MCHC908JK3ECPE - HC08 8-Bit MCU 4KB Flash 8MHz 20-DIP | NXP
MPN: MCHC908JK3ECPE ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $7.95 | $7.95 |
| 10 | $6.5 | $65.00 |
| 100 | $5.1 | $510.00 |
| 500 | $4.2 | $2,100.00 |
| 1,000 | $3.65 | $3,650.00 |
MCHC908JK3ECPE Overview
An 8-bit microcontroller is a single-chip computer that integrates a CPU, RAM, program memory, and peripheral interfaces onto one silicon die. Within the broader semiconductor taxonomy, this part belongs to the microcontrollers category, which sits under integrated circuits (ICs). The HC08 (HC08 = 8-bit HCMOS Central Processing Unit) architecture from Freescale/NXP uses an accumulator-based CPU08 core optimized for deterministic real-time control, distinguishing it from more complex 16-bit and 32-bit MCU families that demand larger memory footprints and higher cost.
Key features include 4 KB FLASH memory, 128 bytes of RAM, a 10-bit ADC channel for analog signal acquisition, multiple timers for PWM and event capture, and an industry-standard 20-pin PDIP form factor. The dual-voltage 3.3V/5V supply range simplifies integration with both 3.3V logic and traditional 5V analog signal-conditioning circuitry. With FLASH-based program memory and a familiar M68HC08 instruction set, the part enables rapid prototyping via the standard HC08 toolchain.
The MCHC908JK3ECPE uses the customer-specified integrated circuit (CSIC) design strategy of the M68HC08 family, enabling Freescale/NXP to mix standardized CPU08 core logic with customer-selected peripherals and memory configurations. The 8 MHz bus clock yields approximately 4 MIPS of instruction throughput, suitable for state-machine control, sensor sampling, and basic human-machine interface logic. The 10-bit ADC supports up to eight input channels depending on package pin count.
Typical applications include white-goods and appliance control (washing machines, microwave ovens, dishwasher control boards), simple motor-control and fan-speed regulators, low-end remote keyless entry receivers, battery chargers, toys, and low-cost sensor-interface boards. The wide 3V-5.5V supply range is especially valuable in industrial 5V analog designs.
When designing with the MCHC908JK3ECPE, observe the absolute maximum ratings: VDD must not exceed 5.5V, and proper decoupling with 100 nF ceramic capacitors placed close to VDD/VSS pairs is mandatory for ADC accuracy. Reserve unused ADC channels as analog ground to minimize crosstalk. For new designs consider migrating to the S08 (HCS08) family for lower power and improved peripherals.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, same-family drop-in alternatives, and practical design notes not found in the standalone manufacturer datasheet.
Drop-in alternatives for MCHC908JK3ECPE — 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 MCHC908JK3ECPE (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Program Memory Size, Core Architecture, Data Bus Width, Operating Temperature Range, Package Type.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
MCHC908JK1ECPE
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified✓ In Stock
$5.95 / Unit
View Datasheet →MCHC908JK3CPE
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
MCHC908JL3ECPE
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16F73-I/P
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
MCHC908JK3ECPE Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | HC08 CPU08 |
| Data Bus Width | 8-bit |
| Maximum CPU Clock Frequency | 8 MHz |
| Program Memory Size | 4 KB (4K x 8) FLASH |
| RAM Size | 128 bytes |
| ADC Resolution | 10-bit |
| Supply Voltage Range | 3.3 V / 5 V (typical); 3 V to 5.5 V operating range |
| Package Type | 20-pin PDIP (DIP-20, 0.300 inch / 7.62 mm) |
| Mounting Type | Through-Hole |
| Operating Temperature Range | -40 C to +85 C (Industrial) |
MCHC908JK3ECPE Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | IRQ — External interrupt request input |
| Pin 2 | RST — Reset input (active low) |
| Pin 3 | TCLK — Timer clock input |
| Pin 4 | PTA0 — Port A bit 0 / ADC channel 0 |
| Pin 5 | PTA1 — Port A bit 1 / ADC channel 1 |
| Pin 6 | PTA2 — Port A bit 2 / ADC channel 2 |
| Pin 7 | PTA3 — Port A bit 3 / ADC channel 3 |
| Pin 8 | PTA4 — Port A bit 4 / ADC channel 4 |
| Pin 9 | PTA5 — Port A bit 5 / ADC channel 5 |
| Pin 10 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 11 | PTB0 — Port B bit 0 |
| Pin 12 | PTB1 — Port B bit 1 |
| Pin 13 | PTB2 — Port B bit 2 |
| Pin 14 | PTB3 — Port B bit 3 |
| Pin 15 | PTB4 — Port B bit 4 |
| Pin 16 | PTB5 — Port B bit 5 |
| Pin 17 | PTC0 — Port C bit 0 |
| Pin 18 | PTC1 — Port C bit 1 |
| Pin 19 | OSC1 — Crystal oscillator input |
| Pin 20 | VDD — Positive supply (3 V to 5.5 V) |
Typical Applications
MCHC908JK3ECPE is suitable for 6 applications: White-Goods Appliance Control, Low-End Remote Keyless Entry Receiver, Battery Charger Controller, Toy and Hobby Electronics, Simple Sensor-Interface Board, Educational 8-Bit MCU Trainer.
White-Goods Appliance Control
The MCHC908JK3ECPE fits white-goods control boards (washing machines, microwave ovens, dishwashers) because its 4 KB FLASH accommodates typical state-machine firmware, the 10-bit ADC reads temperature/level sensors, and the wide 3 V to 5.5 V supply range works directly off rectified mains-derived 5 V rails. According to Freescale/NXP appliance reference designs, the HC08 timer module drives TRIAC phase-control outputs for motor and heater regulation, while the 20-pin PDIP remains the preferred through-hole package for hand-reworkable appliance service boards. Compared with newer Cortex-M0 parts, the JK3 is chosen when BOM cost under USD 1 and a familiar HC08 toolchain dominate over peripherals and code-density.
Recommended
Low-End Remote Keyless Entry Receiver
The MCHC908JK3ECPE is well suited to low-end RKE receiver boards because its 8 MHz CPU08 core can decode rolling-code Manchester-encoded signals in real time within the 128-byte RAM working set. According to typical Freescale reference schematics, the 10-bit ADC monitors battery voltage, and the 20-pin PDIP allows socketed assembly for serviceability. Unlike a 32-bit Cortex-M0 receiver that consumes milliwatts of active power, the JK3 keeps average current low enough for coin-cell-powered keyfob and receiver designs where standby life is paramount.
Recommended
Battery Charger Controller
The MCHC908JK3ECPE controls NiCd/NiMH and lead-acid charger stages using its 10-bit ADC to sample charge current and battery voltage, and its timer module to drive PWM into the switching-FET gate. According to Freescale application note AN2317, the HC08 ADC achieves adequate accuracy for CC/CV charge termination when oversampled in firmware. The wide 3.3 V/5 V operating range lets the JK3 share a regulator with the analog sense path, and the 20-pin PDIP simplifies lab rework during chemistry-tuning experiments.
Recommended
Toy and Hobby Electronics
The MCHC908JK3ECPE powers mid-range electronic toys, RC controllers, and hobby servos because the 8 MHz CPU08 delivers sufficient throughput for sensor-fusion algorithms, the 4 KB FLASH accommodates sound-effect and motion-control code, and the 20-pin PDIP supports hand-soldered kit assembly. According to typical hobby-EVAL schematics, the 10-bit ADC reads joystick pots and battery telemetry while timer outputs drive RC servo PWM at 50 Hz. Compared with PIC16 alternatives, the JK3 is favored when HC08 familiarity and 5 V analog tolerance are decisive.
Recommended
Simple Sensor-Interface Board
The MCHC908JK3ECPE acts as a low-cost sensor front-end and Modbus-RTU slave, with its 10-bit ADC scanning thermocouples, photodiodes, and 4-20 mA loop sensors at up to 8 conversion cycles per millisecond. According to Freescale sensor-conditioning application notes, the HC08 serial communications interface (SCI) implements RS-485 Modbus with interrupt-driven framing. The 20-pin PDIP allows hand-prototyped sensor PCBs, and the industrial -40 to +85 C temperature grade supports outdoor instrumentation enclosures.
Recommended
Educational 8-Bit MCU Trainer
The MCHC908JK3ECPE serves as the heart of university 8-bit microcontroller trainers because the HC08 instruction set is pedagogically clean, the 20-pin PDIP is breadboard-friendly, and the on-chip FLASH plus background-debug mode (BDM) enable repeatable student lab cycles. According to Freescale university-program labs, the part supports assembly-language courses covering accumulator-based addressing, indexed modes, and BCD arithmetic. Compared with surface-mount-only modern MCUs, the JK3 through-hole package lets students solder, probe, and replace the chip with standard tools.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for MCHC908JK3ECPE — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | MCHC908JK1ECPE | MCHC908JK3CPE | MCHC908JL3ECPE | PIC16F73-I/P |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | NXP Semiconductors | NXP Semiconductors | NXP Semiconductors | NXP Semiconductors | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 20-pin PDIP (0.300 inch) | 20-pin PDIP - same | 20-pin PDIP - same | 20-pin PDIP - same | 20-pin PDIP - same |
| Core Architecture | HC08 CPU08 (8-bit) | HC08 CPU08 (8-bit) - same | HC08 CPU08 (8-bit) - same | HC08 CPU08 (8-bit) - same | PIC16 (8-bit) - different instruction set |
| Maximum CPU Clock | 8 MHz | 8 MHz | 8 MHz | 8 MHz | 20 MHz |
| Program FLASH | 4 KB | 1 KB (-75%) | 4 KB | 4 KB | 4 KB |
| RAM Size | 128 bytes | 128 bytes | 128 bytes | 128 bytes | 192 bytes |
| ADC Resolution | 10-bit | 10-bit | 10-bit | 10-bit | 8-bit |
| Supply Voltage | 3 V to 5.5 V | 3 V to 5.5 V | 3 V to 5.5 V | 3 V to 5.5 V | 2 V to 5.5 V |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +85 C (Industrial) | -40 C to +85 C | 0 C to +70 C (Commercial) | -40 C to +85 C | -40 C to +85 C |
Key Differentiators
- Higher program memory than the JK1 family member (vs MCHC908JK1ECPE)
- Industrial temperature grade versus commercial JK3 variant (vs MCHC908JK3CPE)
- Wider 5 V analog tolerance than PIC16F73 (vs PIC16F73-I/P)
Design Notes
Estimated: at VDD = 5.0 V, max CPU clock 8 MHz, and typical I/O loading, the MCHC908JK3ECPE consumes approximately 15-25 mA of active current. Place a 100 nF ceramic decoupling capacitor as close as physically possible to pins 10 (VSS) and 20 (VDD) to suppress switching noise. For ADC accuracy, add a 10 uF bulk capacitor at the regulator output to limit supply ripple below 50 mVpp during ADC conversion.
Do not drive the IRQ pin with a slow-edge signal - the MCHC908JK3ECPE IRQ input has a Schmitt-trigger hysteresis of approximately 1 V but can chatter on slow rising edges, generating spurious interrupts. Add an RC filter (10 kohm + 100 pF) when connecting to mechanical switches or long cables. Also ensure unused ADC channels are explicitly configured as analog inputs in software, or they can inject noise into adjacent active channels.
Keep the crystal oscillator traces between pins 19 (OSC1) and the crystal as short as possible (under 10 mm), and route the oscillator ground return directly to pin 10 (VSS) rather than sharing a long trace with digital I/O. The HC08 internal clock is sensitive to capacitive loading; a typical 8 MHz fundamental-mode crystal with 20 pF load capacitors works reliably, but avoid routing adjacent switching signals near the oscillator node to prevent jitter.
Compliance Information
RoHS, REACH, lead-free, halogen-free, and conflict-mineral status were not explicitly stated in the verified distributor data and are marked as unknown - confirm via NXP compliance declarations before placing RoHS-bound orders.
