MC9S08QA4CPAE - 20MHz 8-Bit MCU, 4KB Flash | NXP | DIP-8
MPN: MC9S08QA4CPAE ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $1.6667 | $1.67 |
| 10 | $1.6667 | $16.67 |
| 100 | $1.6667 | $166.67 |
| 500 | $1.6667 | $833.35 |
| 1,000 | $1.6667 | $1,666.70 |
MC9S08QA4CPAE Overview
The S08QA is a cost-effective, high-performance member of the S08 family of 8-bit microcontroller units. An MCU integrates a processor core, program memory, data memory, peripherals, and interrupt control on one semiconductor device. This integration reduces component count and board area while giving embedded designers direct control over real-time input sampling, timing, communication, and output sequencing.
Key verified features include a 20 MHz HCS08 CPU, 4 KB of Flash, an 8-pin PDIP package, operation from 1.8 V to 3.3 V, two very low-power stop modes, and low-voltage detection with reset or interrupt. The manufacturer describes the family as offering on-chip memory and background debugging capability. The added BGND instruction and breakpoint capability support in-circuit debugging, while the low-voltage functions improve behavior during unstable supply conditions.
The MC9S08QA4CPAE is appropriate when a design needs deterministic low-cost control rather than a high-speed processor or large memory footprint. Its 4 KB Flash capacity is suitable for compact firmware, and its 20 MHz clock provides processing headroom for basic control loops. The 8-pin DIP package simplifies prototyping, automated assembly compatibility checks, and hand-installation during development, although production designs must account for through-hole mechanical requirements.
Typical applications include low-cost sensor interfaces, simple motor or relay controllers, building and appliance controls, battery-operated equipment, and compact embedded instruments. The device is particularly suitable when low voltage, low-power stop modes, local reset behavior, and simple 8-pin integration are more important than high pin count or extensive communications peripherals.
A key design consideration is to verify the exact pinout and peripheral functions in the manufacturer datasheet before assigning connections. The 8-pin package leaves limited I/O, so a pin-sharing decision must balance external interfaces, debug access, reset requirements, and power connections. For production sourcing, confirm lifecycle status and current availability with the manufacturer or authorized distributors.
This page combines verified NXP product information, manufacturer and distributor references, package details, pricing context, application guidance, and replacement analysis. It distinguishes directly verified electrical facts from parameters that require design review, helping engineers evaluate the MC9S08QA4CPAE without relying on generic MCU specifications.
Drop-in alternatives for MC9S08QA4CPAE — 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 MC9S08QA4CPAE (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, Supply Voltage Range, Low-Power Modes, Flash Memory, Operating Temperature.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
MC9S08QA2CPAE
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.55 / Unit
View Datasheet →MC9S08QG4CPAE
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.71 / Unit
View Datasheet →MC9S08QA4CDNE
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.9808 / Unit
View Datasheet →MC9S08QA2CDNE
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$0.95 / Unit
View Datasheet →MC9S08QG4CDNE
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
Contact for price
View Datasheet →MC9S08QA4CPAE Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Product Type | 8-bit microcontroller |
| Series | S08QA |
| Processor Core | S08 / HCS08 CPU |
| Maximum Clock Frequency | 20 MHz |
| Flash Memory | 4 KB |
| Architecture | 8-bit |
| Supply Voltage Range | 1.8 V to 3.3 V |
| Package | 8-pin PDIP, DIP-8 |
| Package Pitch | 7.62 mm |
| Package Type | Through-hole |
| Low-Power Modes | Two very low-power stop modes |
| Voltage Detection | Low-voltage detection with reset or interrupt |
| Debug Support | Background debugging system |
| Breakpoint Capability | Single breakpoint in-circuit, plus two on-chip breakpoints |
| Manufacturer Description | S08QA 8-bit MCU, S08 core, 4KB Flash, 20MHz, DIP 8 |
| Datasheet Reference | MC9S08QA4 Series Data Sheet |
| Reported Stock | 3,568 pieces |
| Reference Unit Price | $1.6667 per unit |
| Reported Lead Time | To be confirmed; estimated delivery Aug 20-Aug 25 |
MC9S08QA4CPAE through-hole Pin Configuration Guide
Pin configuration for MC9S08QA4CPAE (through-hole package). This digital IC includes GPIO, communication interfaces (UART, SPI, I2C), and power pins. Refer to the manufacturer datasheet for alternate pin functions and configuration options. Essential for embedded system design and PCB layout.
No detailed pinout data available for MC9S08QA4CPAE.
Refer to the datasheet for full pin configuration.
Typical Applications
MC9S08QA4CPAE is suitable for 6 applications: Low-Cost Sensor Interface, Simple Relay and Actuator Control, Battery-Operated Instrument, Appliance and Building Control, Industrial Status and Alarm Module, Prototype and Educational Controller.
Low-Cost Sensor Interface
The MC9S08QA4CPAE fits compact sensor interfaces that require local digital signal handling without a larger processor. Its 20 MHz S08 core provides timing headroom for sampling, threshold decisions, filtering, and status reporting, while 4 KB Flash can hold focused firmware for a fixed measurement function. The 1.8 V to 3.3 V operating range supports low-voltage embedded designs. Because the package is DIP-8, pin budgeting is critical: verify which sensor signals, supply, reset, and debug functions must share the available leads before finalizing the schematic.
Recommended
Simple Relay and Actuator Control
Use MC9S08QA4CPAE for small actuator-control boards where deterministic timing and low standby consumption matter more than high pin count. The 20 MHz processor can execute control state machines, timing delays, debounce logic, and fault handling, and the two low-power stop modes can reduce consumption when the system is idle. The 8-pin package is workable for a small relay or switch output, but external driver transistors, flyback protection, and logic-level compatibility may be required. Confirm output-drive limits and reset behavior in the datasheet before connecting loads.
Recommended
Battery-Operated Instrument
The MC9S08QA4CPAE is appropriate for small battery-operated instruments because its verified supply range includes 1.8 V to 3.3 V and its family includes two very low-power stop modes. A designer can keep the MCU asleep between measurements, wake it through an allowed peripheral or interrupt source, capture an input, update a display or indicator, and return to a low-power state. Actual battery life depends on sensor standby current, analog front-end consumption, firmware wake conditions, and regulator efficiency, so validate the complete power budget rather than relying on the MCU specification alone.
Recommended
Appliance and Building Control
MC9S08QA4CPAE can serve as the compact control core in an appliance, thermostat, or building-control module when the firmware requirements are modest. The 4 KB Flash footprint is useful for fixed control tables, debounce logic, timers, and simple supervisory functions, while the 20 MHz S08 CPU handles periodic tasks without a complex operating system. A production design must account for the DIP-8 pin count, supply transient protection, low-voltage behavior, and any required communications interface. External circuitry may be needed for mains isolation, relays, or isolated communications.
Recommended
Industrial Status and Alarm Module
The MC9S08QA4CPAE is suitable for a compact industrial status module that monitors discrete inputs, manages alarm thresholds, and drives indicators or a communications interface. Its 20 MHz processor supports responsive polling and debounce logic, and the low-voltage detection function can help define system behavior during supply transients. Because the verified data does not specify every peripheral, I/O level, or electrical limit, validate those details in the manufacturer datasheet before choosing external sensors or communication transceivers. The DIP package also requires careful PCB spacing and through-hole assembly planning.
Recommended
Prototype and Educational Controller
MC9S08QA4CPAE is well suited to prototyping because it combines a documented S08 core, 20 MHz operation, 4 KB Flash, and a through-hole DIP-8 package. Students and engineers can build timing experiments, simple control loops, sensor demonstrations, and low-power behavior tests without committing to a fine-pitch surface-mount footprint. Background debugging and breakpoint capability support firmware troubleshooting, although debug access and pin multiplexing must be checked in the datasheet. For new high-volume products, verify lifecycle, assembly, and long-term availability before using the DIP package as the final production choice.
Recommended
Engineering reference data for MC9S08QA4CPAE — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | MC9S08QA2CPAE | MC9S08QG4CPAE | MC9S08QA4CDNE | MC9S08QA2CDNE | MC9S08QG4CDNE |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | NXP Semiconductors | NXP Semiconductors | NXP Semiconductors | NXP Semiconductors | NXP Semiconductors | NXP Semiconductors |
| Package | 8-pin PDIP (DIP-8) | 8-pin PDIP (DIP-8) | 8-pin PDIP (DIP-8) | 8-pin PDIP (DIP-8) - verification required | 8-pin PDIP (DIP-8) - verification required | 8-pin PDIP (DIP-8) - verification required |
Key Differentiators
- Verified 4 KB Flash and 20 MHz operating point (vs MC9S08QA2CPAE)
- Two verified very low-power stop modes (vs MC9S08QG4CPAE)
- Through-hole 8-pin DIP implementation (vs MC9S08QA4CDNE)
Design Notes
Do not treat a related S08 part number as a drop-in replacement without checking the manufacturer pin diagram. The verified target description establishes an 8-pin PDIP, S08 core, 4 KB Flash, and 20 MHz operation, but the supplied alternatives do not provide complete electrical and pin-level equivalence. Before substitution, compare every pin, supply voltage, reset input, debug interface, memory size, and peripheral function. This is especially important when an existing PCB uses DIP-8 orientation and pin 1 markings.
Design the power rail for the verified 1.8 V to 3.3 V operating range and use low-voltage detection to establish a defined response during supply sag. The two stop modes can reduce average consumption, but the actual benefit depends on firmware and the peripherals left active. Estimate the system power budget from the MCU operating mode, external sensors, pull resistors, indicator drivers, and regulator efficiency. Do not use the 3.3 V family description to assume that every external component is 3.3 V compatible.
Reserve the DIP-8 footprint with correct 7.62 mm pin pitch and clearances around the package, connector, relay, or sensor connections. The small pin count makes pin multiplexing a central layout decision; place decoupling capacitors close to the supply pins and route reset/debug signals away from noisy switching nodes. If the product eventually moves to a surface-mount MCU, treat that as a footprint and firmware-porting redesign rather than a direct drop-in replacement.
Compliance Information
The supplied verified data does not state RoHS, REACH, AEC-Q100, lead-free, halogen-free, or conflict-mineral status. The component is a microcontroller, so AEC-Q100 is not applicable unless a specific automotive qualification is identified.
