The RS08 platform is developed for extremely low cost applications. Its hardware size is optimized and the overall system cost is reduced. The smaller hardware size allows the silicon to fit into a smaller package, such as the 6-pin dual flat no lead package (DFN). The RS08 platform retains a similar programming model as in the popular HC08/S08 platforms to allow easy source code migration between the platforms.

The main features of the RS08 platform are:

• Subset of S08 instruction set
• New instructions for shadow program counter (SPC) — SHA and SLA
• New tiny and short addressing modes for code size optimization
• Maximum 16K-byte accessible memory space
• Eliminated vector fetch mechanism for interrupt and reset service
• Eliminated RAM stacking mechanism for subroutine call
• Single level hardware stacking for subroutine call
• Low power mode supported through the execution of STOP and WAIT instructions
• Stop wakeup through internal or external interrupt trigger
• Illegal address and opcode detection with reset
• Hardware security feature to protect unauthorized access to the non-volatile memory (NVM) area
• Debug and NVM program/erase support using single pin interface