Texas Instruments TM4C1290NCPDTT3

Overview

TM4C1290NCPDTT3 from Texas Instruments is an ARM Cortex-M4F-based microcontroller with 120 MHz operation, 1 MB Flash, 256 KB SRAM, integrated Ethernet MAC+PHY, USB 2.0 OTG, and dual CAN controllers - deployed in industrial gateways requiring deterministic real-time control, networked I/O, and secure firmware updates.

For engineers reviewing the TM4C1290NCPDTT3 datasheet, TM4C1290NCPDTT3 pinout, TM4C1290NCPDTT3 application, or TM4C1290NCPDTT3 equivalent, key selection criteria include Ethernet PHY integration, floating-point unit support, hibernation mode power management, and TivaWare™ software stack compatibility.

Technical Context

The TM4C1290NCPDTT3 integrates a single-core ARM Cortex-M4F with hardware FPU and memory protection unit (MPU), supporting Thumb-2 and DSP instructions. It implements a unified clock tree with multiple PLLs, including a dedicated Ethernet PLL and USB PLL, enabling independent frequency scaling for peripherals.

Its system-level architecture includes a 32-bit AHB bus matrix connecting CPU, DMA, Flash, SRAM, and peripherals, plus APB bridges for low-speed modules. The device supports full JTAG/SWD debug, trace via TPIU, and secure boot using ROM-based bootloader with AES-128 encryption.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

TM4C1290NCPDTT3 is housed in a 128-pin LQFP package with exposed thermal pad (PDT suffix). Pin functions are defined per TI SPMS429B datasheet Section 1.4 and Table 1-1 (Pin Assignments).

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with TM4C1294NCPDT and STM32F767ZIT6, the TM4C1290NCPDTT3 delivers best-in-class integration for wired industrial IoT - combining Ethernet PHY, dual CAN, USB OTG, and hibernate power management in a single LQFP package without requiring external transceivers or memory expansion.

Availability

TM4C1290NCPDTT3 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial gateways, smart energy meters, programmable logic controllers, and building automation controllers requiring stable component supply and long-term lifecycle support.

Supply support for TM4C1290NCPDTT3 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, specializing in analog, embedded processing, and wireless technologies since 1930.

The Tiva C Series - including TM4C1290NCPDTT3 - was designed specifically for industrial and factory automation applications demanding integrated connectivity, real-time determinism, and robust security features.

FAQ

What is the maximum operating frequency of the TM4C1290NCPDTT3?

The TM4C1290NCPDTT3 operates at a maximum CPU frequency of 120 MHz, achieved via its on-chip PLL with support for multiple clock sources including internal precision oscillator, external crystal, or external clock input. This frequency is fully supported across all temperature ranges specified in the datasheet (–40°C to +105°C) and enables deterministic execution of real-time control loops and network protocol stacks.

Does the TM4C1290NCPDTT3 include an integrated Ethernet physical layer (PHY)?

Yes, the TM4C1290NCPDTT3 includes a fully integrated 10/100 Mbps Ethernet PHY compliant with IEEE 802.3u, eliminating the need for an external PHY IC. It supports both MII and RMII interfaces, and internal termination resistors reduce external component count - though external magnetics remain required for transformer isolation on the Ethernet cable side.

What debug interfaces does the TM4C1290NCPDTT3 support?

The TM4C1290NCPDTT3 supports both JTAG and ARM Serial Wire Debug (SWD) interfaces, with full compatibility for TI's Code Composer Studio and third-party tools like Segger J-Link. It also includes a Trace Port Interface Unit (TPIU) for real-time instruction and data trace, enabling advanced profiling and timing analysis during development and validation of the TM4C1290NCPDTT3-based system.

How much on-chip memory does the TM4C1290NCPDTT3 provide?

The TM4C1290NCPDTT3 provides 1 MB of on-chip Flash memory for program storage, 256 KB of SRAM for runtime data and stack, and 6 KB of EEPROM for non-volatile parameter storage. All memory blocks are accessible via the AHB bus with zero-wait-state operation at maximum CPU speed, ensuring consistent performance for firmware updates and data logging tasks.

Is the TM4C1290NCPDTT3 pin-compatible with other Tiva C Series microcontrollers?

The TM4C1290NCPDTT3 shares the same 128-pin LQFP package and pinout with other members of the TM4C129x family (e.g., TM4C1294NCPDT), enabling drop-in replacement within that family. However, it is not pin-compatible with TM4C123x or TM4C129Ex devices due to differences in peripheral mapping, power pin allocation, and signal multiplexing - always verify pin assignments against SPMS429B Section 1.4 before board reuse.