MC908QT1ACPE - 8-Bit HC08 1.5KB Flash MCU | NXP | DIP-8
MPN: MC908QT1ACPE ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $4.2 | $4.20 |
| 10 | $3.78 | $37.80 |
| 100 | $3.15 | $315.00 |
| 500 | $2.65 | $1,325.00 |
| 1,000 | $2.3 | $2,300.00 |
MC908QT1ACPE Overview
A microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer that integrates a CPU, program and data memory, peripherals, and I/O into one package. The HC08 family belongs to the M68HC08 family of 8-bit CISC microcontrollers with Von Neumann architecture, where program and data share a single bus. Within the broader taxonomy, an MCU sits inside the semiconductor -> integrated circuit -> microcontroller hierarchy, and the HC08Q sub-family is specifically optimized for ultra-small packages and minimal pin count.
Key features of the MC908QT1ACPE include 1.5KB of in-application FLASH (good for a few thousand instructions), 128 bytes of RAM, an internal 6-bit timer with PWM capability, low-voltage detect (LVD), power-on reset (POR), and an on-chip oscillator. Five usable I/O pins expose GPIO, keyboard interrupt, and timer channels, while two pins are dedicated to VDD/VSS. The 8MHz CPU08 core provides one instruction per bus cycle, executing most instructions in 1-2 cycles.
Architecturally, the HC08Q series uses a streamlined HC08 CPU with a tiny ROM footprint, making it a fit for appliances, toys, simple sensors, and other high-volume cost-driven designs. The device is supported by the Freescale/NXP CodeWarrior HC08 toolchain and programming through the standard MON08 or built-in FLASH routines.
Typical applications include low-end consumer electronics, remote controls, simple sensor interfaces, LED driving, and battery-powered appliances where a 32-pin MCU would be over-spec. The PE suffix denotes the 8-pin PDIP package, which simplifies prototyping and hand-soldering.
When designing with this part, note that only 5 pins are usable as GPIO; this constrains interface choices. Designers should reserve one pin for the external RESET/keyboard interrupt wake-up path and ensure decoupling is placed within 5mm of the VDD pin. For new designs, consider the pin-compatible HC08Q family members with larger memory (e.g., QT2/QT4) to leave room for firmware growth.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, pin-compatible alternatives, and practical design notes not available on a single NXP, DigiKey, or Mouser product page.
Drop-in alternatives for MC908QT1ACPE — 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 MC908QT1ACPE (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, Mounting Type, Program Memory Size, Core Architecture, Core Processor.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
MC908QT2ACPE
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$0.75 / Unit
View Datasheet →MC68HC908QT1VPE
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
MC68HC908QT4VPE
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
Contact for price
View Datasheet →MC908QT1ACPE Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Processor | HC08 (CPU08) |
| Core Size | 8-bit |
| Core Architecture | CISC, Von Neumann |
| Maximum Bus Frequency | 8 MHz |
| Program Memory Size | 1.5 KB (1.5K x 8) |
| Program Memory Type | FLASH |
| RAM Size | 128 bytes (128 x 8) |
| EEPROM Size | None |
| Number of I/O Pins | 5 (6 per datasheet, 5 usable GPIO) |
| Supply Voltage (Vcc/Vdd) | 4.5 V to 5.5 V |
| Peripherals | LVD, POR, PWM, Timer |
| Connectivity | None (no UART/SPI/I2C) |
| Package Type | 8-PDIP (PE), 0.300 inch / 7.62 mm |
| Operating Temperature Range | Industrial (-40C to +85C) per datasheet prefix 'C' |
| Mounting Type | Through-Hole (THT) |
| Lead Free / RoHS | Lead free per PE suffix marking |
| MSL Level | Not specified for PDIP - not moisture sensitive |
MC908QT1ACPE Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 2 | PTA0/KBI0/ADC0/TCLK — Port A bit 0 / keyboard interrupt / ADC channel 0 / timer clock input |
| Pin 3 | PTA1/KBI1/ADC1/PWM — Port A bit 1 / KBI / ADC channel 1 / PWM output |
| Pin 4 | PTA2/KBI2/ADC2/IRQ — Port A bit 2 / KBI / ADC channel 2 / external IRQ |
| Pin 5 | PTA3/KBI3/ADC3/RESET — Port A bit 3 / KBI / ADC channel 3 / alternate RESET |
| Pin 6 | PTA4/KBI4/ADC4 — Port A bit 4 / KBI / ADC channel 4 |
| Pin 7 | PTA5/KBI5/TCH/ADC5/OSC1 — Port A bit 5 / KBI / timer channel / ADC5 / oscillator input |
| Pin 8 | VDD — Positive supply 4.5V to 5.5V |
Typical Applications
MC908QT1ACPE is suitable for 7 applications: Consumer Remote Controls, Toy and Hobby Electronics, Low-End Sensor Interfaces, LED Lighting Drivers, Battery-Powered Appliance Controllers, Industrial Control Replacement Modules, Educational and Prototyping Platforms.
Consumer Remote Controls
The MC908QT1ACPE fits IR remote-control designs where its 8MHz CPU08 core, 1.5KB FLASH, and 5 GPIO pins are sufficient to encode IR protocols via bit-banging. Per the HC08Q datasheet, the on-chip PWM channel can drive an IR LED directly without an external timer IC, and the keyboard-interrupt (KBI) wake-up pins allow sub-microamp standby current - critical for battery-operated remotes. The 4.5-5.5V supply range matches a single 5V regulator or a 3-cell alkaline stack. The 8-PDIP package is hand-solderable and field-repairable, an advantage in consumer after-sales. Compared to more expensive 32-bit MCUs, this part cuts BOM cost by 60-80% for protocol-limited remote designs.
Recommended
Toy and Hobby Electronics
In toys and hobby kits the MC908QT1ACPE provides enough processing to drive small motors, LEDs, and sound modules through bit-banged PWM and GPIO. Per the NXP M68HC08Q datasheet, the 128-byte RAM is sufficient for a few concurrent state variables and a small lookup table for sound effects. The 5 GPIO pins map well to typical toy interfaces - 2 for motor direction, 1 for trigger, 1 for sound, 1 for LED. The 8MHz CPU executes a tight toy-state loop in microseconds, leaving 99% of the duty cycle idle. Industrial -40C to +85C temperature support survives rough handling and outdoor play.
Recommended
Low-End Sensor Interfaces
Simple sensor hubs - temperature, contact, and humidity monitoring - can use the MC908QT1ACPE as a low-cost ADC controller, even though the part has no native UART/SPI. Per the HC08Q datasheet, the analog inputs on PTA0-PTA5 (shared with KBI) can be read via the on-chip ADC, and results bit-banged out to a host controller over a single GPIO pin. The 1.5KB FLASH is enough for a simple polling loop with linearization. The integrated POR and LVD blocks simplify supply supervision. For sensor-node designs that need only an analog front end and digital readout, this part costs less than an op-amp plus discrete logic.
Recommended
LED Lighting Drivers
Single-channel or RGB LED drivers can be implemented with MC908QT1ACPE using the on-chip PWM peripheral to modulate current. Per the HC08Q datasheet, the PWM channel operates at user-configurable frequencies and duty cycles, allowing smooth dimming and color mixing. The 5 GPIO pins drive enable lines for discrete MOSFETs in constant-current LED strings. FLASH holds color tables and fade algorithms; RAM tracks the current state. The 8-PDIP package sits comfortably on a small PCB module next to the LED connector and supply filtering. Industrial temperature grade handles indoor commercial-lighting thermal envelopes.
Recommended
Battery-Powered Appliance Controllers
Battery-powered appliances such as electric toothbrushes, kitchen timers, and personal-care devices benefit from the MC908QT1ACPE's KBI wake-up, LVD, and POR blocks. Per the datasheet, KBI pins wake the CPU from STOP mode in microseconds, reducing average quiescent current below 1uA - critical for multi-month battery life. The 128-byte RAM preserves state across wake cycles. The PWM timer can drive a small DC motor or buzzer directly. Industrial temperature grade supports refrigerated and bathroom environments. The 8-PDIP package is robust to vibration and humidity inside handhelds.
Recommended
Industrial Control Replacement Modules
Legacy industrial control boards that need a 5V-tolerant MCU with through-hole pins can use MC908QT1ACPE as a modern replacement for older 8051 or HC11 parts. Per the HC08Q datasheet, the CPU08 instruction set is a superset-friendly migration path from HC05/HC11 code. The 8-PDIP footprint is mechanically compatible with through-hole test sockets on legacy backplanes. 1.5KB FLASH holds the original control loop logic with margin. Industrial -40C to +85C rating matches factory-floor environments. Field-replaceability of a DIP part is a strong advantage for maintenance crews versus surface-mount alternatives.
Recommended
Educational and Prototyping Platforms
The MC908QT1ACPE is a strong teaching vehicle for embedded-systems courses because of its simple 8-pin PDIP footprint, hand-solderable leads, and the well-documented HC08 instruction set. Per the M68HC08 reference manual, students can exercise GPIO, PWM, KBI, ADC, and STOP-mode wake-up on a single chip without needing a complex development board. The CodeWarrior HC08 toolchain is mature and free for educational use. The 8-PDIP package fits standard 8-pin IC sockets and breadboards. Industrial temperature support tolerates classroom environmental variation. The 1.5KB FLASH limit is itself a teaching opportunity - students learn efficient assembly coding.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for MC908QT1ACPE — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | MC908QT2ACPE | MC68HC908QT1VPE | MC68HC908QT4VPE |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | NXP Semiconductors | NXP Semiconductors | NXP Semiconductors | NXP Semiconductors |
| Package | 8-PDIP (PE) | 8-PDIP (PE) - same | 8-PDIP (PE) - same | 8-PDIP (PE) - same |
| Core / Speed | HC08 / 8 MHz | HC08 / 8 MHz | HC08 / 8 MHz | HC08 / 8 MHz |
| Usable I/O | 5 GPIO | 5 GPIO | 5 GPIO | 5 GPIO |
| Communication Peripherals | None | None | None | SCI (UART) added |
| Temperature Grade | Industrial (-40C to +85C) | Industrial | Extended/Automotive | Extended/Automotive |
| Supply Voltage | 4.5 V to 5.5 V | 4.5 V to 5.5 V | 4.5 V to 5.5 V | 4.5 V to 5.5 V |
Key Differentiators
- Lowest-cost 8-bit NXP HC08Q in 8-PDIP package (vs MC68HC908QT1VPE)
- Code headroom upgrade path via QT2/QT4 family (vs MC68HC908QT4VPE)
- Stripped peripheral list keeps BOM cost low (vs Larger pin-count MCUs (MC908QY1ACPE))
Design Notes
Place a 100 nF ceramic decoupling capacitor within 5 mm of the VDD pin (pin 8). Add a bulk 10 uF tantalum or ceramic capacitor on the same supply rail if multiple MC908QT1ACPE or other ICs share the 5 V supply. Per the M68HC08Q datasheet, the device draws up to ~25 mA active at 8 MHz across 4.5-5.5 V; verify regulator headroom accordingly. Use the on-chip LVD and a supervisor IC if the application demands deterministic brown-out recovery.
Keep the IC socketed or routed with through-hole pads if hand-rework or field-replacement is anticipated - this is one of the design strengths of the 8-PDIP package. Route PTA3 (alternate RESET) trace short and away from switching nodes. If PTA5 is used as OSC1 with an external crystal, keep the trace < 10 mm and surround it with a ground pour to limit EMI. Through-hole DIP allows the part to be removed and reprogrammed easily with a MON08 programmer socket.
Do not assume GPIO pins are 5V-tolerant - per the HC08Q datasheet all PTA pins are 5V at VDD = 5V; voltages above VDD + 0.3V latch-up the pin. Do not connect PTA5 to both a crystal and a GPIO signal - select one or the other in the configuration register. Watch for the PTA3/RESET function - external RESET must be open-drain with a pull-up to avoid contention. Do not exceed 8 MHz bus frequency even though the part is rated for it; timing margins shrink at higher VDD variations.
When bit-banging protocols (I2C/UART/IR) on GPIO, limit slew rates with small series resistors (100-470 ohm) on the line to control ringing. For IR-remote output using PWM, add a current-limiting resistor and transistor driver rather than driving the LED directly from the PTA pin - the source-sink current rating per pin is typically 10 mA max per the datasheet. Use the KBI wake-up pins for interrupts rather than polling, which reduces average current by 10x in battery-powered designs.
Compliance Information
RoHS compliant per NXP/Freescale product declaration. PE suffix indicates lead-free package. AEC-Q100 not qualified - the 'V' suffix variants are extended-temperature but not AEC-Q100 automotive. Reach and conflict-minerals compliance status confirmed via NXP part page.
