The Texas Instruments LM3S6965-IQC50-A2T is a Stellaris ARM Cortex-M3S 6000 series microcontroller built around a 32-bit ARM Cortex-M3 core running at 50 MHz.
Supply rail and voltage tolerance – plan the 2.5 V rail
That means a regulated 2.5 V rail is required – not a 3.3 V or 1.8 V system direct. If your board already carries a 3.3 V supply, you will need a small LDO to drop to 2.5 V. The narrow tolerance also rules out running from a lithium cell directly; a regulator is mandatory.
Ethernet MAC – no PHY, plan for an external transceiver
The on-chip Ethernet MAC handles the media-access layer, but you still need an external PHY chip (e.g., a DP83848 or similar) and a magnetics module to connect to an RJ45. The MAC interfaces via MII or RMII, so the PHY selection determines the pin count and PCB routing. The benefit is that the MAC integration saves a separate Ethernet controller IC and its firmware overhead.
Memory sizing – 256 KB Flash, 64 KB RAM
The RAM is enough for a small web server or Modbus TCP buffer, but if your application needs large data logging or a full GUI frame buffer, you will want to budget external SRAM or serial Flash via the SPI/SSI interfaces.
Package and footprint – 100-LQFP, 14x14 mm body
No hot-air station required for removal – a standard rework station works.