NXP Semiconductors LPC1820FET100,551

Overview

LPC1820FET100 from NXP Semiconductors is a 32-bit ARM Cortex-M3 flashless microcontroller operating at up to 180 MHz, featuring 168 kB on-chip SRAM, no Ethernet or LCD controller, and USB0 Host/Device support (no USB1). It targets resource-constrained industrial control and e-metering applications requiring deterministic real-time response and low-power operation.

For engineers reviewing the LPC1820FET100 datasheet, LPC1820FET100 pinout, LPC1820FET100 application, or LPC1820FET100 equivalent, key selection criteria include its TFBGA100 package with 49 GPIOs, absence of Ethernet/LCD, dual 10-bit ADCs (4 channels total), and dedicated SCTimer/PWM subsystem for motor and timing-critical functions.

Technical Context

The LPC1820FET100 implements an ARM Cortex-M3 r2p1 core with Harvard architecture, 3-stage pipeline, and integrated Memory Protection Unit (MPU) supporting eight memory regions. Its debug infrastructure includes JTAG and Serial Wire Debug with eight breakpoints and four watchpoints, plus ETM/ETB trace support.

On-chip clock generation uses three PLLs: one for CPU up to 180 MHz, one dedicated to USB0, and a third configurable as audio PLL. The device integrates a Global Input Multiplexer Array (GIMA) enabling flexible event routing between peripherals like timers, ADCs, and SCTimer/PWM.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: TFBGA100 - plastic thin fine-pitch ball grid array, 100 balls, 9 mm × 9 mm × 0.7 mm body (SOT926-1).

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with LPC1820FET100, LPC1830FET100 adds Ethernet and more ADC resources but increases BOM cost and power; LPC4350FET100 offers higher compute density at the expense of USB OTG functionality and increased design complexity.

Availability

LPC1820FET100 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial PLC modules, e-metering systems, white goods motor controllers, and RFID reader designs requiring stable component supply and long-term manufacturability.

Supply support for LPC1820FET100 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, with deep expertise in ARM-based microcontrollers.

The LPC18xx family was designed for high-performance, flashless embedded control in cost-sensitive industrial and metering systems, emphasizing SRAM efficiency, peripheral flexibility, and low-power operation.

FAQ

What is the maximum operating frequency of the LPC1820FET100?

The LPC1820FET100 operates at a maximum CPU frequency of 180 MHz using its on-chip PLL. This frequency is sustained across the full industrial temperature range (−40 °C to +85 °C) under specified 3.3 V supply conditions, enabling deterministic real-time performance for control loops and protocol stacks without external clock sources.

Does the LPC1820FET100 include onboard flash memory?

No, the LPC1820FET100 is a flashless microcontroller. It relies on external storage (e.g., SPI flash via SPIFI or parallel NOR flash via EMC) for program code, while using its 168 kB of on-chip SRAM for both code execution and data storage. This architecture reduces die size and cost while supporting XIP and rapid firmware updates.

Which USB interfaces are supported on the LPC1820FET100?

The LPC1820FET100 supports only USB0: a High-speed USB 2.0 Host/Device/OTG interface with integrated PHY. USB1 is not implemented on this variant, as confirmed by Table 2 in the datasheet. Applications requiring dual USB must select LPC1830FET100 or higher variants.

How many ADC channels does the LPC1820FET100 provide?

The LPC1820FET100 integrates two 10-bit ADCs (ADC0 and ADC1) with a combined total of four input channels, as specified in Table 2. Each ADC supports up to four channels, but channel allocation is shared - limiting concurrent active inputs to four across both converters.

What package type and pin count does the LPC1820FET100 use?

The LPC1820FET100 uses a TFBGA100 package: a 100-ball thin fine-pitch ball grid array with 9 mm × 9 mm footprint and 0.7 mm height (SOT926-1). This compact package supports high-density PCB layouts while providing 49 GPIOs and essential peripheral signals for space-constrained industrial designs.