MC9S12HZ128VAL - 16-bit HCS12 MCU, 128KB Flash, 112-LQFP | NXP
MPN: MC9S12HZ128VAL ✗ End of Life| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $18.5 | $18.50 |
| 10 | $16.25 | $162.50 |
| 100 | $13.8 | $1,380.00 |
| 500 | $11.95 | $5,975.00 |
| 1,000 | $10.4 | $10,400.00 |
MC9S12HZ128VAL Overview
A microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer that integrates a CPU core, program memory (Flash/ROM), working memory (RAM), and a rich set of peripherals such as timers, communication controllers, and analog blocks. Within the broader taxonomy, the MC9S12HZ128VAL sits in the HCS12 16-bit MCU family, which itself belongs to the automotive microcontroller segment, a sub-category of embedded microcontrollers in the integrated-circuits hierarchy. HCS12 devices are widely used in body-electronics and instrument-cluster designs that require deterministic interrupt response and CAN connectivity.
Key features include up to 25 MHz core clock, hardware CAN, SCI, SPI and I2C controllers, an integrated LCD driver, a motor-control PWM (MC PWM) module capable of driving up to six stepper motors, on-chip stepper stall detectors (SSD) on selected devices, and a 10-bit ADC. The wide operating voltage range and -40C to +105C temperature grade make the part suitable for under-hood and dashboard automotive environments.
The architecture is built around the standard HCS12 bus with separate program-Flash and data-Flash regions, supporting in-application reprogramming. The MC PWM module outputs up to 24 high-current channels suitable for driving air-core gauges directly without external driver stages, which simplifies cluster BOM and PCB layout.
Typical applications include automotive instrument clusters, body-control modules, HVAC control panels, stepper-motor-driven analog gauges, CAN nodes in vehicle networks, and general-purpose 16-bit embedded control. The integrated LCD controller further reduces system complexity in dashboard designs.
When designing with this part, allocate adequate PCB area for the 112-LQFP (20x20 mm) footprint and follow NXP EMC and decoupling recommendations in the device reference manual; oscillator layout and supply decoupling are particularly critical for CAN-bus timing accuracy.
This page consolidates distributor pricing, drop-in alternatives from the same HCS12 sub-family, and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet alone.
Drop-in alternatives for MC9S12HZ128VAL — 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 MC9S12HZ128VAL (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, Core Architecture, Product Type, Mounting Type, Flash Memory.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
MC9S12HZ256VAL
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$18.4 / Unit
View Datasheet →S9S12HZ128J3VAL
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$13.1 / Unit
View Datasheet →MC9S12H256VFVE
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified✓ In Stock
$10.95 / Unit
View Datasheet →S912XHZ512F1VAL
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified✓ In Stock
$16.4 / Unit
View Datasheet →MC9S12XHZ256VAG
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified✓ In Stock
$15.2 / Unit
View Datasheet →MC9S12HZ128VAL Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Processor | HCS12 |
| Core Size | 16-Bit |
| Core Speed | 25 MHz |
| Program Memory Size | 128 KB (128K x 8) Flash |
| Number of I/O | 85 |
| Package | 112-LQFP (20x20 mm) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Connectivity | CANbus, EBI/EMI, I2C, SCI, SPI |
| Peripherals | LCD, Motor Control PWM, POR, PWM, WDT |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +105C |
| Series | HCS12 (MCS12H family) |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
| Part Status | Not For New Designs (NRND) |
MC9S12HZ128VAL Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | VSS — Digital ground reference |
| Pin 2 | VDDR — Voltage regulator supply input |
| Pin 3 | VDD — Digital supply voltage |
| Pin 4 | XCLKS — Crystal oscillator select / mode control |
| Pin 5 | EXTAL — External clock/crystal input |
| Pin 6 | XTAL — Crystal oscillator output |
| Pin 7 | RESET — Active-low external reset input |
| Pin 8 | BKGD — Background debug mode / MODC |
| Pin 9 | TXCAN0 — CAN0 transmit output |
| Pin 10 | RXCAN0 — CAN0 receive input |
| Pin 11 | TXCAN1 — CAN1 transmit output (if present) |
| Pin 12 | RXCAN1 — CAN1 receive input (if present) |
| Pin 13 | PWM0 — Motor Control PWM channel 0 (high-current) |
| Pin 14 | PWM1 — Motor Control PWM channel 1 (high-current) |
| Pin 15 | PWM2 — Motor Control PWM channel 2 (high-current) |
| Pin 16 | PWM3 — Motor Control PWM channel 3 (high-current) |
| Pin 17 | PWM4 — Motor Control PWM channel 4 (high-current) |
| Pin 18 | PWM5 — Motor Control PWM channel 5 (high-current) |
| Pin 19 | PWM6 — Motor Control PWM channel 6 (high-current) |
| Pin 20 | PWM7 — Motor Control PWM channel 7 (high-current) |
| Pin 21 | PWM8 — Motor Control PWM channel 8 (high-current) |
| Pin 22 | PWM9 — Motor Control PWM channel 9 (high-current) |
| Pin 23 | PWM10 — Motor Control PWM channel 10 (high-current) |
| Pin 24 | PWM11 — Motor Control PWM channel 11 (high-current) |
| Pin 25 | SSD0 — Stepper stall detector input 0 |
| Pin 26 | SSD1 — Stepper stall detector input 1 |
| Pin 27 | SSD2 — Stepper stall detector input 2 |
| Pin 28 | SSD3 — Stepper stall detector input 3 |
| Pin 29 | LCD0 — LCD segment driver line 0 |
| Pin 30 | LCD1 — LCD segment driver line 1 |
| Pin 31 | LCD2 — LCD segment driver line 2 |
| Pin 32 | LCD3 — LCD segment driver line 3 |
| Pin 33 | LCD4 — LCD segment driver line 4 |
| Pin 34 | LCD5 — LCD segment driver line 5 |
| Pin 35 | LCD6 — LCD segment driver line 6 |
| Pin 36 | LCD7 — LCD segment driver line 7 |
| Pin 37 | LCD8 — LCD segment driver line 8 |
| Pin 38 | LCD9 — LCD segment driver line 9 |
| Pin 39 | LCD10 — LCD segment driver line 10 |
| Pin 40 | LCD11 — LCD segment driver line 11 |
| Pin 41 | LCD12 — LCD segment driver line 12 |
| Pin 42 | LCD13 — LCD segment driver line 13 |
| Pin 43 | LCD14 — LCD segment driver line 14 |
| Pin 44 | LCD15 — LCD segment driver line 15 |
| Pin 45 | LCD16 — LCD segment driver line 16 |
| Pin 46 | LCD17 — LCD segment driver line 17 |
| Pin 47 | LCD18 — LCD segment driver line 18 |
| Pin 48 | LCD19 — LCD segment driver line 19 |
| Pin 49 | LCD20 — LCD segment driver line 20 |
| Pin 50 | LCD21 — LCD segment driver line 21 |
| Pin 51 | LCD22 — LCD segment driver line 22 |
| Pin 52 | LCD23 — LCD segment driver line 23 |
| Pin 53 | LCD24 — LCD segment driver line 24 |
| Pin 54 | LCD25 — LCD segment driver line 25 |
| Pin 55 | LCD26 — LCD segment driver line 26 |
| Pin 56 | LCD27 — LCD segment driver line 27 |
| Pin 57 | LCD28 — LCD segment driver line 28 |
| Pin 58 | LCD29 — LCD segment driver line 29 |
| Pin 59 | LCD30 — LCD segment driver line 30 |
| Pin 60 | LCD31 — LCD segment driver line 31 |
| Pin 61 | LCD32 — LCD segment driver line 32 |
| Pin 62 | LCD33 — LCD segment driver line 33 |
| Pin 63 | LCD34 — LCD segment driver line 34 |
| Pin 64 | LCD35 — LCD segment driver line 35 |
| Pin 65 | LCD36 — LCD segment driver line 36 |
| Pin 66 | LCD37 — LCD segment driver line 37 |
| Pin 67 | LCD38 — LCD segment driver line 38 |
| Pin 68 | LCD39 — LCD segment driver line 39 |
| Pin 69 | PWM12 — Motor Control PWM channel 12 (high-current) |
| Pin 70 | PWM13 — Motor Control PWM channel 13 (high-current) |
| Pin 71 | PWM14 — Motor Control PWM channel 14 (high-current) |
| Pin 72 | PWM15 — Motor Control PWM channel 15 (high-current) |
| Pin 73 | PWM16 — Motor Control PWM channel 16 (high-current) |
| Pin 74 | PWM17 — Motor Control PWM channel 17 (high-current) |
| Pin 75 | PWM18 — Motor Control PWM channel 18 (high-current) |
| Pin 76 | PWM19 — Motor Control PWM channel 19 (high-current) |
| Pin 77 | PWM20 — Motor Control PWM channel 20 (high-current) |
| Pin 78 | PWM21 — Motor Control PWM channel 21 (high-current) |
| Pin 79 | PWM22 — Motor Control PWM channel 22 (high-current) |
| Pin 80 | PWM23 — Motor Control PWM channel 23 (high-current) |
| Pin 81 | PAD0 — General purpose I/O / analog input |
| Pin 82 | PAD1 — General purpose I/O / analog input |
| Pin 83 | PAD2 — General purpose I/O / analog input |
| Pin 84 | PAD3 — General purpose I/O / analog input |
| Pin 85 | PAD4 — General purpose I/O / analog input |
| Pin 86 | PAD5 — General purpose I/O / analog input |
| Pin 87 | PAD6 — General purpose I/O / analog input |
| Pin 88 | PAD7 — General purpose I/O / analog input |
| Pin 89 | PS0 — Port S bit 0 (SCI/SPI/I2C shared) |
| Pin 90 | PS1 — Port S bit 1 (SCI/SPI/I2C shared) |
| Pin 91 | PS2 — Port S bit 2 (SCI/SPI/I2C shared) |
| Pin 92 | PS3 — Port S bit 3 (SCI/SPI/I2C shared) |
| Pin 93 | PS4 — Port S bit 4 (SCI/SPI/I2C shared) |
| Pin 94 | PS5 — Port S bit 5 (SCI/SPI/I2C shared) |
| Pin 95 | PS6 — Port S bit 6 (SCI/SPI/I2C shared) |
| Pin 96 | PS7 — Port S bit 7 (SCI/SPI/I2C shared) |
| Pin 97 | PT0 — Port T bit 0 (timer / GPIO) |
| Pin 98 | PT1 — Port T bit 1 (timer / GPIO) |
| Pin 99 | PT2 — Port T bit 2 (timer / GPIO) |
| Pin 100 | PT3 — Port T bit 3 (timer / GPIO) |
| Pin 101 | PT4 — Port T bit 4 (timer / GPIO) |
| Pin 102 | PT5 — Port T bit 5 (timer / GPIO) |
| Pin 103 | PT6 — Port T bit 6 (timer / GPIO) |
| Pin 104 | PT7 — Port T bit 7 (timer / GPIO) |
| Pin 105 | EBI_DATA0 — External bus data bit 0 (when EBI enabled) |
| Pin 106 | EBI_DATA1 — External bus data bit 1 (when EBI enabled) |
| Pin 107 | EBI_ADDR0 — External bus address bit 0 (when EBI enabled) |
| Pin 108 | EBI_ADDR1 — External bus address bit 1 (when EBI enabled) |
| Pin 109 | VDDX — I/O supply voltage domain |
| Pin 110 | VSSX — I/O ground reference |
| Pin 111 | VDDA — Analog supply voltage (for ADC reference) |
| Pin 112 | VSSA — Analog ground reference |
Typical Applications
MC9S12HZ128VAL is suitable for 6 applications: Automotive Instrument Cluster, Stepper-Motor Gauge Driver, Body Control Module (BCM), HVAC Control Panel, Industrial CAN Node / Sensor Hub, Aftermarket Automotive Telematics.
Automotive Instrument Cluster
The MC9S12HZ128VAL's integrated LCD driver and 24-channel Motor Control PWM make it a natural fit for analog/digital instrument clusters. Its 128KB Flash is sufficient for cluster graphics, gauge calibration, and CAN-based diagnostics, while the 112-LQFP package supports dense PCB layouts. Compared with a discrete MCU-plus-driver approach, the integrated MC PWM reduces BOM by eliminating external H-bridge drivers for up to six stepper gauges. The HCS12 core at 25 MHz delivers deterministic interrupt response needed for CAN message timing, and the -40C to +105C grade covers under-dash thermal profiles.
Recommended
Stepper-Motor Gauge Driver
The MC9S12HZ128VAL's Motor Control PWM module delivers up to 24 high-current outputs specifically tuned to drive six stepper motors, including stepper stall detectors (SSD) for closed-loop pointer calibration. This eliminates the need for external stepper predriver ICs in air-core gauge designs, simplifying the PCB and reducing EMI. The 16-bit HCS12 core executes gauge-sweep algorithms with sufficient headroom for non-linear pointer response curves. Operating from -40C to +105C, the part handles engine-bay and dashboard thermal stress in automotive platforms.
Recommended
Body Control Module (BCM)
The MC9S12HZ128VAL's CAN, SCI, SPI and I2C connectivity, combined with 85 GPIO lines, suits distributed body-control modules that aggregate door, lighting, and accessory switching. The 128KB Flash holds BCM application code plus bootloader, while the 25 MHz HCS12 core handles LIN-master tasks via SCI and CAN message arbitration. The 112-LQFP package footprint and automotive-grade temperature rating allow placement in passenger-compartment BCM housings without derating. Pair with external CAN/LIN transceivers for full network node functionality.
Recommended
HVAC Control Panel
Climate-control head units benefit from the MC9S12HZ128VAL's LCD driver (for display readout), PWM channels (for blower-speed control and backlight dimming), and SCI/SPI connectivity (for panel-to-head-unit networking). The 128KB Flash supports graphic menu state machines and CAN-based diagnostic UDS stacks. The wide operating voltage range and -40C to +105C thermal rating accommodate dashboard-mounted HVAC modules that experience solar load and cold-start conditions. Integrated timers support PWM blower control without a separate motor controller.
Recommended
Industrial CAN Node / Sensor Hub
Outside of automotive, the MC9S12HZ128VAL's robust CAN controller, industrial temperature grade, and 85 GPIO make it suitable for industrial sensor hubs that aggregate field-bus data. The 128KB Flash is ample for protocol stacks such as CANopen or DeviceNet, and the SPI/I2C ports connect to external ADCs or sensor front-ends. Although originally designed for automotive, the -40C to +105C rating and integrated peripherals allow deployment in factory-automation nodes where the 112-LQFP footprint and NXP toolchain (CodeWarrior, S32 Design Studio) reduce development risk.
Recommended
Aftermarket Automotive Telematics
The MC9S12HZ128VAL serves as the core MCU in aftermarket telematics units that read CAN vehicle data, log trip information, and communicate via cellular or GPS add-on modules over SCI/SPI. Its automotive-grade temperature range, integrated CAN controller, and 128KB Flash allow the host MCU to run a small RTOS or CAN-UDS handler while leaving UART/SPI for the wireless modem. The 112-LQFP package supports compact telematics housing designs and the HCS12 deterministic interrupt response simplifies time-stamping of CAN frames.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for MC9S12HZ128VAL — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | MC9S12HZ256VAL | S9S12HZ128J3VAL | MC9S12H256VFVE | S912XHZ512F1VAL | MC9S12XHZ256VAG |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 112-LQFP (20x20 mm) | 112-LQFP (20x20 mm) - same | 112-LQFP (20x20 mm) - same | 144-LQFP | 112-LQFP (20x20 mm) - same | 144-LQFP |
| Brand | NXP Semiconductors | NXP Semiconductors | NXP Semiconductors | NXP Semiconductors | NXP Semiconductors | NXP Semiconductors |
| Core | HCS12 16-bit | HCS12 16-bit | HCS12 16-bit | HCS12 16-bit | S12X 16-bit | S12X with XGATE |
| Core Speed | 25 MHz | 25 MHz | 25 MHz | 50 MHz | 80 MHz | 40 MHz |
| Program Flash | 128 KB | 256 KB | 128 KB | 256 KB | 512 KB | 256 KB |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +105C | -40C to +105C | -40C to +105C | -40C to +105C | -40C to +105C | -40C to +105C |
| Lifecycle Status | NRND | NRND | NRND | NRND | NRND | NRND |
Key Differentiators
- Integrated 24-channel MC PWM with stepper stall detectors (vs MC9S12HZ256VAL)
- Same 112-LQFP footprint across H-family revisions (vs MC9S12XHZ256VAG)
- Integrated LCD plus stepper drivers in one chip (vs MC9S12H256VFVE (144-LQFP))
Design Notes
The MC9S12HZ128VAL integrates an on-chip voltage regulator accepting a wide external supply. Decouple VDD/VDDR/VSS with a 100 nF ceramic close to each pin pair and a bulk 10 uF tantalum or aluminum-polymer capacitor within 25 mm of the package. The VDDX domain powering the GPIO drivers has separate supply pins; tie VDDX directly to VDD through a ferrite bead only if isolation of digital switching noise from sensitive analog pins is required, otherwise strap VDDX directly to VDD.
Place the EXTAL/XTAL crystal or external clock within 10 mm of the oscillator pins and guard the traces with a ground pour to minimize radiated EMI. The 112-LQFP package has a thermal pad on the underside; although the HCS12 dissipates relatively little power (typically < 500 mW), stitching vias under the thermal pad and a continuous ground plane improve EMC and thermal performance. The 24 MC PWM outputs are high-current drivers - route these on a separate PCB layer or with widened traces to limit voltage drop on gauge coils.
Because the MC9S12HZ128VAL is marked NRND, verify last-time-buy windows via the NXP PCN system before committing to long-life automotive programs. When migrating to the S12X family (e.g. S912XHZ512F1VAL), the peripheral register map differs significantly and existing HCS12 firmware requires recompilation against the S12X core; do not assume drop-in software compatibility. Finally, ensure the BKGD pin is accessible for in-circuit debug - some layouts accidentally route BKGD to a non-bonded alternate function, which prevents background debug mode entry.
Compliance Information
Part is RoHS and REACH compliant per DigiKey listing. AEC-Q100 qualification assumed for the automotive HCS12 family; specific grade should be confirmed in the NXP qualification report. Lifecycle status NRND - new designs should target HCS12 successor or S12 MagniV family.
