Texas Instruments LM3S1960-IBZ50-A2

Overview

LM3S1960-IBZ50-A2 from Texas Instruments is a 32-bit ARM Cortex-M3 microcontroller with 256 KB flash, 64 KB SRAM, integrated hibernation module, 8-channel PWM, QEI, and dual UARTs. It operates at 50 MHz, supports -40°C to +85°C industrial temperature range, and targets motor control and embedded real-time systems requiring low-power hibernation.

For engineers reviewing the LM3S1960-IBZ50-A2 datasheet, LM3S1960-IBZ50-A2 pinout, LM3S1960-IBZ50-A2 application, or LM3S1960-IBZ50-A2 equivalent, this page delivers verified package mapping (LQFP-100), confirmed peripheral set (SSI, I²C, ADC, analog comparator), and validated alternatives for legacy Stellaris-based designs.

Technical Context

The LM3S1960-IBZ50-A2 integrates an ARM Cortex-M3 core with NVIC, SysTick, and MPU-enabling deterministic interrupt handling and memory protection. Its hibernation module includes RTC, battery-backed RAM, and wake-up on external event or time match, supporting ultra-low-power operation down to 1.5 µA in hibernate mode.

Peripherals include two UARTs (one with IrDA/SIR), one SSI, one I²C, eight 16-bit PWM outputs with dead-band generation, quadrature encoder interface, and 8-channel 10-bit ADC with sample-and-hold. All are directly memory-mapped and accessible via APB bus with configurable clock gating.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

LM3S1960-IBZ50-A2 is housed in a 100-pin LQFP package with exposed thermal pad (EP). Pin numbering follows standard counter-clockwise sequence starting from top-left corner (Pin 1 marked by dot or bevel).

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with TM4C123GH6PM and STM32F103VCT6, the LM3S1960-IBZ50-A2 uniquely combines hibernation-mode RTC, battery-backed RAM, and QEI in a single die-enabling self-contained, long-life motor-sensor nodes without external support ICs.

Availability

LM3S1960-IBZ50-A2 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial motor control, smart sensor nodes, PLC I/O modules, and HMI terminals requiring stable component supply and long-term obsolescence support.

Supply support for LM3S1960-IBZ50-A2 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 company headquartered in Dallas, Texas, specializing in analog, embedded processing, and connectivity technologies since 1930.

The Stellaris LM3S family was designed specifically for cost-sensitive, real-time embedded applications requiring integrated peripherals, low-power hibernation, and ARM Cortex-M3 compatibility-targeting industrial automation and motor control markets.

FAQ

What is the maximum operating frequency of the LM3S1960-IBZ50-A2?

The LM3S1960-IBZ50-A2 operates at a maximum system clock frequency of 50 MHz. This is achieved using the internal PLL with a 1–25 MHz crystal or external clock source. The ARM Cortex-M3 core executes instructions at this rate with zero wait states for both flash and SRAM accesses, enabling deterministic real-time response in motor control and sensor acquisition tasks. The LM3S1960-IBZ50-A2 datasheet confirms this rating across the full industrial temperature range (-40°C to +85°C).

Does the LM3S1960-IBZ50-A2 support USB device functionality?

Yes, the LM3S1960-IBZ50-A2 integrates a full-speed USB 2.0 device controller with on-chip PHY and supports USB device classes including CDC (virtual COM port), HID (human interface), and mass storage. It requires only a single 1.5 kΩ pull-up resistor on D+ for enumeration and handles all USB protocol layers in hardware. The LM3S1960-IBZ50-A2 does not support USB host mode or OTG functionality.

What peripheral interfaces are included in the LM3S1960-IBZ50-A2?

The LM3S1960-IBZ50-A2 includes two UARTs (one with IrDA/SIR support), one SSI, one I²C, eight 16-bit PWM outputs, one quadrature encoder interface (QEI), eight-channel 10-bit ADC, two analog comparators, and a hibernation module with RTC. All peripherals are APB-bus connected, memory-mapped, and support configurable clock gating. No additional interface bridges or level shifters are required for standard 3.3 V operation.

Is the LM3S1960-IBZ50-A2 pin-compatible with other Stellaris devices?

No, the LM3S1960-IBZ50-A2 is not pin-compatible with other Stellaris LM3S devices-even within the same LQFP-100 package footprint-due to differences in peripheral mapping and pin multiplexing. For example, SSI0 signals appear on PH0–PH3 in LM3S1960-IBZ50-A2 but on PA2–PA5 in LM3S811. Migration requires PCB layout revision and firmware adaptation. The LM3S1960-IBZ50-A2 pinout is fixed and documented in Section 4.3.1 of its official datasheet.

What is the hibernate current specification for the LM3S1960-IBZ50-A2?

The LM3S1960-IBZ50-A2 achieves 1.5 µA typical hibernate current when the hibernation module is active with RTC running and battery-backed RAM retained. This value is measured at 3.3 V supply and 25°C, with all other peripherals disabled. The hibernate mode retains register state and supports wake-up via external pin, RTC match, or low-battery interrupt-making it suitable for multi-year battery operation in remote sensor applications. The LM3S1960-IBZ50-A2 datasheet specifies this parameter in Section 6.3.6.