NXP Semiconductors LPC1788FET180,551

Overview

LPC1788FET180,551 from NXP Semiconductors is a 32-bit ARM Cortex-M3 microcontroller designed for high-integration embedded systems requiring Ethernet, USB Device/Host/OTG, and LCD control. It operates at up to 120 MHz, integrates 512 kB flash, 96 kB SRAM, dual CAN channels, and an 8-channel 12-bit ADC, targeting industrial automation and networked HMI applications.

For engineers reviewing the LPC1788FET180,551 datasheet, LPC1788FET180,551 pinout, LPC1788FET180,551 application, or LPC1788FET180,551 equivalent, key selection factors include TFBGA180 package compatibility, 141 GPIO count, 16-bit EMC bus width, LCD controller support, and functional replacement capability for LPC23xx/LPC24xx designs.

Technical Context

The LPC1788FET180,551 implements a Harvard-architecture ARM Cortex-M3 core with 3-stage pipeline, integrated Memory Protection Unit (MPU), and Nested Vectored Interrupt Controller (NVIC). Its multilayer AHB matrix enables concurrent access by CPU, Ethernet MAC, USB controller, and GPDMA without arbitration delay unless accessing the same slave.

It features dedicated peripheral buses: split APB for reduced CPU-DMA stalls, independent AHB for Ethernet and USB, and on-chip flash accelerator optimized for zero-wait-state execution. The RTC power domain includes battery-backed registers and event recorder functionality operating down to 2.1 V supply.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: TFBGA180 - thin fine-pitch ball grid array with 180 solder balls in 12 mm × 12 mm body, 0.65 mm ball pitch, and 0.8 mm height. Compatible with standard reflow profiles for fine-pitch BGAs.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with LPC1788FET180,551, the LPC1788FBD208 offers greater pin accessibility and wider EMC bus for memory expansion, while the LPC1778FET180,551 removes Ethernet to lower cost-both retain identical CPU performance, flash, and analog peripherals.

Availability

LPC1788FET180,551 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial automation controllers, networked HMI terminals, and medical imaging subsystems requiring stable component supply across extended product lifecycles.

Supply support for LPC1788FET180,551 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 leader specializing in secure connectivity solutions for automotive, industrial, and IoT applications.

The LPC178x series targets high-performance embedded control with integrated networking, human-machine interface, and real-time processing-designed specifically for industrial automation, medical devices, and intelligent consumer appliances.

FAQ

What is the maximum operating frequency of the LPC1788FET180,551?

The LPC1788FET180,551 operates at a maximum CPU frequency of 120 MHz, enabled by its ARM Cortex-M3 core and on-chip flash accelerator. This frequency is achievable using either the internal 12 MHz RC oscillator with PLL multiplication or an external crystal up to 25 MHz. The device maintains timing integrity across its full industrial temperature range (−40 °C to +85 °C) and supply voltage (2.4–3.6 V).

Does the LPC1788FET180,551 support Ethernet connectivity?

Yes, the LPC1788FET180,551 includes a fully integrated Ethernet MAC with MII/RMII interface and associated DMA controller. It supports 10/100 Mbps operation and resides on an independent AHB bus to avoid contention with CPU or USB traffic. The TFBGA180 package provides all required Ethernet PHY interface pins, though external PHY IC and magnetics remain necessary for physical layer implementation.

How many GPIO pins are available on the LPC1788FET180,551 in the TFBGA180 package?

The LPC1788FET180,551 provides 141 general-purpose I/O pins in the TFBGA180 package. These are distributed across Ports 0–3 and support 5 V tolerance, configurable pull-up/down resistors, open-drain mode, and Cortex-M3 bit-banding. All GPIOs connect to the AHB bus for low-latency access, and any pin on Port 0 or Port 2 can generate edge-sensitive interrupts.

What analog peripherals are integrated into the LPC1788FET180,551?

The LPC1788FET180,551 integrates an 8-channel 12-bit ADC with up to 400 kHz conversion rate and multiple result registers, plus a 10-bit DAC with dedicated conversion timer and GPDMA support. Both peripherals operate independently of the CPU core-ADC results can trigger DMA transfers, and DAC output is updated via timer-triggered writes-enabling precise analog signal generation and acquisition without CPU overhead.

Is the LPC1788FET180,551 pin-compatible with earlier NXP microcontrollers?

The LPC1788FET180,551 is functionally compatible with the LPC23xx and LPC24xx families, but not pin-compatible due to architectural differences and expanded peripheral set. While pin function mapping is preserved where possible (e.g., UART, I2C, SPI signals), the TFBGA180 package has distinct ball layout and additional signals for Ethernet, USB OTG, LCD, and enhanced timers. Migration requires PCB redesign but benefits from shared software abstraction layers in NXP's CMSIS-compliant toolchain.