Texas Instruments LM3S3748-IQC50-A0

Overview

LM3S3748-IQC50-A0 from Texas Instruments is a 32-bit ARM Cortex-M3 microcontroller with 256 KB flash, 64 KB SRAM, integrated hibernation module, 12-bit ADC (up to 1 MSPS), and dual UARTs + SSI + I²C interfaces. It operates at 50 MHz and supports industrial temperature range (–40°C to +85°C) in a 100-pin LQFP package. Used in motor control, sensor hubs, and embedded HMI systems requiring low-power operation with real-time responsiveness.

For engineers reviewing the LM3S3748-IQC50-A0 datasheet, LM3S3748-IQC50-A0 pinout, LM3S3748-IQC50-A0 application, or LM3S3748-IQC50-A0 equivalent, key selection criteria include its hibernation-optimized power management, on-chip ROM-based StellarisWare® peripheral drivers, and support for deterministic interrupt latency under 12 clock cycles - critical for closed-loop motor timing and battery-backed RTC applications.

Technical Context

The LM3S3748-IQC50-A0 implements the ARMv7-M architecture with Thumb-2 instruction set, delivering 1.25 DMIPS/MHz performance. Its system-level integration includes a μDMA controller supporting 32-channel arbitration, a hibernation module with battery-backed RTC and 2 KB SRAM, and a programmable system clock tree with PLL-based 50 MHz core frequency derived from internal or external oscillators.

Peripherals are memory-mapped and accessible via APB bus; interrupt handling uses NVIC with 64 vectorized IRQ lines and configurable priority grouping. The device features hardware-enforced memory protection (MPU), JTAG/SWD debug interface, and dedicated analog subsystem including differential ADC sampling and internal temperature sensor.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

LM3S3748-IQC50-A0 is housed in a 100-pin LQFP (14 mm × 14 mm, 0.5 mm pitch) package with exposed thermal pad. Pin assignments follow TI's standard Stellaris LM3S pin compatibility across the IQC50 speed grade.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with LM4F120H5QR and TM4C123GH6PM, the LM3S3748-IQC50-A0 delivers lower system cost and proven reliability in hibernation-critical applications, trading FPU and CAN for superior ultra-low-power RTC retention and simpler qualification path in safety-limited deployments.

Availability

LM3S3748-IQC50-A0 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial motor control, smart sensor nodes, HMI panels, and PLC I/O modules requiring stable component supply and long-lifecycle support.

Supply support for LM3S3748-IQC50-A0 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 product line was designed specifically for cost-effective, low-power, real-time embedded control applications - emphasizing integrated hibernation, deterministic interrupt response, and ROM-based firmware portability across the ARM Cortex-M3 ecosystem.

FAQ

What is the maximum operating frequency of the LM3S3748-IQC50-A0?

The LM3S3748-IQC50-A0 operates at a maximum system clock frequency of 50 MHz, achieved via an internal PLL that multiplies the input oscillator signal. This speed is guaranteed across the full industrial temperature range (–40°C to +85°C) and supports real-time execution of motor control algorithms and sensor fusion routines without external clock acceleration. The LM3S3748-IQC50-A0 maintains consistent timing margins even under voltage droop conditions due to its adaptive clock gating architecture.

Does the LM3S3748-IQC50-A0 include on-chip debug support?

Yes, the LM3S3748-IQC50-A0 integrates a full-featured JTAG and SWD debug interface compliant with ARM CoreSight standards. It supports breakpoints, watchpoints, real-time trace via TPIU, and memory inspection during active execution. Debug access is retained even in hibernation mode for low-power validation, and the LM3S3748-IQC50-A0 is fully compatible with TI's Code Composer Studio™ and third-party tools like Segger J-Link. No external debug probe is required beyond standard 10-pin ARM JTAG cabling.

What peripheral interfaces are available on the LM3S3748-IQC50-A0?

The LM3S3748-IQC50-A0 provides two UARTs (with IrDA and modem control), two SSI modules (SPI master/slave), one I²C controller, eight general-purpose timers (including 32-bit RTC-capable), a watchdog timer, 12-bit ADC with eight channels, and USB 2.0 device/OTG support. All interfaces are accessible through multiplexed GPIO pins and support DMA transfers. The LM3S3748-IQC50-A0 does not include CAN or Ethernet peripherals - those require migration to the TM4C series.

How much hibernation-protected memory does the LM3S3748-IQC50-A0 provide?

The LM3S3748-IQC50-A0 includes 2 KB of battery-backed SRAM within its hibernation module, which remains powered and retain data during deep-sleep modes drawing only 1.7 µA. This memory is mapped to a fixed address range and supports read/write access while hibernating. Additionally, the hibernation module contains a 32-bit real-time counter, calibration registers, and wake-up sources including external pins and RTC match events - all managed independently of the main CPU. The LM3S3748-IQC50-A0 uses this capability to maintain timekeeping and state persistence without external components.

Is the LM3S3748-IQC50-A0 pin-compatible with other Stellaris devices?

The LM3S3748-IQC50-A0 shares the same 100-pin LQFP package and pinout with other LM3S devices in the IQC50 speed grade, including LM3S3634, LM3S3749, and LM3S8962. Signal mapping for power, ground, JTAG, and primary peripherals (UART0, SSI0, I²C0) is identical across this group. However, secondary peripherals such as USB, ADC channel routing, and GPIO alternate functions may differ - always verify register-level configuration and reference the specific device datasheet before substitution. The LM3S3748-IQC50-A0 is not pin-compatible with LM3S1xxx or LM3S2xxx families.