MCHC908JK8CPE - 8-bit HC08 MCU, 8KB Flash, 8MHz | NXP
MPN: MCHC908JK8CPE ✗ End of Life| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $1.24 | $1.24 |
| 10 | $1.05 | $10.50 |
| 100 | $0.88 | $88.00 |
| 500 | $0.75 | $375.00 |
| 1,000 | $0.62 | $620.00 |
MCHC908JK8CPE Overview
A microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer that integrates a CPU, program memory (Flash/ROM), data memory (RAM), and peripheral interfaces such as timers, ADC, and communication ports onto one silicon die. The HC08 architecture belongs to the broader M68HC08 family of 8-bit CISC microcontrollers from NXP (formerly Freescale), designed for cost-sensitive, deterministic embedded control. Within the NXP taxonomy, the HC908JK sub-family sits below the HC908 family of 8-bit MCUs, which in turn is part of NXP's legacy automotive and industrial microcontroller portfolio.
Key features of the MCHC908JK8CPE include 8KB of Flash memory (in-circuit programmable), 192 bytes of RAM, a 16-bit two-channel timer with PWM capability, an 8-channel 8-bit ADC with 8-bit resolution, an integrated COP watchdog timer, and an internal clock generator that supports an external crystal or resonator. The device operates from a single 3.0V to 5.5V supply and supports both 3.3V and 5V system designs.
Architecturally, the MCHC908JK8CPE uses the enhanced M68HC08 central processor unit (CPU08), which executes an extensive instruction set with bit-manipulation primitives and executes most instructions in two to four bus cycles. The on-chip oscillator supports a wide range of external crystals, and the internal Phase-Locked Loop (PLL) can be configured for various low-power operating modes. The integrated analog-to-digital converter uses successive approximation with sample-and-hold, supporting 8 channels at 8-bit resolution suitable for simple sensor monitoring.
Typical applications include low-cost industrial sensor interfaces, consumer appliance control boards, automotive body electronics (non-safety), educational and hobbyist embedded platforms, motor drive signal conditioning front-ends, and HVAC thermostat controllers. The 20-pin PDIP package also makes it ideal for through-hole prototyping and breadboard-friendly designs.
When designing with this device, ensure proper decoupling: place a 0.1uF bypass capacitor close to the VDD pin and a bulk capacitor on the VSS ground return. The MCHC908JK8CPE is a No Longer Manufactured (NLM) part per the NXP product page, so lead-time and long-term availability should be validated against distributor stock before committing to new designs.
Drop-in alternatives for MCHC908JK8CPE — 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 MCHC908JK8CPE (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Core Processor, Mounting Type, Core Architecture, Lifecycle Status, Package.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
MC68HC908JK8CPE
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
MC908JK8CPE
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
MCHC908JB8JPE
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
MC908JL3CPE
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
MC9S08QG8CFFE
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified✓ In Stock
Contact for price
View Datasheet →MCHC908JK8CPE Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Processor | HC08 CPU08 |
| Core Size | 8-bit |
| Core Architecture | HC08 CISC |
| Program Memory Size | 8 KB Flash (8K x 8) |
| RAM Size | 192 bytes |
| Maximum Clock Frequency | 8 MHz (internal bus) |
| Number of I/O Pins | 15 |
| ADC | 8-bit, 8 channels |
| Supply Voltage Range | 3.0 V to 5.5 V (3.3 V / 5 V) |
| Timers | 2 x 16-bit (TIMA, TIMB) with PWM |
| Watchdog | COP (Computer Operating Properly) |
| Oscillator Type | External crystal or internal clock |
| Package | 20-pin PDIP (PE suffix), through-hole |
| Mounting Type | Through-Hole |
| RoHS Status | unknown |
| Lifecycle Status | No Longer Manufactured (NLM) per NXP |
MCHC908JK8CPE Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | IRQ — External interrupt request input |
| Pin 2 | RST — Reset input (active low) |
| Pin 3 | PTA0 — Port A I/O bit 0 / TCLK |
| Pin 4 | PTA1 — Port A I/O bit 1 / ECLK |
| Pin 5 | PTA2 — Port A I/O bit 2 |
| Pin 6 | PTA3 — Port A I/O bit 3 |
| Pin 7 | VDD — Positive supply voltage |
| Pin 8 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 9 | OSC1 — Crystal oscillator input |
| Pin 10 | OSC2 — Crystal oscillator output |
| Pin 11 | PTC0 — Port C I/O bit 0 / ADC channel 0 |
| Pin 12 | PTC1 — Port C I/O bit 1 / ADC channel 1 |
| Pin 13 | PTC2 — Port C I/O bit 2 / ADC channel 2 |
| Pin 14 | PTC3 — Port C I/O bit 3 / ADC channel 3 |
| Pin 15 | PTC4 — Port C I/O bit 4 / ADC channel 4 |
| Pin 16 | PTC5 — Port C I/O bit 5 / ADC channel 5 |
| Pin 17 | PTC6 — Port C I/O bit 6 / ADC channel 6 |
| Pin 18 | PTC7 — Port C I/O bit 7 / ADC channel 7 |
| Pin 19 | PTB0 — Port B I/O bit 0 / PWM output |
| Pin 20 | PTB1 — Port B I/O bit 1 / PWM output |
Typical Applications
MCHC908JK8CPE is suitable for 6 applications: Low-Cost Industrial Sensor Interface, Consumer Appliance Control Board, HVAC Thermostat Controller, Motor Drive Signal Conditioning, Educational / Hobbyist Embedded Platform, Automotive Body Electronics (Non-Safety).
Low-Cost Industrial Sensor Interface
The MCHC908JK8CPE is well-suited for analog sensor front-end conditioning in low-cost industrial modules because its 8-bit ADC with 8 channels and 8KB Flash can host calibration tables and linearization routines. Placing the MCU between a potentiometer/thermistor bridge and a 4-20mA current loop enables stand-alone analog processing without an external op-amp. The 8MHz internal bus executes approximately 1 million instructions per second, sufficient for periodic sensor polling and serial output at 9600 baud with spare headroom for filter math.
Recommended
Consumer Appliance Control Board
In small kitchen and home appliances such as coffee makers, toasters, and rice cookers, the MCHC908JK8CPE provides a single-chip solution that integrates an 8-bit ADC for temperature sensing, 16-bit PWM for motor or heater control, and on-chip Flash for storing menu/cycle logic. The 3V-5.5V supply range lets the part share a 3.3V or 5V linear regulator with the rest of the board. The internal COP watchdog automatically resets the MCU on a stalled program, which is critical for unattended appliance safety.
Recommended
HVAC Thermostat Controller
The MCHC908JK8CPE's integrated 8-channel ADC and PWM timers enable direct interface to thermistor temperature sensors and triac-driven HVAC loads without additional glue logic. Its 192 bytes of RAM handles smoothed temperature averages, while 8KB of Flash stores setpoint schedules and hysteresis tables. The wide 3.0V-5.5V supply lets the MCU share the 24VAC-derived transformer output with the rest of the thermostat electronics after rectification.
Recommended
Motor Drive Signal Conditioning
In small brushed DC motor control for toys, fans, and small appliances, the MCHC908JK8CPE generates PWM signals through its 16-bit timers to control motor speed via MOSFET drivers. Its 8-bit ADC reads back current sense amplifier outputs for closed-loop current limiting. With the COP watchdog and 5V-tolerant I/O, the MCU survives the voltage transients of motor commutators without an external supervisory reset IC.
Recommended
Educational / Hobbyist Embedded Platform
The MCHC908JK8CPE's 20-pin PDIP form factor fits standard breadboards, making it ideal for teaching embedded programming in universities and maker workshops. 8KB of Flash holds complete sample projects such as UART echo, I2C master, and ADC-based thermometer demos. The HC08 CISC instruction set requires only 2 to 4 cycles per instruction and supports bit-manipulation, ideal for teaching cycle-level timing and assembly fundamentals. The 5V-tolerant I/O simplifies interface to legacy lab trainer boards.
Recommended
Automotive Body Electronics (Non-Safety)
Per legacy NXP application briefs, the MCHC908JK8CPE fits non-safety automotive body modules such as window regulators, seat positioners, and ambient LED controllers. Its 5V operating range tolerates the 12V battery drop in cranking scenarios. Although not AEC-Q100 qualified, it has a proven field record in production vehicles prior to its No Longer Manufactured announcement. For new automotive designs, choose AEC-Q100 qualified S08 or Kinetis derivatives.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for MCHC908JK8CPE — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | MC68HC908JK8CPE | MC908JK8CPE | MCHC908JB8JPE | MC908JL3CPE | MC9S08QG8CFFE |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | NXP Semiconductors | NXP Semiconductors | NXP Semiconductors | NXP Semiconductors | NXP Semiconductors | NXP Semiconductors |
| Package | PDIP-20 | PDIP-20 - same | PDIP-20 - same | PDIP-20 - same | PDIP-20 - same | PDIP-20 - same |
| Program Memory | 8 KB Flash | 8 KB Flash | 8 KB Flash | 8 KB Flash | 4 KB Flash (-50%) | 8 KB Flash |
| RAM | 192 bytes | 192 bytes | 192 bytes | 256 bytes | 256 bytes | 512 bytes |
| Maximum Bus Frequency | 8 MHz | 8 MHz | 8 MHz | 8 MHz | 8 MHz | 20 MHz (+150%) |
| Supply Voltage | 3.0V to 5.5V | 3.0V to 5.5V | 3.0V to 5.5V | 3.0V to 5.5V | 3.0V to 5.5V | 1.8V to 3.6V |
| ADC Channels | 8 x 8-bit | 8 x 8-bit | 8 x 8-bit | 8 x 8-bit | 6 x 8-bit | 8 x 10-bit |
| Core Architecture | HC08 CISC (CPU08) | HC08 CISC | HC08 CISC | HC08 CISC | HC08 CISC | S08 CISC (different ISA) |
| Notable Peripheral | COP watchdog | COP watchdog | COP watchdog | COP + USB 2.0 FS | COP watchdog | COP + ACMP + BG |
| Lifecycle Status | Obsolete (NLM) | Obsolete (NLM) | Obsolete (NLM) | Obsolete (NLM) | Obsolete (NLM) | Active |
Key Differentiators
- Pin-compatible with broader HC908 family in PDIP-20 (vs MCHC908JB8JPE)
- Legacy MC68HC prefix ordering code compatibility (vs MC908JK8CPE)
- Lower memory headroom vs JL variant (vs MC908JL3CPE)
- Modern S08 replacement path with identical memory (vs MC9S08QG8CFFE)
Design Notes
Estimated: At VDD=5V and 8MHz internal bus, typical IDD is approximately 15mA active. Place a 0.1uF ceramic decoupling capacitor within 5mm of the VDD pin (pin 7) and a bulk 10uF tantalum or aluminum polymer capacitor at the regulator output to suppress switching noise. The MCU is not 5V-tolerant on analog inputs above VDD; if the sensor can exceed VDD, add a clamping diode to VDD and a 10kohm series resistor. VSS (pin 8) should be tied to a low-impedance ground plane with a single-via connection to avoid ground loops.
Estimated: At VDD=5V the MCHC908JK8CPE dissipates roughly 75mW in active mode (15mA x 5V), well below the PDIP-20 thermal limit (approximately 1W in still air). No external heatsink is required. For closed enclosures at >60C ambient, verify that junction temperature remains under 150C by measuring case temperature on the molded body; HC08 silicon junctions are rated for industrial -40C to +85C and automotive -40C to +125C grades.
Route the OSC1/OSC2 crystal traces as short and symmetric as possible, surrounded by a ground guard ring. Place load capacitors (typically 15-33pF) within 5mm of pins 9 and 10. Avoid routing switching signals (PWM on PTB0/PTB1) directly under the crystal or near analog inputs on PTC0-PTC7, as capacitive coupling will inject high-frequency noise into ADC readings. For noise-free ADC readings, add a 1nF to 100nF filter cap on each analog input pin.
The COP watchdog timer is enabled by default in many HC08 config registers; if the application does not service the watchdog, the MCU will reset every ~8 seconds. Configure CONFIG2 properly before programming the Flash, because an incorrect configuration can lock the part out of further in-circuit programming. The RST pin is bidirectional and can be pulled low externally; ensure any reset supervisor IC has an open-drain output to avoid contention with the internal pull-up.
Keep digital I/O traces (PTA, PTB, PTC) away from the VDD and VSS supply pins to avoid injecting switching noise into the analog supply. Use a star-ground topology with VSS as the central node if analog readings on PTC0-PTC7 are critical. For multi-layer boards, dedicate one full layer to ground; for two-layer boards, use a ground pour on both sides with vias stitched every 10mm around the MCU perimeter to minimize ground bounce.
Compliance Information
No explicit RoHS, REACH, or conflict-minerals compliance statement was found in the Verified Web Data. As a legacy NXP part predating widespread RoHS documentation, assume non-compliant for new designs until confirmed by the manufacturer. AEC-Q100 is not applicable (this is a No Longer Manufactured industrial-grade MCU; for automotive use choose the AEC-Q100 qualified S08 or Kinetis derivatives).
