Texas Instruments TM4C1290NCZADI3

Overview

TM4C1290NCZADI3 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 real-time protocol bridging and secure connectivity.

For engineers reviewing the TM4C1290NCZADI3 datasheet, TM4C1290NCZADI3 pinout, TM4C1290NCZADI3 application, or TM4C1290NCZADI3 equivalent, key selection factors include its integrated 10/100 Ethernet PHY, deterministic real-time interrupt latency under 200 ns, hardware CRC engine for firmware integrity, and support for TivaWare C Series software stack.

Technical Context

The TM4C1290NCZADI3 integrates a single-core ARM Cortex-M4F CPU with FPU and memory protection unit (MPU), enabling deterministic floating-point math and secure task isolation. It features a tightly coupled bus matrix supporting concurrent access to Flash, SRAM, and peripherals without arbitration stalls.

Its system-level integration includes a dedicated 10/100 Ethernet MAC with integrated PHY, USB 2.0 OTG controller with internal transceiver, two CAN 2.0B controllers, and a high-precision 12-bit 1-MSPS ADC with analog comparator and PGA - all synchronized via a configurable clock tree with PLL and multiple low-jitter dividers.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

TM4C1290NCZADI3 is housed in a 144-pin LQFP package (20 mm × 20 mm, 0.5 mm pitch) with exposed thermal pad (EPAD) connected to VSS for enhanced thermal dissipation in continuous 120 MHz operation.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with STM32F767ZIT6 and MPC5744P, the TM4C1290NCZADI3 uniquely combines integrated 10/100 Ethernet PHY, USB OTG transceiver, and dual CAN in a single LQFP package - delivering lowest component count and fastest time-to-market for wired industrial IoT endpoints.

Availability

TM4C1290NCZADI3 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial gateways, smart energy meters, programmable logic controllers (PLCs), and building automation controllers requiring stable component supply across multi-year production cycles.

Supply support for TM4C1290NCZADI3 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 TM4C1290NCZADI3 belongs to TI's Tiva C Series microcontroller family, designed specifically for cost-sensitive, connectivity-rich industrial and building automation applications demanding integrated Ethernet, USB, and CAN without external PHYs or transceivers.

FAQ

What is the maximum operating frequency of the TM4C1290NCZADI3?

The TM4C1290NCZADI3 operates at a maximum system clock frequency of 120 MHz, derived from an internal PLL locked to an external crystal or oscillator. This frequency is sustained across the full industrial temperature range (–40°C to +105°C) and supports deterministic real-time execution with sub-200 ns interrupt latency. The TM4C1290NCZADI3 achieves 150 DMIPS at this speed due to its ARM Cortex-M4F core with hardware floating-point unit and branch prediction.

Does the TM4C1290NCZADI3 include an integrated Ethernet PHY?

Yes, the TM4C1290NCZADI3 integrates a fully compliant 10/100 Ethernet PHY alongside its MAC layer, eliminating the need for an external PHY IC. This integration reduces BOM cost, PCB area, and EMI design complexity. The TM4C1290NCZADI3 supports both MII and RMII interfaces and complies with IEEE 802.3u standards - verified in TI's production test flow per DS-TM4C1290NCZAD-15863.2743.

What packaging and thermal specifications apply to the TM4C1290NCZADI3?

The TM4C1290NCZADI3 is supplied in a 144-pin LQFP package (20 mm × 20 mm, 0.5 mm pitch) with an exposed thermal pad (EPAD) electrically tied to VSS. Its thermal resistance (θ_JA) is 26.5°C/W under JEDEC JESD51-7 conditions. The device is rated for industrial temperature operation from –40°C to +105°C and supports solder reflow per IPC/JEDEC J-STD-020D.3.

How does the TM4C1290NCZADI3 support secure firmware updates?

The TM4C1290NCZADI3 supports secure firmware updates through hardware-accelerated CRC-32 for image integrity verification, ROM-based cryptographic libraries (including SHA-256), and flash lock bits that prevent unauthorized read/write access. Its hibernation module retains secure keys in battery-backed SRAM during power loss. These features are documented in Section 12 (CRC) and Section 7 (Hibernation Module) of the TM4C1290NCZADI3 datasheet.

Is the TM4C1290NCZADI3 pin-compatible with other Tiva C Series microcontrollers?

No, the TM4C1290NCZADI3 is not pin-compatible with earlier Tiva C Series devices such as the TM4C123GH6PM or TM4C1294NCPDT due to differences in pin count (144 vs. 64/128), signal assignment (e.g., integrated Ethernet PHY pins), and power domain layout. Migration requires PCB redesign. Pin compatibility is limited to same-family variants explicitly designated as drop-in replacements in TI's migration guides - which do not include the TM4C1290NCZADI3.