What this Stellaris MCU brings to a design
The LM3S8938-IBZ50-A2: The 8-channel 10-bit ADC covers analog inputs like temperature or pressure transducers without an external converter. The 108-BGA (10x10 mm) package keeps the board area tight — 38 I/Os are brought out, enough for a modest control panel or a motor-drive interface with a few discrete signals left over.
Obsolete — sourcing strategy for sustainment programs
The LM3S8938-IBZ50-A2 carries an official Obsolete lifecycle status. Texas Instruments has ended production, and no last-time-buy window remains open through the factory channel. Because this part is obsolete, every procurement lot should be inspected and tested before assembly. Counterfeit risk rises for high-value legacy MCUs in BGA packages. We source each unit against a customer RFQ, confirm the date code and traceability, and quote current market pricing at the time of request — no blanket stock level applies when the factory gate is closed.
Package and power — what the BGA footprint demands
The 108-ball BGA on a 10x10 mm array (0.8 mm pitch typical for this class) requires a multi-layer PCB with microvia or at least a via-in-pad strategy for the center balls. Decoupling should follow the Stellaris layout guide: one 100 nF per supply ball pair, plus a bulk 10 µF near the BGA corner. Brown-out detect and POR are integrated, so an external supervisor IC is optional unless the system needs a manual reset button or a watchdog timeout longer than the internal WDT period.