Texas Instruments LM3S1960-IQC50-A2T
- Part No.:
- LM3S1960-IQC50-A2T
- Manufacturer:
- Texas Instruments
- Category:
- Microcontrollers
- Package:
- 100-LQFP
- Datasheet:
-
LM3S1960-IQC50-A2T.pdf
- Description:
- IC MCU 32BIT 256KB FLASH 100LQFP
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

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Product details
Overview
LM3S1960-IQC50-A2T from Texas Instruments is a 32-bit ARM Cortex-M3 microcontroller with 256 KB flash, 64 KB SRAM, integrated hibernation module, 8-channel PWM, and dual QEI for motor control. It operates at 50 MHz, supports -40°C to +85°C industrial temperature range, and integrates UART, I²C, SSI, analog comparators, and watchdog timer. Used in industrial motor drives requiring real-time position sensing and low-power hibernation.
For engineers reviewing the LM3S1960-IQC50-A2T datasheet, LM3S1960-IQC50-A2T pinout, LM3S1960-IQC50-A2T application, or LM3S1960-IQC50-A2T equivalent, key selection criteria include hibernation-capable RTC, dual quadrature encoder interface, 50 MHz Cortex-M3 performance, industrial temperature rating, and integrated analog comparators for closed-loop control.
Technical Context
The LM3S1960-IQC50-A2T implements the ARMv7-M architecture with Thumb-2 instruction set, NVIC supporting up to 64 interrupt sources, and SysTick timer. Its system-level design includes memory protection unit (MPU), bit-band aliasing for atomic peripheral access, and integrated debug via JTAG/SWD.
It integrates a dedicated hibernation module with battery-backed RTC, 2 KB hibernation RAM, and wake-up on external event or RTC match. The dual QEI peripherals support index pulse capture, velocity calculation, and direction tracking - critical for BLDC and stepper motor commutation.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| CPU Core | ARM Cortex-M3, 50 MHz max - enables deterministic real-time execution with <12 ns interrupt latency. |
| Flash Memory | 256 KB - sufficient for complex motor control firmware with bootloader, safety checks, and field-upgradeable code. |
| SRAM | 64 KB - supports multi-threaded RTOS operation and large sensor data buffers without external memory. |
| Operating Temp | -40°C to +85°C - qualified for industrial environments including factory automation and HVAC control cabinets. |
| Hibernation RAM | 2 KB battery-backed - retains critical state (e.g., encoder position, fault history) during power loss without external backup. |
| PWM Channels | 8-channel, 16-bit - provides independent timing for 3-phase inverter gate drivers plus auxiliary timing (e.g., fan control, LED dimming). |
| QEI Modules | Dual 32-bit quadrature encoder interfaces - each supports A/B/Index inputs, velocity capture, and direction-aware counting for dual-motor systems. |
Pinout & Package
LM3S1960-IQC50-A2T is housed in a 100-pin LQFP (14 mm × 14 mm, 0.5 mm pitch) package with exposed thermal pad. Pin assignments are validated per TI SPMS036I Rev I datasheet (July 2014), Table 4-1 through Table 4-10.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| VDD, VDDA, VDDC | Power supply inputs | Separate digital (VDD), analog (VDDA), and core (VDDC) rails enable noise isolation for ADC/comparator accuracy and stable CPU operation. |
| GND, GNDA, GNDC | Ground returns | Dedicated analog and core ground planes reduce coupling between high-speed digital switching and precision analog circuits. |
| PH0–PH7 | QEI0 Phase A/B/Index/Timer | Direct connection to encoder signals; supports edge-counting, velocity measurement, and automatic index synchronization. |
| PG0–PG7 | QEI1 Phase A/B/Index/Timer | Independent second QEI channel for dual-motor feedback or redundant position sensing in safety-critical drives. |
| PD0–PD7 | PWM0–PWM7 outputs | Configurable complementary outputs with dead-band insertion - suitable for driving 3-phase inverter half-bridges. |
| PA0–PA7 | UART0/1, SSI0/1, I²C0 | Multiplexed serial interfaces allow concurrent communication with host MCU, sensors (e.g., current shunt monitors), and display modules. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Hibernation Module | Integrated RTC + 2 KB battery-backed RAM enables zero-power state retention - eliminates need for external RTC IC and backup capacitor. |
| Dual QEI Peripherals | Each supports 32-bit position count, velocity capture, and index pulse latch - enables precise rotor position tracking for FOC and six-step commutation. |
| 8-Channel PWM with Dead-Band | Hardware-inserted dead-time prevents shoot-through in H-bridge drivers - reduces firmware overhead and improves reliability vs. software-based delay. |
| Analog Comparators (2) | Internal 2.5 V reference and programmable hysteresis support overcurrent detection and analog threshold monitoring without external op-amps. |
| Memory Protection Unit (MPU) | Configurable region-based access control isolates bootloader, application, and peripheral drivers - enhances functional safety compliance (IEC 61800-5-2). |
Applications
| Industrial Motor Drives | Factory Automation Controllers |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Closed-loop speed/position control of 3-phase BLDC motors in conveyor systems and robotic arms. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Real-time motor commutation controller with dual QEI input, 8-channel PWM output, and hibernation-aware fault recovery. Use Value: Eliminates external encoder interface IC and RTC, reducing BOM count while maintaining sub-millisecond interrupt response for torque ripple minimization. | Use Scenario: Standalone PLC-like motion sequencer managing multiple solenoids, limit switches, and status LEDs. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Central logic engine with GPIO expansion, UART for HMI communication, and watchdog supervision for fail-safe shutdown. Use Value: On-chip 64 KB SRAM stores ladder logic state tables; hibernation mode preserves last known I/O state across brownouts. |
| Smart HVAC Actuators | Energy-Efficient Pump Controllers |
Use Scenario: Damper positioning and airflow balancing using stepper motors with microstepping and thermal derating. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Precision timing controller with analog comparator-based overtemperature detection and PWM-driven current profiling. Use Value: Internal 2.5 V reference enables accurate thermistor reading; hibernation mode extends battery life in wireless commissioning tools. | Use Scenario: Variable-speed centrifugal pump control responding to pressure sensor feedback and utility demand-response signals. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Sensor fusion hub integrating analog comparator (for pressure switch), QEI (for impeller RPM), and UART (for Modbus RTU). Use Value: Dual QEI allows simultaneous monitoring of motor shaft and pump output shaft - detects belt slip or coupling failure before catastrophic failure. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar microcontroller applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| TM4C123GH6PM | Successor part with 80 MHz Cortex-M4F, 256 KB flash, FPU, and enhanced analog integration; same 100-pin LQFP footprint but different pin mapping. | Supports floating-point math for advanced motor algorithms (e.g., observer-based FOC); lacks hibernation module with battery-backed RAM. | Select when migrating to newer TI ecosystem with FPU and USB OTG; requires PCB redesign due to non-pin-compatible pinout. |
| STM32F407VGT6 | 168 MHz Cortex-M4F, 1 MB flash, 192 KB SRAM, no integrated hibernation RTC; uses 100-pin LQFP but different peripheral assignment and voltage tolerance. | Better suited for high-throughput sensor fusion or Ethernet-connected gateways; requires external RTC and backup capacitor for hibernation-equivalent functionality. | Select for applications needing higher compute throughput or connectivity (e.g., CAN, Ethernet); not drop-in for hibernation-critical designs. |
Compared with TM4C123GH6PM and STM32F407VGT6, the LM3S1960-IQC50-A2T uniquely delivers industrial-grade hibernation with battery-backed RAM and dual QEI in a mature, production-qualified 50 MHz Cortex-M3 platform - ideal where low-power state retention and deterministic motor feedback are prioritized over raw compute or connectivity.
Availability
LM3S1960-IQC50-A2T is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial motor drives, factory automation controllers, smart HVAC actuators, and energy-efficient pump controllers requiring stable component supply and long-term lifecycle support.
Supply support for LM3S1960-IQC50-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 specializing in analog, embedded processing, and connectivity technologies, with decades of experience in industrial and automotive microcontrollers.
The Stellaris LM3S series was designed specifically for cost-sensitive, real-time industrial control applications - emphasizing integrated motor control peripherals, low-power hibernation, and robustness in electrically noisy environments.
FAQ
What is the maximum operating frequency of the LM3S1960-IQC50-A2T?
The LM3S1960-IQC50-A2T operates at a maximum CPU frequency of 50 MHz, as specified in the Texas Instruments SPMS036I datasheet. This clock speed is achieved using the internal PLL with an external crystal or oscillator input. The 50 MHz rating applies across the full industrial temperature range (-40°C to +85°C) and is guaranteed under specified VDD and VDDC supply conditions. The LM3S1960-IQC50-A2T does not support overclocking beyond this rated frequency.
Does the LM3S1960-IQC50-A2T include hardware support for motor control?
Yes, the LM3S1960-IQC50-A2T includes dedicated hardware for motor control: dual 32-bit Quadrature Encoder Interface (QEI) modules for position/speed feedback, eight 16-bit PWM channels with configurable dead-band generation, and two analog comparators with internal reference for overcurrent detection. These peripherals operate independently of the CPU, enabling precise timing-critical functions without firmware intervention. The LM3S1960-IQC50-A2T leverages these features for BLDC, stepper, and AC induction motor control.
What is the purpose of the hibernation module in the LM3S1960-IQC50-A2T?
The hibernation module in the LM3S1960-IQC50-A2T provides ultra-low-power state retention using a dedicated 2 KB battery-backed RAM block and integrated real-time clock (RTC). It allows the device to enter a sub-1 µA sleep mode while preserving critical variables, time-of-day, and encoder position data. Wake-up can occur via external GPIO, RTC alarm, or hibernation module interrupts. This capability eliminates the need for external RTC and backup components in battery-powered or energy-harvesting industrial applications using the LM3S1960-IQC50-A2T.
Is the LM3S1960-IQC50-A2T pin-compatible with other Stellaris devices?
No, the LM3S1960-IQC50-A2T is not pin-compatible with other Stellaris family members such as the LM3S811 or LM3S3748. While all use 100-pin LQFP packages, pin assignments for peripherals (e.g., QEI, PWM, UART) differ significantly across variants. The LM3S1960-IQC50-A2T has unique signal routing optimized for dual-motor control - for example, PH0–PH7 are assigned exclusively to QEI0, whereas other variants map those pins to GPIO or timers. Board layout must be designed specifically for the LM3S1960-IQC50-A2T.
What development tools support the LM3S1960-IQC50-A2T?
The LM3S1960-IQC50-A2T is supported by Texas Instruments' legacy StellarisWare Peripheral Driver Library, Keil MDK-ARM (with CMSIS v2.x), and IAR Embedded Workbench for ARM. TI's LM3S811 Evaluation Kit (EK-LM3S811) can be adapted for basic firmware validation, though its pinout differs; dedicated LM3S1960 evaluation boards were discontinued after 2015. Debugging uses standard JTAG/SWD via TI XDS100v2 or compatible probes. The LM3S1960-IQC50-A2T remains fully programmable and debuggable using these established toolchains.
LM3S1960-IQC50-A2T Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Texas Instruments
- Package/Case:
- 100-LQFP
- Series:
- Stellaris® ARM® Cortex®-M3S 1000
- Packaging:
- Tape & Reel (TR)
- Product Status:
- Not For New Designs
- Programmable:
- Verified
- Core Processor:
- ARM® Cortex®-M3
- Core Size:
- 32-Bit Single-Core
- Speed:
- 50MHz
- Connectivity:
- I2C, IrDA, Microwire, QEI, SPI, SSI, UART/USART
- Peripherals:
- Brown-out Detect/Reset, POR, PWM, WDT
- Number of I/O:
- 60
- Program Memory Size:
- 256KB (256K x 8)
- Program Memory Type:
- FLASH
- EEPROM Size:
- -
- RAM Size:
- 64K x 8
- Voltage - Supply (Vcc/Vdd):
- 2.25V ~ 2.75V
- Data Converters:
- -
- Oscillator Type:
- Internal
- Operating Temperature:
- -40°C ~ 85°C (TA)
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
LM3S1960-IQC50-A2T FAQ
1.How can I place an order for LM3S1960-IQC50-A2T through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for LM3S1960-IQC50-A2T 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 LM3S1960-IQC50-A2T reliable?
The price and inventory of LM3S1960-IQC50-A2T are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for LM3S1960-IQC50-A2T is usually 5 days.
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5.How can I obtain technical support or documentation for LM3S1960-IQC50-A2T?
For technical support, including LM3S1960-IQC50-A2T datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your LM3S1960-IQC50-A2T requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that LM3S1960-IQC50-A2T is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All LM3S1960-IQC50-A2T 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 LM3S1960-IQC50-A2T meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of LM3S1960-IQC50-A2T?
All LM3S1960-IQC50-A2T units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with LM3S1960-IQC50-A2T, 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 LM3S1960-IQC50-A2T part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for LM3S1960-IQC50-A2T:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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