Texas Instruments LM3S2918-IQC50-A2

Overview

LM3S2918-IQC50-A2 from Texas Instruments is a 32-bit ARM Cortex-M3 microcontroller with 256 KB flash, 64 KB SRAM, integrated CAN 2.0A/B controller, 12-bit ADC (8-channel), and dual UARTs. It operates at up to 50 MHz, supports hibernation mode with RTC and battery-backed memory, and targets real-time industrial control systems requiring deterministic timing and fieldbus connectivity.

For engineers reviewing the LM3S2918-IQC50-A2 datasheet, LM3S2918-IQC50-A2 pinout, LM3S2918-IQC50-A2 application, or LM3S2918-IQC50-A2 equivalent, key selection criteria include CAN interface support, hibernation power management, on-chip flash/SRAM sizing, 50 MHz operation under industrial temperature range (–40°C to +85°C), and QFP-100 package compatibility with legacy Stellaris designs.

Technical Context

The LM3S2918-IQC50-A2 implements the ARM Cortex-M3 core with Thumb-2 instruction set, NVIC with 64 interrupt lines, and SysTick timer. It integrates a dedicated hibernation module with RTC, battery-backed RAM, and wake-up capability via external pins or RTC match events.

Peripherals include one CAN controller compliant with ISO 11898-1, two UARTs supporting IrDA and SIR, one I²C master/slave, one SSI, eight PWM-capable GPIOs, and a 12-bit ADC with hardware averaging and temperature sensor. Clocking supports PLL-based 50 MHz system clock from internal oscillator or external crystal.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

LM3S2918-IQC50-A2 is housed in a 100-pin LQFP package (JEDEC MS-026AC) with exposed thermal pad. Pin functions are defined per TI SPMS058I datasheet Rev I (July 2014), including dedicated CANH/CANL, UART0/1 TX/RX, ADC0–7 inputs, and hibernation-specific signals (HIBRST, HIBRTCVDD, HIBRTCXTAL).

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with LM3S2918-IQC50-A2, LM3S2678-IQC50-A2 trades CAN for USB and reduced memory, making it unsuitable for fieldbus nodes but viable for HID or firmware-upgrade interfaces; TM4C123GH6PM offers architectural upgrades and extended support but requires PCB redesign due to non-pin-compatibility.

Availability

LM3S2918-IQC50-A2 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial motor control, factory automation gateways, remote environmental sensor hubs, and energy meter data loggers requiring stable component supply and long-term obsolescence planning.

Supply support for LM3S2918-IQC50-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 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 requiring integrated CAN, low-power hibernation, and deterministic ARM Cortex-M3 performance - preceding TI's Tiva C migration path.

FAQ

What is the maximum operating frequency of the LM3S2918-IQC50-A2?

The LM3S2918-IQC50-A2 operates at a maximum system clock frequency of 50 MHz, achieved using its internal PLL driven by either the internal 6 MHz oscillator or an external crystal. This speed is fully supported across the full industrial temperature range (–40°C to +85°C) and enables real-time execution of motor control algorithms, CAN message processing, and ADC sampling at up to 1 MSPS. The LM3S2918-IQC50-A2 maintains timing specifications without derating under rated voltage and thermal conditions.

Does the LM3S2918-IQC50-A2 include a CAN controller?

Yes, the LM3S2918-IQC50-A2 integrates a fully compliant CAN 2.0A/B controller with 32 message objects, programmable acceptance filtering, and dedicated CANRX/CANTX pins. It supports bit rates up to 1 Mbps and includes automatic retransmission, error confinement, and bus-off recovery. The LM3S2918-IQC50-A2 does not include a physical CAN transceiver - an external transceiver such as the SN65HVD230 must be used for bus coupling.

What power-saving modes does the LM3S2918-IQC50-A2 support?

The LM3S2918-IQC50-A2 supports multiple low-power states including Sleep, Deep-Sleep, and Hibernation. Its dedicated hibernation module achieves <1.5 µA typical current draw while retaining RTC operation, 2 KB of battery-backed RAM, and wake capability via RTC alarm or external pin. This makes the LM3S2918-IQC50-A2 suitable for battery-powered remote sensors and energy-harvesting applications where multi-year runtime is required.

Is the LM3S2918-IQC50-A2 pin-compatible with other Stellaris devices?

The LM3S2918-IQC50-A2 uses a 100-pin LQFP package (14 mm × 14 mm, 0.5 mm pitch) shared with several other LM3S devices including LM3S2678-IQC50-A2 and LM3S2776-IQC50-A2. However, pin functions differ significantly across variants - for example, CAN0RX/CAN0TX appear on different pins in LM3S2678, and USB signals replace CAN in some variants. Direct replacement requires verification of signal mapping and peripheral enablement in the target design; the LM3S2918-IQC50-A2 is not universally pin-compatible across the Stellaris family.

What development tools support the LM3S2918-IQC50-A2?

The LM3S2918-IQC50-A2 is supported by TI's legacy StellarisWare Peripheral Driver Library, Keil MDK-ARM (v4.x), IAR Embedded Workbench for ARM (v6.x), and GCC-based toolchains including Sourcery CodeBench. Debugging is enabled via JTAG/SWD using TI XDS100v2 or Segger J-Link adapters. Evaluation boards such as the EK-LM3S2918 were officially discontinued after 2015, but existing hardware remains functional with maintained software toolchains.