NXP Semiconductors LPC3250FET296,551

Overview

LPC3250FET296 from NXP Semiconductors is a 32-bit ARM926EJ-S microcontroller with integrated VFP coprocessor, 256 kB on-chip SRAM, 10/100 Ethernet MAC, and LCD controller supporting STN/TFT panels - operating at up to 266 MHz for industrial HMI and networked embedded systems.

For engineers reviewing the LPC3250FET296 datasheet, LPC3250FET296 pinout, LPC3250FET296 application, or LPC3250FET296 equivalent, key selection factors include its TFBGA296 package, dual NAND flash controllers, multi-layer AHB bus architecture, and support for USB OTG, SD card, and touch-screen ADC functionality.

Technical Context

The LPC3250FET296 implements an ARM926EJ-S core with Harvard architecture, 5-stage pipeline, MMU for virtual memory, and hardware Jazelle Java execution - enabling Linux and other full-featured OS deployments. Its vector floating-point (VFP) coprocessor accelerates signal processing and control math.

It features a multi-layer AHB matrix with dedicated buses for CPU instruction/data, DMA, USB, LCD, and Ethernet - eliminating arbitration delays unless multiple masters access the same slave simultaneously. The external memory controller supports DDR/SDR SDRAM and static devices with configurable timing.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: TFBGA296 (SOT1048-1), 15 mm × 15 mm × 0.7 mm body, 296-ball array with 0.65 mm pitch.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar ARM9-based microcontroller applications.

Compared with LPC3240FET296/01 and AT91SAM9G25-CU, the LPC3250FET296 uniquely integrates both Ethernet MAC and LCD controller in a single TFBGA296 package - reducing BOM count and PCB area for display-enabled industrial edge nodes.

Availability

LPC3250FET296 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial HMI terminals, medical patient monitors, and networked building controllers requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges and long production lifecycles.

Supply support for LPC3250FET296 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 LPC32xx family was designed for low-power, high-performance embedded applications requiring rich peripheral integration - particularly targeting industrial HMIs, medical devices, and network-connected control systems.

FAQ

What is the maximum operating frequency of the LPC3250FET296?

The LPC3250FET296 operates at a maximum CPU clock speed of 266 MHz, achieved using NXP's 90 nm process and an on-chip PLL that eliminates the need for a high-frequency external crystal. This frequency is sustained across the full −40 °C to +85 °C industrial temperature range, making the LPC3250FET296 suitable for demanding real-time applications where deterministic performance is critical.

Does the LPC3250FET296 include an integrated Ethernet MAC?

Yes, the LPC3250FET296 includes a fully integrated 10/100 Ethernet MAC with dedicated DMA controller - confirmed in Table 2 of the datasheet. Unlike the LPC3220/30 variants, the LPC3250FET296 supports Ethernet functionality, enabling direct connection to standard RJ-45 PHYs without external bridge ICs. This feature is essential for networked industrial and medical devices requiring wired connectivity.

How does the LCD controller in the LPC3250FET296 differ from earlier LPC32xx variants?

The LCD controller is exclusive to the LPC3230 and LPC3250 variants - the LPC3250FET296 supports both STN and TFT panels up to 1024 × 768 resolution with programmable timing and dedicated DMA. It provides 24-bit RGB output and auxiliary signals (LCDENAB, LCDDCLK, LCDLP) mapped to specific GPO pins. This integration eliminates the need for external display controllers in HMI designs, distinguishing the LPC3250FET296 from non-LCD variants like the LPC3240.

What NAND flash configurations does the LPC3250FET296 support?

The LPC3250FET296 includes two independent NAND flash controllers: one optimized for single-level cell (SLC) NAND and another for multi-level cell (MLC) NAND. Both support hardware ECC, bad block management, and asynchronous interface timing. This dual-controller architecture allows simultaneous boot from SLC NAND and data storage on MLC NAND - improving system reliability and storage density without external NAND controllers.

Is the LPC3250FET296 pin-compatible with other LPC32xx family members?

The LPC3250FET296 shares the TFBGA296 (SOT1048-1) package and identical pinout with LPC3220FET296/01, LPC3230FET296/01, and LPC3240FET296/01 - confirmed in Table 1 and Figure 2 of the datasheet. However, functional differences exist: only LPC3230 and LPC3250 support LCD; only LPC3240 and LPC3250 support Ethernet. Thus, while PCB layout is reusable, firmware and peripheral routing must be validated per variant.