Silicon Labs EFM32LG842F256-QFP64
- Part No.:
- EFM32LG842F256-QFP64
- Manufacturer:
- Silicon Labs
- Category:
- Microcontrollers
- Package:
- 64-LQFP
- Datasheet:
-
EFM32LG842F256-QFP64.pdf
- Description:
- IC MCU 32BIT 256KB FLASH 64TQFP
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:3,125
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Product details
Overview
EFM32LG842F256-QFP64 from Silicon Labs is a 32-bit ARM Cortex-M3 microcontroller operating at up to 48 MHz, featuring 256 kB flash, 32 kB RAM, hardware AES encryption, and ultra-low power consumption - as low as 0.65 μA in Stop mode with RAM retention - designed for battery-powered smart metering and industrial sensor nodes.
For engineers reviewing the EFM32LG842F256-QFP64 datasheet, EFM32LG842F256-QFP64 pinout, EFM32LG842F256-QFP64 application, or EFM32LG842F256-QFP64 equivalent, key selection criteria include energy mode transitions (EM0–EM4), peripheral reflex system autonomy, integrated 12-bit ADC/DAC, and TQFP64 package compatibility with legacy PCB layouts.
Technical Context
The EFM32LG842F256-QFP64 implements a full-featured ARM Cortex-M3 core with Memory Protection Unit and ETM debug support, coupled with a flexible Energy Management Unit enabling five distinct energy modes (EM0–EM4) with sub-μA retention states. Its Peripheral Reflex System enables autonomous inter-peripheral signaling without CPU intervention.
Clock management includes dual crystal oscillators (HFXO/LFXO), four RC oscillators (HFRCO, LFRCO, ULFRCO, AUXHFRCO), and precise wake-up timing via Low Energy Timer and Real-Time Counter. Analog subsystem integrates 12-bit 1 Msps ADC, 12-bit 500 ksps DAC, three op-amps, and LESENSE for capacitive sensing.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| CPU Core | ARM Cortex-M3 @ 48 MHz - delivers deterministic real-time control with Thumb-2 instruction set and 3-stage pipeline. |
| Memory | 256 kB flash / 32 kB RAM - sufficient for complex firmware with secure bootloader and OTA update storage. |
| Power Consumption | 0.65 μA in Stop mode (EM3) with RAM/CPU retention - enables multi-year battery life in intermittent-sensing applications. |
| ADC | 12-bit, 1 Msps, 8 SE/4 diff channels - supports high-resolution sensor acquisition with internal temperature sensor. |
| AES Accelerator | Hardware AES-128/256 in 54/75 cycles - offloads encryption for secure wireless communication without CPU overhead. |
| Package | TQFP64 (7×7 mm, 0.5 mm pitch) - industry-standard footprint compatible with automated assembly and thermal management. |
| Operating Voltage | 1.98 V to 3.8 V - supports single-cell Li-ion, Li-SOCl₂, or dual-cell alkaline battery inputs. |
Pinout & Package
TQFP64 package (7×7 mm body, 0.5 mm lead pitch, exposed thermal pad), RoHS-compliant, rated for -40°C to +85°C operation.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| VDD | Main supply input | Primary 1.98–3.8 V power rail for core and digital peripherals; requires local 100 nF decoupling. |
| VSS | Ground reference | Digital ground plane connection; multiple pins ensure low-impedance return path for high-speed switching. |
| PA0–PA7, PB0–PB15, PC0–PC15, PD0–PD15, PE0–PE7 | GPIO banks | Up to 93 configurable I/Os with push-pull/open-drain, programmable drive strength, and interrupt capability. |
| PF0–PF7 | Analog/peripheral I/O | Supports ADC inputs, DAC outputs, op-amp terminals, and LESENSE channel connections. |
| XTAL0/XTAL1 | HFXO crystal interface | Connects to 4–32 MHz external crystal for precise timing and USB clock generation. |
| LFXTAL0/LFXTAL1 | LFXO crystal interface | Connects to 32.768 kHz crystal for RTC and low-energy wake-up timing. |
| SWDIO/SWCLK | Debug interface | 2-pin Serial Wire Debug for programming and real-time trace via ETM. |
| USB_DP/USB_DM | USB 2.0 physical layer | Integrated USB transceiver with on-chip PHY supports host, device, and OTG roles without external components. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Autonomous Peripheral Reflex System (PRS) | 12-channel event routing enables timer-triggered ADC sampling or DAC updates without CPU wake-up - extends battery life in sensor logging. |
| Low Energy Sensor Interface (LESENSE) | Capacitive and LC-based sensor monitoring in Deep Sleep (EM2) with <1 μA current - ideal for touch buttons and proximity detection. |
| Backup Power Domain | RTC and retention registers remain active during main power loss using coin-cell backup - ensures timekeeping and state preservation. |
| Integrated TFT Controller | Direct-drive capability for monochrome segment LCDs up to 8×36 segments with voltage boost and contrast control - eliminates external display drivers. |
| External Bus Interface (EBI) | Supports up to 4×256 MB external memory mapping - enables expansion for data-logging buffers or firmware overlays. |
Applications
| Smart Utility Metering | Wireless Sensor Node |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Gas/water meter with pulse counting, pressure sensing, and LoRaWAN backhaul. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Central controller managing sensor acquisition, AES-encrypted payload construction, and low-power radio scheduling. Use Value: EM3 stop-mode current of 0.65 μA enables >10-year battery life while retaining RAM and RTC for accurate timestamping. | Use Scenario: Industrial vibration monitor with MEMS accelerometer, temperature/humidity sensing, and BLE reporting. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Signal conditioner and edge-processing node performing FFT preprocessing before transmission. Use Value: PRS-autonomous ADC sampling triggered by LETIMER reduces active CPU time by >90%, cutting average system current to <5 μA. |
| Health & Fitness Wearable | Alarm & Security Panel |
Use Scenario: Optical heart-rate monitor with photodiode front-end, analog filtering, and motion artifact compensation. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Analog signal processor with synchronized ADC/DAC/op-amp chains and real-time digital filtering. Use Value: Integrated 3× op-amps (6.1 MHz GBW, rail-to-rail) enable analog front-end gain/offset tuning without external components. | Use Scenario: Battery-backed security panel with door/window contact sensing, siren control, and encrypted cloud reporting. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Supervisory MCU handling tamper detection, backup RTC, and secure boot validation. Use Value: Backup power domain maintains RTC and 2 kB retention RAM during AC failure - preserves alarm history and time-of-event stamps. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar microcontroller applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| EFM32PG12B500F1024GL125 | ARM Cortex-M4F core, 40 MHz, 1024 kB flash, 256 kB RAM, no HFXO/LFXO crystals required (integrated DCDC) | Better suited for DSP-intensive tasks (e.g., audio processing); higher power in active mode but superior energy efficiency per compute cycle | Select when floating-point math or larger code footprint is required; not drop-in due to different pinout and voltage regulator architecture |
| EFM32GG11B820F2048GL192 | ARM Cortex-M4, 48 MHz, 2048 kB flash, 512 kB RAM, integrated USB HS PHY, advanced security (TRNG, secure boot) | Targeted at high-security, high-memory applications like medical gateways or industrial controllers with Ethernet/USB HS | Choose for enhanced cryptographic capabilities and larger memory; incompatible pinout and thermal profile vs. QFP64 |
Compared with EFM32LG842F256-QFP64, the EFM32PG12B500F1024GL125 offers higher computational throughput and integrated power management but requires PCB redesign, while the EFM32GG11B820F2048GL192 adds robust security features and memory headroom at the cost of package size and layout complexity.
Availability
EFM32LG842F256-QFP64 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for smart metering, industrial sensor networks, and wearable health devices requiring stable component supply and long-term lifecycle assurance.
Supply support for EFM32LG842F256-QFP64 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 MCU, wireless SoC, and timing solutions for IoT and embedded systems.
The EFM32 Leopard Gecko family was engineered for energy-constrained applications demanding deep sleep autonomy, integrated analog precision, and secure firmware execution - targeting utility, industrial, and consumer sensing markets.
FAQ
What is the maximum operating frequency of the EFM32LG842F256-QFP64?
The EFM32LG842F256-QFP64 operates at a maximum CPU frequency of 48 MHz using the high-frequency crystal oscillator (HFXO) or HFRCO. This speed is maintained across the full 1.98–3.8 V supply range and -40°C to +85°C temperature grade, with performance validated in EM0 (Run) mode per the official datasheet Rev. 2.44.
Does the EFM32LG842F256-QFP64 support USB device functionality?
Yes, the EFM32LG842F256-QFP64 includes a fully compliant USB 2.0 controller with integrated PHY and 5 V to 3.3 V regulator, supporting device, host, and OTG roles. It requires only passive termination and meets USB-IF electrical specifications without external transceivers.
What energy modes are available on the EFM32LG842F256-QFP64 and their typical current draw?
The EFM32LG842F256-QFP64 supports five energy modes: EM0 (Run, 211 μA/MHz), EM1 (Sleep, 63 μA/MHz), EM2 (Deep Sleep, 0.95 μA), EM3 (Stop, 0.65 μA), and EM4 (Shutoff, 20 nA). All retain critical state except EM4, which powers down all clocks and most registers while preserving pin state and RTC backup domain.
Can the EFM32LG842F256-QFP64 drive an LCD directly?
Yes, the EFM32LG842F256-QFP64 integrates an LCD controller supporting up to 8×36 segment displays with built-in voltage boost, adjustable contrast, and autonomous animation sequencing - eliminating need for external LCD driver ICs in basic monochrome display applications.
Is hardware AES acceleration available on the EFM32LG842F256-QFP64?
Yes, the EFM32LG842F256-QFP64 includes a dedicated hardware AES accelerator supporting both 128-bit and 256-bit keys, completing encryption/decryption in 54 or 75 clock cycles respectively - enabling secure wireless communication with minimal CPU load and deterministic timing.
EFM32LG842F256-QFP64 Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Silicon Labs
- Package/Case:
- 64-LQFP
- Series:
- Leopard Gecko
- Packaging:
- Tape & Reel (TR)
- Product Status:
- Obsolete
- Programmable:
- Not Verified
- Core Processor:
- ARM® Cortex®-M3
- Core Size:
- 32-Bit Single-Core
- Speed:
- 48MHz
- Connectivity:
- I2C, IrDA, SmartCard, SPI, UART/USART
- Peripherals:
- Brown-out Detect/Reset, DMA, LCD, POR, PWM, WDT
- Number of I/O:
- 53
- Program Memory Size:
- 256KB (256K x 8)
- Program Memory Type:
- FLASH
- EEPROM Size:
- -
- RAM Size:
- 32K x 8
- Voltage - Supply (Vcc/Vdd):
- 1.98V ~ 3.8V
- Data Converters:
- A/D 8x12b; D/A 2x12b
- Oscillator Type:
- Internal
- Operating Temperature:
- -40°C ~ 85°C (TA)
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
EFM32LG842F256-QFP64 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for EFM32LG842F256-QFP64 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for EFM32LG842F256-QFP64 on Aetrix. Our sales agent will provide a competitive quotation and guide you through the order confirmation once you accept the terms.
2.Are the price and stock information for EFM32LG842F256-QFP64 reliable?
The price and inventory of EFM32LG842F256-QFP64 are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for EFM32LG842F256-QFP64 is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for EFM32LG842F256-QFP64?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for EFM32LG842F256-QFP64 transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for EFM32LG842F256-QFP64?
EFM32LG842F256-QFP64 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your EFM32LG842F256-QFP64 order is processed, you will receive an email with the shipment details and tracking number.
Note: Tracking information may take up to 24 hours to appear. Express delivery typically takes 3–5 business days.
5.How can I obtain technical support or documentation for EFM32LG842F256-QFP64?
For technical support, including EFM32LG842F256-QFP64 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your EFM32LG842F256-QFP64 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that EFM32LG842F256-QFP64 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All EFM32LG842F256-QFP64 products on Aetrix are procured from qualified distributors and authorized channels. Our dedicated quality assurance team conducts strict verification, including traceability checks and, if necessary, third-party testing. This ensures that EFM32LG842F256-QFP64 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of EFM32LG842F256-QFP64?
All EFM32LG842F256-QFP64 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with EFM32LG842F256-QFP64, returns or replacements are accepted under the following conditions:
1.Quantity discrepancies, incorrect items, or visible external defects (such as breakage or corrosion), acknowledged by Aetrix.
2.The issue is reported within 90 days of delivery.
3.The EFM32LG842F256-QFP64 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for EFM32LG842F256-QFP64:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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