NXP Semiconductors LPC1768UKZ

Overview

LPC1768UKZ from NXP Semiconductors is a 32-bit ARM Cortex-M3 microcontroller designed for embedded control applications requiring Ethernet, USB 2.0 Host/Device/OTG, dual CAN 2.0B, and high-resolution analog I/O. It operates at up to 100 MHz, integrates 512 kB flash, 64 kB SRAM (32+16+16 kB), 8-channel 12-bit ADC, 10-bit DAC, and supports 70 GPIO pins in a 100-ball WLCSP package. It is used in industrial networking gateways and motor control systems with real-time communication.

For engineers reviewing the LPC1768UKZ datasheet, LPC1768UKZ pinout, LPC1768UKZ application, or LPC1768UKZ equivalent, key selection criteria include its 100 MHz Cortex-M3 core with MPU, dual CAN + Ethernet MAC + USB OTG coexistence, 100-ball WLCSP footprint for space-constrained designs, and support for ISP/IAP firmware updates in-system.

Technical Context

The LPC1768UKZ implements a Harvard-architecture ARM Cortex-M3 core with 3-stage pipeline, integrated NVIC, and Memory Protection Unit (MPU) supporting eight memory regions. Its AHB multilayer matrix enables concurrent access by CPU, GPDMA, Ethernet MAC, and USB controller without arbitration delay.

Peripheral subsystems include a dedicated DMA controller for SSP, I2S, UART, ADC/DAC, and timers; split APB bus for low-stall CPU-DMA interaction; and clock generation with main oscillator (1–25 MHz), 4 MHz ±1% internal RC oscillator, and dual PLLs (CPU and USB). The device supports four power modes: Sleep, Deep-sleep, Power-down, and Deep power-down.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: WLCSP100 (5.07 mm × 5.07 mm × 0.53 mm), 100-ball array, ball pitch 0.4 mm. Compatible with standard reflow processes and suitable for high-density PCB layouts.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with LPC1769FBD100, the LPC1768UKZ trades 20 MHz CPU headroom and LQFP packaging for ultra-compact WLCSP size and identical 512 kB flash; versus LPC1766FBD100, it adds Ethernet MAC and doubles flash while maintaining same clock speed - making it optimal for space-constrained industrial gateways needing full connectivity.

Availability

LPC1768UKZ is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial networking gateways, motor control drives, smart energy meters, and USB-capable field diagnostic tools requiring stable component supply and long-term manufacturability.

Supply support for LPC1768UKZ 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

NXP Semiconductors is a global semiconductor company specializing in secure connectivity solutions for automotive, industrial, and IoT markets, with leadership in ARM-based microcontrollers and edge processing.

The LPC176x series was designed to deliver high-integration, low-power ARM Cortex-M3 performance for industrial automation, building control, and connected appliance applications - emphasizing real-time determinism, mixed-signal capability, and multi-protocol coexistence.

FAQ

What is the maximum operating frequency of the LPC1768UKZ?

The LPC1768UKZ operates at a maximum CPU frequency of 100 MHz. This is achieved using the on-chip PLL driven by either the main crystal oscillator (1–25 MHz), the internal 4 MHz ±1% RC oscillator, or the RTC oscillator. The flash accelerator enables zero-wait-state execution at this speed, ensuring deterministic real-time performance for time-critical control tasks within the LPC1768UKZ.

Does the LPC1768UKZ include an Ethernet MAC and USB OTG controller?

Yes, the LPC1768UKZ integrates both an Ethernet MAC with RMII interface and a full-speed USB 2.0 Device/Host/OTG controller with on-chip PHY. These are confirmed in Table 2 of the datasheet and enabled in the LPC1768UKZ variant. The Ethernet MAC supports 10/100 Mbps operation, and the USB controller supports simultaneous device and host functionality - both are accessible via dedicated DMA channels to offload CPU bandwidth in the LPC1768UKZ.

What package type is used for the LPC1768UKZ?

The LPC1768UKZ uses the WLCSP100 (Wafer Level Chip-Scale Package) with 100 solder bumps arranged in a 10×10 grid, measuring 5.07 mm × 5.07 mm × 0.53 mm. This ultra-compact package is specified in Table 1 and Figure 4 of the datasheet, and is distinct from the LQFP100 and TFBGA100 variants of the same family - making the LPC1768UKZ ideal for space-constrained portable and embedded designs.

How much flash and RAM does the LPC1768UKZ have?

The LPC1768UKZ integrates 512 kB of on-chip flash memory and 64 kB of SRAM, structured as 32 kB CPU-local SRAM plus two independent 16 kB AHB SRAM blocks. This memory configuration is explicitly listed in Table 2 for the LPC1768UKZ part number and supports concurrent buffering for Ethernet, USB, and DMA operations - a key architectural advantage of the LPC1768UKZ over lower-memory variants.

Does the LPC1768UKZ support CAN communication?

Yes, the LPC1768UKZ includes two fully compliant CAN 2.0B controllers, as confirmed in Table 2 and Section 2 of the datasheet. Both CAN channels support standard and extended frame formats, message filtering, and automatic retransmission. They are implemented as peripheral blocks on the AHB bus and can operate independently - enabling dual-network architectures or redundancy in industrial control systems using the LPC1768UKZ.