Texas Instruments LM3S8938-IQC50-A2T
- Part No.:
- LM3S8938-IQC50-A2T
- Manufacturer:
- Texas Instruments
- Category:
- Microcontrollers
- Package:
- 100-LQFP
- Datasheet:
-
LM3S8938-IQC50-A2T.pdf
- Description:
- IC MCU 32BIT 256KB FLASH 100LQFP
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

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Product details
Overview
LM3S8938-IQC50-A2T from Texas Instruments is a 32-bit ARM Cortex-M3 microcontroller with 256 KB flash, 64 KB SRAM, integrated CAN 2.0B controller, 12-bit ADC (8-channel), dual UARTs, SSI, I²C, and hibernation module. It operates at 50 MHz and supports industrial motor control and embedded automation systems requiring real-time communication and low-power operation.
For engineers reviewing the LM3S8938-IQC50-A2T datasheet, LM3S8938-IQC50-A2T pinout, LM3S8938-IQC50-A2T application, or LM3S8938-IQC50-A2T equivalent, key selection criteria include its 50 MHz CPU clock, CAN interface compliance, hibernation current of 1.7 µA, 12-bit ADC resolution, and QFP-100 package compatibility with industrial temperature range (-40°C to +85°C).
Technical Context
The LM3S8938-IQC50-A2T implements the ARM Cortex-M3 core with NVIC, SysTick, and MPU for deterministic real-time execution. It integrates a dedicated CAN 2.0B controller with 32 message objects, hardware FIFO, and programmable bit timing - enabling robust automotive and industrial bus communication without external transceivers.
Its analog subsystem includes an 8-channel, 12-bit ADC with sample sequencers and hardware averaging, while the hibernation module provides RTC, battery-backed memory, and wake-up from 1.7 µA deep-sleep mode - supporting energy-constrained remote monitoring applications.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| CPU Core | ARM Cortex-M3, 50 MHz max - enables deterministic interrupt latency & real-time task scheduling |
| Flash / RAM | 256 KB flash / 64 KB SRAM - sufficient for standalone firmware with CAN protocol stack and sensor processing |
| CAN Interface | CAN 2.0B compliant, 32 message objects - supports multi-node industrial networks with prioritized message arbitration |
| ADC | 12-bit, 8-channel, up to 1 MSPS - suitable for precision motor current sensing and temperature monitoring |
| Hibernate Current | 1.7 µA typical - enables battery-powered operation for >1 year in periodic wake-up sensor nodes |
| Package | 100-pin LQFP (14 × 14 mm), IC suffix = Industrial temp (-40°C to +85°C) - compatible with standard PCB assembly processes |
| Peripherals | Dual UART, SSI, I²C, 6x GPTM, WDT, GPIO - supports serial sensor interfacing, display control, and system supervision |
Pinout & Package
LM3S8938-IQC50-A2T is housed in a 100-pin LQFP (14 mm × 14 mm, 0.5 mm pitch) package rated for industrial temperature range (-40°C to +85°C). Pin assignments are defined per TI SPMS174I datasheet Rev I (July 2014).
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| VDD / VDDA / VDDC | Power supply inputs | Separate digital (VDD), analog (VDDA), and core (VDDC) rails - enable noise isolation for ADC and PLL stability |
| GND / GNDA / GNDC | Ground returns | Dedicated analog/digital/core ground pins - minimize coupling between signal domains |
| PA0–PA7, PB0–PB7, etc. | GPIO banks A–F | Configurable 5-V-tolerant I/O with slew-rate control - support direct connection to sensors, LEDs, and logic-level peripherals |
| CAN0RX / CAN0TX | CAN physical layer interface | Dedicated differential CAN bus pins - require external transceiver (e.g., SN65HVD230) for bus termination and level translation |
| USB0VBUS / USB0ID | USB OTG detection | Supports USB device/host negotiation - enables firmware updates via USB without additional controller |
| HIBERNATE / RTCCLK | Hibernation module interface | Enables ultra-low-power wake-up using external crystal (32.768 kHz) or internal oscillator - critical for battery-backed timekeeping |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Integrated CAN 2.0B Controller | 32 message objects with hardware acceptance filtering - eliminates need for external CAN protocol processor in motor drives |
| Hibernation Module | 1.7 µA sleep current with RTC, battery-backed RAM, and wake-on-external-interrupt - extends battery life in wireless sensor nodes |
| 12-bit ADC with Hardware Averaging | Up to 8 simultaneous channels, configurable sample sequencing, and 4× hardware averaging - improves SNR for analog sensor readings without CPU overhead |
| ARM Cortex-M3 Core | Thumb-2 instruction set, NVIC with 8-level priority, MPU - ensures deterministic response to CAN interrupts and real-time control loops |
| Dual UART with IrDA Support | Independent baud-rate generators, 16-byte FIFOs, and SIR encoder/decoder - enables legacy serial diagnostics and infrared remote configuration |
Applications
| Industrial Motor Control | Building Automation Node |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Closed-loop control of BLDC motors in HVAC blowers with position feedback and thermal monitoring. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Real-time execution of FOC algorithm, CAN-based command distribution, and ADC sampling of phase currents and thermistors. Use Value: 50 MHz Cortex-M3 delivers sub-10 µs interrupt latency; integrated CAN and 12-bit ADC reduce BOM count by eliminating external protocol ICs and precision ADCs. | Use Scenario: Wireless-connected thermostat node with occupancy sensing, ambient temperature/humidity measurement, and HVAC actuator control. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Sensor data acquisition, local decision logic, CAN bus communication with central controller, and hibernation management between sensor reads. Use Value: 1.7 µA hibernate current enables 2+ year battery life; dual UART supports both Zigbee module debug and IR remote pairing. |
| Energy Metering Gateway | Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) I/O Module |
Use Scenario: Substation gateway aggregating pulse outputs from mechanical meters and communicating via CAN to SCADA systems. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: High-accuracy timestamping of meter pulses, CAN message framing, and secure firmware update over UART. Use Value: Hardware RTC with hibernation retention ensures time-stamp integrity during power loss; 256 KB flash stores dual firmware images for fail-safe updates. | Use Scenario: DIN-rail mounted I/O expansion module converting discrete 24 VDC inputs to CAN-based status reporting in factory automation lines. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Isolated input conditioning, debounce logic, CAN message generation, and watchdog supervision. Use Value: GPIOs with programmable slew rate and 5-V tolerance simplify interface to industrial-level signals; integrated WDT prevents lockup in unattended operation. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar microcontroller applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| TM4C123GH6PM | Successor part: 80 MHz Cortex-M4F, 256 KB flash, same 100-pin LQFP, adds FPU and enhanced PWM - but no hibernation module | Requires redesign for hibernation-dependent battery life; better suited for math-intensive control where FPU adds value | Select TM4C123GH6PM only if floating-point computation or higher CPU throughput is required and hibernation current is not critical |
| STM32F103ZET6 | ARM Cortex-M3, 512 KB flash, 64 KB RAM, 2x CAN, but no hibernation module; operates at 72 MHz, uses different peripheral register map | Lacks ultra-low-power hibernation capability; requires external RTC and backup power circuitry for timekeeping | Choose STM32F103ZET6 when larger flash capacity and dual CAN are needed, and system design accommodates external low-power timekeeping |
Compared with TM4C123GH6PM and STM32F103ZET6, the LM3S8938-IQC50-A2T uniquely balances 50 MHz real-time performance, integrated CAN, and 1.7 µA hibernation - making it optimal for cost-sensitive, battery-aware industrial nodes where legacy StellarisWare software reuse is valuable.
Availability
LM3S8938-IQC50-A2T is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial motor control, building automation nodes, energy metering gateways, and PLC I/O modules requiring stable component supply across extended product lifecycles.
Supply support for LM3S8938-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 for industrial, automotive, and consumer markets.
The Stellaris LM3S family was designed specifically for cost-effective, real-time embedded control applications requiring integrated communication (CAN, UART, I²C), analog sensing, and ultra-low-power hibernation - targeting industrial automation and motor control.
FAQ
What is the maximum operating frequency of the LM3S8938-IQC50-A2T?
The LM3S8938-IQC50-A2T operates at a maximum CPU clock frequency of 50 MHz, as specified in the Texas Instruments SPMS174I datasheet. This speed is achieved using the internal PLL with a crystal or external clock source. The 50 MHz rating applies across the full industrial temperature range (-40°C to +85°C) and is validated under production test conditions. The LM3S8938-IQC50-A2T does not support overclocking beyond this specification.
Does the LM3S8938-IQC50-A2T include a hardware CAN controller?
Yes, the LM3S8938-IQC50-A2T integrates a fully compliant CAN 2.0B controller with 32 message objects, programmable bit timing, and hardware message filtering. It supports both standard and extended identifiers and includes dedicated CAN0RX and CAN0TX pins. The LM3S8938-IQC50-A2T requires an external CAN transceiver (e.g., SN65HVD230) for physical layer interfacing, but all protocol handling is performed on-chip.
What is the hibernation current specification for the LM3S8938-IQC50-A2T?
The LM3S8938-IQC50-A2T achieves a typical hibernation current of 1.7 µA when the hibernation module is active with RTC running and battery-backed RAM enabled. This value is measured at 3.3 V and 25°C per the SPMS174I datasheet. The LM3S8938-IQC50-A2T maintains real-time clock operation and retains 2 KB of SRAM during hibernation, enabling rapid wake-up with minimal power consumption.
How many ADC channels does the LM3S8938-IQC50-A2T support, and what is its resolution?
The LM3S8938-IQC50-A2T features a single 12-bit analog-to-digital converter with up to 8 input channels (AIN0–AIN7), configurable via sample sequencers. It supports hardware averaging of up to 64 samples per conversion to improve effective resolution and noise immunity. The LM3S8938-IQC50-A2T's ADC is optimized for industrial sensor interfacing, including thermistors and current shunts, with dedicated VDDA/GNDA rails for analog noise isolation.
Is the LM3S8938-IQC50-A2T pin-compatible with other Stellaris LM3S devices?
The LM3S8938-IQC50-A2T uses a 100-pin LQFP package with a specific pinout defined in the SPMS174I datasheet. While other LM3S devices (e.g., LM3S811, LM3S3748) share the same package outline, they are not pin-compatible due to differences in peripheral mapping, GPIO assignment, and power pin placement. The LM3S8938-IQC50-A2T must be treated as a unique pinout - board layout cannot be reused without verification against its dedicated pin diagram.
LM3S8938-IQC50-A2T Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Texas Instruments
- Package/Case:
- 100-LQFP
- Series:
- Stellaris® ARM® Cortex®-M3S 8000
- Packaging:
- Tape & Reel (TR)
- Product Status:
- Obsolete
- Programmable:
- Verified
- Core Processor:
- ARM® Cortex®-M3
- Core Size:
- 32-Bit Single-Core
- Speed:
- 50MHz
- Connectivity:
- CANbus, Ethernet, I2C, IrDA, Microwire, SPI, SSI, UART/USART
- Peripherals:
- Brown-out Detect/Reset, POR, PWM, WDT
- Number of I/O:
- 38
- Program Memory Size:
- 256KB (256K x 8)
- Program Memory Type:
- FLASH
- EEPROM Size:
- -
- RAM Size:
- 64K x 8
- Voltage - Supply (Vcc/Vdd):
- 2.25V ~ 2.75V
- Data Converters:
- A/D 8x10b
- Oscillator Type:
- Internal
- Operating Temperature:
- -40°C ~ 85°C (TA)
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
LM3S8938-IQC50-A2T FAQ
1.How can I place an order for LM3S8938-IQC50-A2T through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for LM3S8938-IQC50-A2T on Aetrix. Our sales agent will provide a competitive quotation and guide you through the order confirmation once you accept the terms.
2.Are the price and stock information for LM3S8938-IQC50-A2T reliable?
The price and inventory of LM3S8938-IQC50-A2T are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for LM3S8938-IQC50-A2T is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for LM3S8938-IQC50-A2T?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for LM3S8938-IQC50-A2T transactions.
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4.How is shipping managed for LM3S8938-IQC50-A2T?
LM3S8938-IQC50-A2T orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your LM3S8938-IQC50-A2T order is processed, you will receive an email with the shipment details and tracking number.
Note: Tracking information may take up to 24 hours to appear. Express delivery typically takes 3–5 business days.
5.How can I obtain technical support or documentation for LM3S8938-IQC50-A2T?
For technical support, including LM3S8938-IQC50-A2T datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your LM3S8938-IQC50-A2T requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that LM3S8938-IQC50-A2T is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All LM3S8938-IQC50-A2T products on Aetrix are procured from qualified distributors and authorized channels. Our dedicated quality assurance team conducts strict verification, including traceability checks and, if necessary, third-party testing. This ensures that LM3S8938-IQC50-A2T meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of LM3S8938-IQC50-A2T?
All LM3S8938-IQC50-A2T units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with LM3S8938-IQC50-A2T, returns or replacements are accepted under the following conditions:
1.Quantity discrepancies, incorrect items, or visible external defects (such as breakage or corrosion), acknowledged by Aetrix.
2.The issue is reported within 90 days of delivery.
3.The LM3S8938-IQC50-A2T part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for LM3S8938-IQC50-A2T:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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