Texas Instruments LM3S8930-IQC50-A2T

Overview

LM3S8930-IQC50-A2T from Texas Instruments is a 32-bit ARM Cortex-M3 microcontroller with 256 KB flash, 64 KB SRAM, integrated CAN, Ethernet MAC, USB Device, and hibernation module. It operates at 50 MHz, supports -40°C to +85°C industrial temperature range, and targets embedded control in motor drives and industrial automation.

For engineers reviewing the LM3S8930-IQC50-A2T datasheet, LM3S8930-IQC50-A2T pinout, LM3S8930-IQC50-A2T application, or LM3S8930-IQC50-A2T equivalent, key selection factors include its dual CAN interface, 10/100 Ethernet MAC, hibernation power management, and QFP-100 package compatibility with legacy Stellaris designs.

Technical Context

The LM3S8930-IQC50-A2T integrates an ARM Cortex-M3 core with nested vectored interrupt controller (NVIC), memory protection unit (MPU), and SysTick timer. It features a dedicated hibernation module with battery-backed RTC and SRAM, enabling ultra-low-power wake-up from deep sleep states.

Peripherals include one 10/100 Ethernet MAC (no PHY), two CAN 2.0B controllers, one USB 2.0 Device controller, four UARTs, two SSI ports, two I²C modules, eight PWM outputs, and six general-purpose timers - all clocked from a programmable PLL-based system clock up to 50 MHz.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

LM3S8930-IQC50-A2T is housed in a 100-pin LQFP (14 mm × 14 mm, 0.5 mm pitch) with exposed thermal pad. Pin functions are defined across GPIO Port A–F, analog inputs, JTAG/SWD debug, and peripheral-specific signals including CANH/CANL, RMII signals (TXD0/TXD1/TXEN/RXDV/CRS), USB D+/D−, and hibernation control pins (HIBRST, HIBACK).

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with LM3S8930-IQC50-A2T, LM3S9B92-IQC50-A2T offers direct memory scalability without layout change, while TM4C123GH6PM delivers higher clock speed and USB host capability at the cost of losing integrated hibernation - requiring redesign if sub-µA sleep with RTC retention is mandatory.

Availability

LM3S8930-IQC50-A2T is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial motor control, building automation gateways, and remote terminal units requiring stable component supply and long-term lifecycle support.

Supply support for LM3S8930-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 connectivity technologies since 1930.

The Stellaris LM3S series was TI's first ARM Cortex-M3-based MCU line, designed specifically for deterministic real-time control in industrial, medical, and infrastructure applications with integrated connectivity and low-power hibernation.

FAQ

What is the maximum operating frequency of the LM3S8930-IQC50-A2T?

The LM3S8930-IQC50-A2T operates at a maximum system clock frequency of 50 MHz. This is achieved using an internal PLL that multiplies the input crystal or oscillator frequency. The Cortex-M3 core, flash memory, and all peripherals are fully rated for reliable operation at this speed, with zero-wait-state execution from flash at 50 MHz due to its 128-bit wide interface. LM3S8930-IQC50-A2T does not support overclocking beyond 50 MHz per TI's production specifications.

Does the LM3S8930-IQC50-A2T include an Ethernet PHY?

No, the LM3S8930-IQC50-A2T integrates only a 10/100 Ethernet MAC compliant with IEEE 802.3, not a physical layer (PHY). It requires an external RMII-compliant PHY such as the DP83848 or LAN8720 to complete the Ethernet interface. The MAC provides TXD0/TXD1/TXEN/RXDV/CRS/REFCLK signals and supports full-duplex operation with DMA acceleration. LM3S8930-IQC50-A2T's RMII interface is electrically and logically compatible with industry-standard PHYs.

Is the LM3S8930-IQC50-A2T pin-compatible with other Stellaris devices?

Yes, LM3S8930-IQC50-A2T is pin-compatible with other 100-pin LQFP Stellaris MCUs in the LM3S8xxx and LM3S9xxx families, including LM3S811, LM3S8962, and LM3S9B92. All share identical pin numbering, power/ground assignments, and peripheral signal mapping on Ports A–F. This allows hardware reuse across designs targeting different memory sizes or peripheral subsets, provided software accounts for variant-specific feature enablement. LM3S8930-IQC50-A2T maintains full mechanical and electrical compatibility within this footprint group.

What power modes does the LM3S8930-IQC50-A2T support?

The LM3S8930-IQC50-A2T supports Sleep, Deep-Sleep, and Hibernation modes. Sleep mode disables the CPU while keeping peripherals active; Deep-Sleep gates clocks to most peripherals; Hibernation shuts down the entire system except the hibernation module, retaining RTC time and 8 KB SRAM on battery backup. Wake-up sources include GPIO, RTC match, and external interrupts. LM3S8930-IQC50-A2T achieves sub-1 µA current in hibernation with external battery applied to VBAT.

Can the LM3S8930-IQC50-A2T be programmed via SWD instead of JTAG?

Yes, the LM3S8930-IQC50-A2T supports both JTAG and Serial Wire Debug (SWD) interfaces using the same physical pins (TCK, TMS, TDI, TDO, nTRST). SWD mode is enabled by asserting specific sequences on TMS/TCK during reset, and it uses fewer pins (SWDIO and SWCLK) for debugging and programming. TI's Stellaris ICDI and third-party tools like Segger J-Link fully support SWD for LM3S8930-IQC50-A2T firmware loading and real-time debugging. LM3S8930-IQC50-A2T's debug architecture is identical across the Stellaris generation.