Texas Instruments LM3S8970-EQC50-A2T
- Part No.:
- LM3S8970-EQC50-A2T
- Manufacturer:
- Texas Instruments
- Category:
- Microcontrollers
- Package:
- 100-LQFP
- Datasheet:
-
LM3S8970-EQC50-A2T.pdf
- Description:
- IC MCU 32BIT 256KB FLASH 100LQFP
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:1,476
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Product details
Overview
LM3S8970-EQC50-A2T from Texas Instruments is a 32-bit ARM Cortex-M3 microcontroller with 256 KB flash, 64 KB SRAM, integrated CAN, Ethernet, UART, I²C, SSI, and PWM peripherals, operating at 50 MHz - used in industrial motor control and embedded networking systems.
For engineers reviewing the LM3S8970-EQC50-A2T datasheet, LM3S8970-EQC50-A2T pinout, LM3S8970-EQC50-A2T application, or LM3S8970-EQC50-A2T equivalent, key selection criteria include its 50 MHz CPU clock, integrated 10/100 Ethernet MAC+PHY, dual CAN 2.0B controllers, hibernation module with RTC and battery-backed memory, and QFP-100 package compatibility.
Technical Context
The LM3S8970-EQC50-A2T implements the ARM Cortex-M3 core with Thumb-2 instruction set, NVIC-based interrupt handling, and MPU for memory protection. It integrates a full 10/100 Ethernet controller with internal PHY, two independent CAN 2.0B modules, and a hibernation module supporting RTC wake-up and battery-backed 2 KB SRAM.
Peripherals include three UARTs (one with IrDA/SIR), two SSI interfaces, one I²C master/slave, eight general-purpose timers (including RTC-capable 32-bit mode), and GPIOs with programmable slew rate and drive strength - all clocked from a configurable PLL-based system clock up to 50 MHz.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| CPU Core | ARM Cortex-M3, 32-bit RISC, supports Thumb-2 instructions and hardware divide |
| Max Clock Speed | 50 MHz - enables real-time deterministic response in motor control loops |
| Flash Memory | 256 KB - sufficient for bootloader + application firmware with OTA update space |
| SRAM | 64 KB main SRAM + 2 KB hibernate SRAM - supports data retention during low-power sleep |
| Integrated Ethernet | 10/100 Mbps MAC + internal PHY - eliminates external PHY component and reduces BOM count |
| CAN Interfaces | Dual CAN 2.0B controllers - supports redundant bus architecture or multi-node diagnostics |
| Hibernation Module | RTC + battery-backed 2 KB SRAM + wake-on-pin/RTC/CAN - enables sub-µA deep-sleep operation |
Pinout & Package
LM3S8970-EQC50-A2T is housed in a 100-pin LQFP (14 mm × 14 mm, 0.5 mm pitch) package with exposed thermal pad. Pin functions are defined per TI SPMS175I datasheet Rev I (July 2014).
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| VDD, VDDA, VDDC | Power supply inputs | Separate analog/digital/core rails enable noise isolation for ADC and timing circuits |
| GND, GNDA, GNDC | Ground returns | Dedicated analog/digital/core ground planes reduce coupling in mixed-signal operation |
| ETH0_RX+, ETH0_RX−, ETH0_TX+, ETH0_TX− | Ethernet differential pairs | Internally terminated 100 Ω differential signaling - direct connection to magnetics required |
| CAN0RX, CAN0TX, CAN1RX, CAN1TX | CAN transceiver I/O | CMOS-level signals - require external CAN transceivers (e.g., SN65HVD230) for bus interface |
| USB0VBUS, USB0ID, USB0DP, USB0DM | USB 2.0 Full-Speed interface | On-chip PHY supports device-only mode; VBUS sensing enables host/peripheral detection |
| HIB_RTCCLK, HIB_WAKE, HIB_NRES | Hibernation control signals | Enable wake-from-hibernate via RTC alarm, external pin, or CAN activity without full reset |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Integrated Ethernet PHY | Reduces external component count by eliminating discrete PHY IC and associated magnetics interface logic |
| Dual CAN 2.0B Controllers | Enables concurrent communication on two isolated CAN buses - critical for safety-critical vehicle subsystems |
| Hibernation Module with RTC | Supports <1 µA sleep current with timekeeping and wake-on-event - extends battery life in remote sensors |
| Programmable GPIO Slew Rate | Configurable edge rates minimize EMI in noisy industrial environments without external RC filtering |
| Memory Protection Unit (MPU) | Enforces privilege-level memory access boundaries - essential for certified RTOS deployments (e.g., SafeRTOS) |
Applications
| Industrial Motor Control | Building Automation Gateway |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Closed-loop servo drive with field-oriented control (FOC) and EtherNet/IP connectivity. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Real-time MCU executing FOC algorithm, managing PWM generation, and handling EtherNet/IP stack. Use Value: 50 MHz Cortex-M3 delivers <1 µs interrupt latency; integrated Ethernet eliminates PHY layout complexity and timing skew. | Use Scenario: HVAC controller aggregating BACnet MS/TP, Modbus RTU, and CAN bus sensor data into IP network. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Protocol gateway bridging legacy field buses to TCP/IP using dual CAN and Ethernet interfaces. Use Value: Dual CAN controllers support simultaneous BACnet over CAN and proprietary sensor bus; hibernation enables battery backup during power loss. |
| Automotive Diagnostic Tool | Smart Grid Remote Terminal Unit (RTU) |
Use Scenario: Handheld OBD-II scanner communicating with ECUs via high-speed CAN and displaying results on local LCD. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: CAN protocol handler with USB device interface for PC connectivity and local UI rendering. Use Value: Dual CAN ports allow monitoring of powertrain and chassis networks concurrently; USB 2.0 FS enables firmware updates and log export. | Use Scenario: Substation RTU collecting metering data via RS-485 (via UART) and reporting over cellular/Ethernet link. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Data concentrator with secure boot, watchdog supervision, and time-stamped event logging. Use Value: 256 KB flash stores encrypted firmware and 7-day event buffer; hibernation RTC maintains accurate time stamping during grid outages. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar microcontroller applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| LM3S9B92-IQC50-A2T | Same Cortex-M3 core, 50 MHz, but adds USB OTG and removes Ethernet PHY; 512 KB flash, 96 KB SRAM | Better suited for USB-host applications (e.g., HID devices); lacks integrated Ethernet, requiring external PHY | Select when USB host capability and larger memory outweigh need for built-in Ethernet |
| TM4C123GH6PM | Successor family: same pinout (LQFP-100), 80 MHz Cortex-M4F, adds FPU and enhanced peripheral set; no internal Ethernet PHY | Higher performance for DSP-intensive tasks; requires external Ethernet PHY but offers better toolchain support and active lifecycle | Choose for new designs needing extended longevity, FPU, or TI's newer TivaWare ecosystem |
Compared with LM3S8970-EQC50-A2T, LM3S9B92-IQC50-A2T trades Ethernet integration for USB OTG and expanded memory, while TM4C123GH6PM provides higher clock speed, FPU, and modern software support - but both require redesign if Ethernet PHY elimination is unacceptable.
Availability
LM3S8970-EQC50-A2T is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial motor control, building automation gateways, automotive diagnostic tools, and smart grid RTUs requiring stable component supply and long-term obsolescence management.
Supply support for LM3S8970-EQC50-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 Stellaris LM3S series was designed as the industry's first ARM Cortex-M3-based microcontroller family targeting cost-sensitive, real-time industrial and automotive applications with integrated connectivity and low-power hibernation.
FAQ
Does LM3S8970-EQC50-A2T include an integrated Ethernet PHY?
Yes, the LM3S8970-EQC50-A2T integrates a full 10/100 Mbps Ethernet MAC and physical layer (PHY) compliant with IEEE 802.3. This eliminates the need for an external PHY IC and simplifies PCB layout - confirmed in Section 15 of the SPMS175I datasheet. The LM3S8970-EQC50-A2T supports MII/RMII interface modes and includes internal termination and biasing for differential pairs.
What is the maximum operating temperature range for LM3S8970-EQC50-A2T?
The LM3S8970-EQC50-A2T is rated for industrial temperature operation from –40°C to +105°C, as specified in the "Orderable Devices" table of the SPMS175I datasheet (Rev I, July 2014). This rating applies to the EQC suffix variant and ensures reliability in harsh environments such as motor drives and outdoor infrastructure.
How many CAN controllers does LM3S8970-EQC50-A2T support?
The LM3S8970-EQC50-A2T integrates two independent CAN 2.0B controllers - CAN0 and CAN1 - each with dedicated message objects, filters, and FIFOs. Both support bit rates up to 1 Mbps and full CAN protocol compliance, enabling dual-bus architectures for redundancy or multi-domain communication - verified in Section 14 of the SPMS175I datasheet.
Is LM3S8970-EQC50-A2T pin-compatible with other Stellaris LM3S devices?
No - the LM3S8970-EQC50-A2T uses a 100-pin LQFP package with a unique pinout optimized for its integrated Ethernet and dual CAN. While some LM3S devices share the LQFP-100 footprint (e.g., LM3S9B92), signal mapping differs significantly; direct replacement requires PCB redesign. Pin compatibility is not claimed in TI documentation for the LM3S8970-EQC50-A2T.
What debug interface does LM3S8970-EQC50-A2T support?
The LM3S8970-EQC50-A2T supports JTAG and SWD (Serial Wire Debug) interfaces via dedicated pins (TCK, TMS, TDI, TDO, nTRST, SWCLK, SWDIO). Debug access is enabled through the ARM CoreSight-compliant debug architecture, allowing full halt-mode debugging, flash programming, and real-time trace - detailed in Sections 4 and 2.2 of the SPMS175I datasheet.
LM3S8970-EQC50-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:
- Not 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:
- 46
- 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:
- -
- Oscillator Type:
- Internal
- Operating Temperature:
- -40°C ~ 105°C (TA)
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
LM3S8970-EQC50-A2T FAQ
1.How can I place an order for LM3S8970-EQC50-A2T through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for LM3S8970-EQC50-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 LM3S8970-EQC50-A2T reliable?
The price and inventory of LM3S8970-EQC50-A2T are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for LM3S8970-EQC50-A2T is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for LM3S8970-EQC50-A2T?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for LM3S8970-EQC50-A2T transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for LM3S8970-EQC50-A2T?
LM3S8970-EQC50-A2T orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your LM3S8970-EQC50-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 LM3S8970-EQC50-A2T?
For technical support, including LM3S8970-EQC50-A2T datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your LM3S8970-EQC50-A2T requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that LM3S8970-EQC50-A2T is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All LM3S8970-EQC50-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 LM3S8970-EQC50-A2T meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of LM3S8970-EQC50-A2T?
All LM3S8970-EQC50-A2T units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with LM3S8970-EQC50-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 LM3S8970-EQC50-A2T part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for LM3S8970-EQC50-A2T:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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