NXP Semiconductors LPC1778FBD208,551

Overview

LPC1778FBD208 from NXP Semiconductors is a 32-bit ARM Cortex-M3 microcontroller designed for embedded applications requiring high integration, low power, and Ethernet connectivity. It operates at up to 120 MHz, integrates 512 kB flash, 96 kB SRAM, dual CAN interfaces, five UARTs, USB Device/Host/OTG, and supports 165 GPIO pins in LQFP208 package. It is used in industrial automation controllers and networked motor drives.

For engineers reviewing the LPC1778FBD208 datasheet, LPC1778FBD208 pinout, LPC1778FBD208 application, or LPC1778FBD208 equivalent, key selection criteria include Ethernet MAC support, 512 kB flash with ISP/IAP, dual CAN channels, 12-bit ADC with DMA, and LQFP208 package compatibility with LPC23xx/LPC24xx pinouts.

Technical Context

The LPC1778FBD208 implements an ARM Cortex-M3 core with 3-stage pipeline, Harvard architecture, and integrated Memory Protection Unit (MPU) supporting eight regions. Its multilayer AHB matrix enables concurrent access by CPU, Ethernet, USB, and GPDMA without arbitration delay unless accessing the same slave.

It features dedicated peripheral buses: split APB for reduced CPU-DMA stalls, on-chip flash accelerator for optimal code execution speed, and independent AHB for Ethernet MAC and USB controller. The RTC resides in a separate power domain with 20-byte battery-backed registers and event recorder functionality.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

LPC1778FBD208 uses a plastic low-profile quad flat package with 208 leads (SOT459-1), body size 28 × 28 × 1.4 mm. All I/O pins are 5 V tolerant except crystal, power, and ADC reference pins.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with LPC1778FBD208, LPC1788FBD208 adds LCD controller capability at no cost to core performance or memory, while LPC1777FBD208 removes Ethernet to reduce BOM and layout complexity - both maintain identical pinout and software compatibility for migration paths.

Availability

LPC1778FBD208 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial automation controllers, networked motor drives, and secure point-of-sale terminals requiring stable component supply across extended product lifecycles.

Supply support for LPC1778FBD208 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 headquartered in Eindhoven, Netherlands, specializing in secure connectivity solutions for automotive, industrial, and IoT markets.

The LPC177x series targets mid-range embedded applications demanding rich peripheral integration, real-time responsiveness, and long-term supply stability - particularly where Ethernet, dual CAN, and high-resolution analog I/O are required without LCD functionality.

FAQ

What is the maximum operating frequency of the LPC1778FBD208?

The LPC1778FBD208 operates at a maximum CPU frequency of 120 MHz, enabled by its ARM Cortex-M3 core and on-chip PLL. This frequency is achievable using either the internal 12 MHz RC oscillator (trimmed to ±1%) or an external crystal (1–25 MHz). The flash accelerator ensures zero-wait-state execution at this speed, and the multilayer AHB matrix prevents bus contention between CPU, Ethernet, and USB subsystems. The LPC1778FBD208 maintains full peripheral functionality at 120 MHz.

Does the LPC1778FBD208 support Ethernet connectivity?

Yes, the LPC1778FBD208 includes a fully integrated Ethernet MAC with MII and RMII interface support, located on an independent AHB bus to avoid CPU interference. It supports IEEE 802.3 compliance, full/half-duplex operation, and hardware checksum offload. An external PHY is required, and the MAC is paired with a dedicated DMA controller. This capability is confirmed in Table 2 of the official datasheet and distinguishes LPC1778FBD208 from non-Ethernet variants like LPC1777FBD208.

How many CAN interfaces does the LPC1778FBD208 provide?

The LPC1778FBD208 provides two fully compliant CAN 2.0B controllers (CAN0 and CAN1), each with dedicated message RAM, acceptance filtering, and bit-rate configuration up to 1 Mbps. Both controllers operate independently and support self-test modes, loopback, and sleep/wake functionality. This dual-CAN capability is explicitly listed in Table 2 and Section 2 "Features and benefits" of the datasheet, and is retained across all LPC177x/LPC178x packages including LPC1778FBD208.

What is the pin count and package type of the LPC1778FBD208?

The LPC1778FBD208 uses a 208-pin LQFP package (SOT459-1) with dimensions 28 × 28 × 1.4 mm. It is pin-compatible with the LPC23xx and LPC24xx families, enabling drop-in migration for legacy designs. Pin descriptions confirm 165 GPIOs distributed across five ports (P0–P4), with dedicated functions for Ethernet, USB, CAN, ADC, DAC, and SD/MMC. This package is verified in Table 1 and Figure 2 of the official datasheet.

Does the LPC1778FBD208 include an LCD controller?

No, the LPC1778FBD208 does not include an LCD controller. While the LPC178x family (e.g., LPC1788FBD208) integrates an LCD controller supporting STN/TFT displays up to 1024×768, the LPC177x series-including LPC1778FBD208-omits this peripheral. Table 2 confirms "N" under the LCD column for all LPC177x variants. Pins P3[0]–P3[23] remain available as general-purpose I/O or for alternate functions such as EMC or QEI, but not LCD data/control signals.