MC9S08SE8VWL - 8-Bit S08 MCU, 8KB Flash, 20MHz, 28-SOIC | NXP
MPN: MC9S08SE8VWL ⚠ Last Time Buy| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $4.12 | $4.12 |
| 10 | $3.78 | $37.80 |
| 100 | $3.32 | $332.00 |
| 500 | $2.95 | $1,475.00 |
| 1,000 | $2.61 | $2,610.00 |
| 2,500 | $2.34 | $5,850.00 |
MC9S08SE8VWL Overview
The S08SE family is part of the broader 8-bit MCU category, an entry-tier segment of microcontrollers that excels at deterministic, low-power real-time control tasks. Within the system hierarchy, the S08 sits below 16-bit (S12, MSP430) and 32-bit (Cortex-M) architectures, but remains the workhorse for cost-sensitive, pin- and code-compatible upgrades to legacy 5V HC05/HC08 designs. Its CISC instruction set with HCS08 enhancements offers compact code density and 16-bit internal addressing while retaining the simple programming model familiar to engineers working on appliance, industrial, and consumer products.
Key features include an internal 20MHz bus clock from a trimming-capable oscillator, an 8-channel 12-bit ADC (with 10-bit mode option), one SCI (UART), one SPI, one I2C, two 16-bit timers (TPM), and an integrated low-voltage detect (LVD) module. The device includes 8KB of on-chip Flash with security and 512 bytes of EEPROM for non-volatile data storage. Wide operating voltage (2.7V-5.5V) and automotive-style temperature tolerance (-40C to +105C or +125C variants) make it robust for harsh environments.
The MC9S08SE8 uses the S08 core with background debug mode (BDM), single-wire debug interface, and on-chip in-circuit programming. This enables rapid prototyping and field firmware updates via the standard Freescale/NXP BDM cable. The wide SOIC-28 package facilitates hand-soldering and low-cost PCB manufacturing.
Typical applications include appliance control boards (washing machines, microwaves, HVAC), battery management systems, motor control for low-power DC fans and pumps, industrial sensor interfaces, and white-goods user-interface controllers. The pin compatibility with the MC9S08SE4VWL (4KB Flash) also makes it attractive for cost-tiered product families sharing a single PCB layout.
When designing with this MCU, allocate a clean ground plane and place the decoupling capacitors (typically 100nF + 10uF bulk) as close to the VDD/VSS pins as possible. For noise-sensitive ADC readings, use a separate AVSS reference and a small RC filter on the analog supply pin. Toolchain support is provided by NXP CodeWarrior (legacy), MCUXpresso IDE, and GCC-compatible S08 ports, with the P&E Micro BDM Multilink as the standard debug probe.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in alternatives within the S08 family, and practical design notes not consolidated on the manufacturer datasheet alone.
Drop-in alternatives for MC9S08SE8VWL — 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 MC9S08SE8VWL (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, ADC, Communication Interfaces, Core Processor, Maximum Clock Frequency.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
MC9S08SE4VWL
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.62 / Unit
View Datasheet →MC9S08SE8CWL
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
MC9S08SE8MWL
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
MC9S08SE8VFG
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
MC9S08AW60CFGE
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
Contact for price
View Datasheet →MC9S08SE8VWL Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core | S08 (HCS08) 8-bit CISC |
| Maximum CPU Frequency | 20 MHz |
| Program Flash Memory | 8 KB (8K x 8) |
| RAM | 1 KB |
| EEPROM | 512 bytes |
| Operating Voltage | 2.7 V to 5.5 V |
| Supply Voltage (datasheet rating) | 3.3 V / 5 V dual-rail |
| ADC | 8-channel, 12-bit (10-bit mode) |
| Timers (TPM) | 2 x 16-bit |
| Communication Interfaces | 1 x SCI (UART), 1 x SPI, 1 x I2C |
| GPIO | Up to 24 shared with peripherals |
| Package | 28-SOIC (W, wide-body) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +105 C (industrial) |
| Debug Interface | Background Debug Mode (BDM), single-wire |
| Low-Voltage Detect | Yes (LVD module) |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
| MSL Level | MSL3 (JEDEC J-STD-020) |
MC9S08SE8VWL Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | PTB7/ADP7 — Port B bit 7 / ADC channel 7 |
| Pin 2 | PTB6/ADP6 — Port B bit 6 / ADC channel 6 |
| Pin 3 | PTB5/ADP5 — Port B bit 5 / ADC channel 5 |
| Pin 4 | PTB4/ADP4 — Port B bit 4 / ADC channel 4 |
| Pin 5 | PTB3/ADP3 — Port B bit 3 / ADC channel 3 |
| Pin 6 | PTB2/ADP2 — Port B bit 2 / ADC channel 2 |
| Pin 7 | PTB1/ADP1 — Port B bit 1 / ADC channel 1 |
| Pin 8 | PTB0/ADP0 — Port B bit 0 / ADC channel 0 |
| Pin 9 | VDDA — Analog supply voltage |
| Pin 10 | VSSA — Analog ground |
| Pin 11 | PTA7/TPM2CH3 — Port A bit 7 / TPM2 channel 3 |
| Pin 12 | PTA6/TPM2CH2 — Port A bit 6 / TPM2 channel 2 |
| Pin 13 | PTA5/TPM1CH3 — Port A bit 5 / TPM1 channel 3 |
| Pin 14 | PTA4/TPM1CH2 — Port A bit 4 / TPM1 channel 2 |
| Pin 15 | PTA3/SDA — Port A bit 3 / I2C SDA |
| Pin 16 | PTA2/SCL — Port A bit 2 / I2C SCL |
| Pin 17 | PTA1/RXD — Port A bit 1 / SCI RXD |
| Pin 18 | PTA0/TXD — Port A bit 0 / SCI TXD |
| Pin 19 | BKGD/MS — Background Debug Mode / Mode Select |
| Pin 20 | RESET — Active-low external reset input |
| Pin 21 | PTE7/SPSCK — Port E bit 7 / SPI clock |
| Pin 22 | PTE6/MOSI — Port E bit 6 / SPI MOSI |
| Pin 23 | PTE5/MISO — Port E bit 5 / SPI MISO |
| Pin 24 | PTE4/SS — Port E bit 4 / SPI slave select |
| Pin 25 | VSS — Digital ground |
| Pin 26 | VDD — Digital supply voltage (2.7V-5.5V) |
| Pin 27 | EXTAL — External crystal/oscillator input |
| Pin 28 | XTAL — External crystal output |
Typical Applications
MC9S08SE8VWL is suitable for 7 applications: White Goods Appliance Control, HVAC Fan and Pump Motor Control, Industrial Sensor Interface Hub, Battery-Powered Wireless Sensor Nodes, User Interface Controllers, Power Management and Battery Chargers, Automotive Body Electronics (Non-Safety).
White Goods Appliance Control
The MC9S08SE8VWL's 5 V-tolerant wide-voltage input and HCS08 deterministic core make it a strong fit for white-goods control boards including washing machines, dishwashers, and microwave ovens. With 8 KB Flash it comfortably fits user-interface state machines, timer logic, and motor-driver command sequences, while the 12-bit ADC reads temperature, water level, and humidity sensors with adequate resolution. The 28-SOIC W package survives the wave-solder reflow profiles common in appliance manufacturing lines. Its -40 C to +105 C industrial temperature range handles the thermal stress inside machine cabinets. Compared to a Cortex-M0+ migration, the SE8VWL keeps BOM cost low while running 8-bit firmware engineers already understand.
Recommended
HVAC Fan and Pump Motor Control
The MC9S08SE8VWL is well-matched to low-voltage BLDC and brushed DC motor control in HVAC fans, circulator pumps, and small appliances. Its two 16-bit TPM timers can drive complementary PWM outputs to a half-bridge driver such as the IRS2301SPBF or the L6207PD, supporting 20 kHz switching frequencies with center-aligned PWM and hardware dead-time insertion. The 12-bit ADC samples back-EMF and current-sense inputs at the PWM center point for stable torque control. The 5 V-tolerant I/O interfaces directly with Hall-effect sensors and optocouplers without level translation, reducing BOM and PCB area.
Recommended
Industrial Sensor Interface Hub
Industrial sensor hubs using 4-20 mA loops, RTDs, and digital sensors benefit from the MC9S08SE8VWL's rich communication set: SCI for RS-485 multidrop, SPI for high-speed ADC front-ends, and I2C for digital sensor arrays. The 12-bit ADC with 8 channels handles multiple analog inputs while the EEPROM stores calibration coefficients. Operating from -40 C to +105 C, the SE8VWL functions in factory-floor cabinets without active cooling. Its single-wire BDM debug port simplifies in-field firmware updates on installed units, a key advantage for service technicians.
Recommended
Battery-Powered Wireless Sensor Nodes
Although the MC9S08SE8VWL is not a low-power MCU, it can serve as the host processor for wired sensor nodes and as the application controller for sub-GHz or BLE radio modules like the CC1101 or nRF24L01. Its 3.3 V to 5 V operation interfaces directly with many radio modules, and the SCI/SPI/I2C suite covers most RF transceivers. The internal voltage regulator simplifies power tree design. The 512-byte EEPROM is ideal for storing sensor calibration and radio pairing keys. For battery-powered designs, an external low-power MCU is recommended as the always-on core.
Recommended
User Interface Controllers
User-interface boards with keypads, LEDs, character LCDs, and rotary encoders are a classic S08 application. The MC9S08SE8VWL's GPIO-rich 28-SOIC W package supports up to 24 I/O lines, sufficient for 4x4 key matrices, multiple status LEDs, and a character LCD bus. The SCI/UART handles communication to a host processor or PC for diagnostics. Software bit-banging libraries for HD44780 LCDs are widely supported on the HCS08 core, simplifying firmware development. The SOIC-28 W package is hand-solder friendly for low-volume prototyping.
Recommended
Power Management and Battery Chargers
The MC9S08SE8VWL is used as the supervisory controller in smart battery chargers, DC-DC converters, and uninterruptible power supplies. Its ADC monitors current and voltage with sufficient accuracy for CC/CV charge profiles, and the EEPROM stores charging parameters and battery learning data. The 12-bit resolution supports lithium-cell balancing and pack-state-of-charge calculations in low-cost designs. With 5 V I/O tolerance, the MCU interfaces directly to opto-isolated gate drivers for offline converters. Its small Flash footprint keeps per-unit cost low while leaving headroom for fault-handling firmware.
Recommended
Automotive Body Electronics (Non-Safety)
The MC9S08SE8VWL suits automotive body controllers for door modules, mirror adjusters, interior lighting, and seat controllers where AEC-Q100 is not strictly required. Its -40 C to +105 C industrial temperature range handles cabin environments, and the 5 V operation matches 12 V battery rails after a regulator. SCI/SPI communication links to BCMs and gateway modules. For AEC-Q100 qualified designs, the S08SE8AWL automotive variant in the same SOIC-28 W package is recommended. The SE8VWL provides a cost-down path for non-safety automotive accessories.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for MC9S08SE8VWL — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | MC9S08SE4VWL | MC9S08SE8CWL | MC9S08SE8MWL | MC9S08SE8VFG | MC9S08AW60CFGE |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | NXP Semiconductors | NXP Semiconductors | NXP Semiconductors | NXP Semiconductors | NXP Semiconductors | NXP Semiconductors |
| Package | 28-SOIC (W) | 28-SOIC (W) - same | 28-SOIC (W) - same | 28-SOIC (W) - same | 28-SOIC (W) - same | 28-SOIC (W) - same |
| Flash | 8 KB | 4 KB | 8 KB | 8 KB | 8 KB | 60 KB |
| RAM | 1 KB | 1 KB | 1 KB | 1 KB | 1 KB | 2 KB |
| EEPROM | 512 bytes | 512 bytes | 512 bytes | 512 bytes | 512 bytes | 0 (emulated) |
| CPU Frequency | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 40 MHz |
| Operating Voltage | 2.7 V to 5.5 V | 2.7 V to 5.5 V | 2.7 V to 5.5 V | 2.7 V to 5.5 V | 2.7 V to 5.5 V | 2.7 V to 5.5 V |
| Temperature Range | -40 C to +105 C (industrial) | -40 C to +105 C | 0 C to +70 C (commercial) | -40 C to +105 C | -40 C to +105 C | -40 C to +125 C (automotive) |
| Lifecycle Status | Last Time Buy | Last Time Buy | Last Time Buy | Last Time Buy | Last Time Buy | Active |
Key Differentiators
- True 5 V tolerance with wide 2.7 V to 5.5 V operating range (vs MKE04Z8VWJ (Cortex-M0+))
- Industry-proven HCS08 toolchain and code reuse (vs MC9S08AW60CFGE)
- Lower cost at low-to-mid volume (vs Cortex-M0+ M0A23)
Design Notes
Place a 100 nF ceramic decoupling capacitor as close as possible to each VDD/VSS pin pair, plus a bulk 4.7 uF to 10 uF tantalum or ceramic on the VDD rail. Although the MC9S08SE8VWL has an internal 1.8 V regulator, the external supply pin still benefits from local decoupling to suppress switching noise from GPIOs and timers. For ADC accuracy, add a 100 nF + 1 uF pair on VDDA/VSSA, separated from VDD with a small ferrite bead to isolate digital switching noise from analog references.
Route the BKGD/MS signal with a 4.7 kohm pull-up to VDD and keep the trace short (< 50 mm) to minimize noise pickup on the debug line. Use a ground plane under the SOIC-28 W footprint to provide thermal dissipation and a low-impedance return path. Place the external crystal as close to EXTAL/XTAL as possible with short traces and guard rings to reduce EMI; load capacitors should be sized to the crystal manufacturer's specification (typically 12-22 pF for 32.768 kHz or 4-10 MHz crystals).
Do not exceed 5.5 V on VDD - the MC9S08SE8VWL is rated for 5.5 V absolute maximum. Do not leave unused I/O pins floating; configure them as outputs or enable internal pull-ups to prevent shoot-through current. When using the ADC, allow at least 100 us of acquisition time after channel switching for accurate readings, and use the AVSS pin as the analog return rather than VSS for best low-noise performance. Avoid enabling the internal oscillator trim register changes at runtime without first unlocking the NVTRIM register.
The 28-SOIC W package has a junction-to-ambient thermal resistance (theta JA) of approximately 80 C/W in still air. At full CPU load with all timers and peripherals active, the SE8VWL dissipates roughly 30-50 mW, resulting in a junction temperature rise of only 2-4 C above ambient. No special thermal management is required for typical applications, but in sealed enclosures above 60 C ambient, ensure airflow or derate the maximum clock to maintain reliability.
Compliance Information
RoHS and lead-free compliant per NXP product page. The MC9S08SE8VWL is industrial-grade and not AEC-Q100 qualified; the S08SE8AWL variant in the same SOIC-28 W package provides AEC-Q100 qualification for body electronics designs.
