Texas Instruments LM3S618-IGZ50-C2

Overview

LM3S618-IGZ50-C2 from Texas Instruments is a 50 MHz ARM Cortex-M3 microcontroller with 256 KB flash, 32 KB SRAM, integrated ADC (10-bit, 8-channel), dual UARTs, SSI, PWM, QEI, and analog comparator - designed for real-time motor control and industrial sensing applications.

For engineers reviewing the LM3S618-IGZ50-C2 datasheet, LM3S618-IGZ50-C2 pinout, LM3S618-IGZ50-C2 application, or LM3S618-IGZ50-C2 equivalent, key selection criteria include its 50 MHz operation, 100-pin LQFP package, integrated motor control peripherals (PWM + QEI), on-chip voltage regulator, and industrial temperature range (–40°C to +85°C).

Technical Context

The LM3S618-IGZ50-C2 implements the ARM Cortex-M3 core with NVIC, SysTick, and MPU, supporting Thumb-2 instruction set and deterministic interrupt latency down to 12 cycles. It integrates dedicated motor control hardware including quadrature encoder interface (QEI) and PWM with dead-band generation.

Its analog subsystem includes an 8-channel, 10-bit ADC with hardware averaging and internal temperature sensor, while serial connectivity comprises two UARTs (one with IrDA support), one SSI port, and GPIO-configurable peripheral functions - all managed via clock-gated power domains for low-active-power operation.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

LM3S618-IGZ50-C2 is housed in a 100-pin LQFP package (14 mm × 14 mm, 0.5 mm pitch) with exposed thermal pad. Pin assignments follow TI's standardized Stellaris pin mapping for GPIO, peripheral multiplexing, and power integrity.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with TMS320F28027FPTT and STM32F303VCT6, the LM3S618-IGZ50-C2 offers native QEI hardware, deterministic Cortex-M3 interrupt handling, and industrial temperature qualification - making it optimal for cost-sensitive motor control where encoder-based position tracking is essential and DSP-level math is unnecessary.

Availability

LM3S618-IGZ50-C2 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial motor control, factory automation sensor hubs, energy monitoring gateways, and embedded HMI controllers requiring stable component supply and long-term lifecycle support.

Supply support for LM3S618-IGZ50-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 digital signal processing technologies, with decades of industrial and automotive qualification experience.

The Stellaris LM3S series was engineered for deterministic real-time control in resource-constrained industrial systems - emphasizing peripheral integration (QEI, PWM, ADC), low-latency interrupt response, and robust operation across extended temperature ranges.

FAQ

What is the maximum operating frequency of the LM3S618-IGZ50-C2?

The LM3S618-IGZ50-C2 operates at a maximum system clock frequency of 50 MHz, derived from its internal PLL locked to the main oscillator. This frequency is fully supported across the full industrial temperature range (–40°C to +85°C) and enables deterministic real-time execution of motor control algorithms and peripheral handling without throttling.

Does the LM3S618-IGZ50-C2 include hardware debug support?

Yes, the LM3S618-IGZ50-C2 integrates a full ARM CoreSight-compliant debug interface, including SWD/JTAG access, hardware breakpoints, watchpoints, and real-time trace via TPIU. This allows non-intrusive debugging of the LM3S618-IGZ50-C2 during active motor control operation without disrupting timing-critical PWM or QEI functions.

What are the power supply requirements for the LM3S618-IGZ50-C2?

The LM3S618-IGZ50-C2 requires three separate supply rails: VDD (3.3 V ±10%) for digital I/O, VDDA (3.3 V ±10%) for analog circuitry including ADC and comparator, and VDDC (internal 1.25 V regulated) for the Cortex-M3 core. Dedicated ground returns (GNDD, GNDA, GNDC) must be used to maintain noise separation and ADC accuracy.

Can the LM3S618-IGZ50-C2 drive MOSFET gates directly?

No, the LM3S618-IGZ50-C2 GPIO pins are not rated for direct MOSFET gate drive. Its I/Os source/sink up to 8 mA and operate at 3.3 V logic levels. For driving power MOSFETs or IGBTs, external gate drivers (e.g., TI UCC27531) must be used - the LM3S618-IGZ50-C2 generates timing signals and fault logic that feed into those drivers.

Is the LM3S618-IGZ50-C2 still in production and supported by Texas Instruments?

The LM3S618-IGZ50-C2 is a mature product in TI's legacy Stellaris portfolio and is no longer in active production. However, Aetrix Electronics maintains verified inventory with full traceability and provides lifecycle coordination support, including obsolescence forecasting and migration path guidance for new designs requiring functional equivalents.