LM3S6918-IQC50-A2 ARM Cortex-M3 Microcontroller, IQC50 50-Pin Package

LM3S6918-IQC50-A2 Overview

The LM3S6918-IQC50-A2 is a 32-bit ARM Cortex-M3 microcontroller family member targeted at industrial embedded systems that need real-time control and rich peripheral integration. It combines a high-efficiency processor core with compact packaging and industrial-grade assembly. The device provides a balance of CPU performance and peripheral density for cost-sensitive applications. For sourcing and component reference see IC Manufacturer.

LM3S6918-IQC50-A2 Technical Specifications

LM3S6918-IQC50-A2 Key Features

• ARM Cortex-M3 core for deterministic, low-latency control and broad toolchain support.
• 128 KB flash and 32 KB SRAM to store firmware and runtime data for medium-complexity embedded applications.
• 50-pin IQFP package that reduces board area compared with larger multi-package alternatives while keeping many I/O lines available.
• Industrial temperature rating to ensure reliability and stability in extended-range operating environments.

Typical Applications

• Industrial motor and motion controllers where a real-time 32-bit core and multiple serial interfaces handle closed-loop control algorithms and sensor communication reliably across temperature extremes.
• Human-machine interface (HMI) modules that require a compact footprint with enough flash and SRAM to run UI firmware and manage multiple peripheral buses.
• Data acquisition nodes in factory automation that aggregate sensor inputs over SPI/I2C and stream processed results via UART or other serial links to higher-level controllers.
• Embedded control in instrumentation and medical devices where stable 3.3 V operation and industrial temperature performance are required for consistent operation.

LM3S6918-IQC50-A2 Advantages vs Typical Alternatives

The device provides a strong balance of performance, integration, and packaging when compared with larger-pin microcontrollers or lower-performance 8/16-bit controllers. The ARM Cortex-M3 core delivers more deterministic compute and richer interrupt handling than typical 8-bit alternatives. The 50-pin IQFP package offers more I/O than smaller QFN parts while taking less board area than higher-pin-count devices. Industrial temperature grading and a mature toolchain make it easier to design, test, and source for production environments.

LM3S6918-IQC50-A2 Brand Info

The LM3S6918-IQC50-A2 is associated with the Stellaris microcontroller family originally developed by Luminary Micro and now offered under Texas Instruments. The brand emphasizes high-performance ARM Cortex-M3 devices for embedded control. Expect broad ecosystem support, firmware libraries, and long-term production continuity consistent with industrial semiconductor sourcing.

FAQ

What core does this device use?

The device is built around an ARM Cortex-M3 core. This core is designed for real-time embedded control and supports common toolchains for development and debugging.

What package and pin count are provided?

This variant is supplied in a 50-pin IQFP package (IQC50). The package provides a compromise between board area and available I/O for medium-density designs.

Is it suitable for industrial temperatures?

Yes. The part is specified for industrial temperature ranges spanning -40 ??C to +85 ??C, making it suitable for many outdoor and factory-floor applications.

What memory sizes are on-chip?

The device includes 128 KB of flash memory for firmware and 32 KB of SRAM for runtime data and stack. These resources support moderate embedded applications without external memory.

What interfaces are available for peripherals?

On-chip peripherals include multiple UART, SPI, and I2C interfaces for sensors, actuators, and host communication. These interfaces simplify integration into multi-node embedded systems.