NRND — design-in window closed, existing BOMs supported
Texas Instruments lists the LM3S2948-EQC50-A2T as NRND (Not Recommended for New Designs). This means the part remains orderable for existing production but is not intended for new project starts.
50 MHz Cortex-M3 — throughput and memory budget
The ARM Cortex-M3 core runs at 50 MHz, delivering roughly 1.25 DMIPS/MHz for control-loop and protocol-stack tasks. The 52 general-purpose I/O lines and the 8-channel 10-bit ADC cover mixed-signal sensing and actuator control without external expanders. Connectivity includes CAN, I²C, SPI, SSI, UART, and IrDA — suitable for fieldbus gateways and multi-protocol interfaces.
The 100-LQFP (14x14 mm) package is a standard fine-pitch SMD footprint — reworkable with hot-air and compatible with most automated optical inspection systems.