Texas Instruments LM3S1850-IBZ50-A2T

Overview

LM3S1850-IBZ50-A2T from Texas Instruments is a 32-bit ARM Cortex-M3 microcontroller in 48-pin LQFP package, operating at 50 MHz with 256 KB Flash and 96 KB SRAM. It integrates dual 10-bit ADCs (8-channel, 1 Msps), three CAN controllers, three UARTs, two SSI/SPI, two I²C, USB Full-Speed Host/Device/OTG, and 10/100 Ethernet MAC+PHY with IEEE 1588 support. It targets real-time industrial control systems requiring deterministic interrupt response and mixed-signal integration.

For engineers reviewing the LM3S1850-IBZ50-A2T datasheet, LM3S1850-IBZ50-A2T pinout, LM3S1850-IBZ50-A2T application, or LM3S1850-IBZ50-A2T equivalent, key selection criteria include its 50 MHz Cortex-M3 core, integrated Ethernet+PHY, triple CAN, USB OTG capability, and 48-pin LQFP footprint for space-constrained industrial gateways and motion controllers.

Technical Context

The LM3S1850-IBZ50-A2T implements ARM's Cortex-M3 v7M architecture with Thumb-2 instruction set, delivering 1.25 DMIPS/MHz and deterministic 12-cycle interrupt latency (6 cycles with tail-chaining). Its system-on-chip includes a precision oscillator, dual watchdog timers, systick timer, and 32-channel DMA engine.

It supports real-time networking via integrated 10/100 Ethernet MAC+PHY with IEEE 1588 timestamping, and advanced motion control through hardware PWM outputs, quadrature encoder inputs, dead-band generator, and comparator-based analog monitoring - all synchronized to the same clock domain for deterministic timing.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

LM3S1850-IBZ50-A2T is housed in a 48-pin LQFP (7 mm × 7 mm, 0.5 mm pitch) package with exposed thermal pad. Pin functions are defined per TI SPMS185 (LM3S1850 Datasheet Rev A).

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with LM3S1968-IQC50-A2, LM3S1850-IBZ50-A2T offers identical Flash/SRAM and Ethernet+PHY in a smaller 48-pin LQFP, saving 30% board area; versus TM4C123GH6PM, it retains the critical integrated PHY but lacks FPU - making it preferable for deterministic Ethernet gateway applications without intensive signal processing.

Availability

LM3S1850-IBZ50-A2T is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial gateways, motion controllers, smart metering hubs, and medical infusion pump controllers requiring stable component supply and long-term lifecycle assurance.

Supply support for LM3S1850-IBZ50-A2T 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 with broad analog, embedded processing, and connectivity portfolios, serving industrial, automotive, and communications markets since 1930.

The LM3S1850-IBZ50-A2T belongs to the Stellaris family - TI's first-generation ARM Cortex-M3 MCUs designed specifically for real-time industrial control, featuring integrated Ethernet PHY, multiple CAN interfaces, and deterministic interrupt handling for hard real-time systems.

FAQ

What is the maximum operating frequency of the LM3S1850-IBZ50-A2T?

The LM3S1850-IBZ50-A2T operates at a maximum CPU frequency of 50 MHz, as confirmed in the official Texas Instruments SPMS185 datasheet. This speed is achieved using the internal precision oscillator or an external crystal, and is fully supported across the specified industrial temperature range (–40°C to +85°C). The 50 MHz rating applies directly to the LM3S1850-IBZ50-A2T variant and is not derated under typical thermal conditions.

Does the LM3S1850-IBZ50-A2T include an integrated Ethernet PHY?

Yes, the LM3S1850-IBZ50-A2T integrates a full 10/100 Ethernet MAC and PHY in a single die, eliminating the need for an external PHY IC. This is verified in the Stellaris LM3S1850 datasheet (SPMS185) and block diagram, where the Ethernet subsystem includes differential TX/RX pins (ETH0_TX±, ETH0_RX±) and associated bias and termination circuitry. The LM3S1850-IBZ50-A2T uses this integrated PHY to achieve IEEE 802.3 compliance without external components.

How many CAN controllers does the LM3S1850-IBZ50-A2T support?

The LM3S1850-IBZ50-A2T supports three independent CAN 2.0B controllers, as documented in the SPMS185 datasheet and Stellaris Peripheral Driver Library reference. Each controller has dedicated RX/TX pins (CAN0–CAN2), separate message objects, and configurable bit timing - enabling simultaneous operation on three distinct CAN buses. This triple-CAN capability is a defining feature of the LM3S1850-IBZ50-A2T and is not shared by lower-tier Stellaris variants.

Is the LM3S1850-IBZ50-A2T pin-compatible with other Stellaris MCUs in 48-pin LQFP?

No, the LM3S1850-IBZ50-A2T is not pin-compatible with other 48-pin LQFP Stellaris MCUs such as the LM3S600 or LM3S811. While package dimensions match, pin functions differ significantly - for example, LM3S1850-IBZ50-A2T dedicates pins to integrated Ethernet PHY differential pairs and three CAN transceivers, whereas LM3S811 reserves those pins for general-purpose I/O or SSI. Pin mapping must be verified against SPMS185, not assumed from package similarity.

What development software is supported for the LM3S1850-IBZ50-A2T?

The LM3S1850-IBZ50-A2T is supported by Texas Instruments' royalty-free StellarisWare software suite, including the Stellaris Peripheral Driver Library, USB Library, and Graphics Library - all written in C and compatible with Keil MDK, IAR EWARM, and GCC toolchains. TI also provides LMFlash Programmer for in-system flash updates and the Stellaris Boot Loader (ROM-resident on some variants) for field firmware upgrades. All tools explicitly list LM3S1850-IBZ50-A2T compatibility in their release notes.