Texas Instruments LM3S2533-IQC50-A2T

Overview

LM3S2533-IQC50-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 Device/Host/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 LM3S2533-IQC50-A2T datasheet, LM3S2533-IQC50-A2T pinout, LM3S2533-IQC50-A2T application, or LM3S2533-IQC50-A2T equivalent, key selection criteria include its 50 MHz Cortex-M3 core, integrated Ethernet+PHY, triple CAN, USB OTG capability, and industrial temperature range (–40°C to +85°C) in LQFP-48.

Technical Context

The LM3S2533-IQC50-A2T implements the ARM Cortex-M3 v7-M architecture with Thumb-2 instruction set, delivering 1.25 DMIPS/MHz and deterministic 12-cycle interrupt latency (6-cycle tail-chaining). Its system-on-chip includes a precision oscillator, dual watchdog timers, hibernate module with battery-backed RTC, and 32-channel DMA controller.

Peripheral integration centers on real-time connectivity: IEEE 802.3-compliant 10/100 Ethernet MAC with integrated PHY and IEEE 1588 timestamping, three independent CAN 2.0B controllers, and full-speed USB 2.0 transceiver supporting device/host/OTG modes with on-chip PHY and serial interface engine (SIE).

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

LM3S2533-IQC50-A2T is housed in a 48-pin LQFP (7 mm × 7 mm, 0.5 mm pitch) package with exposed thermal pad. All GPIOs are 5V-tolerant and support programmable drive strength and slew rate control.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with LM3S2533-IQC50-A2T, LM3S6965-IQC50-A2 reduces system cost by removing integrated Ethernet PHY but increases design complexity for Ethernet use; LM3S8962-IQC50-A2 extends I/O and peripheral count in larger package while maintaining identical core timing and driver compatibility.

Availability

LM3S2533-IQC50-A2T is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial Ethernet gateways, multi-protocol motion controllers, smart energy meter hubs, networked building controllers, and real-time PLC modules requiring stable component supply and long-term lifecycle support.

Supply support for LM3S2533-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 with decades of expertise in analog, embedded processing, and connectivity technologies, serving industrial, automotive, and communications markets.

The LM3S2533-IQC50-A2T belongs to TI's Stellaris family of ARM Cortex-M3 MCUs, designed specifically for cost-conscious, real-time industrial control applications demanding integrated Ethernet, CAN, USB, and high-precision analog capabilities.

FAQ

What is the maximum operating frequency of the LM3S2533-IQC50-A2T?

The LM3S2533-IQC50-A2T operates at a maximum frequency of 50 MHz, as confirmed by its part number suffix "-IQC50" and official Texas Instruments documentation. This clock speed is sustained across the full industrial temperature range (–40°C to +85°C) with appropriate decoupling and power supply regulation. The 50 MHz specification applies to the ARM Cortex-M3 core, system bus, and all integrated peripherals including Ethernet MAC, CAN controllers, and USB transceiver.

Does the LM3S2533-IQC50-A2T include an integrated Ethernet PHY?

Yes, the LM3S2533-IQC50-A2T integrates a fully compliant 10/100 Ethernet PHY alongside the MAC, enabling single-chip Ethernet connectivity without external PHY components. This integration includes RMII interface pins (TXD0/TXD1, RXD0/RXD1, REFCLK, CRS_DV, TXEN) and supports IEEE 1588 precision time protocol for hardware timestamping - a key differentiator from other Stellaris variants like the LM3S6965.

How many CAN controllers does the LM3S2533-IQC50-A2T support?

The LM3S2533-IQC50-A2T supports three independent CAN 2.0B controllers, each with dedicated message RAM and filtering logic. These controllers operate concurrently and can be configured for different bit rates and acceptance masks, making the LM3S2533-IQC50-A2T suitable for applications requiring multiple isolated CAN networks - such as separate control, safety, and diagnostics buses in industrial machinery.

What USB modes does the LM3S2533-IQC50-A2T support?

The LM3S2533-IQC50-A2T supports USB Full-Speed (12 Mbps) Device, Host, and On-The-Go (OTG) modes using its on-chip PHY and serial interface engine. USB OTG functionality allows dynamic role switching between device and host - for example, acting as a USB device when connected to a PC for firmware updates, or as a USB host when reading configuration from a USB flash drive in the field.

Is the Stellaris Peripheral Driver Library included in ROM for the LM3S2533-IQC50-A2T?

Yes, the LM3S2533-IQC50-A2T includes the Stellaris Peripheral Driver Library pre-programmed in ROM, providing royalty-free, production-ready C-language drivers for all on-chip peripherals. This ROM-resident library preserves Flash memory for application code and ensures consistent, validated peripheral initialization and control - a feature confirmed in TI's Stellaris family reference manuals and supported across the LM3S2xxx series.