Texas Instruments TM4C1237H6PGEI7R

Overview

TM4C1237H6PGEI7R from Texas Instruments is an ARM Cortex-M4F-based microcontroller with 256 KB Flash, 32 KB SRAM, and integrated USB 2.0 OTG, 12-bit ADC (1MSPS), and dual CAN 2.0A/B controllers. It operates at up to 80 MHz and supports -40°C to +105°C industrial temperature range in a 144-pin LQFP package. It is used in motor control systems requiring real-time PWM generation, analog sensing, and fieldbus communication.

For engineers reviewing the TM4C1237H6PGEI7R datasheet, TM4C1237H6PGEI7R pinout, TM4C1237H6PGEI7R application, or TM4C1237H6PGEI7R equivalent, key selection criteria include its integrated FPU for floating-point math, hibernation module with RTC and battery-backed memory, USB device/host/OTG capability, dual CAN interfaces, and hardware μDMA supporting zero-CPU-overhead peripheral transfers.

Technical Context

The TM4C1237H6PGEI7R implements a full-featured ARM Cortex-M4F core with single-precision floating-point unit, NVIC with 80 interrupt lines, and SysTick timer. Its system integration includes ROM-based bootloader, hibernation module with dedicated 256-byte battery-backed RAM, and configurable clock tree with PLL, internal oscillators, and external crystal support.

Peripherals include four 32-bit general-purpose timers (with PWM and capture), two watchdog timers, eight UARTs (one with IrDA and ISO 7816), two I²C modules, four SPI modules, and two CAN controllers compliant with CAN 2.0A/B. Analog subsystem comprises two independent 12-bit ADCs (each with eight sample sequencers and hardware averaging) and an internal temperature sensor.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

TM4C1237H6PGEI7R is housed in a 144-pin LQFP package (20 mm × 20 mm, 0.5 mm pitch) with exposed thermal pad. Pin functions are defined per TI SPMS360E datasheet Rev E (June 2014), including dedicated JTAG/SW-DP debug pins, dual CAN transceiver interfaces (CAN0RX/CAN0TX, CAN1RX/CAN1TX), USB DP/DM, and multiplexed GPIO supporting peripheral alternate functions.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with TM4C1237H6PGEI7R, TM4C1294NCPDT trades CAN for Ethernet and scales memory for richer UI stacks, while STM32H743ZIT6 delivers higher compute density and CAN FD but requires external USB PHY and more complex power sequencing.

Availability

TM4C1237H6PGEI7R is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial motor control, automotive body electronics, and smart energy gateway designs requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle assurance, and qualified industrial-temperature-grade silicon.

Supply support for TM4C1237H6PGEI7R 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 decades of experience in industrial, automotive, and communications markets.

The TM4C1237H6PGEI7R belongs to TI's Tiva C Series - a family of ARM-based microcontrollers designed specifically for real-time industrial control, motor drive, and fieldbus-enabled applications with integrated analog, communication, and low-power features.

FAQ

What is the maximum operating frequency of the TM4C1237H6PGEI7R?

The TM4C1237H6PGEI7R operates at a maximum system clock frequency of 80 MHz, achieved using its internal PLL with an external 1–25 MHz crystal or oscillator input. This frequency applies across the full industrial temperature range (-40°C to +105°C) and is validated in TI's SPMS360E production datasheet. The TM4C1237H6PGEI7R maintains timing compliance without derating under worst-case voltage and temperature conditions.

Does the TM4C1237H6PGEI7R support USB device, host, and OTG modes simultaneously?

Yes, the TM4C1237H6PGEI7R integrates a full-speed USB 2.0 controller supporting device, host, and OTG modes via a single USB port (USB0). Mode selection is software-configurable using the USB OTG control registers, and the internal transceiver eliminates need for external PHY components. The TM4C1237H6PGEI7R USB module complies with USB 2.0 specification and supports up to 12 Mbps data rates.

How many CAN interfaces does the TM4C1237H6PGEI7R include, and what protocol versions are supported?

The TM4C1237H6PGEI7R includes two independent CAN controllers (CAN0 and CAN1), each compliant with the CAN 2.0A/B specification and supporting both standard (11-bit) and extended (29-bit) identifier formats. Each controller has dedicated transmit/receive pins and supports bit rates up to 1 Mbps. The TM4C1237H6PGEI7R CAN modules integrate message objects, FIFOs, and error counters per TI SPMS360E Section 15.

What is the purpose of the hibernation module in the TM4C1237H6PGEI7R?

The hibernation module in the TM4C1237H6PGEI7R provides ultra-low-power state retention using a separate VBAT supply, enabling operation of the real-time clock (RTC), 256-byte battery-backed RAM, and wake-up logic while main power is removed. It supports multiple wake sources including RTC alarm, external pin, or HIB interrupt. The TM4C1237H6PGEI7R hibernation current is specified at 1.9 µA typical in datasheet Section 7.3.7.

Is there a ROM-based bootloader in the TM4C1237H6PGEI7R, and how is it accessed?

Yes, the TM4C1237H6PGEI7R includes a factory-programmed ROM bootloader that supports firmware updates over UART, USB, or CAN without requiring JTAG. Entry is triggered by holding the appropriate boot-mode pin (e.g., BOOTCFG) low during reset. The TM4C1237H6PGEI7R bootloader implements In-Application Programming (IAP) and supports encrypted image validation per TI Application Report SPMA078.