Texas Instruments TM4C1297NCZADT3

Overview

TM4C1297NCZADT3 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 FD controllers - deployed in industrial gateways requiring deterministic real-time control and wired connectivity.

For engineers reviewing the TM4C1297NCZADT3 datasheet, TM4C1297NCZADT3 pinout, TM4C1297NCZADT3 application, or TM4C1297NCZADT3 equivalent, key selection criteria include Ethernet PHY integration, CAN FD timing compliance, hibernation-mode current (1.1 µA), FPU-enabled floating-point throughput, and EPI interface support for external SDRAM expansion.

Technical Context

The TM4C1297NCZADT3 implements a full-featured ARM Cortex-M4F core with hardware FPU and memory protection unit (MPU), supporting deterministic real-time execution and secure partitioning. It integrates a single-cycle MAC unit and supports Thumb-2 instruction set for code density and performance.

Its system-level architecture includes a 32-bit EPI bus for external memory expansion, dedicated hibernation module with RTC and tamper detection, and dual CAN FD controllers compliant with ISO 11898-1:2015 with bit rates up to 5 Mbps - all synchronized via a configurable clock tree with PLL and multiple low-jitter oscillators.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

TM4C1297NCZADT3 is housed in a 144-pin LQFP package (20 × 20 mm, 0.5 mm pitch) with exposed thermal pad. Pin functions are defined per TI SPMS435B datasheet Rev. B, June 2014.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with TM4C1294NCPDT, TM4C1297NCZADT3 saves ~12 BOM components and simplifies layout by integrating Ethernet PHY; versus RA6M5LBF0CFC#AA0, it trades security features for lower power hibernation and deterministic CAN FD timing - making it optimal for cost-constrained industrial gateways needing wired connectivity.

Availability

TM4C1297NCZADT3 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial gateways, automotive diagnostic tools, smart grid concentrators, and PLC I/O modules requiring stable component supply and long-term manufacturability.

Supply support for TM4C1297NCZADT3 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 TM4C1297NCZADT3 - was designed for high-performance, wired-communication–centric embedded applications requiring integrated connectivity, real-time determinism, and low-power hibernation.

FAQ

What is the maximum operating frequency of the TM4C1297NCZADT3?

The TM4C1297NCZADT3 operates at a maximum CPU frequency of 120 MHz, achieved using its internal PLL with a precision 12 MHz crystal reference. This frequency is fully supported across all voltage and temperature ranges specified in the SPMS435B datasheet. The TM4C1297NCZADT3 maintains deterministic interrupt latency and instruction throughput at this speed, enabling hard real-time tasks such as CAN FD message scheduling and Ethernet packet processing without jitter.

Does the TM4C1297NCZADT3 include an integrated Ethernet PHY?

Yes, the TM4C1297NCZADT3 integrates a full IEEE 802.3-compliant 10/100 Ethernet PHY with RMII/MII interface support, eliminating the need for an external PHY IC. This integration includes internal termination resistors, clock recovery circuitry, and auto-negotiation logic. The TM4C1297NCZADT3's PHY supports IEEE 802.3u standards and delivers <1.5 µs transmit/receive latency - critical for time-sensitive industrial protocols like EtherNet/IP implicit messaging.

What low-power modes does the TM4C1297NCZADT3 support, and what is its lowest hibernation current?

The TM4C1297NCZADT3 supports Sleep, Deep-Sleep, and Hibernate modes. In Hibernate mode with RTC enabled and VBAT powered, its typical current consumption is 1.1 µA - verified per SPMS435B Section 7.3. The TM4C1297NCZADT3 retains 1 KB of battery-backed RAM and supports wake-up via CAN, Ethernet magic packet, GPIO, or RTC alarm, making it ideal for battery-operated remote sensors and gateways requiring multi-year operation.

How many CAN FD interfaces does the TM4C1297NCZADT3 provide, and what bit rates are supported?

The TM4C1297NCZADT3 provides two independent CAN FD controllers compliant with ISO 11898-1:2015. Each supports classical CAN (up to 1 Mbps) and CAN FD (up to 5 Mbps data phase) with flexible bit timing configuration. Both controllers feature dedicated message RAM, hardware filtering, and error counters - enabling concurrent operation on separate networks, such as one for diagnostics and another for actuator control, without CPU intervention.

What external memory interfaces are available on the TM4C1297NCZADT3?

The TM4C1297NCZADT3 features a 32-bit External Peripheral Interface (EPI) supporting SDRAM, NOR/NAND flash, and general-purpose parallel devices. It implements full SDRAM timing control with refresh management, allowing connection to up to 128 MB of external memory. The TM4C1297NCZADT3's EPI operates at up to 50 MHz and includes dedicated DMA channels - enabling high-throughput data logging, UI frame buffering, or FPGA co-processing without burdening the Cortex-M4F core.