Texas Instruments LM3S5737-IQC50-A0

Overview

LM3S5737-IQC50-A0 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), 3 UARTs, 2 SSI/SPI, 3 CAN controllers, USB Full-Speed Device/Host/OTG, and 10/100 Ethernet MAC+PHY with IEEE 1588 support. Designed for real-time industrial control applications including HVAC systems and factory automation.

For engineers reviewing the LM3S5737-IQC50-A0 datasheet, LM3S5737-IQC50-A0 pinout, LM3S5737-IQC50-A0 application, or LM3S5737-IQC50-A0 equivalent, key selection criteria include its integrated Ethernet PHY, deterministic interrupt latency (12 cycles), 5V-tolerant GPIOs, hardware motion control peripherals (PWM, QEI), and ROM-based Stellaris Peripheral Driver Library support.

Technical Context

The LM3S5737-IQC50-A0 implements the ARM Cortex-M3 core with Thumb-2 instruction set, delivering 1.25 DMIPS/MHz performance and deterministic 12-cycle interrupt response. Its system architecture includes a 32-channel DMA controller, NVIC, and SWD/JTAG debug interface.

It features dedicated hardware acceleration for motion control-including quadrature encoder inputs, dead-band generator, and 8 PWM outputs-and integrates analog subsystems with two independent 10-bit ADCs (each with 8 channels, 1 Msps sampling rate) and three analog comparators with internal reference.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: 48-pin LQFP (7 mm × 7 mm, 0.5 mm pitch), RoHS-compliant, industrial temperature range (–40°C to +85°C).

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with LM3S6965-IQC50-A0, the LM3S5737-IQC50-A0 provides integrated Ethernet PHY and third CAN channel at the cost of EPI support-making it superior for time-sensitive industrial networking. Versus TM4C123GH6PM, it offers lower-system-cost Ethernet connectivity but lacks FPU and has reached end-of-life status per TI documentation.

Availability

LM3S5737-IQC50-A0 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial automation, building control, and medical device applications requiring stable component supply and long-term manufacturability assurance.

Supply support for LM3S5737-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, delivering analog and embedded processing solutions for industrial, automotive, and consumer markets.

The LM3S5737-IQC50-A0 belongs to the Stellaris family of ARM Cortex-M3 microcontrollers, engineered specifically for cost-sensitive, real-time embedded control applications demanding integrated connectivity (Ethernet, CAN, USB) and deterministic performance.

FAQ

What is the maximum operating frequency of the LM3S5737-IQC50-A0?

The LM3S5737-IQC50-A0 operates at a maximum system clock frequency of 50 MHz. This speed is achieved using the internal precision oscillator or an external crystal, and is fully supported across all integrated peripherals including Ethernet, USB, and ADCs. The ARM Cortex-M3 core delivers 1.25 DMIPS/MHz at this frequency, enabling efficient execution of real-time control algorithms within the LM3S5737-IQC50-A0.

Does the LM3S5737-IQC50-A0 include an integrated Ethernet PHY?

Yes, the LM3S5737-IQC50-A0 integrates a full 10/100 Ethernet MAC and PHY in a single die. This eliminates the need for an external PHY IC and associated magnetics interface components, reducing bill-of-materials cost and PCB footprint. The integrated PHY supports both MII and RMII modes and includes IEEE 1588 timestamping capability-key for time-critical industrial networking applications using the LM3S5737-IQC50-A0.

How much Flash and SRAM memory does the LM3S5737-IQC50-A0 have?

The LM3S5737-IQC50-A0 contains 256 KB of on-chip Flash memory and 96 KB of SRAM. The Flash is used for program storage and supports in-application programming (IAP), while the SRAM accommodates runtime variables, stack, heap, and protocol buffers. Additionally, the LM3S5737-IQC50-A0 includes ROM-resident Stellaris Peripheral Driver Library, freeing Flash space for application code-enhancing effective utilization of the 256 KB Flash in the LM3S5737-IQC50-A0.

What analog peripherals are integrated into the LM3S5737-IQC50-A0?

The LM3S5737-IQC50-A0 integrates two independent 10-bit analog-to-digital converters (ADCs), each with 8 input channels and 1 Msps sampling rate; three analog comparators with programmable reference; and an internal temperature sensor. These analog resources support simultaneous high-precision sensor acquisition-such as motor current, voltage, and thermal monitoring-in real-time control loops executed by the LM3S5737-IQC50-A0.

Is the LM3S5737-IQC50-A0 pin-compatible with other Stellaris MCUs in the same package?

No, the LM3S5737-IQC50-A0 is not universally pin-compatible with other 48-pin LQFP Stellaris MCUs. While it shares the same physical package, pin assignments for peripherals like Ethernet, USB, and CAN differ across variants (e.g., LM3S6965 uses different Ethernet pins). Engineers must consult the specific LM3S5737-IQC50-A0 datasheet for exact pin mapping and verify signal routing before board reuse. Pin compatibility cannot be assumed even within the same family and package.