Texas Instruments RM44L920APGET

Overview

RM44L920APGET from Texas Instruments is a safety-certifiable 32-bit ARM Cortex-R4F microcontroller designed for IEC 61508 functional safety applications. It features dual lockstep CPUs, 1 MB flash with ECC, 128 KB RAM with ECC, 180-MHz operation, and integrated diagnostics including BIST, voltage/clock monitoring, and error signaling via nERROR pin-deployed in industrial PLCs and medical infusion pumps.

For engineers reviewing the RM44L920APGET datasheet, RM44L920APGET pinout, RM44L920APGET application, or RM44L920APGET equivalent, key selection criteria include ASIL-D readiness, dual-CPU lockstep integrity, FMPLL clocking with slip detection, N2HET timing coprocessor support, and CAN 2.0B/DCAN compliance for deterministic real-time control in harsh environments.

Technical Context

The RM44L920APGET implements a dual-core lockstep architecture where both Cortex-R4F CPUs execute identical instructions and compare results cycle-by-cycle, with ECC-protected memory interfaces and dedicated Error Signaling Module (ESM) asserting nERROR on mismatch or fault. Its FMPLL provides frequency-modulated clock synthesis with built-in slip detection to prevent silent clock faults.

Real-time peripherals include two N2HET modules (32 + 18 programmable channels), seven ePWM modules with deadband and trip-zone protection, six eCAP modules, two 12-bit MibADCs (24 + 16 channels, 64-word parity-protected buffers), and three DCAN controllers compliant with CAN 2.0A/B up to 1 Mbps-enabling sensor fusion, motor control, and distributed safety communication without CPU intervention.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

RM44L920APGET is packaged in a 144-pin LQFP (PGE) with 20.0 mm × 20.0 mm body size, 0.5-mm pitch, and green RoHS-compliant finish. Pin functions are multiplexed across GIO, peripheral, and power domains; default configuration at reset assigns pins to core functions including nPORRST, nRST, nERROR, JTAG, CAN, MibSPI, ADC, and N2HET I/O.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with RM44L520PZ, RM44L920APGET delivers 33% more flash and full CAN/eQEP/N2HET channel complement for complex motion control; versus RM46L852PGE, it trades EMAC/USB for lower power and smaller footprint while retaining identical safety architecture and peripheral timing precision.

Availability

RM44L920APGET is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial safety PLCs, medical infusion pumps, wind turbine pitch control, and radiation therapy beam management requiring stable component supply across extended product lifecycles.

Supply support for RM44L920APGET 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

Texas Instruments is a global semiconductor leader specializing in analog, embedded processing, and connectivity technologies with over 50 years of industrial-grade MCU innovation.

The RM44Lx20 product line delivers ARM Cortex-R-based microcontrollers engineered specifically for IEC 61508 functional safety applications-including industrial automation, medical devices, and transportation systems-featuring lockstep cores, ECC memory, and integrated diagnostics.

FAQ

What safety certifications does the RM44L920APGET support?

The RM44L920APGET is architected to support IEC 61508 SIL-3 and ISO 26262 ASIL-D development. It includes dual lockstep CPUs, ECC on flash and RAM, BIST for CPU and memory, voltage and clock monitors, and an Error Signaling Module with nERROR output-all documented in TI's functional safety FIT rate reports and safety manual. RM44L920APGET itself is not pre-certified, but TI provides certified safety libraries, diagnostic software, and FMEDA data to accelerate end-equipment certification.

Does RM44L920APGET support CAN FD or only classical CAN?

RM44L920APGET supports only classical CAN 2.0A and 2.0B protocols via its three DCAN controllers-each compliant up to 1 Mbps with 64 mailboxes and parity protection. It does not implement CAN FD physical layer or protocol enhancements such as flexible data-rate or extended data length. For CAN FD requirements, designers should evaluate TI's newer Hercules TMS570LC43x or RM57L84x families.

What is the difference between RM44L920APGET and RM44L920PGE?

RM44L920APGET and RM44L920PGE are identical in silicon functionality, electrical specifications, and package (144-pin LQFP). The "A" suffix in RM44L920APGET denotes the same production revision (Silicon Revision A) as RM44L920PGE; "GET" is a TI internal packaging code indicating green, lead-free, halogen-free, and RoHS-compliant finish-functionally equivalent to standard PGE marking. Both part numbers share identical datasheets and qualification data.

Can RM44L920APGET operate with a single 3.3-V supply?

No. RM44L920APGET requires two independent supplies: core voltage VCC = 1.14–1.32 V (for CPU, RAM, flash) and I/O voltage VCCIO = 3.0–3.6 V (for GIO, CAN, ADC, SPI, etc.). These must be supplied separately with proper sequencing-VCCIO must be stable before or concurrently with VCC, and both must remain within spec during operation. Using a single 3.3-V rail violates absolute maximum ratings and will damage the device.

How many N2HET channels does RM44L920APGET provide?

RM44L920APGET integrates two Next-Generation High-End Timer (N2HET) modules: N2HET1 with 32 programmable channels and N2HET2 with 18 programmable channels, totaling 50 dedicated timing I/O terminals. Each module includes 160-word instruction RAM with parity protection, hardware angle generator, and dedicated HTU for DMA transfers-enabling complex waveform generation, encoder interfacing, and time-critical I/O without CPU load.