Texas Instruments LM3S2608-IBZ50-A2T

Overview

LM3S2608-IBZ50-A2T from Texas Instruments is a 32-bit ARM Cortex-M3 microcontroller with 256 KB flash, 64 KB SRAM, integrated CAN, UART, I2C, SSI, ADC (10-bit, 8-channel), and hibernation module. It operates at 50 MHz, supports -40°C to +85°C industrial temperature range, and targets embedded control in motor drives and industrial automation.

For engineers reviewing the LM3S2608-IBZ50-A2T datasheet, LM3S2608-IBZ50-A2T pinout, LM3S2608-IBZ50-A2T application, or LM3S2608-IBZ50-A2T equivalent, key selection criteria include its 50 MHz CPU clock, on-chip CAN 2.0B controller, hibernation mode with RTC and battery-backed memory, and QFP-100 package compatibility for space-constrained industrial PCBs.

Technical Context

The LM3S2608-IBZ50-A2T implements the ARMv7-M architecture with NVIC, SysTick, MPU, and Thumb-2 instruction set. It integrates a dedicated hibernation module supporting RTC wake-up, battery-backed RAM, and ultra-low-power sleep states independent of main system clocks.

Its peripheral set includes dual UARTs with IrDA/SIR support, two SSI controllers (SPI-compatible), an I2C master/slave interface, and a 10-bit 1-MSPS ADC with four sample sequencers - all directly memory-mapped and accessible via APB bus without DMA dependency.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

LM3S2608-IBZ50-A2T is housed in a 100-pin LQFP (Low-Profile Quad Flat Package) with exposed thermal pad, designed for reflow soldering and thermal dissipation in enclosed industrial enclosures.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with LM3S2608-IBZ50-A2T, LM3S2678-IBZ50-A2T adds USB but increases BOM cost and power consumption, while TM4C123GH6PM offers higher performance and lifecycle support but mandates full hardware and software requalification.

Availability

LM3S2608-IBZ50-A2T is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial motor control, building automation gateways, energy metering nodes, and remote industrial I/O modules requiring stable component supply and long-term obsolescence management.

Supply support for LM3S2608-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 company headquartered in Dallas, Texas, specializing in analog, embedded processing, and wireless technologies with over 90 years of innovation in industrial and automotive electronics.

The Stellaris LM3S family was engineered for cost-sensitive, real-time embedded control applications demanding integrated connectivity (CAN, UART, I2C), low-power hibernation, and deterministic interrupt response - particularly in factory automation and infrastructure monitoring.

FAQ

What is the maximum operating frequency of the LM3S2608-IBZ50-A2T?

The LM3S2608-IBZ50-A2T operates at a maximum CPU clock frequency of 50 MHz, achieved via its internal PLL driven by an external crystal (1–25 MHz) or internal oscillator. This frequency is guaranteed across the full industrial temperature range (-40°C to +85°C) and 3.3 V ±10% supply, enabling deterministic real-time execution for motor control and protocol processing tasks within the LM3S2608-IBZ50-A2T's architecture.

Does the LM3S2608-IBZ50-A2T support CAN FD or only classical CAN?

The LM3S2608-IBZ50-A2T supports only Classical CAN (ISO 11898-1, CAN 2.0B) with bit rates up to 1 Mbps and 32 message objects. It does not implement CAN FD features such as flexible data-rate, extended data length, or CRC enhancements. For CAN FD capability, designers must migrate to TI's TM4C123 or C2000 families - the LM3S2608-IBZ50-A2T's CAN module is fully backward-compatible with legacy CAN networks but lacks FD-specific registers and timing logic.

What is the purpose of the HIB pin on the LM3S2608-IBZ50-A2T?

The HIB pin on the LM3S2608-IBZ50-A2T is an active-low hardware control signal that initiates and exits hibernation mode. When pulled low, it triggers entry into ultra-low-power hibernation with RTC running and 2 KB SRAM retained; release allows wake-up via RTC alarm or external interrupt. It is not a general-purpose GPIO and must be externally debounced - the LM3S2608-IBZ50-A2T's hibernation controller uses this pin for synchronous state transition, independent of software commands.

Can the LM3S2608-IBZ50-A2T's ADC perform simultaneous sampling across multiple channels?

No, the LM3S2608-IBZ50-A2T's 10-bit ADC does not support true simultaneous sampling. It uses a single SAR converter with four configurable sample sequencers that execute conversions sequentially under hardware or software trigger. While sequencers can be chained and triggered by timers or GPIO edges to approximate synchronized acquisition, channel-to-channel skew remains within one ADC clock cycle (≤20 ns at 50 MHz), making it suitable for most industrial sensor monitoring but not for phase-critical three-phase current measurement without external synchronization.

Is the LM3S2608-IBZ50-A2T still in active production or obsolete?

The LM3S2608-IBZ50-A2T is discontinued by Texas Instruments as of 2015, with last-time-buy (LTB) status confirmed in TI's official Product Change Notification (PCN# 20150317001). However, Aetrix Electronics maintains verified, traceable inventory of original TI-manufactured LM3S2608-IBZ50-A2T units with full lot traceability and extended lifecycle support for legacy industrial equipment repair and long-lifecycle programs where redesign is not feasible.