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MC68HC908QY4CDT Microcontroller Overview: Features, Pinout & Alternatives

The MC68HC908QY4CDT is an 8-bit microcontroller from NXP (formerly Freescale), part of the HC08 series. It features a CISC architecture, 4KB of FLASH memory, and 128 bytes of RAM, operating within a 2.7V to 5.5V power supply range with a maximum clock frequency of 8MHz. This MCU integrates a 4-channel 8-bit ADC, PWM, and low-voltage detection (LVD), along with 13 I/O ports, making it ideal for low-cost embedded control applications.

MC68HC908QY4CDT

The chip supports an internal adjustable oscillator and in-system programmable FLASH, offering low power consumption. It is available in a 16-TSSOP package, suitable for applications in industrial control, consumer electronics, and more. However, this model has been discontinued (Obsolete), so alternative solutions may be needed for new designs. If you are still looking for this model, you can send an inquiry to Nantian Electronics. Our powerful supply chain system can easily help you find it!

Pinout of MC68HC908QY4CDT

MC68HC908QY4CDT Outline


The MC68HC908QY4CDT comes in a 16-TSSOP package with 16 pins. Below is the pin function distribution:

Pin No.Pin NameFunction Description
1VDDPower supply input (2.7V - 5.5V)
2PTA5/OSC1/AD3/KBI5I/O port, oscillator input, ADC channel 3, keyboard interrupt 5
3PTA4/OSC2/AD2/KBI4I/O port, oscillator output, ADC channel 2, keyboard interrupt 4
4RST/PTA3/KBI3Reset input/I/O port, keyboard interrupt 3
5IRQ/PTA2/TCLK/KBI2External interrupt input/I/O port, timer clock input, keyboard interrupt 2
6PTA1/AD1/TCH1/KBI1I/O port, ADC channel 1, timer channel 1, keyboard interrupt 1
7PTA0/AD0/TCH0/KBI0I/O port, ADC channel 0, timer channel 0, keyboard interrupt 0
8VSSGround (GND)
9PTB0I/O port
10PTB1I/O port
11PTB2I/O port
12PTB3I/O port
13PTB4I/O port
14PTB5I/O port
15PTB6I/O port
16PTB7I/O port

The MCU’s pins support multi-functional operation, such as ADC input, timer channels, and external interrupts. Some I/O ports also offer high-drive capability, making them suitable for driving LEDs, relays, and other peripherals.

MC68HC908QY4CDT Package Type

MC68HC908QY4CDT Dimension

The MC68HC908QY4CDT comes in a 16-pin TSSOP (Thin Shrink Small Outline Package), characterized by compact size, tight pin spacing (0.65mm), and surface-mount design (SMD), making it ideal for space-constrained embedded devices.

Package TypePin CountDimensions (mm)Pin PitchMounting Type
TSSOP-16165.0 × 4.4 × 1.20.65mmSurface Mount (SMD)

Package Suitability

  • Compatible with automated SMT assembly, improving production efficiency.

  • Ideal for high-density circuit designs, excelling in miniaturized applications such as sensors and smart home devices.

  • Optimized for low-power applications, reducing PCB footprint and improving heat dissipation.

For PCB designs requiring alternative packaging, consider models in DIP (Dual In-line Package) or SOIC (Small Outline Integrated Circuit) formats, which may better suit specific manufacturing processes.

MC68HC908QY4CDT Features

1. Processor Core

  • HC08 high-performance 8-bit CISC architecture

  • Up to 8MHz clock speed, supporting an internal adjustable oscillator (3.2MHz with adjustable accuracy up to 0.4%)

  • 16-bit index registers and stack pointer, supporting 16 addressing modes

2. Memory & Programming

  • 4KB FLASH (in-system programmable)

  • 128 bytes of RAM

  • FLASH security protection, preventing unauthorized access

3. I/O & Peripherals

  • 13 bidirectional I/O ports (some with high-drive capability)

  • 4-channel 8-bit ADC, suitable for analog signal acquisition

  • 2-channel 16-bit timer, supporting PWM generation

  • 6 keyboard interrupts (KBI), enabling low-power wake-up functions

4. Low-Power Features

  • STOP and WAIT modes, reducing power consumption

  • Low-voltage detection (LVD) with software-selectable trigger points

5. System Reliability & Protection

  • Watchdog Timer (COP) to prevent system crashes

  • Power-On Reset (POR) and Low-Voltage Reset (LVI) for improved system stability

  • Illegal instruction and address detection to prevent abnormal code execution

Features of CPU08

The CPU08 is an enhanced HC08 processor core used in the MC68HC908QY4CDT, offering higher performance and expanded capabilities compared to the earlier HC05 series, making it ideal for embedded control applications.

1. Efficient 8-bit CISC Architecture

  • Based on an enhanced HC05 programming model, fully compatible with M68HC05 code.

  • Supports 16 addressing modes (8 more than HC05), increasing instruction flexibility.

  • Enables memory-to-memory data transfers, reducing CPU workload.

2. Enhanced Computational Power

  • Equipped with a 16-bit index register (H:X) and a 16-bit stack pointer (SP) for improved data handling.

  • Supports 8×8 multiplication and 16/8 division instructions, accelerating mathematical operations.

  • Includes binary-coded decimal (BCD) instructions, beneficial for financial and counting applications.

3. Interrupts & System Management

  • Supports both external and internal interrupts, improving system responsiveness.

  • Features illegal instruction detection and illegal address reset, enhancing system reliability.

  • Integrates a watchdog timer (COP) to prevent system crashes.

4. Low-Power and Optimized Design

  • STOP and WAIT low-power modes, suitable for battery-powered devices.

  • Internal adjustable oscillator (supports 3.2MHz, with an adjustable error margin of 0.4%).

MC68HC908QY4CDT Specifications

CategorySpecification
Processor CoreHC08 (8-bit CISC architecture)
Clock SpeedUp to 8MHz
Memory4KB FLASH (in-system programmable), 128 bytes RAM
I/O Ports13 bidirectional I/O ports
ADC4-channel 8-bit ADC
Timers2-channel 16-bit timers (supports PWM)
Operating Voltage2.7V ~ 5.5V
Low-Power FeaturesSTOP and WAIT low-power modes
Reset & ProtectionWatchdog timer (COP), Power-On Reset (POR), Low-Voltage Detection (LVD), Illegal instruction & address reset
Package Type16-TSSOP (4.40mm width)
Operating Temperature-40°C to 85°C
OscillatorInternal adjustable oscillator (3.2MHz, error adjustable to 0.4%)
External Interrupts6 keyboard interrupts (KBI), external IRQ pin
StatusDiscontinued (Obsolete)

This MCU is well-suited for low-cost embedded control applications, but since it is discontinued, designers may need to consider alternative solutions for new projects.

MC68HC908QY4CDT Application Areas

As a low-cost, high-performance 8-bit microcontroller (MCU), the MC68HC908QY4CDT has been widely used in industrial control, consumer electronics, automotive electronics, and home appliance control. Its low power consumption, high integration, and rich peripheral set make it ideal for a variety of cost-sensitive and power-sensitive applications.

MC68HC908QY4CDT Alternative Products

Since the MC68HC908QY4CDT has been discontinued (Obsolete), many new designs require a compatible or functionally similar replacement. Below are some suitable alternative microcontrollers with similar 8-bit architecture, FLASH memory, ADC, PWM, and low-power modes, offered by manufacturers such as NXP, Microchip, and STMicroelectronics.

Alternative ProductManufacturerCore ArchitectureClock SpeedFLASH/RAMI/O CountADCKey Features
S08QY4NXPS08 (8-bit)20 MHz4KB / 256B134×10-bitUpgraded HC08 version, higher performance, lower power consumption
PIC16F18446MicrochipPIC16 (8-bit)32 MHz4KB / 256B128×10-bitIntegrated CLC, DMA, enhanced peripheral control
STM8S003F3P6STMicroelectronicsSTM8 (8-bit)16 MHz8KB / 1KB1610-bit ADCLarger memory, industrial-grade temperature range, low cost
ATtiny816MicrochipAVR (8-bit)20 MHz8KB / 512B1810-bit ADCLow power, supports event system, ideal for energy-efficient applications
MSP430FR2311TIMSP430 (16-bit)16 MHz3.75KB FRAM / 512B1010-bit ADCUltra-low power FRAM, ideal for battery-powered applications

MC68HC908QY4CDT Manufacturer

The MC68HC908QY4CDT was manufactured by NXP Semiconductors, a leading global semiconductor company specializing in automotive electronics, industrial control, IoT, and secure connectivity solutions.

This product was originally developed by Freescale Semiconductor, which was later acquired by NXP in 2015. As part of the M68HC08 series, the MC68HC908QY4CDT features an 8-bit HC08 processor architecture, making it suitable for low-power embedded systems. It has been widely used in consumer electronics, industrial automation, and automotive electronics applications.

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