180 MHz Cortex-M3 with industrial connectivity
The NXP LPC18S30FET256E is a 32-bit ARM Cortex-M3 microcontroller running at 180 MHz, built for control-oriented tasks that need a real-time core with a rich peripheral set. The 200K x 8 RAM gives enough buffer space for Ethernet packet handling or a modest HMI frame buffer, while the ROMless program memory means code lives on external Flash via the EBI/EMI interface — a common architecture for designs that need firmware field-updatability without on-chip Flash endurance limits. The part is rated for the industrial temperature range of -40°C to 85°C, making it a fit for factory-floor controllers, outdoor telecom gateways, and motor-drive communication modules where ambient temperature swings are routine. Connectivity includes Ethernet, CAN, USB, and an external bus interface (EBI/EMI), plus multiple SPI, I²C, UART, and SSP channels — enough to bridge between a PLC backplane and a fieldbus gateway without an extra protocol chip.
Peripheral set and I/O count
With 164 I/O lines, the LPC18S30FET256E can handle parallel displays, memory buses, and a large bank of discrete sensors or actuators without an external GPIO expander. The integrated 8-channel 10-bit ADC and single 10-bit DAC cover analog feedback and setpoint generation for basic closed-loop control. On-chip peripherals include brown-out detect, POR, PWM, watchdog timer, DMA, and I²S — the PWM and DMA pair is useful for driving stepper motors or generating audio waveforms without core intervention.
Lifecycle and sourcing
The LPC18S30FET256E is listed as Active in production status, meaning it is still in the manufacturer's current portfolio and can be specified into new designs without an immediate last-time-buy risk. For current pricing and availability, submit an RFQ — this part is sourced through independent distribution channels and quoted to order.