NXP Semiconductors LPC1837JET256,551

Overview

LPC1837JET256 from NXP Semiconductors is a 32-bit ARM Cortex-M3 microcontroller operating at up to 180 MHz, featuring 1 MB dual-bank flash, 136 kB SRAM, and integrated Ethernet MAC with IEEE 1588 support. It includes two high-speed USB 2.0 interfaces (one OTG-capable), quad SPI Flash Interface (SPIFI), SCTimer/PWM subsystem, and supports industrial control and e-metering applications.

For engineers reviewing the LPC1837JET256 datasheet, LPC1837JET256 pinout, LPC1837JET256 application, or LPC1837JET256 equivalent, key selection considerations include its LBGA256 package, -40 °C to +105 °C temperature grade, absence of LCD controller, and full EMC, CAN, ADC/DAC, and GPIO peripheral set for real-time embedded systems.

Technical Context

The LPC1837JET256 implements an ARM Cortex-M3 r2p1 core with Harvard architecture, 3-stage pipeline, and integrated MPU/NVIC for deterministic real-time execution. Its clock system uses three PLLs - one for CPU up to 180 MHz, one for USB, and one configurable as audio PLL - with crystal oscillator support from 1 MHz to 25 MHz.

Digital peripherals include a State-Configurable Timer/PWM (SCTimer/PWM) subsystem on AHB, Global Input Multiplexer Array (GIMA) for flexible event routing, and eight-channel GP DMA accessing all AHB memories and slaves. Analog resources comprise two 10-bit ADCs (400 kSamples/s, 8 total channels) and one 10-bit DAC (400 kSamples/s), all with DMA support.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: LBGA256 (Plastic low-profile ball grid array; 256 balls; body 17 × 17 × 1 mm; SOT740-2).

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with LPC1857JET256, the LPC1837JET256 removes LCD support to reduce cost and power while retaining full Ethernet, USB, EMC, and analog capability; versus LPC4357JET256, it offers lower BOM cost and simpler software development but lacks FPU and dual-core flexibility.

Availability

LPC1837JET256 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial PLC controllers, e-metering gateways, RFID readers, and white goods motor control systems requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges and long production lifecycles.

Supply support for LPC1837JET256 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 LPC18xx product line was designed specifically for high-performance, real-time industrial embedded applications requiring rich connectivity (Ethernet, USB, CAN), deterministic timing (IEEE 1588, SCTimer), and robust memory architecture (dual-bank flash, EEPROM).

FAQ

What is the maximum operating frequency of the LPC1837JET256?

The LPC1837JET256 operates at a maximum CPU frequency of 180 MHz, achieved via its ARM Cortex-M3 core and internal PLL configuration. This frequency is sustained across the full -40 °C to +105 °C industrial temperature range, with voltage regulation maintained by the on-chip core regulator. The LPC1837JET256 achieves this performance without requiring external high-frequency crystals thanks to its triple-PLL clock generation unit.

Does the LPC1837JET256 include an LCD controller?

No, the LPC1837JET256 does not include an LCD controller. This feature is present in the LPC185x series (e.g., LPC1857JET256) but explicitly omitted in the LPC183x family as confirmed in Table 2 of the datasheet. The LPC1837JET256 retains all other major peripherals including Ethernet, USB, EMC, and analog interfaces, making it optimized for headless industrial applications where display support is unnecessary.

What are the key differences between LPC1837JET256 and LPC1857JET256?

The primary difference is the inclusion of an LCD controller in the LPC1857JET256, absent in the LPC1837JET256. Both share identical CPU, memory (1 MB flash, 136 kB SRAM), Ethernet, USB, EMC, ADC/DAC, and package (LBGA256). They are pin-compatible and software-compatible at the register level, allowing drop-in replacement when display functionality is not required - reducing BOM cost and power consumption in headless designs.

Which USB interfaces does the LPC1837JET256 support?

The LPC1837JET256 supports two high-speed USB 2.0 interfaces: USB0 (Host/Device/OTG with on-chip high-speed PHY) and USB1 (Host/Device with on-chip full-speed PHY and ULPI interface for external high-speed PHY). Both include DMA support and ROM-resident USB stack components, enabling simultaneous USB device enumeration and host operation - ideal for embedded gateways requiring peripheral attachment and host-side protocol bridging.

What is the purpose of the SCTimer/PWM subsystem in the LPC1837JET256?

The State-Configurable Timer/PWM (SCTimer/PWM) subsystem in the LPC1837JET256 is a programmable state machine-based timer that supports complex waveform generation, event capture, and input synchronization. It replaces traditional timer/PWM blocks with configurable states and transitions, enabling precise motor control (e.g., 3-phase BLDC commutation), LED dimming sequences, and protocol-level signal generation - all with minimal CPU intervention due to autonomous event triggering and DMA integration.