Texas Instruments LM3S817-EQN50-C2T

Overview

LM3S817-EQN50-C2T 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, SSI, PWM, and analog comparator - designed for real-time industrial control and motor drive applications requiring deterministic interrupt response and on-chip analog signal conditioning.

For engineers reviewing the LM3S817-EQN50-C2T datasheet, LM3S817-EQN50-C2T pinout, LM3S817-EQN50-C2T application, or LM3S817-EQN50-C2T equivalent, key selection criteria include its 50 MHz CPU clock, QFP-100 package with 80 GPIOs, integrated 10-bit ADC with hardware averaging, dual UART support with FIFO, and Cortex-M3 debug infrastructure including SWD/JTAG and SysTick timer.

Technical Context

The LM3S817-EQN50-C2T implements the ARM Cortex-M3 core with Thumb-2 instruction set, nested vectored interrupt controller (NVIC), and memory protection unit (MPU) - enabling deterministic real-time execution and secure peripheral access control. It integrates a 10-bit 1-MSPS ADC with four independent sample sequencers and hardware averaging up to 64 samples per conversion.

Its system-level peripherals include two UARTs with 16-byte FIFOs and modem control signals, one SSI interface supporting Freescale SPI, MICROWIRE, and TI synchronous serial protocols, and a six-channel PWM module with dead-band generation and fault protection - all synchronized via a common system clock tree derived from an internal precision oscillator or external crystal.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

LM3S817-EQN50-C2T is housed in a 100-pin LQFP (Low-Profile Quad Flat Package) with 0.5 mm pitch, thermally enhanced exposed pad, and standard JEDEC MO-137AC footprint - suitable for automated SMT assembly and thermal management in industrial enclosures.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with TM4C123GH6PM and STM32F103VCT6, the LM3S817-EQN50-C2T offers unique integration of analog comparator + hardware ADC averaging in a mature, production-qualified 100-pin QFP package - making it optimal for space-constrained industrial control where mixed-signal determinism outweighs raw compute throughput.

Availability

LM3S817-EQN50-C2T is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial motor control, smart sensor nodes, programmable logic controllers, and power supply monitoring requiring stable component supply and long-term lifecycle assurance.

Supply support for LM3S817-EQN50-C2T 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 engineered specifically for deterministic real-time control in harsh environments - integrating robust analog peripherals, fault-tolerant PWM, and ARM Cortex-M3 architecture to replace legacy 8/16-bit MCUs in industrial automation.

FAQ

What is the maximum operating frequency of the LM3S817-EQN50-C2T?

The LM3S817-EQN50-C2T operates at a maximum CPU clock frequency of 50 MHz, achieved via its internal 6 MHz precision oscillator multiplied by PLL or direct use of external crystal up to 50 MHz. This speed ensures sub-20 ns instruction cycles for time-critical motor control loops and real-time communication stacks. The LM3S817-EQN50-C2T maintains full peripheral functionality across its entire rated temperature range of –40°C to +85°C.

Does the LM3S817-EQN50-C2T support in-circuit debugging?

Yes, the LM3S817-EQN50-C2T includes full SWD and JTAG debug interfaces compliant with ARM CoreSight standards. It supports real-time variable inspection, hardware breakpoints, watchpoints, and trace via TPIU - all accessible through standard tools like TI Code Composer Studio or third-party OpenOCD-based debuggers. The LM3S817-EQN50-C2T retains debug capability even when running from internal flash or external memory.

What analog peripherals are integrated into the LM3S817-EQN50-C2T?

The LM3S817-EQN50-C2T integrates a 10-bit 1-MSPS ADC with eight input channels, four independent sample sequencers, and hardware averaging up to 64 samples per conversion. It also includes two rail-to-rail analog comparators with programmable hysteresis and internal voltage reference. These analog resources are electrically isolated via separate VDDA/VSSA pins - ensuring <1 LSB INL performance for precision sensing tasks in the LM3S817-EQN50-C2T.

Is the LM3S817-EQN50-C2T pin-compatible with other Stellaris devices?

No, the LM3S817-EQN50-C2T is not pin-compatible with other Stellaris family members such as LM3S3748 or LM3S9B92 due to differences in peripheral mapping, GPIO alternate function assignments, and package-specific signal routing. While sharing the same 100-pin LQFP footprint, the LM3S817-EQN50-C2T has unique pin definitions documented in Section 15 (Pin Diagram) and Section 16 (Signal Tables) of its datasheet.

What power supply requirements does the LM3S817-EQN50-C2T have?

The LM3S817-EQN50-C2T requires two independent 3.3 V supplies: VDD for digital logic and VDDA for analog circuitry, each decoupled with 0.1 µF ceramic capacitors near respective pins. Its on-chip LDO regulator accepts 3.6 V to 5.5 V input for VDD and delivers regulated 3.3 V to internal core logic. The LM3S817-EQN50-C2T draws 24 mA typical at 50 MHz active mode and less than 2 µA in deep-sleep with RTC active.