Texas Instruments LM8327JGR8/NOPB

Overview

LM8327JGR8/NOPB from Texas Instruments is a mobile I/O companion IC designed to offload keypad scanning and LED PWM control from host processors in handheld devices. It integrates an 8×12 keypad controller with 8 SF keys (104-key total), three independent programmable PWM outputs for smooth LED brightness modulation, and an I²C-compatible ACCESS.bus slave interface operating at 100 kHz/400 kHz. Its 1.8V ±10% single-supply operation and −40°C to +85°C temperature range support cordless phones and smart handheld applications.

For engineers reviewing the LM8327JGR8/NOPB datasheet, LM8327JGR8/NOPB pinout, LM8327JGR8/NOPB application, or LM8327JGR8/NOPB equivalent, key selection considerations include its dedicated keypad event buffer (15-byte FIFO), automatic HALT mode entry after 1020 ms inactivity, on-chip RC oscillator eliminating external clock requirements, ESD glitch filtering on RESETN, and support for up to 26 direct-connect keys with wake-up capability.

Technical Context

The LM8327JGR8/NOPB implements a register-based command interpreter with auto-increment addressing for efficient multi-byte I²C access. Its keyscan engine performs full matrix evaluation every 4 ms, storing press/release events in a FIFO and supporting up to four simultaneous key presses via KBDCODE[3:0] registers.

Each of its three PWM channels operates from a dedicated 32.768 kHz slow clock, executing self-sustaining scripts (up to 32 commands per 64-byte buffer) including RAMP, SET_PWM, GO_TO_START, BRANCH, and TRIGGER instructions - enabling synchronized LED fading without host intervention.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

LM8327JGR8/NOPB uses a 36-pin chip-scale ball grid array (csBGA) package designated NYB0036A, measuring 3.5 mm × 3.5 mm × 0.8 mm with 0.5 mm ball pitch. All pins support multiple functions (keypad I/O, GPIO, PWM, or interrupt), configured via register settings at startup.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar I/O companion and keypad controller applications.

Compared with TCA6424A and MAX7359, LM8327JGR8/NOPB uniquely combines 104-key matrix support, 26 direct-key inputs, three scriptable PWM channels, and 1.8 V operation in a 3.5 mm × 3.5 mm csBGA - making it the only option that fully replaces host-side keyscan and LED control firmware in space- and power-constrained handheld designs.

Availability

LM8327JGR8/NOPB is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for cordless phones, smart handheld devices, keyboard applications, and remote controls requiring stable component supply across extended production lifecycles.

Supply support for LM8327JGR8/NOPB 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, delivering analog and embedded processing solutions for industrial, automotive, and personal electronics markets.

LM8327JGR8/NOPB belongs to TI's Mobile I/O Companion product line, engineered specifically to reduce host processor load in portable devices by integrating keyscan, I/O expansion, and autonomous LED PWM control in a single low-voltage IC.

FAQ

What is the default I²C address of the LM8327JGR8/NOPB after power-on reset?

The LM8327JGR8/NOPB defaults to I²C slave address 0x8A after power-on reset or Global Call Reset. This address can be reprogrammed via the ACCESS.bus interface, but the device will revert to 0x8A upon receiving a Global Call Reset command (write 0x06 to slave address 0x00). The LM8327JGR8/NOPB does not support hardware address pins, so all units share the same default unless modified in firmware.

Does the LM8327JGR8/NOPB require an external crystal or clock source?

No, the LM8327JGR8/NOPB includes an internal RC oscillator sufficient for keyscan and ACCESS.bus timing, eliminating the need for an external crystal. However, it does provide a CLKIN pin accepting 32 kHz to 8 MHz inputs for applications requiring higher PWM timing accuracy or system-level clock synchronization - the LM8327JGR8/NOPB operates correctly with or without this external signal.

How many simultaneous key presses can the LM8327JGR8/NOPB detect and report?

The LM8327JGR8/NOPB supports detection and storage of up to four simultaneous key presses. These are captured in KBDCODE0–KBDCODE3 registers, with the MULTIKEY flag indicating multi-key conditions. All events are also logged in the 15-byte EVTCODE FIFO, preserving chronological order for host retrieval - ensuring no key event is lost even during rapid multi-key interaction on the LM8327JGR8/NOPB.

Can the LM8327JGR8/NOPB wake up from HALT mode using only keypad activity?

Yes, the LM8327JGR8/NOPB wakes from HALT mode on any keypad activity - including key press, key release, or direct key transition - provided the corresponding interrupt sources are enabled in KBDMSK and DKBDMSK registers. Wake-up is edge- or pulse-triggered and asserts IRQN to notify the host, allowing the LM8327JGR8/NOPB to resume full operation within microseconds of user input.

What is the purpose of the 64-byte script buffer in each PWM channel of the LM8327JGR8/NOPB?

The 64-byte script buffer per PWM channel stores up to 32 executable instructions (e.g., RAMP, SET_PWM, BRANCH) that define autonomous LED behavior - such as fade sequences or color cycling - without host involvement. Once loaded and started, the LM8327JGR8/NOPB executes these scripts using its internal 32.768 kHz clock, freeing the host CPU and enabling precise, repeatable lighting effects independent of system load or software latency.