NXP Semiconductors LPC18S50FET256,551

Overview

LPC18S50FET256 from NXP Semiconductors is a flashless 32-bit ARM Cortex-M3 microcontroller with integrated security features, operating at up to 180 MHz CPU frequency, featuring 200 kB on-chip SRAM, dual high-speed USB 2.0 interfaces (one OTG-capable), 10/100T Ethernet MAC with IEEE 1588 support, and AES encryption engine for secure boot. It targets secure industrial control and communication hub applications requiring real-time connectivity and cryptographic integrity.

For engineers reviewing the LPC18S50FET256 datasheet, LPC18S50FET256 pinout, LPC18S50FET256 application, or LPC18S50FET256 equivalent, key selection considerations include its LBGA256 package with 164 GPIOs, dual USB + Ethernet + LCD controller integration, AES-encrypted boot capability, and support for external SDRAM via EMC - critical for deterministic embedded networking and secure firmware deployment.

Technical Context

The LPC18S50FET256 implements an ARM Cortex-M3 core with Harvard architecture, 3-stage pipeline, and built-in MPU supporting eight memory regions plus NVIC for deterministic interrupt handling. Its clock system includes three PLLs: one for CPU (up to 180 MHz), one dedicated to USB0, and one configurable as audio PLL.

Peripherals are organized across AHB and APB buses with DMA access; the State Configurable Timer/PWM (SCTimer/PWM) subsystem enables flexible event-driven timing, while the Global Input Multiplexer Array (GIMA) allows dynamic routing of signals between ADCs, timers, and SCTimer/PWM - enabling synchronized multi-peripheral operation without CPU intervention.

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 LPC4357FET256 and STM32H743VI, the LPC18S50FET256 uniquely combines flashless design, on-die AES, native Ethernet MAC, and dual USB - making it optimal for secure, connectivity-rich embedded systems where BOM count, boot integrity, and protocol offload are prioritized over raw CPU speed or Flash storage.

Availability

LPC18S50FET256 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial control gateways, secure networked audio devices, and automotive telematics applications requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and traceable sourcing.

Supply support for LPC18S50FET256 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 specializing in secure connectivity solutions for automotive, industrial, and IoT markets, with leadership in ARM-based microcontrollers and edge processing.

The LPC18S50FET256 belongs to NXP's LPC18xx security-focused microcontroller family, designed specifically for embedded applications demanding cryptographic integrity, real-time networking, and robust peripheral integration without external Flash.

FAQ

What is the maximum operating frequency of the LPC18S50FET256?

The LPC18S50FET256 operates at a maximum CPU frequency of 180 MHz, achieved via its ARM Cortex-M3 core and triple PLL clock system. This frequency is sustained under industrial temperature conditions (–40 °C to +85 °C) with proper power regulation and thermal management. The LPC18S50FET256 achieves this performance without external Flash, relying on its 200 kB on-chip SRAM for code execution.

Does the LPC18S50FET256 include on-chip Flash memory?

No, the LPC18S50FET256 is a flashless microcontroller. It executes code from its 200 kB on-chip SRAM and uses a 64 kB ROM containing boot code and driver libraries. Firmware is loaded externally via UART, USB, or Ethernet during startup, and secure boot is enforced using the integrated AES engine and OTP-stored keys - eliminating reliance on external Flash for security-critical applications.

How does the AES engine in the LPC18S50FET256 support secure boot?

The LPC18S50FET256's dedicated AES engine decrypts the boot image using keys stored in its two-bank OTP memory (256 bits total), with one bank reserved for encrypted boot image keys. The ROM-based API controls access, ensuring only authenticated firmware executes. This hardware-accelerated process occurs before application code loads, preventing runtime tampering and establishing a trusted execution environment from power-on reset.

Which Ethernet interface modes does the LPC18S50FET256 support?

The LPC18S50FET256 integrates a 10/100T Ethernet MAC supporting both RMII and MII physical layer interfaces, with DMA acceleration and IEEE 1588-2008 v2 time stamping. It does not include an on-chip PHY; external PHY connection is required via RMII/MII pins. The LPC18S50FET256 also supports advanced features like jumbo frame handling and checksum offload, reducing CPU load during high-throughput network operations.

What package type and pin count does the LPC18S50FET256 use?

The LPC18S50FET256 uses a LBGA256 package (SOT740-2): plastic low-profile ball grid array with 256 solder balls, 17 mm × 17 mm × 1 mm body size. It provides 164 GPIOs, with pin functions including Ethernet, USB, LCD, and EMC signals - all mapped to dedicated balls per the official NXP pinout documentation for the LBGA256 variant.