x10 mm) | 64-LQFP (FBE suffix) | 64-LQFP (10x10 mm) - same | 64-LQFP (FAE suffix) | 64-LQFP (FAE suffix) |
| Brand | NXP Semiconductors | NXP Semiconductors | NXP Semiconductors | NXP Semiconductors | NXP Semiconductors |
| Program FLASH | 12 KB | 12 KB | 12 KB | 32 KB | 16 KB |
| Core Architecture | HC08 (8-bit) | HC08 (8-bit) | HC08 (8-bit) | HC08 (8-bit) | HC08 (8-bit) |
| Maximum Clock | 8 MHz | 8 MHz | 8 MHz | 8 MHz | 8 MHz |
| Supply Voltage | 3.0 V to 5.5 V | 3.0 V to 5.5 V | 2.7 V to 3.6 V (low-voltage variant) | 3.0 V to 5.5 V | 3.0 V to 5.5 V |
| LCD Driver | Integrated (HC08LJ family) | Integrated | Integrated | Not integrated (HC08AP family) | Not integrated (HC08AP family) |
Key Differentiators
- Integrated LCD driver in a 64-LQFP HC08 part (vs MC908AP32CFAER (HC08AP family))
- Smaller FLASH footprint fits cost-sensitive designs (vs MC908AP32CFAER (32 KB FLASH))
- Tighter low-voltage variant available (vs Standard HC08LJ12 (3.0-5.5 V only))
Design Notes
Estimated: total quiescent current in STOP mode is in the single-digit microamp range from the HC08 family datasheet; actual figure requires the orderable part number's electrical characteristics table. Place a 100 nF ceramic decoupling capacitor within 5 mm of every VDD pin and a single 4.7 uF bulk tantalum or aluminum-polymer capacitor on the main supply rail. The on-chip Low-Voltage Inhibit (LVI) holds the CPU in reset if VDD droops below threshold during brown-out, preventing FLASH corruption.
Route the OSC1/OSC2 traces as short as possible and keep the crystal within 5 mm of the pins with a guard ground ring to reduce EMI susceptibility. Place BKGD near a 2-pin or 4-pin header to support in-system BDM programming without rework. Keep the reset line short with a 100 ns rise time and add a 10 kohm pull-up plus a 100 nF cap for debounce.
Do not exceed VDD of 5.5 V; over-voltage stresses the FLASH charge pump. Do not enable FLASH security unless the firmware is fully validated - a locked part cannot be re-programmed without external intervention and the security bit setting is irreversible in most HC08 derivatives. Use BDM mode rather than monitor mode for production programming to save 1 KB of FLASH that the monitor otherwise consumes.
Compliance Information
RoHS and REACH compliance per NXP product page. Part is not AEC-Q100 qualified - do not use for automotive safety applications. Conflict-minerals declaration on NXP corporate compliance page.