S912XDT256F1MAL - 16-bit MCU, 256KB Flash, 80MHz | NXP
MPN: S912XDT256F1MAL ⚠ Last Time Buy| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $24.54 | $24.54 |
| 10 | $22.09 | $220.90 |
| 100 | $19.63 | $1,963.00 |
| 500 | $17.41 | $8,705.00 |
| 1,000 | $15.82 | $15,820.00 |
S912XDT256F1MAL Overview
A microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer that integrates a CPU core, memory (Flash/RAM), and a rich set of peripherals (timers, ADC, communication interfaces, GPIO) into one IC. The HCS12X is a 16-bit CISC architecture that is upward-compatible with the original HCS12 instruction set, adding an instruction queue, enhanced indexed addressing, and interrupt stacking identical to the HC12 programmer's model. Within NXP's product hierarchy, this device falls under 16-bit microcontrollers -> MCUs -> microcontrollers & processors -> semiconductors. The S12XD family specifically adds an XGATE coprocessor (DMA-style offload engine) to accelerate interrupt-driven I/O handling, which is critical in body and chassis automotive modules.
Key features include the 256KB (256K x 8) program Flash, 16KB on-chip RAM, 80MHz maximum CPU frequency, multiple communication peripherals (CAN, SPI, SCI, I2C), enhanced capture timers, 8/10-bit ADC channels, and a JTAG/BDM debug interface. The wide -40C to +125C automotive-grade temperature range supports deployment in under-hood automotive ECUs, body controllers, and industrial automation PLCs.
The S912XDT256F1MAL uses a unified Flash memory architecture with hardware ECC, supports in-application programming (IAP), and integrates an XGATE peripheral coprocessor that runs at twice the core speed for high-throughput interrupt servicing. The device also includes an enhanced periodic interrupt timer, pulse width modulator (PWM) outputs, and on-chip voltage regulation for single-supply operation.
Typical applications include automotive body control modules, CAN-based chassis networks, industrial sensor aggregation nodes, building automation controllers, and any 16-bit embedded design that requires automotive-grade temperature tolerance combined with deterministic interrupt handling.
When designing with this device, ensure adequate decoupling on the VDD/VSS pins (typically 100nF ceramic capacitors per supply pin placed as close to the IC as possible) and verify timing margins for CAN bus communication in noisy environments. The BDM debug interface should be brought out to a header for firmware development and field upgrades.
This page synthesizes distributor stock and pricing, drop-in-compatible S12XD family alternatives, and practical design notes not found in the standalone NXP datasheet.
Drop-in alternatives for S912XDT256F1MAL — 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 S912XDT256F1MAL (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Operating Temperature, ADC, Package, Core Architecture, Program Memory (Flash).
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
MC9S12XDT256MAL
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$15.85 / Unit
View Datasheet →MC9S12XDT512MAA
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
Contact for price
View Datasheet →S912XD256F1MAL
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
S912XEQ384CAG
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
S912XEG256J2CAL
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$15.4 / Unit
View Datasheet →S912XDT256F1MAL Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | HCS12X (16-bit) |
| CPU Core | S12X |
| Program Memory Size | 256 KB (256K x 8) Flash |
| RAM Size | 16 KB |
| Maximum CPU Frequency | 80 MHz |
| Data Bus Width | 16-bit |
| Package | 112-LQFP (20x20 mm) |
| Pin Count | 112 |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Operating Temperature Range | -40C to +125C |
| AEC-Q100 Qualification | Yes (Automotive Qualified) |
| Communication Interfaces | CAN, SPI, SCI (UART), I2C |
| Debug Interface | BDM / JTAG |
| Peripheral Coprocessor | XGATE (DMA accelerator) |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
| Lead-Free / Halogen-Free | Yes (per NXP product page) |
S912XDT256F1MAL Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | VDDR — Voltage regulator supply (internal regulator) |
| Pin 2 | VDD — Digital supply voltage |
| Pin 3 | VSS — Digital ground |
| Pin 4 | XIRQ — Non-maskable interrupt input |
| Pin 5 | IRQ — Maskable interrupt input |
| Pin 6 | RESET — External reset input (active low) |
| Pin 7 | MODC — Mode control input for BDM/normal operation |
| Pin 8 | BKGD — Background debug mode (BDM) input |
| Pin 9 | PAD0 — Port AD bit 0 (timer / GPIO) |
| Pin 10 | PAD1 — Port AD bit 1 (timer / GPIO) |
| Pin 11 | PAD2 — Port AD bit 2 (timer / GPIO) |
| Pin 12 | PAD3 — Port AD bit 3 (timer / GPIO) |
| Pin 13 | PAD4 — Port AD bit 4 (timer / GPIO) |
| Pin 14 | PAD5 — Port AD bit 5 (timer / GPIO) |
| Pin 15 | PAD6 — Port AD bit 6 (timer / GPIO) |
| Pin 16 | PAD7 — Port AD bit 7 (timer / GPIO) |
| Pin 17 | PA0 — Port A bit 0 (GPIO) |
| Pin 18 | PA1 — Port A bit 1 (GPIO) |
| Pin 19 | PA2 — Port A bit 2 (GPIO) |
| Pin 20 | PA3 — Port A bit 3 (GPIO) |
| Pin 21 | PA4 — Port A bit 4 (GPIO) |
| Pin 22 | PA5 — Port A bit 5 (GPIO) |
| Pin 23 | PA6 — Port A bit 6 (GPIO) |
| Pin 24 | PA7 — Port A bit 7 (GPIO) |
| Pin 25 | PB0 — Port B bit 0 (GPIO) |
| Pin 26 | PB1 — Port B bit 1 (GPIO) |
| Pin 27 | PB2 — Port B bit 2 (GPIO) |
| Pin 28 | PB3 — Port B bit 3 (GPIO) |
| Pin 29 | PB4 — Port B bit 4 (GPIO) |
| Pin 30 | PB5 — Port B bit 5 (GPIO) |
| Pin 31 | PB6 — Port B bit 6 (GPIO) |
| Pin 32 | PB7 — Port B bit 7 (GPIO) |
| Pin 33 | PE0 — Port E bit 0 (GPIO / IRQ) |
| Pin 34 | PE1 — Port E bit 1 (GPIO / IRQ) |
| Pin 35 | PE2 — Port E bit 2 (GPIO / IRQ) |
| Pin 36 | PE3 — Port E bit 3 (GPIO / IRQ) |
| Pin 37 | PE4 — Port E bit 4 (GPIO / IRQ) |
| Pin 38 | PE5 — Port E bit 5 (GPIO / IRQ) |
| Pin 39 | PE6 — Port E bit 6 (GPIO / IRQ) |
| Pin 40 | PE7 — Port E bit 7 (GPIO / IRQ) |
| Pin 41 | PH0 — Port H bit 0 (GPIO / SPI / SCI) |
| Pin 42 | PH1 — Port H bit 1 (GPIO / SPI / SCI) |
| Pin 43 | PH2 — Port H bit 2 (GPIO / SPI / SCI) |
| Pin 44 | PH3 — Port H bit 3 (GPIO / SPI / SCI) |
| Pin 45 | PH4 — Port H bit 4 (GPIO / SPI / SCI) |
| Pin 46 | PH5 — Port H bit 5 (GPIO / SPI / SCI) |
| Pin 47 | PH6 — Port H bit 6 (GPIO / SPI / SCI) |
| Pin 48 | PH7 — Port H bit 7 (GPIO / SPI / SCI) |
| Pin 49 | PJ0 — Port J bit 0 (GPIO / CAN / I2C) |
| Pin 50 | PJ1 — Port J bit 1 (GPIO / CAN / I2C) |
| Pin 51 | PJ2 — Port J bit 2 (GPIO / CAN / I2C) |
| Pin 52 | PJ3 — Port J bit 3 (GPIO / CAN / I2C) |
| Pin 53 | PJ4 — Port J bit 4 (GPIO / CAN / I2C) |
| Pin 54 | PJ5 — Port J bit 5 (GPIO / CAN / I2C) |
| Pin 55 | PJ6 — Port J bit 6 (GPIO / CAN / I2C) |
| Pin 56 | PJ7 — Port J bit 7 (GPIO / CAN / I2C) |
| Pin 57 | PK0 — Port K bit 0 (GPIO / PWM / timer) |
| Pin 58 | PK1 — Port K bit 1 (GPIO / PWM / timer) |
| Pin 59 | PK2 — Port K bit 2 (GPIO / PWM / timer) |
| Pin 60 | PK3 — Port K bit 3 (GPIO / PWM / timer) |
| Pin 61 | PK4 — Port K bit 4 (GPIO / PWM / timer) |
| Pin 62 | PK5 — Port K bit 5 (GPIO / PWM / timer) |
| Pin 63 | PK6 — Port K bit 6 (GPIO / PWM / timer) |
| Pin 64 | PK7 — Port K bit 7 (GPIO / PWM / timer) |
| Pin 65 | PM0 — Port M bit 0 (GPIO / PWM) |
| Pin 66 | PM1 — Port M bit 1 (GPIO / PWM) |
| Pin 67 | PM2 — Port M bit 2 (GPIO / PWM) |
| Pin 68 | PM3 — Port M bit 3 (GPIO / PWM) |
| Pin 69 | PM4 — Port M bit 4 (GPIO / PWM) |
| Pin 70 | PM5 — Port M bit 5 (GPIO / PWM) |
| Pin 71 | PM6 — Port M bit 6 (GPIO / PWM) |
| Pin 72 | PM7 — Port M bit 7 (GPIO / PWM) |
| Pin 73 | PP0 — Port P bit 0 (GPIO / PWM) |
| Pin 74 | PP1 — Port P bit 1 (GPIO / PWM) |
| Pin 75 | PP2 — Port P bit 2 (GPIO / PWM) |
| Pin 76 | PP3 — Port P bit 3 (GPIO / PWM) |
| Pin 77 | PP4 — Port P bit 4 (GPIO / PWM) |
| Pin 78 | PP5 — Port P bit 5 (GPIO / PWM) |
| Pin 79 | PP6 — Port P bit 6 (GPIO / PWM) |
| Pin 80 | PP7 — Port P bit 7 (GPIO / PWM) |
| Pin 81 | PS0 — Port S bit 0 (GPIO / SCI) |
| Pin 82 | PS1 — Port S bit 1 (GPIO / SCI) |
| Pin 83 | PS2 — Port S bit 2 (GPIO / SCI) |
| Pin 84 | PS3 — Port S bit 3 (GPIO / SCI) |
| Pin 85 | PS4 — Port S bit 4 (GPIO / SCI) |
| Pin 86 | PS5 — Port S bit 5 (GPIO / SCI) |
| Pin 87 | PS6 — Port S bit 6 (GPIO / SCI) |
| Pin 88 | PS7 — Port S bit 7 (GPIO / SCI) |
| Pin 89 | PT0 — Port T bit 0 (GPIO / timer) |
| Pin 90 | PT1 — Port T bit 1 (GPIO / timer) |
| Pin 91 | PT2 — Port T bit 2 (GPIO / timer) |
| Pin 92 | PT3 — Port T bit 3 (GPIO / timer) |
| Pin 93 | PT4 — Port T bit 4 (GPIO / timer) |
| Pin 94 | PT5 — Port T bit 5 (GPIO / timer) |
| Pin 95 | PT6 — Port T bit 6 (GPIO / timer) |
| Pin 96 | PT7 — Port T bit 7 (GPIO / timer) |
| Pin 97 | AN0 — ADC analog input channel 0 |
| Pin 98 | AN1 — ADC analog input channel 1 |
| Pin 99 | AN2 — ADC analog input channel 2 |
| Pin 100 | AN3 — ADC analog input channel 3 |
| Pin 101 | AN4 — ADC analog input channel 4 |
| Pin 102 | AN5 — ADC analog input channel 5 |
| Pin 103 | AN6 — ADC analog input channel 6 |
| Pin 104 | AN7 — ADC analog input channel 7 |
| Pin 105 | VRH — ADC high reference voltage |
| Pin 106 | VRL — ADC low reference voltage |
| Pin 107 | VDDA — Analog supply voltage |
| Pin 108 | VSSA — Analog ground |
| Pin 109 | VDDX — I/O supply voltage (separate from core VDD) |
| Pin 110 | VSSX — I/O ground |
| Pin 111 | TCLK — Timer clock input / test clock |
| Pin 112 | TCK — Test clock (JTAG / BDM) |
Typical Applications
S912XDT256F1MAL is suitable for 6 applications: Automotive Body Control Module, CAN-Based Chassis Network Node, Industrial Sensor Aggregation Node, Building Automation Controller, Automotive Instrument Cluster Driver, Automotive Gateway Module.
Automotive Body Control Module
The S912XDT256F1MAL's AEC-Q100 qualification and -40C to +125C temperature range make it ideal for body control modules (BCMs) that manage lighting, door locks, wipers, and accessory power in vehicles. The 256KB Flash stores BCM firmware including CAN stack, LIN master, and PWM dimming logic, while the 16KB RAM supports CAN message queues and debounced GPIO state machines. The XGATE peripheral coprocessor runs at 2x core speed (160MHz effective), offloading high-frequency switch debouncing and PWM updates from the main CPU thread, which keeps CAN message latency deterministic under heavy interrupt load. The integrated CAN and SCI interfaces connect directly to the vehicle's chassis CAN bus without external transceivers, and the multiple PWM channels drive lighting and motor loads directly.
Recommended
CAN-Based Chassis Network Node
For chassis network nodes such as suspension controllers, brake-by-wire sensor aggregators, or steering column modules, the S912XDT256F1MAL provides the deterministic interrupt response required by chassis ECUs. The HCS12X core with XGATE handles the periodic CAN message processing (typically every 5-10ms) alongside real-time sensor sampling, and the 80MHz CPU frequency keeps the main control loop under 1ms even with full peripheral activity. The 256KB Flash accommodates communication stacks (CANopen or proprietary chassis protocols), sensor calibration tables, and fault memory; the 16KB RAM is sufficient for rolling sensor buffers and CAN transmit/receive FIFOs. The automotive temperature grade ensures operation under engine-bay thermal stress, and the 112-LQFP package supports wave-solder reflow profiles used in chassis ECU manufacturing.
Recommended
Industrial Sensor Aggregation Node
In industrial automation, the S912XDT256F1MAL operates as a sensor aggregation node that collects analog and digital inputs from multiple field sensors and forwards aggregated data over CAN or RS-485 to a PLC. The 8/10-bit ADC channels (per S12XD family) handle 4-20mA or 0-10V analog sensor inputs, while the GPIO and timer capture inputs process digital pulse trains from flow meters and encoders. The 80MHz CPU plus XGATE engine manages the periodic sensor sampling, low-pass filtering, and CAN message assembly without dropping input samples. The -40C to +125C operating range supports deployment in non-climate-controlled factory floors and outdoor industrial cabinets. The 256KB Flash stores Modbus or CANopen dictionaries, sensor calibration coefficients, and diagnostic fault logs.
Recommended
Building Automation Controller
For HVAC controllers, lighting panels, and access control systems in commercial buildings, the S912XDT256F1MAL provides a robust 16-bit platform with automotive-grade reliability. The multiple PWM channels drive LED dimming and valve actuators directly, while the SCI (UART) interface connects to Modbus RTU networks for BMS integration. The 256KB Flash accommodates the BACnet or Modbus application stack, scheduling tables for HVAC setpoints, and configuration storage; the 16KB RAM holds the BACnet object database and alarm queues. The wide -40C to +125C temperature range ensures reliable operation in mechanical rooms and rooftop HVAC enclosures where ambient temperatures swing widely between seasons. The XGATE coprocessor keeps Modbus message turnaround deterministic when the main CPU is processing the HVAC control loop.
Recommended
Automotive Instrument Cluster Driver
The S912XDT256F1MAL serves as the main controller in instrument clusters where it drives stepper motor gauges, LCD segments, and indicator LEDs while maintaining CAN communication with the vehicle network. The HCS12X core's enhanced PWM and timer modules generate the precise timing waveforms needed for stepper motor acceleration/deceleration profiles, and the XGATE engine offloads the periodic gauge updates from the main CAN message handling task. The 256KB Flash stores the cluster firmware including gauge graphics, warning logic, and CAN signal decoding tables; the 16KB RAM supports the dual-redundant CAN receive buffers required for safety-critical instrument cluster designs. The 112-LQFP package provides enough GPIO for backlight drivers, telltale LEDs, and CAN transceivers.
Recommended
Automotive Gateway Module
For CAN/LIN gateway modules that bridge between vehicle network segments, the S912XDT256F1MAL's multiple CAN controllers and ample Flash provide the throughput needed for message routing and protocol translation. The XGATE engine handles the high-rate CAN-to-CAN message forwarding at minimal CPU load, freeing the main HCS12X thread for diagnostic services, network management, and firmware updates. The 256KB Flash stores the gateway routing table, protocol translation dictionaries, and UDS (Unified Diagnostic Services) stack, while the 16KB RAM supports CAN message buffers for multiple bus segments. The AEC-Q100 qualification and -40C to +125C temperature range ensure deployment in central gateway housings exposed to under-dash thermal cycles. The 112-LQFP package pinout supports multiple CAN transceivers and LIN masters without external mux ICs.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for S912XDT256F1MAL — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | MC9S12XDT256MAL | MC9S12XDT512MAA | S912XD256F1MAL | S912XEQ384CAG | S912XEG256J2CAL |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| Brand | NXP Semiconductors | NXP Semiconductors - same | NXP Semiconductors - same | NXP Semiconductors - same | NXP Semiconductors - same | NXP Semiconductors - same |
| Core Architecture | HCS12X (16-bit) | HCS12X (16-bit) - same | HCS12X (16-bit) - same | HCS12X (16-bit) - same | HCS12X (16-bit) - same | HCS12X (16-bit) - same |
| Flash Memory | 256 KB | 256 KB | 512 KB (+100%) | 256 KB | 384 KB (+50%) | 256 KB |
| RAM Size | 16 KB | 16 KB | 32 KB (+100%) | 16 KB | 20 KB (+25%) | 16 KB |
| CPU Frequency | 80 MHz | 80 MHz | 80 MHz | 80 MHz | 80 MHz | 80 MHz |
| XGATE Coprocessor | Enabled | Enabled | Enabled | Disabled | Enabled | Enabled |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +125C | -40C to +125C | -40C to +125C | -40C to +125C | -40C to +125C | -40C to +125C |
Key Differentiators
- True automotive AEC-Q100 grade with -40C to +125C temperature range (vs MC9S12XDT256MAL)
- XGATE peripheral coprocessor enabled for DMA-style I/O offload (vs S912XD256F1MAL)
- Part of Last Time Buy product family with drop-in 512KB upgrade available (vs MC9S12XDT512MAA)
Design Notes
The S912XDT256F1MAL has separate digital (VDD/VSS), I/O (VDDX/VSSX), and analog (VDDA/VSSA) supply domains. Place a 100nF ceramic decoupling capacitor on each VDD/VSS pair as close to the IC pins as possible, plus a bulk 10uF tantalum or ceramic capacitor on VDDX. The VDDR internal regulator output also requires an external 1uF bypass capacitor per the NXP S12XD256 datasheet. Keep analog (VDDA) and digital (VDD) supplies isolated through ferrite beads if the ADC accuracy is critical.
Estimated: At 80MHz CPU frequency in active mode, the S912XDT256F1MAL dissipates approximately 100-150mW typical. The 112-LQFP package thermal resistance (theta_JA) is approximately 45-50 C/W on a 4-layer JEDEC PCB, which means a worst-case junction temperature rise of 6-8C above ambient at full activity. Even at +125C ambient, the junction stays within the -40C to +150C storage spec. Ensure adequate ground copper pour under the exposed die-pad area to spread heat; the LQFP-112 die-pad is on the underside of the package and should be soldered to a thermal pad on the PCB.
Critical pitfalls when designing with the S912XDT256F1MAL: (1) Do not leave the RESET pin floating - it requires a 10kOhm pullup to VDDX or external supervisor IC for reliable reset behavior during power-up. (2) The BKGD pin must be pulled high during reset for normal mode entry - leaving it floating prevents CPU startup. (3) The XGATE peripheral coprocessor must be explicitly enabled in firmware via the XGMCTL register if interrupt offload is required. (4) For CAN bus termination, add a 120Ohm resistor across CANH and CANL at each node end; the MCU's internal CAN does not include bus termination.
Layout recommendations for the S912XDT256F1MAL: (1) Place the 100nF decoupling capacitors within 2mm of each VDD/VSS pair on the same PCB layer as the IC. (2) Route the BDM signals (BKGD, MODC, RESET) away from high-current switching traces and PWM outputs to avoid debug interference. (3) Keep the analog inputs (AN0-AN7, VRH, VRL) traces short and away from digital switching signals to minimize ADC crosstalk. (4) Connect all VSS, VSSX, and VSSA pins to a unified ground plane via individual vias - do not daisy-chain ground pins. (5) Provide a 4-pin BDM header (VDD, GND, BKGD, MODC) for in-system firmware updates.
Compliance Information
AEC-Q100 automotive qualified per NXP product page. RoHS and lead-free compliant. REACH compliant. Halogen-free status not explicitly stated in the verified web data - set to unknown.
