The LM3S617-EQN50-C2T is a 32-bit ARM Cortex-M3 microcontroller from the Stellaris 600 series, running at 50 MHz. It carries 32 KB of Flash program memory and 8 KB of SRAM, with 30 general-purpose I/O lines and a 6-channel 10-bit ADC. The part is packaged in a 48-LQFP (7x7 mm) and rated for the industrial temperature range of -40 to 105 °C, making it suitable for motor drives, outdoor telecom equipment, and factory automation controllers where the ambient temperature swings wide.
50 MHz Cortex-M3 — what it means for the control loop
At 50 MHz, the Cortex-M3 core executes a single-cycle multiply and a hardware divide, which matters for PID loops and sensor fusion math. The 8 KB SRAM limits the data buffer for UART or SPI streams — expect to offload larger logs to external serial Flash or handle them in the 32 KB program space. The internal oscillator saves a crystal BOM line, but if you need tighter timing for CAN or precision PWM, the part accepts an external clock source.
NRND — plan the BOM transition now
The LM3S617-EQN50-C2T carries an NRND status. For new designs, look at current-generation parts in a similar 48-LQFP pin count. For existing BOMs, this part remains available through independent distribution, sourced and quoted to order against an RFQ.
Peripherals and connectivity
On-chip peripherals include brown-out detect, POR, PWM, and a watchdog timer — enough for a standalone motor controller or a sensor hub without an external supervisor. The connectivity set covers Microwire, SPI, SSI, and UART/USART, so it interfaces with common serial ADCs, DACs, and radio modules. The 6-channel 10-bit ADC samples analog inputs for current sensing or potentiometer feedback. All 30 I/O are brought out on the 48-LQFP; verify your pin allocation against the datasheet pinout before layout.