The MC6803P is an 8-bit microprocessor unit (MPU) and a member of the Motorola 6800 family. While it is often mistaken as part of the 68000 family, it's actually related to the earlier 6800 series. It includes a limited amount of on-chip RAM and I/O capabilities, making it suitable for embedded control applications.

Applications

• Simple embedded control systems
• Appliance control (e.g., washing machines, ovens)
• Industrial timers and controllers
• Automotive applications (e.g., engine control)
• Small electronic toys and games

Features

• 8-bit architecture
• Internal clock oscillator
• 128 bytes of on-chip RAM
• Parallel I/O ports
• Timer with prescaler
• Interrupt capability
• TTL compatible

Benefits

• Low cost solution for embedded control applications.
• Integrated RAM and I/O reduce the need for external components.
• Internal timer simplifies timing and control functions.
• Interrupt capability enables responsiveness to external events.
• Simple to program and interface.

Additional Details

The MC6803P operates from a single 5V power supply. The 'P' suffix typically indicates a plastic package. It includes a clock generator circuit, only requiring an external crystal or RC network for operation. The on-chip RAM is limited but can be sufficient for small control programs and data storage. The processor is typically programmed in assembly language due to the limited resources and straightforward architecture. The MC6803P offers a cost-effective solution where limited computing power and memory are required.