MC9S08QE128CLH - 8-bit S08 MCU, 128KB Flash, 50MHz | NXP
MPN: MC9S08QE128CLH ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $7.85 | $7.85 |
| 10 | $7.1 | $71.00 |
| 100 | $6.2 | $620.00 |
| 500 | $5.5 | $2,750.00 |
| 1,000 | $4.95 | $4,950.00 |
MC9S08QE128CLH Overview
An 8-bit microcontroller (MCU) is a microprocessor integrated with memory (Flash/RAM), peripherals, and I/O on a single silicon die. The S08 core is NXP's enhanced HCS08 implementation of the HC08 instruction set, and it belongs to the broader MCU taxonomy: 8-bit MCU -> microcontroller -> embedded processor -> semiconductor. The Flexis series pairs pin-compatible 8-bit and 32-bit devices, enabling migration to ColdFire without PCB redesign.
Key features of the MC9S08QE128CLH include 50.33 MHz bus speed (20 MHz below 2.1 V), 128 KB Flash with Flash block protection and security, 8 KB RAM, 54 general-purpose I/O pins, 22-channel 12-bit ADC, two SCI, one SPI, two I2C, and an on-chip LCD driver supporting up to 8x36 segments.
Architecturally, the device integrates a background debugging system (BDCS), real-time clock, low-voltage detect, and a multi-channel timer/PWM block. Power management offers wait, stop3, and stop4 modes with fast wakeup, suitable for battery-powered applications.
Typical applications include portable medical and consumer devices with segmented LCD displays, smart metering, white goods with integrated HMI, and embedded control modules that need a balance of low power, abundant I/O, and on-chip analog.
A key design consideration is the supply voltage: the part runs from 2.1 V to 3.6 V at full speed and down to 1.8 V at 20 MHz. Designers must respect the minimum voltage for the chosen CPU clock and provide adequate decoupling to the analog VREF pin.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in same-package alternatives, and practical design notes for engineers evaluating or sourcing the MC9S08QE128CLH for new designs and legacy support.
Drop-in alternatives for MC9S08QE128CLH — 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 MC9S08QE128CLH (same form factor and footprint) — differing in ADC, Core, Maximum CPU Frequency, Package, Supply Voltage.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
MCF51QE128CLH
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$12.99 / Unit
View Datasheet →MC9S08QE96CLH
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$6.18 / Unit
View Datasheet →MC9S08QE64CLH
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$9.25 / Unit
View Datasheet →MC9S08QE128CLHR
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
S9S08QE128CLH
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
MC9S08QE128CLH Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core | HCS08 (8-bit) |
| CPU Speed | 50.33 MHz max (20 MHz at 1.8-2.1 V) |
| Flash Memory | 128 KB |
| RAM | 8 KB |
| Supply Voltage | 1.8 V to 3.6 V |
| GPIO Pins | 54 |
| ADC | 12-bit, 22 channels |
| LCD Driver | Yes, up to 8x36 segments |
| SCI (UART) | 2 |
| SPI | 1 |
| I2C | 2 |
| Package | 64-LQFP (10x10 mm) |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +85 C |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| MSL Level | 3 |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
MC9S08QE128CLH Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | PTE0/TxD1 — GPIO / SCI1 transmit |
| Pin 2 | PTE1/RxD1 — GPIO / SCI1 receive |
| Pin 3 | PTE2 — GPIO |
| Pin 4 | PTE3 — GPIO |
| Pin 5 | VDD — Supply voltage |
| Pin 6 | VSS — Ground |
| Pin 7 | PTE4 — GPIO |
| Pin 8 | PTE5 — GPIO |
| Pin 9 | PTE6 — GPIO |
| Pin 10 | PTE7 — GPIO |
| Pin 11 | PTF0 — GPIO |
| Pin 12 | PTF1 — GPIO |
| Pin 13 | PTF2 — GPIO |
| Pin 14 | PTF3 — GPIO |
| Pin 15 | PTF4 — GPIO |
| Pin 16 | PTF5 — GPIO |
| Pin 17 | PTF6 — GPIO |
| Pin 18 | PTF7 — GPIO |
| Pin 19 | PTG0 — GPIO |
| Pin 20 | PTG1 — GPIO |
| Pin 21 | PTG2 — GPIO |
| Pin 22 | PTG3 — GPIO |
| Pin 23 | VDD — Supply voltage |
| Pin 24 | VSS — Ground |
| Pin 25 | PTA0 — GPIO / ADC channel |
| Pin 26 | PTA1 — GPIO / ADC channel |
| Pin 27 | PTA2 — GPIO / ADC channel |
| Pin 28 | PTA3 — GPIO / ADC channel |
| Pin 29 | PTA4 — GPIO / ADC channel |
| Pin 30 | PTA5 — GPIO / ADC channel |
| Pin 31 | PTA6 — GPIO / ADC channel |
| Pin 32 | PTA7 — GPIO / ADC channel |
| Pin 33 | PTB0 — GPIO |
| Pin 34 | PTB1 — GPIO |
| Pin 35 | PTB2 — GPIO |
| Pin 36 | PTB3 — GPIO |
| Pin 37 | PTB4 — GPIO |
| Pin 38 | PTB5 — GPIO |
| Pin 39 | PTB6 — GPIO |
| Pin 40 | PTB7 — GPIO |
| Pin 41 | PTC0 — GPIO / LCD segment |
| Pin 42 | PTC1 — GPIO / LCD segment |
| Pin 43 | PTC2 — GPIO / LCD segment |
| Pin 44 | PTC3 — GPIO / LCD segment |
| Pin 45 | PTC4 — GPIO / LCD segment |
| Pin 46 | PTC5 — GPIO / LCD segment |
| Pin 47 | PTC6 — GPIO / LCD segment |
| Pin 48 | PTC7 — GPIO / LCD segment |
| Pin 49 | PTD0 — GPIO / LCD segment |
| Pin 50 | PTD1 — GPIO / LCD segment |
| Pin 51 | PTD2 — GPIO / LCD segment |
| Pin 52 | PTD3 — GPIO / LCD segment |
| Pin 53 | PTD4 — GPIO / LCD segment |
| Pin 54 | PTD5 — GPIO / LCD segment |
| Pin 55 | PTD6 — GPIO / LCD segment |
| Pin 56 | PTD7 — GPIO / LCD segment |
| Pin 57 | BKGD/MS — Background Debug / Mode Select |
| Pin 58 | RESET — Reset input (active low) |
| Pin 59 | VDDA — Analog supply |
| Pin 60 | VSSA — Analog ground |
| Pin 61 | VREFH — ADC reference high |
| Pin 62 | VREFL — ADC reference low |
| Pin 63 | XTAL — Crystal oscillator input |
| Pin 64 | EXTAL — Crystal oscillator output |
Typical Applications
MC9S08QE128CLH is suitable for 6 applications: Smart Metering with Segmented LCD, Portable Medical Devices, White Goods and Appliance HMI, Industrial Sensor Modules, Consumer Electronics with LCD, Automotive Body and Climate Modules.
Smart Metering with Segmented LCD
The MC9S08QE128CLH fits smart-meter HMIs because its on-chip LCD driver supports up to 8x36 segments without an external controller, eliminating BOM cost and PCB area. The 128 KB Flash stores metering firmware plus security/RF stacks, while 8 KB RAM supports data buffers for load profile logging. At 2.5-3.3 V typical battery supply, the stop3/stop4 modes idle below 1 uA, critical for 10-year battery-backed meter deployments.
Recommended
Portable Medical Devices
For battery-powered medical peripherals (glucometers, spirometers, pulse oximeters), the MC9S08QE128CLH delivers 50 MHz HCS08 compute with 22-channel 12-bit ADC for sensor signal conditioning. The 1.8-3.6 V supply range aligns with 2x AA or single-cell Li-ion chemistries, and the integrated LCD driver displays readings without an external controller. Active current is bounded by the wait/stop modes, enabling weeks-to-months battery life on small cells.
Recommended
White Goods and Appliance HMI
Washing machines, dishwashers, and ovens use the MC9S08QE128CLH for front-panel control because the on-chip LCD driver directly drives segment displays while the HCS08 core handles key scanning, motor timing via PWM, and serial communication with the main controller. The 54 GPIO accommodate keypad matrix, indicator LEDs, rotary encoder inputs, and buzzer/triac drive. Wide temperature range supports unheated garage or basement installations.
Recommended
Industrial Sensor Modules
Industrial sensor transmitters (pressure, flow, level) leverage the MC9S08QE128CLH's 12-bit 22-channel ADC for multi-sensor signal acquisition, with 128 KB Flash holding calibration tables and linearization curves. The 2x SCI channels support RS-485 or RS-232 fieldbus with external transceivers, while the 2x I2C and 1x SPI connect to digital sensors and EEPROMs. Wide -40 to +85 C operation supports outdoor and process-plant environments.
Recommended
Consumer Electronics with LCD
Thermostats, remote controls, fitness devices, and small kitchen appliances use the MC9S08QE128CLH for its integrated LCD, low-power modes, and small 64-LQFP footprint. The HCS08 core runs user-interface state machines and simple BLE/Zigbee host protocols over UART. Designers benefit from the Flexis pinout, which allows swapping to ColdFire V1 if processing needs grow without changing the PCB land pattern.
Recommended
Automotive Body and Climate Modules
Body controllers and HVAC modules use the MC9S08QE128CLH for switch/wiper/lighting control, with the on-chip LCD driver showing climate settings and 22-channel ADC reading thermistors and potentiometers. Two SCI channels support LIN bus via external transceivers, while PWM timers drive motors and valves. The -40 to +125 C automotive-grade option (MC9S08QE128CLH with extended temp screening) supports under-hood and cabin environments.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for MC9S08QE128CLH — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | MCF51QE128CLH | MC9S08QE96CLH | MC9S08QE64CLH | MC9S08QE128CLHR | S9S08QE128CLH |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 64-LQFP (10x10 mm) | 64-LQFP (10x10 mm) - same | 64-LQFP (10x10 mm) - same | 64-LQFP (10x10 mm) - same | 64-LQFP (10x10 mm) - same | 64-LQFP (10x10 mm) - same |
| Brand | NXP Semiconductors | NXP Semiconductors | NXP Semiconductors | NXP Semiconductors | NXP Semiconductors | NXP Semiconductors |
| Core | HCS08 (8-bit) | ColdFire V1 (32-bit) | HCS08 (8-bit) | HCS08 (8-bit) | HCS08 (8-bit) | HCS08 (8-bit) |
| Flash | 128 KB | 128 KB | 96 KB | 64 KB | 128 KB | 128 KB |
| RAM | 8 KB | 8 KB | 6 KB | 4 KB | 8 KB | 8 KB |
| CPU Speed | 50.33 MHz | 50.33 MHz | 50.33 MHz | 50.33 MHz | 50.33 MHz | 50.33 MHz |
| LCD Driver | Yes, 8x36 segments | Yes, 8x36 segments | Yes, 8x36 segments | Yes, 8x36 segments | Yes, 8x36 segments | Yes, 8x36 segments |
| ADC | 12-bit, 22-ch | 12-bit, 22-ch | 12-bit, 22-ch | 12-bit, 22-ch | 12-bit, 22-ch | 12-bit, 22-ch |
Key Differentiators
- Highest memory tier in the QE Flexis 8-bit family (vs MC9S08QE64CLH)
- Pin-compatible 32-bit upgrade path on same PCB (vs MCF51QE128CLH)
- Integrated LCD driver eliminates external controller (vs MC9S08AC8MFGE)
Design Notes
Provide separate analog (VDDA) and digital (VDD) rails with ferrite-bead isolation, and decouple each VDD pin with a 100 nF ceramic plus a 4.7 uF bulk capacitor placed within 5 mm of the package. The VREFH pin requires a low-impedance source; a 100 nF X7R bypass close to VREFH and a 10 uF bulk are recommended for ADC accuracy. Low-voltage detect (LVD) can be enabled to force a clean reset below 2.1 V when running at full speed.
Route the crystal traces (XTAL/EXTAL) as short, symmetric, and guarded-by-ground to minimize EMI pickup. Keep switching signals and PWM outputs away from the analog ADC inputs. The 64-LQFP 10x10 mm footprint is Flexis-compatible with ColdFire V1, so a single PCB layout supports both MC9S08QE128 and MCF51QE128 for design portability.
Do not exceed 50.33 MHz CPU clock above 2.1 V; below 1.8 V the CPU is limited to 20 MHz. Always hold RESET low during power ramp until VDD is stable to prevent partial Flash programming. The BKGD/MS pin must be pulled up for normal operation; if left floating, the device may enter debug mode unexpectedly. When migrating from QE128 to QE96 or QE64, verify linker sections fit the smaller Flash map.
Compliance Information
RoHS compliant per NXP product page; not AEC-Q100 qualified (standard -40 to +85 C industrial grade). Lead-free reflow compatible per MSL-3 rating.