Texas Instruments LM3S608-IQN50-C2

Overview

LM3S608-IQN50-C2 from Texas Instruments is a 32-bit ARM Cortex-M3 microcontroller with 64 KB flash, 24 KB SRAM, integrated ADC (10-bit, 8-channel), dual UARTs, I²C, SSI, PWM timers, and GPIOs - deployed in industrial motor control, sensor interface, and embedded HMI systems.

For engineers reviewing the LM3S608-IQN50-C2 datasheet, LM3S608-IQN50-C2 pinout, LM3S608-IQN50-C2 application, or LM3S608-IQN50-C2 equivalent, key selection considerations include operating voltage (2.25–3.6 V), maximum CPU frequency (50 MHz), integrated analog peripherals, JTAG/SWD debug support, and QFP-100 package compatibility.

Technical Context

The LM3S608-IQN50-C2 implements the ARM Cortex-M3 core with Thumb-2 instruction set, NVIC-based interrupt handling, and SysTick timer - enabling deterministic real-time execution. It integrates a 10-bit 1-MSPS ADC with hardware averaging and temperature sensor, plus three 16/32-bit general-purpose timers supporting PWM, input capture, and RTC modes.

Peripherals include two UARTs with FIFOs and modem control, one I²C master/slave controller compliant with SMBus v2.0, one SSI module supporting SPI/Microwire, and an analog comparator with programmable reference. All are memory-mapped and accessible via APB bus with configurable clock gating.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

LM3S608-IQN50-C2 is housed in a 100-pin LQFP (14 mm × 14 mm, 0.5 mm pitch) package with exposed thermal pad. Pin assignments support multiplexed peripheral functions and configurable GPIO drive strength (2 mA / 4 mA / 8 mA).

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with LM3S618-IQN50-C2 and TM4C123GH6PM, the LM3S608-IQN50-C2 offers optimal balance of UART-rich serial connectivity, compact 100-pin footprint, and proven qualification for industrial temperature range (–40°C to +85°C), making it ideal for fixed-function gateways and sensor nodes where CAN or floating-point are unnecessary.

Availability

LM3S608-IQN50-C2 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial motor control, sensor data acquisition, embedded HMI, and serial gateway applications requiring stable component supply and long-term obsolescence management.

Supply support for LM3S608-IQN50-C2 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 delivering high-reliability microcontrollers for industrial and automotive markets.

The Stellaris LM3S series was designed specifically for cost-sensitive, real-time embedded applications requiring integrated analog peripherals, deterministic interrupt response, and robust industrial-grade qualification - targeting motor control, sensor interfacing, and industrial communications.

FAQ

What is the maximum operating frequency of the LM3S608-IQN50-C2?

The LM3S608-IQN50-C2 operates at a maximum CPU frequency of 50 MHz, achieved using its internal PLL driven by either the 6 MHz internal oscillator or an external crystal (4–25 MHz). This frequency is fully supported across the industrial temperature range (–40°C to +85°C) and enables real-time execution of motor control algorithms and serial protocol stacks without timing margin concerns. The LM3S608-IQN50-C2 maintains this rating under all specified VDD conditions (2.25–3.6 V).

Does the LM3S608-IQN50-C2 support JTAG debugging?

Yes, the LM3S608-IQN50-C2 supports full JTAG and SWD debugging via dedicated pins (TCK, TMS, TDI, TDO, nTRST) compliant with IEEE 1149.1. It is compatible with TI's XDS100v3 and third-party CMSIS-DAP debug probes for flash programming, breakpoint setting, and real-time variable inspection. The LM3S608-IQN50-C2 also includes integrated debug features such as hardware watchpoints and trace port interface unit (TPIU) support for instruction tracing.

What analog peripherals are integrated into the LM3S608-IQN50-C2?

The LM3S608-IQN50-C2 integrates a 10-bit, 8-channel, 1-MSPS analog-to-digital converter (ADC) with hardware sample averaging (up to 64 samples), an internal temperature sensor calibrated to ±3°C, and a dual analog comparator with programmable reference voltage. These peripherals operate independently of the CPU and support trigger-based sampling synchronized to timers or external events - all confirmed in the official LM3S608 datasheet (SPMS103I, Rev I). No external ADC or comparator IC is required for basic sensor interfacing.

Is the LM3S608-IQN50-C2 pin-compatible with other Stellaris devices?

The LM3S608-IQN50-C2 uses a 100-pin LQFP package with defined pin mapping documented in Section 15 (Pin Diagram) and Section 16 (Signal Tables) of its datasheet. While several LM3S family members share the same 100-pin LQFP footprint (e.g., LM3S618-IQN50-C2), pin functions differ - particularly for peripheral-specific signals like CAN or additional UARTs. Therefore, the LM3S608-IQN50-C2 is not universally pin-compatible; substitution requires verification of signal-level compatibility and register-level initialization changes.

What is the qualified temperature range for the LM3S608-IQN50-C2?

The LM3S608-IQN50-C2 is qualified for industrial operation from –40°C to +85°C ambient temperature, as specified in Section 17 (Operating Characteristics) of the official datasheet (SPMS103I). This rating applies to all electrical parameters including flash programming, ADC accuracy, and GPIO drive strength - ensuring reliable performance in factory automation, outdoor sensor nodes, and motor drive environments without derating.