D68HC11K

D68HC11K 8-bit MCU IP Core – Fully Compatible 68HC11K Replacement with Extended Memory

The D68HC11K is a fully synthesizable 8-bit Microcontroller IP Core, offering 100% binary compatibility with the industry-standard Motorola 68HC11K family. Designed as a drop-in replacement, it allows seamless reuse of legacy firmware while enabling integration into modern System-on-Chip (SoC) architectures.

The core can be configured to match the following Motorola microcontrollers:

• MC68HC11K0

• MC68HC11K1

• MC68HC11K4

• MC68HC711K4

• MC68HC11KS2

• MC68HC711KS2

This flexibility makes the D68HC11K ideal for long-lifecycle applications requiring strict software compatibility, deterministic behavior, and extended memory addressing.

Key Features and Capabilities

• Full 68HC11K Binary Compatibility
  Executes unmodified legacy firmware with identical instruction set, register map, and peripheral behavior.

• Integrated Serial Interfaces
  Includes asynchronous SCI and synchronous SPI interfaces for robust external communication.

• Advanced Timer System
  A 16-bit free-running timer with input capture, output compare, and real-time interrupt functionality.

• Pulse Accumulator Subsystem
  8-bit pulse accumulator for counting external events or measuring external signal periods.

• Extended Memory Expansion Unit (MEU)
  Built-in memory expansion unit with six address extension lines, enabling:

  • Up to 16 × 32 KB external memory banks

  • Dual bank window operation

  • Up to 1 MB total addressable memory space
    Ideal for applications requiring large code or data storage beyond standard 68HC11 limits.

• Reliability and Safety Features
  On-chip self-monitoring circuitry, COP watchdog, and illegal opcode detection with non-maskable interrupt (NMI) ensure system stability.

• Low-Power Operation
  Software-controlled WAIT and STOP modes reduce power consumption in idle and sleep states, making the core suitable for battery-powered and automotive systems.

• Optional ADC Controller Support
  Allows external ADC controllers to appear as internal ADCs, preserving full compatibility with standard 68HC11K ADC software.

• Fully Customizable Delivery
  Delivered in an exact configuration matching project requirements—no unused peripherals, no wasted silicon, no unnecessary licensing costs.

• SoC-Ready Verification Flow
  Supplied with a fully automated testbench and comprehensive test suite for validation at every stage of the SoC design flow.

• DoCD™ Hardware Debug System
  Built-in support for DoCD™, DCD’s real-time, non-intrusive hardware debugger, enabling full visibility into:

  • CPU registers and SFRs

  • Program and data memories

  • User-defined peripherals
    All without disturbing real-time application execution.

Ideal Applications

• Automotive electronics

• Battery-powered embedded systems

• Industrial controllers

• Legacy 68HC11K firmware migration

• SoCs requiring extended memory addressing and long-term availability

The D68HC11K IP Core uniquely combines classic 68HC11K software compatibility with extended memory support, configurability, and modern SoC integration—making it a powerful solution for embedded designs that need more memory without abandoning proven software.

D68HC11E vs D68HC11F vs D68HC11K – IP Core Comparison Table

Key Takeaways

• D68HC11E – Best choice for replacing older 68HC11A/D/E devices with minimal complexity.

• D68HC11F – Optimized for automotive and battery-powered systems using the 68HC11F1 footprint.

• D68HC11K – The most powerful variant, adding extended external memory addressing up to 1 MB, ideal for firmware-heavy applications.

Why Choose 68HC11 IP Cores Instead of ARM Cortex-M?

While ARM Cortex-M microcontrollers dominate many modern designs, 68HC11-compatible IP cores remain the optimal choice in specific, high-value scenarios.

Zero Software Migration Risk

D68HC11E/F/K cores run existing 68HC11 firmware without any modification. Moving to ARM Cortex-M typically requires:

• Full firmware rewrite

• Revalidation and recertification

• Long regression test cycles

For long-lifecycle or safety-critical products, this risk is often unacceptable.

Deterministic Real-Time Behavior

The 68HC11 architecture offers simple, predictable execution timing, which is crucial for:

• Automotive control logic

• Industrial timing-sensitive systems

• Safety-certified applications

ARM-based systems often introduce pipeline depth, caches, and complex interrupt behavior that complicate timing analysis.

Lower SoC Complexity and Cost

Integrating a 68HC11 IP Core typically means:

• Smaller silicon footprint

• Simpler bus infrastructure

• Lower verification effort

This translates directly into reduced NRE and faster time-to-market.

Extended Product Longevity

ARM ecosystems evolve rapidly. In contrast, 68HC11-based designs prioritize stability, making them ideal for products with:

• 10–20 year lifecycles

• Regulatory lock-in

• Long-term firmware maintenance requirements

Tailored SoC Integration

Unlike fixed MCU chips, DCD’s 68HC11 IP cores are:

• Fully synthesizable

• Fully configurable

• Delivered without unused peripherals

You get exactly what your SoC needs — nothing more, nothing less.

ALL DCD’S IP CORES ARE TECHNOLOGY AGNOSTIC, ENSURING 100% COMPATIBILITY WITH ALL FPGA AND ASIC VENDORS.

For further details, email info@dcd-semi.com

• Cycle compatible with original implementation
• Software compatible with 68HC11K industry standard
• I/O Wrapper, making it pin-compatible core
• SFR registers remapped to any 4KB memory page
• Two power saving modes: STOP, WAIT
• Fully synthesizable
• Static synchronous design
• No internal tri-states
• Scan test ready
• USB, Ethernet, I2C, SPI, UART, CAN, LIN, HDLC, Smart Card interfaces available