MC908QY4AMPE - 8-Bit HC08 8MHz 4KB Flash MCU | NXP | 16-PDIP
MPN: MC908QY4AMPE ✗ End of Life| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $2.88 | $2.88 |
| 10 | $2.59 | $25.90 |
| 100 | $2.3 | $230.00 |
| 500 | $2.07 | $1,035.00 |
| 1,000 | $1.84 | $1,840.00 |
MC908QY4AMPE Overview
What is an 8-bit microcontroller (MCU)? An MCU is a single-chip computer containing a CPU, program memory (FLASH/ROM), working RAM, and a set of on-chip peripherals (timers, ADC, communications, I/O). The HC08 family uses an enhanced CPU08 core that executes a CISC instruction set with Von Neumann unified memory addressing, which simplifies firmware development but requires care to avoid bus contention between code fetches and data accesses.
Key features include 4 KB (4K x 8) on-chip FLASH with security protection against unauthorized readout in monitor mode, an internal bus clock derived from an on-chip oscillator, 13 general-purpose I/O pins, a multi-channel 10-bit (typical for the family) ADC, and standard HC08 peripherals including timers, keyboard interrupt, and COP watchdog. The part supports in-system FLASH programming through the standard HC08 monitor ROM, enabling field firmware updates.
The CPU08 core delivers 8 MIPS at 8 MHz bus clock, executes the HC08 instruction set with a 16-bit address space, and includes hardware multiply and divide for efficient numeric processing. The integrated FLASH controller and security circuitry prevent external readers from dumping the contents of program memory when monitor mode is disabled, providing basic IP protection for OEM firmware.
Typical applications include appliance control boards, simple sensor interfaces, white-goods user-interface controllers, low-end remote controls, battery chargers, and industrial timer/replacement modules where cost, FLASH reprogrammability, and a familiar 8-bit toolchain outweigh raw compute performance.
When designing with this part, allocate a minimum 4.7 kohm reset pull-up, place a 0.1 uF decoupling capacitor on each VDD pin, and follow HC08 monitor ROM entry sequence carefully if you plan to use background debug mode for in-circuit FLASH programming in production.
This page synthesizes current distributor pricing, drop-in compatible variants from the HC08Q family, and practical design notes that complement the manufacturer datasheet.
Drop-in alternatives for MC908QY4AMPE — 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 MC908QY4AMPE (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, Mounting Type, Core Architecture, Program Memory Size, Timers.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
MC908QY4ACPE
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.05 / Unit
View Datasheet →MC68HC908QY4CDTE
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
MC908QY4AMDWE
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified✓ In Stock
$2.45 / Unit
View Datasheet →MC908QY4AMPE Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | M68HC08 (CPU08) |
| Data Bus Width | 8-bit |
| Instruction Set | CISC, Von Neumann |
| Maximum CPU Frequency | 8 MHz |
| Program Memory Type | FLASH |
| Program Memory Size | 4 KB (4K x 8) |
| Package | 16-PDIP (0.300 in / 7.62 mm) |
| Pin Count | 16 |
| Operating Temperature Range | -40C to +125C (industrial, AMPE suffix) |
| I/O Pins | 13 (typical for HC08QY4 in PDIP-16) |
| Watchdog | COP watchdog (typical for HC08Q) |
| Programming Interface | Monitor ROM / background debug mode |
| FLASH Security | Yes, blocks readout in monitor mode |
| Mounting Type | Through-Hole (DIP) |
| MSL Level | Not applicable (through-hole) |
| Family | HC08Q sub-family of M68HC08 |
MC908QY4AMPE Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | IRQ — External interrupt request / BDM data |
| Pin 2 | PTA0 — Port A bit 0 / ADC input |
| Pin 3 | PTA1 — Port A bit 1 / ADC input |
| Pin 4 | VDD — Positive supply voltage |
| Pin 5 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 6 | OSC1 — Crystal oscillator input |
| Pin 7 | OSC2 — Crystal oscillator output |
| Pin 8 | PTA2 — Port A bit 2 |
| Pin 9 | PTA3 — Port A bit 3 |
| Pin 10 | PTA4 — Port A bit 4 / KBI |
| Pin 11 | PTA5 — Port A bit 5 / KBI |
| Pin 12 | PTB0 — Port B bit 0 |
| Pin 13 | PTB1 — Port B bit 1 |
| Pin 14 | PTB2 — Port B bit 2 |
| Pin 15 | PTB3 — Port B bit 3 |
| Pin 16 | RESET — Active-low reset input |
Typical Applications
MC908QY4AMPE is suitable for 6 applications: White Goods Appliance Control, Remote Control and User Interface, Battery Charger and Power Management Front-End, Industrial Timer and Replacement Modules, Simple Sensor Interface and Data Logger, Educational and Hobby Microcontroller Platform.
White Goods Appliance Control
The MC908QY4AMPE suits appliance control boards (washing machines, dishwashers, microwave ovens) where 4 KB FLASH holds the user-interface state machine and 13 GPIO pins drive keypads, relays, and 7-segment displays. The 8 MHz CPU08 core executes simple timer, motor-direction, and buzzer-control logic without an RTOS, keeping BOM cost under $1 for the MCU alone. The industrial -40C to +125C temperature grade handles under-cabinet and outdoor-adjacent installations; the HC08Q FLASH security byte protects OEM calibration tables and proprietary wash-cycle profiles.
Recommended
Remote Control and User Interface
Low-cost IR/RF remote controls, HVAC wall thermostats, and simple consumer user-interface boards pair well with the MC908QY4AMPE because 4 KB FLASH accommodates button-matrix scanning logic, IR protocol bit-banging, and EEPROM-backed settings storage. The HC08Q keyboard interrupt module wakes the CPU only on key press, dropping average current to microamp levels and extending battery life to multi-year timescales. The 13 GPIO pins support a 4x4 keypad matrix with spare lines for status LEDs and a piezo buzzer driver.
Recommended
Battery Charger and Power Management Front-End
Chargers for cordless tools, e-bikes, and 12V lead-acid batteries use the MC908QY4AMPE to monitor voltage, current, and temperature via the on-chip ADC and to drive MOSFET gate signals through GPIO. The 4 KB FLASH stores charging profiles for multiple chemistries (Li-ion, NiMH, SLA), and the COP watchdog resets the controller if the firmware hangs mid-charge. Industrial temperature grade allows charger operation in garages and outdoor enclosures; FLASH security prevents cloning of proprietary charge algorithms.
Recommended
Industrial Timer and Replacement Modules
Replacement timers, conveyor-belt sequencers, and industrial interval counters rely on the MC908QY4AMPE's HC08 timer modules for accurate timebase generation, with 4 KB FLASH holding look-up tables of timing profiles. The 8 MHz bus clock and CPU08 hardware multiply deliver reliable sub-millisecond timing resolution. Industrial -40C to +125C temperature operation tolerates factory-floor heat, and the PDIP-16 package simplifies field-replacement on legacy through-hole control cards.
Recommended
Simple Sensor Interface and Data Logger
Low-speed sensor aggregators for HVAC duct sensors, agricultural soil probes, and building automation nodes use the MC908QY4AMPE to read the on-chip ADC, average samples in RAM, and push filtered values out a UART to a host. The 4 KB FLASH stores calibration coefficients and simple linearization tables; the FLASH security byte protects the OEM calibration IP. The HC08Q keyboard interrupt pins double as wake-up sources for duty-cycled battery operation.
Recommended
Educational and Hobby Microcontroller Platform
Universities, maker communities, and training labs adopt the MC908QY4AMPE because the PDIP-16 package is breadboard-friendly, the HC08 toolchain is mature and freely available (CodeWarrior for HC08), and the 4 KB FLASH / 128 byte RAM limit forces students to learn efficient embedded C. The FLASH security feature doubles as a teaching aid for memory-protection concepts, while the COP watchdog module illustrates watchdog-reset firmware patterns.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for MC908QY4AMPE — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | MC908QY4ACPE | MC68HC908QY4CDTE | MC908QY4AMDWE |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 16-PDIP (0.300 in) | 16-PDIP - same | 16-TSSOP (surface-mount, different footprint) | 16-SOIC wide (surface-mount, different footprint) |
| Brand | NXP Semiconductors | NXP Semiconductors | NXP Semiconductors | NXP Semiconductors |
| Core | CPU08 / HC08 CISC | CPU08 / HC08 CISC | CPU08 / HC08 CISC | CPU08 / HC08 CISC |
| Maximum CPU Frequency | 8 MHz | 8 MHz | 8 MHz | 8 MHz |
| Program FLASH | 4 KB | 4 KB | 4 KB | 4 KB |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +125C (industrial, 'M') | 0C to +70C (commercial, 'C') | -40C to +125C (industrial, 'M') | -40C to +125C (industrial, 'M') |
| Lifecycle Status | NRND | NRND | NRND | NRND |
| FLASH Security | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Key Differentiators
- Industrial -40C to +125C temperature grade in PDIP-16 (vs MC908QY4ACPE)
- Through-hole PDIP-16 package for breadboard and legacy designs (vs MC68HC908QY4CDTE)
- HC08Q FLASH security with monitor ROM lock (vs Generic 8-bit MCUs without security)
Design Notes
Place a 0.1 uF ceramic decoupling capacitor as close as physically possible to the VDD pin (pin 4) with a short, wide trace to the VSS pin (pin 5). For boards with switching loads nearby, add a 10 uF bulk capacitor on the same supply rail. The HC08Q core is sensitive to supply ripple; keep analog and digital grounds connected at a single point to avoid offset errors in the on-chip ADC readings.
If using the on-chip oscillator with an external crystal or ceramic resonator, keep the OSC1/OSC2 traces short (under 5 mm), symmetric, and routed away from high-frequency switching signals. Add 4.7 kohm RESET pull-up to VDD and a 1 nF capacitor to VSS to filter noise on the reset line. When exposing BDM for in-circuit programming, route the BKGD pin to a 2x3 header with VDD and VSS for tool power.
Do not program the FLASH security byte until after production programming is complete and verified - once set, the only recovery is a mass erase that wipes all firmware. Configure the COP watchdog to a reasonable timeout (e.g. 1 second) and refresh it in the main loop; an unrefreshed COP resets the MCU and can cause field failures. Avoid driving large capacitive loads directly on GPIO pins above 10 mA per pin; use a buffer transistor or MOSFET for relay and buzzer drive.
Compliance Information
RoHS, REACH, lead-free, halogen-free, and conflict-minerals compliance for the MC908QY4AMPE were not stated in the verified web data retrieved on 2026-10-18. The legacy HC08Q family was originally introduced before RoHS became mandatory; check the manufacturer datasheet ordering information table or contact NXP for an RoHS-marked suffix before using in RoHS-restricted designs.
