Texas Instruments CP3CN17K38

Overview

CP3CN17K38 from Texas Instruments is a reprogrammable connectivity processor featuring a CR16C RISC CPU core, 256 KB Flash program memory, 8 KB Flash data memory, 10 KB SRAM, and integrated CAN 2.0B interface operating up to 1 Mbps. It supports dual clock domains (12 MHz main, 32.768 kHz slow), hardware DMA, and multi-input wake-up for industrial embedded control and automotive body electronics.

For engineers reviewing the CP3CN17K38 datasheet, CP3CN17K38 pinout, CP3CN17K38 application, or CP3CN17K38 equivalent, key selection criteria include its CSP-48 package footprint, 24 MHz max CPU speed, -40°C to +85°C industrial temperature range, CAN bus master capability, and support for in-system Flash programming without external high-voltage supply.

Technical Context

The CP3CN17K38 implements a pipelined CR16C core delivering one instruction per cycle at 24 MHz, with zero wait-state execution from on-chip Flash. Its Triple Clock and Reset module generates both 12 MHz main clock (PLL-scalable to 24 MHz) and 32.768 kHz slow clock for power management.

Hardware peripherals include a full CAN 2.0B controller with 15 message buffers, four-channel DMA supporting UART/AAI/CVSD transfers, and a Versatile Timer Unit with four independent subsystems-each configurable as dual 8-bit PWM, single 16-bit PWM, or 16-bit counter with dual input capture.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

CP3CN17K38 is housed in a 48-pin Chip Scale Package (CSP) with 0.5 mm pitch and 4.0 × 4.0 mm body size. This ultra-compact package supports high-density PCB layouts and automated assembly while maintaining thermal performance suitable for industrial ambient conditions.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar connectivity processor applications.

Compared with NXP SJA1000T and Renesas RL78/F13, CP3CN17K38 delivers higher integration through its CR16C CPU, dual-clock power architecture, and dedicated audio/CAN subsystems-reducing total component count by up to 40% in voice-enabled CAN networks.

Availability

CP3CN17K38 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive body electronics, industrial CAN gateways, smart energy metering, and medical device interconnect applications requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and verified industrial temperature performance.

Supply support for CP3CN17K38 includes scheduled delivery planning, volume procurement assistance, BOM continuity management, traceable sourcing, and lifecycle availability coordination for OEM customers, industrial embedded developers, connected-device designers, and electronics production programs.

Manufacturer

Texas Instruments is a global semiconductor leader specializing in analog, embedded processing, and wireless technologies, with decades of experience in automotive, industrial, and communications markets.

The CP3CN17 product line was designed specifically for reprogrammable connectivity in resource-constrained embedded systems requiring integrated CAN, audio, and multi-mode power management-targeting automotive body electronics and industrial IoT edge nodes.

FAQ

What is the maximum operating frequency of the CP3CN17K38 CPU core?

The CP3CN17K38 features a CR16C RISC CPU core rated for up to 24 MHz operation. This maximum frequency is achieved using the on-chip PLL driven by a 12 MHz external crystal, with internal prescaling and voltage regulation ensuring stable execution across the full -40°C to +85°C temperature range. The CP3CN17K38 maintains zero wait-state performance at this speed when executing from on-chip Flash memory.

Does CP3CN17K38 support in-system programming of its Flash memory?

Yes, CP3CN17K38 supports full in-system programming (ISP) of both its 256 KB Flash program memory and 8 KB Flash data memory. Programming is performed via the JTAG Serial Debug Interface (SDI) without requiring external high-voltage supplies or device removal from the target board. The CP3CN17K38 internally generates all necessary programming voltages, enabling field firmware updates and configuration changes during production or maintenance.

How many CAN message buffers does CP3CN17K38 provide, and what is their configuration flexibility?

The CP3CN17K38 integrates a full CAN 2.0B controller with 15 dedicated message buffers. Each buffer is individually configurable as either transmit or receive, with programmable acceptance filtering using two independent masks-one for buffers 0–13 and another for buffer 14. Priority assignment is fully flexible via hardware priority decoder, allowing any buffer to be set as highest or lowest transmit priority. This architecture enables deterministic real-time messaging in complex multi-node CAN networks managed by CP3CN17K38.

What power-saving modes are available on CP3CN17K38, and how does Multi-Input Wake-Up function in them?

CP3CN17K38 supports four power modes: Active, Power Save, Idle, and Halt. In Power Save mode, the CPU runs at reduced speed using the 32.768 kHz slow clock; in Idle and Halt modes, only the Timing and Watchdog Module and Power Management Module remain active. The 16-channel Multi-Input Wake-Up (MIWU) module allows selective wake-up from all low-power modes using edge-triggered signals on designated GPIO pins-enabling rapid response to CAN, UART, ACCESS.bus, or timer events without continuous CPU polling.

Is CP3CN17K38 pin-compatible with other variants in the CP3CN17 family, such as CP3CN17G38?

No, CP3CN17K38 is not pin-compatible with CP3CN17G38. CP3CN17K38 uses a 48-pin CSP package, while CP3CN17G38 uses a 100-pin LQFP package. The two variants share identical functional specifications and register-level compatibility but differ in pin count, physical layout, I/O count (40 vs. 23 usable GPIOs), and external memory interface support (CP3CN17G38 supports up to 8 MB external memory; CP3CN17K38 does not). Board redesign is required when substituting between these packages.