Texas Instruments TM4C123GH6PZI

Overview

TM4C123GH6PZI from Texas Instruments is an ARM Cortex-M4F-based microcontroller with 256 KB Flash, 32 KB SRAM, and integrated peripherals including USB 2.0 OTG, 8× PWM, 12-bit ADC (1MSPS), and dual CAN 2.0A/B controllers. It operates at 80 MHz and supports -40°C to +85°C industrial temperature range in a 100-pin LQFP package. It serves as main system controller in motor drives and industrial HMI panels.

For engineers reviewing the TM4C123GH6PZI datasheet, TM4C123GH6PZI pinout, TM4C123GH6PZI application, or TM4C123GH6PZI equivalent, key selection criteria include its integrated USB PHY, deterministic FPU for real-time control math, hibernation module with RTC and battery-backed memory, and dual-CAN support for automotive diagnostics and body control networks.

Technical Context

The TM4C123GH6PZI integrates a 32-bit ARM Cortex-M4F core with single-precision floating-point unit and 16 KB instruction cache. Its system-level architecture includes a 32-channel μDMA controller, ROM-based bootloader, and hibernation module with dedicated 256-byte battery-backed RAM and calendar-mode RTC.

Peripherals are organized into clock-gated domains managed by the System Control block. The ADC subsystem supports four independent sample sequencers with hardware averaging and digital comparators, while the GPIOs provide configurable slew rate, drive strength, and interrupt-on-change capability across all pins.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

TM4C123GH6PZI is housed in a 100-pin LQFP package with exposed thermal pad (EP). Pin functions are multiplexed across up to 8 peripheral modules per pin, controlled via GPIO AFSEL and PMC registers. Power sequencing requires VDD, VDDA, VDDC, and VDDIO rails with separate analog/digital ground planes.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with STM32F407VGT6 and MSP432P401RIPZ, the TM4C123GH6PZI uniquely balances industrial-grade peripherals (dual CAN, USB PHY, hibernation RTC) with moderate power and cost - making it optimal for embedded gateways requiring protocol bridging and long-term reliability without external support ICs.

Availability

TM4C123GH6PZI is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial motor drives, automotive diagnostic tools, smart building HMIs, and PLC I/O modules requiring stable component supply across multi-year production cycles.

Supply support for TM4C123GH6PZI 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 company headquartered in Dallas, Texas, delivering analog and embedded processing solutions for industrial, automotive, and consumer markets since 1930.

The Tiva C Series - including the TM4C123GH6PZI - was designed specifically for real-time industrial control applications requiring integrated connectivity, deterministic timing, and robust peripheral sets without external glue logic.

FAQ

What is the maximum operating frequency of the TM4C123GH6PZI?

The TM4C123GH6PZI operates at a maximum system clock frequency of 80 MHz, derived from an internal PLL that accepts input from the main oscillator, precision internal oscillator, or external crystal. This frequency is sustained across the full industrial temperature range (-40°C to +85°C) and supports deterministic execution of control loops and real-time communications stacks. The TM4C123GH6PZI maintains timing compliance under all specified voltage and thermal conditions without derating.

Does the TM4C123GH6PZI include an integrated USB physical layer?

Yes, the TM4C123GH6PZI includes a full-speed USB 2.0 OTG physical layer with integrated transceiver, pull-up/pull-down resistors, and VBUS sensing circuitry. This allows direct connection to USB cables without external PHY components. The TM4C123GH6PZI supports both host and device modes, enabling applications such as USB-CAN bridges and firmware update interfaces without additional ICs.

How much battery-backed memory does the TM4C123GH6PZI provide in hibernate mode?

The TM4C123GH6PZI provides 256 bytes of battery-backed RAM within its hibernation module, retained during deep-sleep operation with typical current draw of 1.7 µA. This memory preserves critical state variables, calibration data, and RTC registers while the rest of the device is powered down. The TM4C123GH6PZI also includes a calendar-mode real-time clock with alarm and match functionality, fully operational in hibernate mode.

Can the TM4C123GH6PZI support dual CAN bus communication simultaneously?

Yes, the TM4C123GH6PZI integrates two independent CAN 2.0A/B controllers (CAN0 and CAN1), each with dedicated message objects, transmit/receive buffers, and programmable bit timing. Both controllers operate concurrently, enabling applications such as automotive diagnostic tools that monitor powertrain and body networks simultaneously. The TM4C123GH6PZI supports bit rates up to 1 Mbps and includes automatic retransmission and error confinement features per ISO 11898-1.

What debug interfaces are supported by the TM4C123GH6PZI?

The TM4C123GH6PZI supports JTAG and ARM Serial Wire Debug (SWD) interfaces for full-featured debugging, flash programming, and real-time trace via the TPIU. SWD uses only two pins (SWDIO and SWCLK), reducing debug footprint versus traditional JTAG. The TM4C123GH6PZI also supports in-circuit debugging through TI's XDS100v3 and XDS200 emulators, and integrates a ROM-based bootloader accessible via UART, USB, or I2C for production programming.