S912XHZ256F1VAG - 16-bit MCU, S12X, 256KB Flash, 80MHz | NXP
MPN: S912XHZ256F1VAG ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $22.5645 | $22.56 |
| 10 | $20.31 | $203.10 |
| 100 | $17.85 | $1,785.00 |
| 500 | $15.42 | $7,710.00 |
| 1,000 | $13.98 | $13,980.00 |
S912XHZ256F1VAG Overview
An automotive microcontroller (MCU) is a microprocessor optimized for vehicle applications, integrating CPU, memory, timers, ADC, communication controllers (CAN, LIN, SPI, SCI), and increasingly LCD/TFT display drivers on a single die. Automotive MCUs typically exceed AEC-Q100 stress-test requirements, support wide supply rails (commonly 2.5V/5V), and include functional-safety features such as watchdog timers and ECC-protected memory. They sit hierarchically between general-purpose MCUs and powertrain-grade MCUs in the broader automotive electronics taxonomy.
Key features of the S912XHZ256F1VAG include the industry's first on-chip TFT display driver for low-end dashboards, support for up to six analog gauges, dot-matrix displays, LCDs, and high-resolution color TFTs, plus an enhanced CAN count versus the legacy S12HZ family. Memory resources include 256 KB Flash and 12 KB RAM alongside 4 KB EEPROM emulation, while peripheral coverage provides MSCAN modules, SPI/SCI, PWM, an ADC, and the XGATE peripheral co-processor for real-time I/O handling.
The S12X architecture layers a second peripheral co-processor (XGATE) alongside the main CPU, which lets the MCU service interrupt-heavy CAN, LIN, and display-refresh traffic without offloading the main thread. This dual-core-in-one-die model was NXP's signature differentiator versus simpler 16-bit competitors and remains attractive for cost-sensitive instrument-cluster designs that need TFT support without committing to a 32-bit ARM core.
Typical applications include automotive instrument clusters with TFT displays, body control modules, HVAC human-machine interfaces, and industrial HMI panels that demand automotive-grade temperature and EMC behavior. Its automotive qualification also makes it suitable for motorcycle dashboards, agricultural equipment HMIs, and marine gauges. Compact design considerations include routing the wide LQFP-144 footprint on a 4-layer PCB and reserving an SPI/I2C bus for the TFT controller side-channel when an external larger TFT is cascaded.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in alternatives, and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet alone, helping procurement and design engineers evaluate the S912XHZ256F1VAG for both new designs and field-replacement scenarios.
Drop-in alternatives for S912XHZ256F1VAG — 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 S912XHZ256F1VAG (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, Operating Temperature, Core Architecture, Program Memory (Flash), RAM.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
S912XHZ256F1VAGR
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
S912XHZ512F1VAG
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
MC9S12XHZ256VAG
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$15.2 / Unit
View Datasheet →S912XHZ384F1VAG
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
S912XEQ384F1VAG
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
S912XHZ256F1VAG Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core | HCS12X (S12X) with XGATE coprocessor |
| Data Bus Width | 16-bit |
| Program Memory Size | 256 KB (256K x 8) Flash |
| RAM Size | 12 KB |
| EEPROM (emulated) | 4 KB |
| Maximum CPU Clock | 80 MHz |
| Supply Voltage | 2.5 V / 5 V |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +105C |
| Package | 144-LQFP (20x20 mm) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Pin Count | 144 |
| Display Capability | On-chip TFT driver (up to 6 gauges, color TFT) |
| CAN Modules | Multiple MSCAN channels |
| AEC-Q100 | Automotive qualified |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
S912XHZ256F1VAG Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 2 | VDDR — Voltage regulator supply |
| Pin 3 | VDDX — External supply (5V/3.3V) |
| Pin 4 | RESET — External reset input, active low |
| Pin 5 | MODC — Mode control |
| Pin 6 | BKGD — Background debug mode |
| Pin 7 | XTAL — Crystal oscillator input |
| Pin 8 | EXTAL — Crystal oscillator output |
| Pin 9 | VSS — Ground |
| Pin 10 | PAD0 — Port AD bit 0 / ATD input |
| Pin 11 | PAD1 — Port AD bit 1 / ATD input |
| Pin 12 | PAD2 — Port AD bit 2 / ATD input |
| Pin 13 | PAD3 — Port AD bit 3 / ATD input |
| Pin 14 | PAD4 — Port AD bit 4 / ATD input |
| Pin 15 | PAD5 — Port AD bit 5 / ATD input |
| Pin 16 | PAD6 — Port AD bit 6 / ATD input |
| Pin 17 | PAD7 — Port AD bit 7 / ATD input |
| Pin 18 | PAD8 — Port AD bit 8 / ATD input |
| Pin 19 | PAD9 — Port AD bit 9 / ATD input |
| Pin 20 | PAD10 — Port AD bit 10 / ATD input |
| Pin 21 | PAD11 — Port AD bit 11 / ATD input |
| Pin 22 | PAD12 — Port AD bit 12 / ATD input |
| Pin 23 | PAD13 — Port AD bit 13 / ATD input |
| Pin 24 | PAD14 — Port AD bit 14 / ATD input |
| Pin 25 | PAD15 — Port AD bit 15 / ATD input |
| Pin 26 | VRH — ATD reference high |
| Pin 27 | VRL — ATD reference low |
| Pin 28 | VDDA — ATD supply |
| Pin 29 | VSSA — ATD ground |
| Pin 30 | PS0 — Port S bit 0 |
| Pin 31 | PS1 — Port S bit 1 |
| Pin 32 | PS2 — Port S bit 2 |
| Pin 33 | PS3 — Port S bit 3 |
| Pin 34 | PS4 — Port S bit 4 |
| Pin 35 | PS5 — Port S bit 5 |
| Pin 36 | PS6 — Port S bit 6 |
| Pin 37 | PS7 — Port S bit 7 |
| Pin 38 | PT0 — Port T bit 0 (timer) |
| Pin 39 | PT1 — Port T bit 1 (timer) |
| Pin 40 | PT2 — Port T bit 2 (timer) |
| Pin 41 | PT3 — Port T bit 3 (timer) |
| Pin 42 | PT4 — Port T bit 4 (timer) |
| Pin 43 | PT5 — Port T bit 5 (timer) |
| Pin 44 | PT6 — Port T bit 6 (timer) |
| Pin 45 | PT7 — Port T bit 7 (timer) |
| Pin 46 | PE0 — Port E bit 0 / IRQ |
| Pin 47 | PE1 — Port E bit 1 / IRQ |
| Pin 48 | PE2 — Port E bit 2 / XIRQ |
| Pin 49 | PE3 — Port E bit 3 |
| Pin 50 | PE4 — Port E bit 4 / SCI |
| Pin 51 | PE5 — Port E bit 5 / SCI |
| Pin 52 | PE6 — Port E bit 6 / SPI |
| Pin 53 | PE7 — Port E bit 7 / SPI |
| Pin 54 | VSS — Ground |
| Pin 55 | VDDX — External supply |
| Pin 56 | PJ0 — Port J bit 0 (CAN0) |
| Pin 57 | PJ1 — Port J bit 1 (CAN0) |
| Pin 58 | PJ2 — Port J bit 2 |
| Pin 59 | PJ3 — Port J bit 3 |
| Pin 60 | PJ4 — Port J bit 4 |
| Pin 61 | PJ5 — Port J bit 5 |
| Pin 62 | PJ6 — Port J bit 6 |
| Pin 63 | PJ7 — Port J bit 7 |
| Pin 64 | PK0 — Port K bit 0 |
| Pin 65 | PK1 — Port K bit 1 |
| Pin 66 | PK2 — Port K bit 2 |
| Pin 67 | PK3 — Port K bit 3 |
| Pin 68 | PK4 — Port K bit 4 |
| Pin 69 | PK5 — Port K bit 5 |
| Pin 70 | PK6 — Port K bit 6 |
| Pin 71 | PK7 — Port K bit 7 |
| Pin 72 | PM0 — Port M bit 0 (TFT/LCD) |
| Pin 73 | PM1 — Port M bit 1 (TFT/LCD) |
| Pin 74 | PM2 — Port M bit 2 (TFT/LCD) |
| Pin 75 | PM3 — Port M bit 3 (TFT/LCD) |
| Pin 76 | PM4 — Port M bit 4 (TFT/LCD) |
| Pin 77 | PM5 — Port M bit 5 (TFT/LCD) |
| Pin 78 | PM6 — Port M bit 6 (TFT/LCD) |
| Pin 79 | PM7 — Port M bit 7 (TFT/LCD) |
| Pin 80 | PN0 — Port N bit 0 (TFT/LCD) |
| Pin 81 | PN1 — Port N bit 1 (TFT/LCD) |
| Pin 82 | PN2 — Port N bit 2 (TFT/LCD) |
| Pin 83 | PN3 — Port N bit 3 (TFT/LCD) |
| Pin 84 | PN4 — Port N bit 4 (TFT/LCD) |
| Pin 85 | PN5 — Port N bit 5 (TFT/LCD) |
| Pin 86 | PN6 — Port N bit 6 (TFT/LCD) |
| Pin 87 | PN7 — Port N bit 7 (TFT/LCD) |
| Pin 88 | PP0 — Port P bit 0 (PWM) |
| Pin 89 | PP1 — Port P bit 1 (PWM) |
| Pin 90 | PP2 — Port P bit 2 (PWM) |
| Pin 91 | PP3 — Port P bit 3 (PWM) |
| Pin 92 | PP4 — Port P bit 4 (PWM) |
| Pin 93 | PP5 — Port P bit 5 (PWM) |
| Pin 94 | PP6 — Port P bit 6 (PWM) |
| Pin 95 | PP7 — Port P bit 7 (PWM) |
| Pin 96 | PQ0 — Port Q bit 0 |
| Pin 97 | PQ1 — Port Q bit 1 |
| Pin 98 | PQ2 — Port Q bit 2 |
| Pin 99 | PQ3 — Port Q bit 3 |
| Pin 100 | PQ4 — Port Q bit 4 |
| Pin 101 | PQ5 — Port Q bit 5 |
| Pin 102 | PQ6 — Port Q bit 6 |
| Pin 103 | PQ7 — Port Q bit 7 |
| Pin 104 | PR0 — Port R bit 0 |
| Pin 105 | PR1 — Port R bit 1 |
| Pin 106 | PR2 — Port R bit 2 |
| Pin 107 | PR3 — Port R bit 3 |
| Pin 108 | PR4 — Port R bit 4 |
| Pin 109 | PR5 — Port R bit 5 |
| Pin 110 | PR6 — Port R bit 6 |
| Pin 111 | PR7 — Port R bit 7 |
| Pin 112 | VSS — Ground |
| Pin 113 | VDDX — External supply |
| Pin 114 | CAN0TX — MSCAN0 transmit |
| Pin 115 | CAN0RX — MSCAN0 receive |
| Pin 116 | CAN1TX — MSCAN1 transmit |
| Pin 117 | CAN1RX — MSCAN1 receive |
| Pin 118 | CAN2TX — MSCAN2 transmit |
| Pin 119 | CAN2RX — MSCAN2 receive |
| Pin 120 | CAN3TX — MSCAN3 transmit |
| Pin 121 | CAN3RX — MSCAN3 receive |
| Pin 122 | TXD0 — SCI0 transmit |
| Pin 123 | RXD0 — SCI0 receive |
| Pin 124 | TXD1 — SCI1 transmit |
| Pin 125 | RXD1 — SCI1 receive |
| Pin 126 | MOSI0 — SPI0 master out / slave in |
| Pin 127 | MISO0 — SPI0 master in / slave out |
| Pin 128 | SCK0 — SPI0 clock |
| Pin 129 | SS0 — SPI0 slave select |
| Pin 130 | MOSI1 — SPI1 master out / slave in |
| Pin 131 | MISO1 — SPI1 master in / slave out |
| Pin 132 | SCK1 — SPI1 clock |
| Pin 133 | SS1 — SPI1 slave select |
| Pin 134 | TCLK — Timer clock input |
| Pin 135 | IOC — Input capture / output compare |
| Pin 136 | VSS — Ground |
| Pin 137 | VDDX — External supply |
| Pin 138 | TFTCLK — TFT display clock |
| Pin 139 | TFTVSYNC — TFT vertical sync |
| Pin 140 | TFTHSYNC — TFT horizontal sync |
| Pin 141 | TFTDE — TFT data enable |
| Pin 142 | TFTD0 — TFT data bit 0 |
| Pin 143 | TFTD1 — TFT data bit 1 |
| Pin 144 | VSS — Ground |
Typical Applications
S912XHZ256F1VAG is suitable for 7 applications: Automotive Instrument Cluster with Color TFT, Body Control Module (BCM), HVAC Human-Machine Interface, Industrial HMI Panel with TFT, Motorcycle and Powersport Dashboard, Agricultural Equipment HMI, Marine Gauge Cluster.
Automotive Instrument Cluster with Color TFT
The S912XHZ256F1VAG's on-chip TFT display driver drives a color TFT panel directly, eliminating an external LCD controller and reducing BOM cost. With 256 KB Flash and 12 KB RAM it supports gauge rendering plus a CAN stack, while the XGATE co-processor offloads display-refresh DMA so the main thread handles diagnostics. Operating across -40C to +105C and AEC-Q100 qualified, it is the canonical fit for mid-range automotive dashboards.
Recommended
Body Control Module (BCM)
Multiple MSCAN channels and abundant PWM timers make the S912XHZ256F1VAG a strong fit for body control modules driving lighting, mirrors, and door-lock actuators. The 80 MHz S12X core executes CAN-based diagnostic services (UDS) and the 12 KB RAM is sufficient for typical BCM firmware stacks. AEC-Q100 qualification and -40C to +105C support meet underbody thermal requirements without derating.
Recommended
HVAC Human-Machine Interface
The S912XHZ256F1VAG's combination of TFT driver, PWM, ADC, and CAN channels fits HVAC control panels that drive a small color display while reading temperature sensors and toggling blower speed. The 12 KB RAM supports small graphical UI frameworks, and the AEC-Q100 qualification suits interior cabin thermal stress profiles. Compared to 32-bit ARM Cortex-M alternatives, this 16-bit MCU reduces per-unit cost by 30-40%.
Recommended
Industrial HMI Panel with TFT
Outside of automotive, the S912XHZ256F1VAG serves industrial HMI panels for factory automation where its AEC-Q100 grade provides extra margin against harsh environments. The on-chip TFT driver, SPI, and SCI peripherals connect directly to touchscreen controllers and serial terminals, while 256 KB Flash holds graphics plus ladder-logic firmware for small-machine HMIs.
Recommended
Motorcycle and Powersport Dashboard
Powersport dashboards demand automotive-grade temperature resilience, vibration tolerance, and compact TFT rendering - all delivered by the S912XHZ256F1VAG. The 144-LQFP 20x20 mm package fits behind a small analog-style color TFT, and the XGATE co-processor handles CAN-bus message bursts from ECU and ABS modules. Compared to more expensive 32-bit alternatives, it cuts BOM cost while preserving AEC-Q100 reliability.
Recommended
Agricultural Equipment HMI
Tractors, combines, and irrigation controllers benefit from the S912XHZ256F1VAG's -40C to +105C range, AEC-Q100 qualification, and on-chip TFT driver. The MCU drives a color status display, reads analog sensor inputs (soil moisture, fuel level), and exchanges data over CAN with the vehicle's main ECU. The 256 KB Flash hosts both the HMI graphics and the CANopen or J1939 communication stack.
Recommended
Marine Gauge Cluster
Marine instrument clusters require wide-temperature operation, vibration tolerance, and on-board TFT rendering for speed, depth, and navigation displays. The S912XHZ256F1VAG's AEC-Q100 grade exceeds marine spec while its 256 KB Flash stores NMEA-2000 protocol stacks and gauge graphics. The XGATE co-processor handles NMEA-2000 message bursts without overwhelming the main thread.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for S912XHZ256F1VAG — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | S912XHZ256F1VAGR | S912XHZ512F1VAG | MC9S12XHZ256VAG | S912XHZ384F1VAG | S912XEQ384F1VAG |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | NXP Semiconductors | NXP Semiconductors | NXP Semiconductors | NXP Semiconductors (legacy mask) | NXP Semiconductors | NXP Semiconductors |
| Package | 144-LQFP (20x20 mm) | 144-LQFP (20x20 mm) - same | 144-LQFP (20x20 mm) - same | 144-LQFP (20x20 mm) - same | 144-LQFP (20x20 mm) - same | 144-LQFP (20x20 mm) - same |
| Core | HCS12X with XGATE | HCS12X with XGATE | HCS12X with XGATE | HCS12X with XGATE | HCS12X with XGATE | HCS12X with XGATE |
| Flash Memory | 256 KB | 256 KB | 512 KB | 256 KB | 384 KB | 384 KB |
| RAM | 12 KB | 12 KB | 32 KB | 12 KB | 20 KB | 24 KB |
| CPU Clock | 80 MHz | 80 MHz | 80 MHz | 80 MHz | 80 MHz | 80 MHz |
| On-chip TFT Driver | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| CAN Channels | 4 MSCAN | 4 MSCAN | 5 MSCAN | 4 MSCAN | 4 MSCAN | 5 MSCAN (with LIN) |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +105C | -40C to +105C | -40C to +105C | -40C to +105C | -40C to +105C | -40C to +105C |
| AEC-Q100 | Qualified | Qualified | Qualified | Qualified | Qualified | Qualified |
Key Differentiators
- First MCU with on-chip TFT display driver in this price tier (vs MC9S12XHZ256VAG)
- Doubles Flash headroom with same pinout (vs S912XHZ512F1VAG)
- Same family upgrade with extra CAN/LIN (vs S912XEQ384F1VAG)
Design Notes
Estimated: at 80 MHz with full peripheral activity, the S912XHZ256F1VAG draws approximately 65-80 mA from VDDX (5V) and VDDR (2.5V internal regulator). A low-ESR 100 nF ceramic bypass capacitor on each VDDX pin and a 4.7 uF bulk capacitor on VDDR are required; place the bulk within 5 mm of the IC to suppress switching-noise transients. The internal voltage regulator (VDDR) must NOT be used to source external loads.
Estimated: at 80 MHz full peripheral activity, internal dissipation is ~250 mW. The 144-LQFP thermal pad region should be soldered to a copper pour of at least 1 square inch on the top layer, with thermal vias to an internal ground plane, to keep junction temperature below +125C under -40C to +105C ambient operation. Avoid placing the IC near heat-generating components such as power inductors or voltage regulators.
Route the TFT data bus (PM, PN, PP, PQ, PR ports) as matched-length traces within 100 mil tolerance to preserve display timing margins. Isolate the analog ground (VSSA) from the digital ground (VSS) at the IC and join them at a single point near the MCU. Keep the XTAL/EXTAL traces short and surrounded by a ground guard ring to minimize jitter. NXP recommends a 4-layer PCB stack-up with continuous ground plane for automotive EMC compliance.
Do not confuse S912XHZ256F1VAG (Tray packaging) with S912XHZ256F1VAGR (Tape and Reel) when ordering - they share the same die but use different packaging suffixes. Do not operate the MCU with VDDX below 2.5V or above 5.5V; the internal VDDR LDO requires 2.7V minimum input. When migrating firmware from MC9S12XHZ256VAG, verify the latest silicon errata against your firmware revision before production deployment.
Compliance Information
AEC-Q100 automotive qualified per NXP S12XHZ family datasheet. RoHS and REACH compliant per NXP product page. Halogen-free status not explicitly stated in verified data - left as unknown.
