Silicon Labs EFM32TG842F16-D-QFP64

Overview

EFM32TG842F16-D-QFP64 from Silicon Laboratories is a 32-bit ARM Cortex-M3 microcontroller optimized for ultra-low-power battery-operated systems, featuring 16 kB Flash, 4 kB RAM, 32 MHz operation, 0.6 μA Stop mode current, and hardware AES encryption. It integrates ADC (12-bit, 1 Msps), DAC (12-bit, 500 ksps), LEUART, PRS, and LCD controller - deployed in smart metering and industrial automation.

For engineers reviewing the EFM32TG842F16-D-QFP64 datasheet, EFM32TG842F16-D-QFP64 pinout, EFM32TG842F16-D-QFP64 application, or EFM32TG842F16-D-QFP64 equivalent, this page delivers verified specifications, TQFP64 package details, energy mode behavior, peripheral autonomy features, and direct alternative part comparisons for rapid low-energy MCU selection.

Technical Context

The EFM32TG842F16-D-QFP64 implements the ARM Cortex-M3 core at up to 32 MHz with 1.25 DMIPS/MHz performance and supports five energy modes (EM0–EM4), including EM2 Deep Sleep with RTC active and EM3 Stop with RAM retention. Its Peripheral Reflex System (PRS) enables autonomous inter-peripheral signaling without CPU intervention.

It integrates dual 16-bit timers with 3-channel PWM/compare/capture, a 24-bit RTC clocked by 32.768 kHz crystal or RC oscillator, and a 16-bit Low Energy Timer (LETIMER) operational in EM2. Analog subsystem includes 12-bit ADC (8 SE/4 diff channels), 12-bit DAC, 3 op-amps (6.1 MHz GBW), and LESENSE for capacitive sensing.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

TQFP64 package: 64-pin thin quad flat pack, 10 mm × 10 mm body, 0.5 mm lead pitch, exposed thermal pad, RoHS-compliant.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with EFM32TG842F16-D-QFP64, the EFM32TG232F16-D-QFP64 offers identical functionality with minor silicon improvements, while the EFM32GG11B820F2048GL128 trades ultra-low energy efficiency for significantly higher compute capacity - making the former ideal for metering and the latter for algorithm-heavy edge nodes.

Availability

EFM32TG842F16-D-QFP64 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for smart metering, industrial sensor nodes, and home security systems requiring stable component supply across multi-year production cycles.

Supply support for EFM32TG842F16-D-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 wireless and mixed-signal ICs for IoT, infrastructure, and industrial markets.

The EFM32TG842F16-D-QFP64 belongs to the Gecko family - designed specifically for energy-constrained applications where sub-μA sleep currents, fast wake-up, and autonomous peripherals reduce system-level power and complexity.

FAQ

What is the maximum operating frequency and core architecture of the EFM32TG842F16-D-QFP64?

The EFM32TG842F16-D-QFP64 uses an ARM Cortex-M3 core rated for up to 32 MHz operation, delivering 1.25 DMIPS per MHz. It achieves this performance while maintaining ultra-low active power consumption of 150 μA/MHz in Run mode (EM0) with code executed from flash. The core supports Thumb-2 instruction set and includes Wake-up Interrupt Controller for efficient low-power operation.

Does the EFM32TG842F16-D-QFP64 support hardware encryption, and what algorithms are implemented?

Yes, the EFM32TG842F16-D-QFP64 includes a dedicated hardware AES accelerator supporting both AES-128 and AES-256 encryption/decryption. It completes AES rounds in 54 cycles (128-bit) or 75 cycles (256-bit), enabling secure firmware updates and sensor data protection without burdening the Cortex-M3 CPU. No external crypto co-processor is needed for basic TLS or OTA security.

What are the lowest power consumption modes supported by the EFM32TG842F16-D-QFP64, and what peripherals remain active?

The EFM32TG842F16-D-QFP64 achieves 0.6 μA in EM3 Stop mode (with RAM/CPU retention and brown-out detection) and 1.0 μA in EM2 Deep Sleep (with RTC active). In EM2, the Real Time Counter, Low Energy Timer, LEUART, and LESENSE remain fully operational - enabling time-triggered or event-driven tasks without waking the CPU.

Can the EFM32TG842F16-D-QFP64 drive an LCD display directly, and what is its segment capacity?

Yes, the EFM32TG842F16-D-QFP64 integrates a dedicated LCD controller capable of driving up to 8 commons × 20 segments. It includes on-chip voltage boost, programmable contrast control, and autonomous animation features - eliminating the need for external display driver ICs in portable metering or panel display applications.

What debug interfaces are available on the EFM32TG842F16-D-QFP64, and are they accessible in low-power modes?

The EFM32TG842F16-D-QFP64 provides a 2-pin Serial Wire Debug (SWDIO/SWCLK) interface and a 1-pin Serial Wire Viewer (SWV) for trace output. SWD remains functional in EM0–EM3 modes, allowing full debug visibility during active and low-power operation. SWV supports real-time printf-style logging even in EM2, provided the debug port clock is enabled.