MC9S12E256MPVE - 16-bit HCS12 MCU, 256KB Flash, 112-LQFP
MPN: MC9S12E256MPVE ✗ End of Life| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $28.5 | $28.50 |
| 10 | $25.4 | $254.00 |
| 100 | $22.1 | $2,210.00 |
| 500 | $19.8 | $9,900.00 |
| 1,000 | $18.2 | $18,200.00 |
MC9S12E256MPVE Overview
What is an HCS12 microcontroller? An HCS12 is a 16-bit CISC microcontroller core originally developed by Motorola and now maintained by NXP Semiconductors as part of the S12 family. HCS12 devices belong to the broader category of embedded processors and controllers within integrated circuits, and they target cost-sensitive automotive and industrial applications. They are typically used in body electronics, instrument clusters, sensor interface modules, and CAN-node endpoints where deterministic 16-bit performance, on-chip Flash, and small-footprint LQFP packages are required.
Key features of the MC9S12E256MPVE include 256 KB of on-chip Flash EEPROM, 16 KB of RAM, an HCS12 CPU core with full 16-bit data paths, and a phase-lock loop (PLL) that allows power consumption and performance to be tuned to application requirements. An internal bandgap-based voltage regulator (Vreg) generates the core supply, and the device supports single-wire background debug mode (BDM) for in-circuit development.
The MC9S12E256MPVE uses the standard S12E architecture with 16-bit internal and external buses, 4 KB of EEPROM emulation, and a periodic interrupt timer. The PLL block can boost the bus clock above the oscillator frequency, and the on-chip regulator allows the part to operate from a single 5 V supply rail.
Typical applications include automotive body controllers, HVAC control modules, instrument clusters, lighting control modules, and industrial sensor-interface modules. The device's CAN connectivity and 16-bit timers make it well-suited for distributed vehicle networks.
When designing with this MCU, ensure the 5 V supply is well-decoupled with 100 nF and 10 uF capacitors placed close to the VDD/VSS pairs. Unused interrupts should be tied to defined levels per the datasheet, and the BDM debug port should be brought out to a header for production programming.
This page synthesizes distributor stock, lifecycle status, and pin-compatible drop-in alternatives for the MC9S12E256MPVE, providing information not consolidated on a single manufacturer or distributor page.
Drop-in alternatives for MC9S12E256MPVE — 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 MC9S12E256MPVE (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, ADC, RoHS Status, Debug Interface, Operating Temperature.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
MC9S12DT256MPVE
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$14.36 / Unit
View Datasheet →MC9S12DT256CPVE
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$20.85 / Unit
View Datasheet →MC9S12DT256VPVE
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$25.87 / Unit
View Datasheet →S9S12DG25F0VPVE
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
MC9S12XEQ512CAG
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$14.4 / Unit
View Datasheet →MC9S12DT256CMPV
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$11.5 / Unit
View Datasheet →MC9S12E256MPVE Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core | HCS12 |
| Core Size | 16-bit |
| Maximum CPU Speed | 25 MHz |
| Program Memory | 256 KB Flash |
| RAM | 16 KB |
| Package | 112-LQFP (20x20 mm) |
| Pin Count | 112 |
| Supply Voltage | 5 V single rail (Vreg internal) |
| SCI Modules | 3 (asynchronous serial) |
| SPI Modules | 1 |
| IIC Modules | 1 (Inter-IC Bus) |
| Timer Modules | 3 x 16-bit, 4-channel |
| ADC | 8-channel, 10-bit |
| PWM Channels | 6 |
| Connectivity | EBI/EMI, I2C, SPI, SCI |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
MC9S12E256MPVE 112-lqfp (20x20 mm) Pin Configuration Guide
Pin configuration for MC9S12E256MPVE (112-lqfp (20x20 mm) 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 MC9S12E256MPVE.
Refer to the datasheet for full pin configuration.
Typical Applications
MC9S12E256MPVE is suitable for 7 applications: Automotive Body Control Module, HVAC Control Module, Instrument Cluster, Lighting Control Module, Industrial Sensor Module, CAN Network Gateway Endpoint, Appliance Control Board.
Automotive Body Control Module
The MC9S12E256MPVE is well suited for automotive body control modules where its HCS12 16-bit core at 25 MHz, 256 KB Flash, and 16 KB RAM provide enough headroom for door/window/seat control firmware. The three SCI channels can drive LIN slaves, the IIC bus can interface with sensor clusters, and the 8-channel 10-bit ADC reads switch and potentiometer inputs. The 112-LQFP package exposes enough GPIO for body controllers without requiring an external bus. For designs that need CAN, choose the pin-compatible MC9S12DT256MPVE instead.
Recommended
HVAC Control Module
HVAC control modules benefit from the MC9S12E256MPVE's three 16-bit 4-channel timer modules for PWM blower control and six PWM channels for damper actuators. The 8-channel ADC handles mixed-air sensors, and the SPI bus drives LCD or segment displays. The 112-LQFP provides sufficient I/O for HVAC front-panel switch matrices and rotary encoders. The single 5 V supply rail simplifies the analog front-end supply chain, and the on-chip bandgap regulator reduces external component count.
Recommended
Instrument Cluster
Instrument clusters need deterministic 16-bit processing to drive gauge stepper motors and update telltale lamps at fixed rates. The MC9S12E256MPVE's three 16-bit timer modules and six PWM channels can drive gauge needles directly, while 256 KB Flash accommodates full cluster graphics and diagnostic firmware. The 8-channel ADC reads fuel and temperature senders, and the SPI port can drive an external LED or segment-driver ASIC. For CAN-based clusters, the pin-compatible MC9S12DT256MPVE adds the required CAN module.
Recommended
Lighting Control Module
Lighting control modules with LED matrix or adaptive headlamp logic use the MC9S12E256MPVE's six PWM channels to drive constant-current LED drivers and its 16-bit timers to schedule multiplexed matrix scanning. The 256 KB Flash holds lighting-pattern firmware, and the IIC bus drives I2C-based LED controllers. The 112-LQFP exposes enough GPIO for matrix rows and columns, and the 5 V single-rail supply matches the rest of the automotive 5 V harness.
Recommended
Industrial Sensor Module
Industrial sensor-interface modules benefit from the MC9S12E256MPVE's combination of EBI/EMI bus expansion, three SCI ports for sensor daisy-chains, and 8-channel 10-bit ADC. The 256 KB Flash supports MODBUS or proprietary sensor-protocol stacks, while the on-chip PLL allows tuning CPU speed against sensor sampling rate for power optimization. The 112-LQFP is industrial-handling friendly on conformal-coated boards and survives standard factory vibration and humidity profiles when properly mounted.
Recommended
CAN Network Gateway Endpoint
While the MC9S12E256MPVE itself does not include CAN, it is frequently paired with an external CAN transceiver as a network endpoint for non-CAN sub-modules. For designs that need on-chip CAN within the same 112-LQFP footprint, the MC9S12DT256MPVE is the natural drop-in upgrade. Use this part when SCI-based LIN sub-bus endpoints aggregate into a central CAN gateway, with the gateway handling the protocol translation and the MC9S12E256MPVE handling local I/O.
Recommended
Appliance Control Board
White-goods and appliance main control boards leverage the MC9S12E256MPVE's 5 V single-rail supply, on-chip regulator, 256 KB Flash for user-interface firmware, and three SCI channels for HMI display cable and bridge motor-control drivers. The 112-LQFP package simplifies hand-soldering during prototyping and supports conformal-coated production boards. The 8-channel ADC reads temperature and humidity sensors while the 16-bit timers drive motor PWM via external FET bridges.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for MC9S12E256MPVE — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | MC9S12DT256MPVE | MC9S12DT256CPVE | MC9S12DT256VPVE | S9S12DG25F0VPVE | MC9S12XEQ512CAG | MC9S12DT256CMPV |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | NXP Semiconductors | NXP Semiconductors | NXP Semiconductors | NXP Semiconductors | NXP Semiconductors | NXP Semiconductors | NXP Semiconductors |
| Package | 112-LQFP (20x20 mm) | 112-LQFP (20x20 mm) - same | 112-LQFP (20x20 mm) - same | 112-LQFP (20x20 mm) - same | 112-LQFP (20x20 mm) - same | 112-LQFP (20x20 mm) - same | 112-LQFP (20x20 mm) - same |
| Core | HCS12 | HCS12 | HCS12 | HCS12 | S12 (DG25 secured) | HCS12X | HCS12 |
| Core Size | 16-bit | 16-bit | 16-bit | 16-bit | 16-bit | 16-bit | 16-bit |
| Maximum CPU Speed | 25 MHz | 25 MHz | 25 MHz | 25 MHz | 25 MHz | 80 MHz (HCS12X bus) | 25 MHz |
| Program Memory | 256 KB Flash | 256 KB Flash | 256 KB Flash | 256 KB Flash | 256 KB Flash | 512 KB Flash | 256 KB Flash |
| RAM | 16 KB | 16 KB | 16 KB | 16 KB | 12 KB | 32 KB | 16 KB |
| CAN Module | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Key Differentiators
- True 16-bit HCS12 core with full data paths (vs MC9S12E256CFUE)
- Pin-compatible upgrade option with CAN (vs MC9S12DT256MPVE)
- Higher-performance upgrade path with HCS12X (vs MC9S12XEQ512CAG)
Design Notes
The MC9S12E256MPVE is designed for a single 5 V supply rail; the internal bandgap-based voltage regulator generates the core supply. Decouple VDD/VSS pairs with a 100 nF ceramic placed as close as possible to each supply ball group, plus a bulk 10 uF near the regulator input. Avoid sharing analog and digital ground returns; use a star-ground topology tied at the regulator ground pin.
Route the external crystal or oscillator within 5 mm of the MCU's EXTAL/XTAL pins with a grounded guard ring to suppress noise injection. Keep high-current PWM traces (blower, lighting, motor driver outputs) routed away from the crystal and ADC analog inputs. Provide a BDM debug header (BKGD, MODC, GND, VDD) on prototype boards for in-circuit programming.
The MC9S12E256MPVE does NOT include a CAN module - only EBI/EMI, I2C, SCI, and SPI. Engineers migrating from MC9S12DT parts must verify the firmware is not using the CAN registers. For CAN applications, choose the pin-compatible MC9S12DT256MPVE instead. Also verify the temperature grade suffix (M=automotive, C=commercial, V=automotive V-temp) matches the application ambient.
The 8-channel 10-bit ADC multiplexes analog inputs through an internal sample-and-hold; add an external 1 nF to 10 nF cap on each analog input to limit kickback noise during sampling. Disable unused ADC channels in software to reduce quiescent draw and prevent floating-input leakage.
Compliance Information
RoHS/REACH/AEC-Q100 status not present in the verified web data. Verify with NXP product environmental compliance documentation or distributor compliance statements before final design-in.
