NXP Semiconductors LPC2478FBD208,551

Overview

LPC2478FBD208 from NXP Semiconductors is a 32-bit ARM7TDMI-S microcontroller operating at up to 72 MHz, featuring 512 kB flash, 98 kB SRAM (including 16 kB Ethernet buffer and 2 kB RTC-powered RAM), integrated LCD controller supporting up to 1024×768 TFT/STN displays, dual CAN, USB 2.0 full-speed device/host/OTG, 10/100 Ethernet MAC with MII/RMII, and 160 GPIO pins - deployed in industrial control and medical systems requiring high-integration real-time I/O and graphics.

For engineers reviewing the LPC2478FBD208 datasheet, LPC2478FBD208 pinout, LPC2478FBD208 application, or LPC2478FBD208 equivalent, key selection considerations include its LQFP208 package compatibility, dual AHB bus architecture enabling concurrent Ethernet/USB/flash execution, 10-bit ADC/DAC, LCD DMA controller, and support for external SDRAM via EMC - critical for embedded HMI and networked edge devices.

Technical Context

The LPC2478FBD208 implements an ARM7TDMI-S core with Thumb instruction set support and real-time debug via JTAG and embedded trace module. Its dual AHB system isolates Ethernet DMA, USB DMA, and CPU flash access to eliminate bus contention.

Peripheral integration includes dedicated DMA controllers for LCD, USB, and GPDMA servicing SSP/I2S/SD/MMC; independent power domains for fine-grained power management; and a Vector Interrupt Controller (VIC) supporting 32 vectored interrupts with edge-triggered capability on 64 GPIO pins.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: LQFP208 (SOT459-1), plastic low-profile quad flat package, 208 leads, 28 × 28 × 1.4 mm body, exposed thermal pad optional per NXP design guidelines.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with LPC2378FBD100, the LPC2478FBD208 adds Ethernet, LCD, and USB OTG at the cost of larger footprint and higher power; versus LPC1769FBD208, it trades Cortex-M3 performance and NVIC for proven ARM7 determinism, integrated display engine, and RTC-retained memory - making it optimal for mature industrial HMI platforms.

Availability

LPC2478FBD208 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial control, medical systems, Point-of-Sale (POS) equipment, and portable electronics requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle assurance, and full documentation support.

Supply support for LPC2478FBD208 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 applications.

The LPC2400 series, including LPC2478FBD208, was designed specifically for high-integration embedded applications demanding rich peripheral sets, real-time responsiveness, and robust graphics support - targeting industrial HMIs and networked medical devices.

FAQ

What is the maximum operating frequency of the LPC2478FBD208?

The LPC2478FBD208 operates at a maximum system clock frequency of 72 MHz, achieved via its on-chip PLL driven by the internal 4 MHz RC oscillator, external crystal (1–25 MHz), or RTC oscillator. This frequency is sustained across all on-chip peripherals, including flash execution, Ethernet MAC, and USB controller, due to the 128-bit wide flash interface and accelerator architecture unique to the LPC2000 family.

Does the LPC2478FBD208 support external SDRAM?

Yes, the LPC2478FBD208 supports external SDRAM through its External Memory Controller (EMC), which provides dedicated control signals and timing registers for single-data-rate (SDR) SDRAM. The EMC also supports asynchronous static memories such as SRAM, ROM, and NOR flash, enabling expansion beyond the 98 kB on-chip SRAM - essential for high-resolution display frame buffers or protocol stack memory allocation in the LPC2478FBD208.

How many CAN interfaces does the LPC2478FBD208 integrate?

The LPC2478FBD208 integrates two Controller Area Network (CAN) 2.0B-compliant interfaces, each with dedicated message RAM and acceptance filtering. These CAN channels operate independently and can be configured for different bit rates and filter masks, allowing the LPC2478FBD208 to serve as a dual-bus gateway or redundant fieldbus node in industrial automation and vehicle diagnostics systems.

What LCD display resolutions and types are supported by the LPC2478FBD208?

The LPC2478FBD208's integrated LCD controller supports both Super-Twisted Nematic (STN) and Thin-Film Transistor (TFT) panels, with programmable resolution up to 1024 × 768 pixels and 24-bit true-color mode. It includes dedicated DMA for pixel data transfer, reducing CPU overhead, and supports multiple display timings and pixel formats - making the LPC2478FBD208 suitable for embedded HMIs ranging from monochrome text displays to full-color graphical interfaces.

Is the LPC2478FBD208 pin-compatible with other members of the LPC2400 family?

The LPC2478FBD208 in LQFP208 packaging shares identical pinout and electrical characteristics with the LPC2478FET208 (TFBGA208) for functionally equivalent pins, but is not pin-compatible with lower-pin-count variants like the LPC2468 or LPC2458. Within the LQFP208 footprint, all LPC2478 variants maintain consistent signal mapping - ensuring hardware reuse across temperature grades and minor revisions of the LPC2478FBD208.