C8051F236

Overview

The C8051F236 is a mixed-signal System on a Chip microcontroller from Silicon Labs, featuring an 8051-compatible core operating at up to 25 MHz. It integrates 8 kB of in-system programmable Flash memory and 1.25 kB of XRAM. The device includes hardware UART and SPI interfaces, three 16-bit timers, and a dedicated watchdog timer. It operates within a voltage range of 2.7 V to 3.6 V and supports temperatures from -40°C to +85°C. The component is housed in a 48-TQFP package with 32 general-purpose I/O pins.

Feature Summary

• Integrated JTAG debug circuitry enabling full-speed, non-intrusive in-system debugging without external emulators.
• Hardware-implemented UART and SPI serial communication interfaces for reliable data transfer.
• On-chip Flash memory allows for in-circuit reprogramming in 512-byte sectors.
• Comprehensive analog peripherals including comparators and a VDD monitor with brown-out detection.

Applications

• Industrial control systems requiring robust digital I/O and serial communication.
• Sensor interface applications utilizing the onboard comparators and reset sources.
• Portable instrumentation powered by low-voltage supply rails.

Procurement Notes

Verify the specific revision status and RoHS compliance before procurement, as datasheets indicate this product may be discontinued or subject to end-of-life notices. Confirm that the 48-TQFP package availability aligns with current manufacturing schedules. Ensure development tools support the CIP-51 core architecture for programming and debugging purposes.

Selection Notes

Select the C8051F236 when a fully integrated mixed-signal MCU with hardware serial interfaces is required. This model is suitable for designs needing 8 kB of Flash and 1.25 kB of RAM within a 48-pin footprint. Consider alternative models within the C8051F2xx family if different ADC resolutions or pin counts are necessary for the application.

Part Context

The C8051F236 belongs to the C8051F2xx family of high-speed, mixed-signal System on a Chip microcontrollers. This family shares a common CIP-51 core architecture and peripheral set, differing primarily in memory sizes, ADC configurations, and package options. The series is designed for applications demanding high performance and low power consumption in a compact form factor.

Replacement Considerations

Check for official replacement part numbers from Silicon Labs, as the C8051F236 may be listed as End of Life. Evaluate newer members of the C8051F or EFM8 families for pin-to-pin compatibility and feature parity.

FAQ

Does the C8051F236 include an Analog-to-Digital Converter (ADC)?

No, the C8051F236 model does not include an ADC. Models such as the C8051F206 and C8051F226 in the same family include 12-bit and 8-bit ADCs, respectively.

What type of debug interface is integrated into the C8051F236?

The device features on-chip JTAG debug circuitry that supports full-speed, non-intrusive in-system debugging, allowing for breakpoints, single-stepping, and memory inspection without external emulation hardware.