50 MHz Cortex-M3 with Ethernet and CAN — what this part brings to a BOM
It integrates both Ethernet MAC+PHY and CANbus controllers, making it a single-chip node for industrial gateways, motor-drive networks, or building-automation panels that need to bridge a fieldbus to an IP backbone. The 108-ball BGA (10x10 mm) keeps the footprint compact, and the 38 GPIOs plus a 10-bit 8-channel ADC cover local sensing and control without an external companion chip.
Texas Instruments has formally discontinued the LM3S8971-IBZ50-A2T, so it is no longer available through the factory or authorized distribution channels. Any remaining stock in the independent supply chain is last-time-buy or surplus inventory. For sustainment programs that already have this MCU on the BOM, the procurement path is through brokers and independent distributors who can source new-old-stock or verified pulls. There is no official TI successor listed for this exact order code; a form-fit-function replacement would require a pin-compatible audit across the Stellaris family or a migration to a newer Cortex-M4/M7 part with Ethernet and CAN.
108-BGA — layout and rework notes
The 108-ball LFBGA (10x10 mm body) uses a 0.8 mm pitch, which is manageable with standard SMT assembly but demands careful x-ray inspection for voiding and solder-joint integrity. The internal oscillator means a crystal is optional for the core clock, though Ethernet timing will still need an external 25 MHz reference.
Peripheral set — Ethernet and CAN in one MCU
The connectivity block includes CANbus, Ethernet, IrDA, Microwire, QEI, SPI, SSI, and UART/USART. Having both Ethernet and CAN on a single Cortex-M3 at 50 MHz is the standout feature — it eliminates a separate network coprocessor or FPGA for protocol bridging. The brown-out detect, POR, PWM, and watchdog peripherals cover the usual supervisory and motor-control needs. The 8-channel 10-bit ADC is adequate for current-sense or temperature feedback but not for precision analog acquisition; an external ADC would be needed for 12-bit or better resolution.