Texas Instruments TM4C129XKCZADT3

Overview

TM4C129XKCZADT3 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 hardware crypto accelerators (AES/DES/SHA/MD5). It serves as a high-integration host controller in industrial gateways requiring real-time connectivity and secure firmware updates.

For engineers reviewing the TM4C129XKCZADT3 datasheet, TM4C129XKCZADT3 pinout, TM4C129XKCZADT3 application, or TM4C129XKCZADT3 equivalent, key selection criteria include Ethernet PHY integration, on-chip crypto acceleration, hibernation mode current (1.7 µA), 12-bit ADC resolution, and EPI interface support for external SDRAM expansion.

Technical Context

The TM4C129XKCZADT3 implements a full-featured ARM Cortex-M4F core with single-precision FPU and memory protection unit (MPU), enabling deterministic real-time execution and secure partitioning of firmware tasks. Its integrated 10/100 Ethernet MAC + PHY eliminates external PHY components and supports IEEE 1588 PTP timestamping.

Hardware cryptographic acceleration includes dedicated AES-128/192/256, DES/3DES, and SHA-1/MD5 engines-offloading encryption from the CPU while maintaining side-channel resistance. The External Peripheral Interface (EPI) supports SDRAM, NOR/NAND flash, and FPGA interfacing with configurable timing and burst modes.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

TM4C129XKCZADT3 is housed in a 144-pin TQFP package (12 mm × 12 mm, 0.5 mm pitch) with exposed thermal pad. Pin assignments are validated per TI SPMS448B datasheet Rev. B (June 2014).

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with TM4C129XKCZADT3, TM4C1294NCPDT trades integrated Ethernet for smaller footprint and lower cost, while STM32H743VI offers higher clock speed and memory at the expense of added external components for networking and security functions.

Availability

TM4C129XKCZADT3 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial gateways, smart energy meters, programmable logic controllers, and building automation controllers requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle assurance, and qualified automotive-grade traceability.

Supply support for TM4C129XKCZADT3 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 TM4C129XKCZADT3 belongs to the Tiva C Series microcontroller family, designed specifically for connected industrial applications demanding integrated Ethernet, robust security, and low-power operation in harsh environments.

FAQ

What is the maximum operating frequency of the TM4C129XKCZADT3?

The TM4C129XKCZADT3 operates at a maximum system clock frequency of 120 MHz, derived from its internal PLL with support for multiple clock sources including external crystals, internal oscillators, and USB SOF clock. This frequency is fully supported across all on-chip peripherals and memory subsystems per TI SPMS448B datasheet Section 5.2.5.

Does the TM4C129XKCZADT3 include an integrated Ethernet PHY?

Yes, the TM4C129XKCZADT3 integrates a full IEEE 802.3-compliant 10/100 Ethernet PHY with MII/RMII interface, internal termination resistors, and IEEE 1588 precision time protocol (PTP) timestamping capability. No external PHY or magnetics are required for basic 10/100Base-TX operation.

What crypto algorithms are accelerated in hardware by the TM4C129XKCZADT3?

The TM4C129XKCZADT3 includes dedicated hardware accelerators for AES-128/192/256 (ECB/CBC/CTR/GCM), DES/3DES (ECB/CBC), and SHA-1/MD5 hash generation. These engines operate independently of the CPU and support DMA-triggered operation per datasheet Sections 13.2 and 14.2.

What is the hibernate current specification for the TM4C129XKCZADT3?

The TM4C129XKCZADT3 achieves a typical hibernate current of 1.7 µA at 25°C with RTC enabled and 6 KB of SRAM retained, as specified in Section 7.3.8 of the SPMS448B datasheet. This value assumes VDD = 3.3 V and all non-essential clocks disabled.

Which package type is used for the TM4C129XKCZADT3?

The TM4C129XKCZADT3 is supplied in a 144-pin Thin Quad Flat Package (TQFP) with 0.5 mm pitch and exposed thermal pad (package code ZAD), measuring 12 mm × 12 mm. This package is RoHS-compliant and rated for industrial temperature range (–40°C to +105°C).