Texas Instruments LM3S6911-IQC50-A2T

Overview

LM3S6911-IQC50-A2T from Texas Instruments is a 32-bit ARM Cortex-M3 microcontroller with 256 KB flash, 64 KB SRAM, integrated Ethernet MAC, dual UARTs, I²C, SSI, analog comparators, and hibernation module. It operates at 50 MHz, supports -40°C to +85°C industrial temperature range, and targets embedded control in networked industrial devices.

For engineers reviewing the LM3S6911-IQC50-A2T datasheet, LM3S6911-IQC50-A2T pinout, LM3S6911-IQC50-A2T application, or LM3S6911-IQC50-A2T equivalent, key selection criteria include Ethernet MAC integration, hibernation power management, 100-pin LQFP package compatibility, and Cortex-M3 deterministic interrupt latency for real-time motor or sensor control.

Technical Context

The LM3S6911-IQC50-A2T implements the ARM Cortex-M3 core with Thumb-2 instruction set, NVIC supporting up to 48 interrupts, and SysTick timer. Its system-level architecture includes a memory protection unit (MPU), debug interface via JTAG, and configurable clock tree with PLL-based 50 MHz operation.

Peripherals are memory-mapped and accessed via APB bus; the integrated Ethernet MAC supports MII interface with internal DMA controller, while the hibernation module provides RTC, battery-backed RAM, and wake-on-external-event capability - all independently clocked from main system domain.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

LM3S6911-IQC50-A2T is housed in a 100-pin LQFP package (JEDEC MO-137AC) with exposed thermal pad. Pin functions are defined across five GPIO ports (A–E), plus dedicated peripheral pins for Ethernet MII, USB, oscillators, reset, and debug.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with LM3S6965-IQC50-A2T and TM4C123GH6PM, the LM3S6911-IQC50-A2T uniquely balances Ethernet MAC integration, industrial-grade hibernation, and Cortex-M3 real-time determinism - making it optimal for cost-sensitive, battery-aware, wired industrial nodes where USB or floating-point are unnecessary.

Availability

LM3S6911-IQC50-A2T is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial gateways, smart sensor nodes, PLC I/O modules, and networked motor controllers requiring stable component supply and long-term lifecycle support.

Supply support for LM3S6911-IQC50-A2T 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 since 1930.

The LM3S6911-IQC50-A2T belongs to the Stellaris LM3S family - designed specifically for cost-effective, Ethernet-connected industrial control applications requiring robust low-power operation and deterministic real-time performance.

FAQ

What is the maximum operating frequency of the LM3S6911-IQC50-A2T?

The LM3S6911-IQC50-A2T operates at a maximum system clock frequency of 50 MHz, achieved via its internal PLL configured from an external crystal or oscillator. This frequency is specified across the full industrial temperature range (-40°C to +85°C) and is validated per Texas Instruments production data. The LM3S6911-IQC50-A2T does not support overclocking beyond 50 MHz, and all peripherals-including Ethernet MAC and UARTs-are timed relative to this clock domain.

Does the LM3S6911-IQC50-A2T include an integrated Ethernet PHY?

No, the LM3S6911-IQC50-A2T integrates only the Ethernet MAC layer and requires an external PHY for physical-layer signaling. It provides a standard MII interface with dedicated pins (MII_RX_CLK, MII_TX_EN, MII_TXD[0:3], etc.) and supports common 10/100 Mbps PHYs. The LM3S6911-IQC50-A2T itself contains no transformer or line-driver circuitry - those remain external components in the signal path.

What power-saving features does the LM3S6911-IQC50-A2T support?

The LM3S6911-IQC50-A2T supports multiple low-power modes including sleep, deep-sleep, and hibernate. Its dedicated hibernation module enables sub-µA operation with RTC running and 2 KB of RAM retained using a coin-cell backup supply. Wake-up sources include external pins, RTC match events, and HIB interrupt - all managed independently of the main CPU domain. This makes the LM3S6911-IQC50-A2T especially effective in battery-powered Ethernet nodes.

Is the LM3S6911-IQC50-A2T pin-compatible with other Stellaris LM3S devices?

The LM3S6911-IQC50-A2T uses a 100-pin LQFP package shared with several LM3S variants (e.g., LM3S6965, LM3S8962), but pin functions differ significantly across models. While mechanical footprint is identical, signal assignments for peripherals like USB, analog inputs, or additional timers vary. Therefore, the LM3S6911-IQC50-A2T is not pin-compatible with other LM3S parts without board-level redesign - always verify pin mapping against the specific device's signal table before substitution.

What development tools are supported for the LM3S6911-IQC50-A2T?

Texas Instruments provides full toolchain support for the LM3S6911-IQC50-A2T, including Keil MDK-ARM, IAR Embedded Workbench, and open-source GCC-based toolchains. Debugging is enabled via JTAG interface using TI's XDS100v2 or compatible emulators. StellarisWare Peripheral Driver Library and example projects are available for rapid prototyping of Ethernet, hibernation, and motor control applications - all validated for the LM3S6911-IQC50-A2T.