NXP Semiconductors LPC1820FBD144K

Overview

LPC1820FBD144K from NXP Semiconductors is a 32-bit ARM Cortex-M3 flashless microcontroller operating at up to 180 MHz, featuring 168 kB on-chip SRAM, dual 10-bit ADCs (400 kSamples/s), and an integrated motor control PWM for three-phase applications. It targets industrial control and e-metering systems requiring deterministic real-time response, low-power operation, and peripheral integration without external Flash.

For engineers reviewing the LPC1820FBD144K datasheet, LPC1820FBD144K pinout, LPC1820FBD144K application, or LPC1820FBD144K equivalent, key selection criteria include its LQFP144 package, absence of Ethernet/LCD/USB1, support for external memory via EMC, and availability of eight ADC channels with DMA acceleration.

Technical Context

The LPC1820FBD144K implements an ARM Cortex-M3 r2p1 core with Harvard architecture, 3-stage pipeline, and integrated MPU supporting eight memory regions. Its clock system includes three PLLs - one for CPU (up to 180 MHz), one dedicated to USB0, and one configurable as audio PLL - all fed by a 1–25 MHz crystal or 12 MHz ±1.5% internal RC oscillator.

Digital subsystems include a State Configurable Timer/PWM (SCTimer/PWM) with flexible event-driven state machines, Global Input Multiplexer Array (GIMA) for cross-peripheral signal routing, and an External Memory Controller (EMC) supporting SRAM, NOR flash, and SDRAM. It lacks Ethernet MAC, LCD controller, and USB1 PHY - confirmed in Table 2 of the datasheet for this variant.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: LQFP144 (SOT486-1), plastic low-profile quad flat package with 144 leads, body size 20 × 20 × 1.4 mm. Pin functions are multiplexed across 16 GPIO ports (P0–P9, PA–PF); each pin supports up to eight digital functions configured via SCU registers. Dedicated analog pins serve ADC0/ADC1 inputs and DAC output.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with LPC1830FBD144 and LPC4350FET100, the LPC1820FBD144 delivers optimized balance of real-time performance, peripheral set, and cost for standalone motor control and metering - trading Ethernet and extra SRAM for lower unit price and reduced layout complexity in non-connected applications.

Availability

LPC1820FBD144K is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial motor control, e-metering, RFID reader, and white goods HMI applications requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle assurance, and full traceability.

Supply support for LPC1820FBD144K 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 focused on secure connectivity solutions for automotive, industrial, and IoT markets, with deep expertise in ARM-based microcontrollers and edge processing.

The LPC18xx family was designed specifically for high-performance, flashless embedded control in resource-constrained industrial environments - emphasizing real-time determinism, peripheral flexibility, and low-power operation without external memory dependencies.

FAQ

What is the maximum operating frequency of the LPC1820FBD144K?

The LPC1820FBD144K operates at a maximum CPU frequency of 180 MHz using its ARM Cortex-M3 core. This is achieved via an internal PLL driven by either an external 1–25 MHz crystal or the 12 MHz internal RC oscillator trimmed to ±1.5 % accuracy. The core's 3-stage pipeline and Harvard architecture ensure sustained throughput at this rate without instruction stalls.

Does the LPC1820FBD144K include on-chip Flash memory?

No, the LPC1820FBD144K is a flashless microcontroller. It relies on external Quad SPI Flash via the SPIFI interface or executes code from its 168 kB on-chip SRAM. Boot code and USB stack reside in 64 kB ROM, and 64-bit + 256-bit OTP memory is available for calibration data or security keys - eliminating need for external Flash in many applications.

Which communication interfaces are supported by the LPC1820FBD144K?

The LPC1820FBD144K supports four UART/USARTs (including IrDA and modem variants), two SSP controllers, two I²C interfaces (one Fast-mode Plus at 1 Mbit/s), two I²S audio interfaces, one HS USB 2.0 Host/Device/OTG (USB0), and C_CAN 2.0B. It does not include Ethernet MAC, LCD controller, or USB1 - as confirmed in Table 2 of the official datasheet.

How many ADC channels does the LPC1820FBD144K provide, and what is their resolution?

The LPC1820FBD144K integrates two independent 10-bit ADCs (ADC0 and ADC1), each capable of 400 kSamples/s conversion rate. Together they provide eight input channels - with channel 0 through 7 shared between both ADCs - enabling simultaneous sampling for differential measurements or redundant sensing in safety-critical applications.

What package type and pin count does the LPC1820FBD144K use?

The LPC1820FBD144K uses a Plastic Low-Profile Quad Flat Package (LQFP144) with 144 leads and body dimensions of 20 × 20 × 1.4 mm (SOT486-1). This package provides full access to all GPIO, debug (SWD/JTAG), and peripheral signals, and is compatible with standard PCB assembly processes and manual prototyping.