MC9S12XEP768CAG - 16-Bit HCS12X MCU 768KB Flash 144-LQFP | NXP
MPN: MC9S12XEP768CAG ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $32.5 | $32.50 |
| 10 | $29.1 | $291.00 |
| 100 | $25.95 | $2,595.00 |
| 500 | $22.4 | $11,200.00 |
| 1,000 | $19.85 | $19,850.00 |
MC9S12XEP768CAG Overview
Background: A 16-bit microcontroller (MCU) is a programmable embedded controller that balances deterministic interrupt response, rich on-chip peripherals, and low power consumption for control-oriented tasks. The HCS12X lineage is an evolution of the original HC12 architecture, adding a peripheral coprocessor (XGATE) that offloads interrupt-driven data movement, allowing the main CPU to focus on application logic. MC9S12XE-series parts target body, chassis, and gateway automotive ECUs that need large Flash for protocol stacks and substantial RAM for CAN/J1850 message buffering.
Key features include 768 KB Flash, 32 KB SRAM, four CAN 2.0A/B modules (msCAN), up to 8 PWM channels, two 10-bit ADC modules with up to 24 channels, two SCI (LIN-capable) and three SPI interfaces, an 8-channel timer with 16-bit capture/compare, plus JTAG and BDM debug ports. The 144-LQFP package exposes all digital I/O, the XGATE co-processor DMA engine, and a memory protection unit, and the part includes ECC on Flash for ASIL-class safety integrity.
Technical depth: The HCS12X core uses a 16-bit RISC-like CISC pipeline with hardware multiply/divide and can sustain 50 MIPS. XGATE is an independent RISC coprocessor that executes interrupt service routines directly from RAM with single-cycle context switching, offloading high-rate CAN and SPI traffic from the main S12X core. The Flash uses error-correcting code (ECC) for single-bit correction and dual-bit detection, supporting ISO 26262 functional safety goals at the system level.
Typical applications include automotive body control modules, CAN gateway nodes, HVAC controllers, instrument clusters, and industrial CAN-based distributed controllers where the combination of large Flash, ECC, XGATE, and four msCAN channels is required. The 144-LQFP footprint is industry-standard for mid-range automotive ECUs.
Design tip: When designing with this MCU, allocate a minimum 4.7 µF bulk capacitor plus 100 nF decoupling on each VDDR/VSS pair, keep the oscillator traces short, and place the BDM header on a debug-only footprint so you can program and debug units without removing them from the board.
This page aggregates verified distributor pricing from DigiKey and Mouser, lists drop-in same-package alternatives in the HCS12X family, and includes design notes, comparison data, and practical guidance not found in the manufacturer datasheet alone.
Drop-in alternatives for MC9S12XEP768CAG — 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 MC9S12XEP768CAG (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Operating Temperature, Package, ADC, Supply Voltage, Timers.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
MC9S12XEP100MAL
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
MC9S12XEP100CAG
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$19.9 / Unit
View Datasheet →S912XEP768J4MAGR
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
MC9S12XDP512MAG
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
Contact for price
View Datasheet →MC9S12XEQ384CAG
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
Contact for price
View Datasheet →MC9S12XEP768CAG Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core | HCS12X (16-bit) with XGATE co-processor |
| Maximum CPU Frequency | 50 MHz |
| Program Flash | 768 KB (768K x 8) with ECC |
| SRAM | 32 KB |
| Operating Voltage | 1.8V / 2.8V / 5V |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +85C (automotive grade) |
| CAN Modules | 4 x msCAN (CAN 2.0A/B) |
| ADC | 2 x 10-bit ADC, up to 24 channels |
| PWM Channels | Up to 8 channels |
| SCI / LIN | 2 x SCI (LIN-capable) |
| SPI | 3 x SPI |
| Timers | 8-channel 16-bit timer with capture/compare |
| Debug Interface | JTAG and BDM |
| Package | 144-LQFP (20x20 mm) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
MC9S12XEP768CAG 144-lqfp (20x20 mm) Pin Configuration Guide
Pin configuration for MC9S12XEP768CAG (144-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 MC9S12XEP768CAG.
Refer to the datasheet for full pin configuration.
Typical Applications
MC9S12XEP768CAG is suitable for 6 applications: Automotive Body Control Module, CAN Gateway Node, HVAC Climate Controller, Instrument Cluster, Industrial CAN Distributed Control, LIN Local Interconnect Node.
Automotive Body Control Module
Central BCMs in mid-range vehicles typically drive body functions including exterior lighting, wiper control, door lock supervision, horn, washers, and gateway to powertrain CAN. The MC9S12XEP768CAG fits this role by integrating four msCAN 2.0A/B modules with 8 message buffers each and two LIN-capable SCI channels - one BCM can serve both high-speed powertrain CAN and low-speed body LIN subnets without an external transceiver controller. The 768 KB ECC Flash hosts a Bootloader plus operational firmware and provides single-bit correction to support ASIL-rated systems, while the -40C to +85C automotive operating range lets the BCM live behind the dashboard without thermal concerns.
Recommended
CAN Gateway Node
Gateway ECUs bridge CAN-HS, CAN-LS, and LIN subnets, filtering and forwarding frames between the powertrain and body buses. The MC9S12XEP768CAG suits this role because its four msCAN channels plus two LIN-capable SCI channels let one device host both 500 kbit/s and 125 kbit/s networks simultaneously. The XGATE co-processor offloads high-rate message buffering from the main CPU, keeping gateway latency predictable even at peak bus utilization. With 32 KB SRAM providing room for frame queueing, the part can serve as a compact bridge for vehicle zonal architectures where space-constrained gateways must route dozens of ECUs.
Recommended
HVAC Climate Controller
HVAC control modules read cabin temperature, humidity, and sun-load sensors, then drive a mix of stepper motors, blower PWM channels, and actuators through mixed-signal I/O. The MC9S12XEP768CAG fits HVAC designs by combining two 10-bit ADC modules (up to 24 channels) to capture analog thermistor and pressure-sensor data alongside up to 8 PWM channels that drive blower speed and mode-door servos. The 144-LQFP package exposes a generous count of digital I/O without needing a Bonded IO expansion chip. Its 1.8V core with 2.8V/5V I/O operation simplifies integration with 5V-driven blower driver stages.
Recommended
Instrument Cluster
Instrument-cluster controllers stepper-drive gauges, read speed/RPM/PWM signals, and refresh a graphic LCD via SPI. The MC9S12XEP768CAG fits mid-cluster designs because three SPI channels can refresh a graphics LCD plus remote display while two msCAN channels carry vehicle bus data, and the up to 8 PWM channels drive analog gauge stepper motors. The 768 KB ECC Flash is large enough to host a graphics library plus multi-language display fonts. With -40C to +125C qualification variants (S912XEP768J4MAGR) available in the same 144-LQFP, the same firmware can serve both interior and under-hood cluster deployments.
Recommended
Industrial CAN Distributed Control
Industrial CAN-open or DeviceNet nodes carry sensor and actuator I/O across factory floors where immunity to electrical noise is essential. The MC9S12XEP768CAG is well suited because four msCAN channels with hardware-filtered acceptance run CAN-open protocol stacks comfortably, and the 1.8V core with 2.8V/5V I/O makes the part tolerant of long cable-driven noise pickup. The 768 KB Flash accommodates full CAN-open stack plus manufacturer object dictionaries. The 144-LQFP and 50 MHz CPU headroom also suit programmable logic controller (PLC) peripheral modules and remote I/O blocks.
Recommended
LIN Local Interconnect Node
Door modules, seat controllers, mirror adjusters, and roof modules are typically single-LIN slave nodes with a handful of sensors and actuators. The MC9S12XEP768CAG fits LIN-cluster master or gateway nodes because its two LIN-capable SCI channels can each serve a separate LIN subnet, while up to 8 PWM channels drive LED dimming and motor control. Although the part is over-spec'd for a single LIN slave, it is a strong choice for body-zone controllers or master nodes that aggregate multiple LIN subnets and forward them into the CAN backbone.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for MC9S12XEP768CAG — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | MC9S12XEP100MAL | MC9S12XEP100CAG | S912XEP768J4MAGR |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | NXP Semiconductors | NXP Semiconductors | NXP Semiconductors | NXP Semiconductors |
| Package | 144-LQFP (20x20) | 144-LQFP (20x20) | 144-LQFP (20x20) | 144-LQFP (20x20) |
| Core | HCS12X 50 MHz | HCS12X 50 MHz | HCS12X 50 MHz | HCS12X 50 MHz |
| Flash Memory | 768 KB | 1 MB | 1 MB | 768 KB |
| SRAM | 32 KB | 32 KB | 32 KB | 32 KB |
| CAN Modules | 4 x msCAN | 4 x msCAN | 4 x msCAN | 4 x msCAN |
| ADC Modules | 2 x 10-bit ADC | 2 x 10-bit ADC | 2 x 10-bit ADC | 2 x 10-bit ADC |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +85C | -40C to +85C | -40C to +85C | -40C to +125C |
Key Differentiators
- Largest Flash in the XEP HCS12XE family without a package change (vs MC9S12XEQ384CAG)
- Automotive grade (S912) variant available in same footprint (vs MC9S12XEP100CAG (industrial grade))
- Pin compatibility with HCS12X D-family for legacy migration (vs MC9S12XDP512MAG)
Design Notes
Power the MC9S12XEP768CAG from an external 5V regulator rated for at least 200 mA continuous and one 3.3V LDO for the I/O ring. Place a 4.7 µF low-ESR bulk capacitor plus a 100 nF X7R ceramic bypass adjacent to each VDD/VDDX/VDDA/VDDR pin pair, plus a dedicated 4.7 µF/100 nF combination on the VDDPLL pin to keep the PLL clean. A ferrite bead between the 5V and 3.3V rails reduces noise injected from digital switching into the analog supply.
Keep the EXTAL/XTAL crystal traces shorter than 10 mm, guard them with a ground ring on both sides of the PCB, and avoid routing any high-speed signal (SPI, PWM) across or beneath those traces. Place the BDM header on a debug-only footprint that can be depopulated or placed beneath a removable cover in production. Place the internal CAN termination as a 120 Ω split termination as close to the CAN pins as possible to minimize reflection on the bus.
Do not rely on the default reset vector for applications that need a bootloader - relocate the interrupt table to a boot region and configure Flash security bits appropriately. Avoid double-buffered writes to the Flash array while executing from the same block; the controller will stall until the write completes. The XGATE engine is initialized by the S12X CPU - never leave XGE bit set in the XGMCTL register without first setting up the XGATE channel control blocks.
The 144-LQFP package has a typical θJA of 45-50 °C/W on a 2-layer JEDEC board, so at 50 MHz full peripheral activity the part dissipates roughly 0.5-1.5 W. Mounting thermal vias in the LQFP landing pad is not feasible due to exposed pad not present, so use a copper pour connected to VSS across the bottom layer for heat spreading at higher ambient temperatures.
Compliance Information
RoHS and REACH status from NXP product page; AEC-Q100 not listed for this part - select S912XEP768J4MAGR for AEC-Q100 automotive grade.
