Silicon Labs EFM32G290F32G-E-BGA112R

Overview

EFM32G290F32G-E-BGA112R from Silicon Labs is a 32-bit ARM Cortex-M3 microcontroller optimized for ultra-low-power battery-operated systems, featuring 32 kB Flash, 8 kB RAM, 0.6 μA Stop mode current, 180 μA/MHz Run mode consumption, and hardware AES-128/256 acceleration - deployed in smart metering, health wearables, and industrial sensor nodes.

For engineers reviewing the EFM32G290F32G-E-BGA112R datasheet, EFM32G290F32G-E-BGA112R pinout, EFM32G290F32G-E-BGA112R application, or EFM32G290F32G-E-BGA112R equivalent, key selection criteria include energy mode transitions (EM0–EM4), peripheral reflex system autonomy, low-energy UART timing at 32.768 kHz, and BGA112 package thermal/mechanical constraints for high-density PCBs.

Technical Context

The EFM32G290F32G-E-BGA112R implements the ARM Cortex-M3 core at up to 32 MHz with Memory Protection Unit and Wake-up Interrupt Controller. Its Energy Management Unit supports five distinct energy modes (EM0–EM4), enabling sub-μA operation while retaining RAM and CPU state in EM3 Stop mode and RTC functionality in EM2 Deep Sleep.

Peripherals include three 16-bit Timer/Counters with PWM and dead-time insertion, a 24-bit Real Time Counter clocked by 32.768 kHz crystal, two Low Energy UARTs operating autonomously in EM2, and an 8-channel Peripheral Reflex System that enables CPU-free inter-peripheral signaling - critical for deterministic low-power event handling.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

BGA112 package: 6 mm × 6 mm body, 0.5 mm ball pitch, 112 I/O balls arranged in 10 × 10 array with corner balls omitted; RoHS-compliant, lead-free, moisture sensitivity level 3.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with EFM32G290F64G-E-BGA112 and EFM32G280F32G-E-QFP100, the EFM32G290F32G-E-BGA112R offers optimal balance of ultra-compact footprint, 90 GPIO, full EBI capability, and proven field reliability in sealed metering enclosures - making it ideal for volume production of space-limited, long-life IoT endpoints.

Availability

EFM32G290F32G-E-BGA112R is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for smart metering, wearable health devices, and industrial wireless sensor networks requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle assurance, and qualified tape-and-reel delivery for SMT assembly.

Supply support for EFM32G290F32G-E-BGA112R 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

Silicon Labs is a fabless semiconductor company specializing in low-power wireless SoCs, timing solutions, and MCU platforms for IoT, industrial, and consumer applications.

The EFM32 Gecko family was designed specifically for energy-constrained embedded systems - integrating autonomous peripherals, multi-mode energy management, and ARM Cortex-M3 performance to eliminate external power management ICs and extend battery life beyond 10 years.

FAQ

What is the maximum operating frequency and core architecture of the EFM32G290F32G-E-BGA112R?

The EFM32G290F32G-E-BGA112R features an ARM Cortex-M3 processor core rated for operation up to 32 MHz. It delivers 1.25 Dhrystone MIPS per MHz and includes a Memory Protection Unit (MPU) supporting up to eight memory regions. This architecture enables deterministic real-time execution while maintaining compatibility with standard ARM toolchains and RTOS environments used in the EFM32G290F32G-E-BGA112R design ecosystem.

Does the EFM32G290F32G-E-BGA112R support hardware encryption, and what algorithms are implemented?

Yes, the EFM32G290F32G-E-BGA112R integrates a dedicated hardware AES accelerator supporting both 128-bit and 256-bit key lengths. Encryption/decryption operations complete in 54 cycles (AES-128) or 75 cycles (AES-256), independent of CPU load. This enables secure boot, encrypted firmware updates, and protected sensor data transmission - all without increasing active power consumption or compromising the low-energy operation profile of the EFM32G290F32G-E-BGA112R.

What are the lowest power consumption modes supported by the EFM32G290F32G-E-BGA112R, and what functionality remains active?

The EFM32G290F32G-E-BGA112R supports EM4 Shutoff mode at 20 nA (with output state retention) and EM3 Stop mode at 0.6 μA (with brown-out detection, RAM, and CPU retention). In EM3, the Real Time Counter (RTC) and Low Energy Timer (LETIMER) remain operational using the 32.768 kHz clock source. These modes allow the EFM32G290F32G-E-BGA112R to maintain timekeeping and respond to external interrupts while drawing negligible current - critical for decade-long deployments.

Can the EFM32G290F32G-E-BGA112R drive an LCD display directly, and what segment capacity does it support?

Yes, the EFM32G290F32G-E-BGA112R includes an integrated LCD controller capable of driving up to 4 backplanes and 40 segments (4×40), with built-in voltage boost and adjustable contrast control. It supports static, 2-, 3-, and 4-mux configurations and enables autonomous animation sequences without CPU involvement. This eliminates the need for external display drivers in applications such as utility meters or portable medical devices using the EFM32G290F32G-E-BGA112R as the main controller.

What debug interface options are available on the EFM32G290F32G-E-BGA112R, and are they accessible in all energy modes?

The EFM32G290F32G-E-BGA112R provides a 2-pin Serial Wire Debug (SWD) interface (SWDIO and SWCLK) and an optional Serial Wire Output (SWO) pin for real-time trace and profiling. Debug access is maintained in EM0–EM3 modes but disabled in EM4 Shutoff mode. The SWD interface supports full programming, breakpoint debugging, and memory inspection - enabling robust development and field firmware updates for the EFM32G290F32G-E-BGA112R throughout its product lifecycle.