TM4C1290NCPDTI3R - Tiva C Series 120MHz ARM Cortex-M4F MCU, 1MB Flash | TI
MPN: TM4C1290NCPDTI3R ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $17.5 | $17.50 |
| 10 | $15.2 | $152.00 |
| 100 | $12.48 | $1,248.00 |
| 500 | $10.85 | $5,425.00 |
| 1,000 | $9.64 | $9,640.00 |
TM4C1290NCPDTI3R Overview
What is an ARM Cortex-M4F microcontroller? An ARM Cortex-M4F microcontroller is a 32-bit MCU based on the ARM Cortex-M4 processor core with single-precision floating-point unit (FPU), DSP extensions, and a Nested Vectored Interrupt Controller (NVIC). The M4F sits in the Cortex-M family hierarchy above Cortex-M0/M0+ (low-power 8/16-bit class performance) and Cortex-M3 (basic 32-bit), delivering deterministic real-time performance with DSP-class signal processing capability. Microcontrollers occupy the embedded computing tier below microprocessors (MPUs) in the system-on-chip taxonomy, integrating CPU, memory, peripherals, and often connectivity IP into one package.
Key features of the TM4C1290NCPDTI3R include: integrated 10/100 Ethernet MAC and PHY, USB 2.0 full-speed host/device/OTG, two CAN 2.0B controllers, eight UARTs, ten I2C, four SSI/SPI, a 12-bit 2MSPS ADC with up to 24 analog inputs, and a hibernation module with RTC. The on-chip memory of 1MB Flash and 256KB single-cycle SRAM supports data-logging buffers, TCP/IP stacks (such as lwIP or TI's own NDK), and real-time control loops without external memory in many designs. The 16-bit CRC engine and AES/DES/SHA crypto accelerators (via the TivaWare library) are commonly leveraged for secured connectivity.
Typical applications include industrial Ethernet gateways, PLC modules, networked sensors, building automation controllers, USB host peripherals (printers, scanners, POS terminals), automotive telematics, smart energy and smart grid endpoints, and SCADA remote terminal units (RTUs). The wide 3.3V I/O and integrated PHY reduce external BOM for cost-sensitive connected designs.
When designing with this MCU, pay close attention to the TQFP-128 thermal performance at high CPU loading. Validate that the hibernation current budget meets battery-backed RTC requirements, and ensure PCB layout keeps the Ethernet differential pairs length-matched within datasheet tolerances. This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in Tiva C alternatives, and practical design guidance not found in the manufacturer datasheet alone.
Drop-in alternatives for TM4C1290NCPDTI3R — same package, pin-to-pin compatible. Different-package parts requiring PCB rework are excluded.
Variants in this series
Same-series models that are drop-in compatible with TM4C1290NCPDTI3R (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Ethernet, Package, Series, USB.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
TM4C129ENCPDTI3R
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
TM4C1294NCPDTI3
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$9.44 / Unit
View Datasheet →TM4C1294KCPDTI3R
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
TM4C129DNCPDTT3R
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
TM4C1292NCPDTI3R
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
TM4C1290NCPDTI3R Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | ARM Cortex-M4F (32-bit, with FPU) |
| Series | Tiva C Series |
| Max CPU Clock | 120 MHz |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 1 MB (1024 KB) |
| Operating Voltage | 1.2 V core / 3.3 V I/O |
| Package | 128-pin TQFP (PDT), 14x14 mm |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Ethernet | 10/100 MAC + integrated PHY |
| USB | USB 2.0 Full-Speed Host/Device/OTG |
| CAN | 2x CAN 2.0B controllers |
| RoHS Status | Compliant (per DigiKey listing) |
TM4C1290NCPDTI3R 128-pin tqfp (pdt), 14x14 mm Pin Configuration Guide
Pin configuration for TM4C1290NCPDTI3R (128-pin tqfp (pdt), 14x14 mm package). This digital IC includes GPIO, communication interfaces (UART, SPI, I2C), and power pins. Refer to the manufacturer datasheet for alternate pin functions and configuration options. Essential for embedded system design and PCB layout.
No detailed pinout data available for TM4C1290NCPDTI3R.
Refer to the datasheet for full pin configuration.
Typical Applications
TM4C1290NCPDTI3R is suitable for 6 applications: Industrial Ethernet Gateway, USB Host Peripherals (Printer/Scanner/POS), Connected IoT Sensor Hub, Building Automation Controller, Smart Energy / Metering Endpoint, Medical Patient Monitor Data Concentrator.
Industrial Ethernet Gateway
The TM4C1290NCPDTI3R serves as the system-on-chip for industrial Ethernet gateways converting RS-485, CAN, or legacy serial protocols to TCP/IP and MQTT. Its integrated 10/100 MAC+PHY eliminates an external PHY plus its crystals, simplifying BOM and shortening PCB layout time. The 120 MHz Cortex-M4F runs an lwIP or TI-RTOS/NDK stack concurrently with protocol conversion firmware without external memory. Dual CAN 2.0B controllers natively bridge to CANopen or DeviceNet slaves. The 128-TQFP package's wide footprint gives ample GPIO for status LEDs, isolated digital inputs, and a serial console without external I/O expanders.
Recommended
USB Host Peripherals (Printer/Scanner/POS)
The TM4C1290NCPDTI3R's USB 2.0 full-speed host/controller with on-chip PHY suits USB peripherals such as printers, scanners, and POS terminals. The Cortex-M4F with FPU accelerates image-processing locals while a class driver stack reads from a USB mass-storage or HID bridge. Designers benefit from 1 MB Flash fitting the USB class stack plus application logic without external memory. The internal 3.3V LDO and hibernation module reduce external power components and support RTC-backed scheduling for low-duty-cycle peripherals.
Recommended
Connected IoT Sensor Hub
An IoT sensor hub built around the TM4C1290NCPDTI3R aggregates multiple UART/I2C/SPI sensors and publishes over MQTT to a cloud broker through its integrated Ethernet PHY. The FPU executes moving-average and FFT pre-processing before transmission, offloading the cloud backend. Hibernation mode with RTC lets battery-backed nodes wake at sub-second intervals for duty-cycle optimization. The wide I/O count supports several analog sensors through the on-chip 12-bit ADC, replacing external multiplexers.
Recommended
Building Automation Controller
Building automation controllers use the TM4C1290NCPDTI3R to drive BACnet, Modbus TCP, or KNX gateways between field devices and supervisory systems. The dual CAN and 8 UARTs support multiple RS-485 trunks simultaneously, while the 1 MB Flash fits an RTOS scheduler plus BACnet stack alongside custom logic. RTC hibernation provides scheduling of set-back events across unoccupied periods. The 128-TQFP's 14x14 mm size and 0.5 mm lead pitch suit standard 4-layer control-panel PCBs.
Recommended
Smart Energy / Metering Endpoint
Smart-meter and AMI endpoints use the TM4C1290NCPDTI3R to read pulsed outputs from metrology ICs, perform local tariff computation in the FPU, and report via Ethernet or cellular module UART. The 256 KB SRAM holds up to 40 days of 15-minute interval logs without external storage. Hardware AES via TivaWare secures DLMS/COSEM communications, and the integrated PHY removes the external Ethernet component that often faces allocation. The 128-TQFP industrial temperature grade handles outdoor cabinet environments.
Recommended
Medical Patient Monitor Data Concentrator
A patient-monitor data concentrator uses the TM4C1290NCPDTI3R to aggregate vital-signs data over Bluetooth, USB, or wired serial from bedside monitors and forward it to EMR systems over Ethernet. The Cortex-M4F executes DSP filters on incoming waveforms to detect artifact or arrhythmia before forwarding. Code-compatible migration within the Tiva C family lets a hospital-IT vendor scale from the TM4C1290 to TM4C1294 when storage or peripherals grow. The 128-TQFP package supports standard manufacturing flow.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for TM4C1290NCPDTI3R — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | TM4C129ENCPDTI3R | TM4C1294NCPDTI3 | TM4C1294KCPDTI3R | TM4C129DNCPDTT3R | TM4C1292NCPDTI3R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Texas Instruments | Texas Instruments | Texas Instruments | Texas Instruments | Texas Instruments | Texas Instruments |
| Package | 128-TQFP (PDT) 14x14 mm | 128-TQFP (PDT) - same | 128-TQFP (PDT) - same | 128-TQFP (PDT) - same | 128-TQFP (PDT) - same | 128-TQFP (PDT) - same |
| Core | ARM Cortex-M4F 120 MHz | ARM Cortex-M4F 120 MHz | ARM Cortex-M4F 120 MHz | ARM Cortex-M4F 120 MHz | ARM Cortex-M4F 120 MHz | ARM Cortex-M4F 120 MHz |
| Flash | 1 MB | 1 MB | 1 MB | 512 KB | 1 MB | 1 MB |
Key Differentiators
- Enhanced peripheral set over the TM4C129ENCPDTI3R drop-in alternative (vs TM4C129ENCPDTI3R)
- Flash density advantage over the lower-cost TM4C1294KCPDTI3R variant (vs TM4C1294KCPDTI3R)
- No external PHY needed (vs Most Cortex-M4 MCUs in 128-TQFP)
Design Notes
Keep Ethernet MDI differential pairs (TX+/-, RX+/-) length-matched to within +/- 2 mm per the Tiva C reference design and provide a clean analog ground island for the integrated PHY. Use a 50 ohm controlled-impedance microstrip on the top layer over a continuous ground plane. Place the 50 MHz reference-clock crystal and its load caps within 5 mm of the XTAL pins to avoid jitter or loss-of-lock. Decouple each VDD/VBAT pin with 0.1 uF X7R as close to the lead as possible, supplemented by a 4.7 uF bulk capacitor within 50 mm of the supply pin.
Although the TM4C1290NCPDTI3R integrates an LDO, heavy CPU bursts at 120 MHz can pull significant current (estimated: 80-120 mA I_run typical at full load). Provide a regulator headroom of at least 0.3 V above 3.3 V if supplied from a 3.6 V LDO, or use a switching regulator with low ripple for noise-sensitive ADC measurements. The hibernation module retains RTC and a small register file on VBAT at microamp-level currents, so the VBAT pin needs a coin-cell or supercap for retention in main-power-loss scenarios. Estimated: at 25 C ambient, VBAT current is typically a few microamps with proper decoupling.
A common pitfall is forgetting to enable the integrated PHY and configure the MAC in firmware - the device ships with the PHY disabled to save power. Validate Ethernet link-up using the TivaWare ethernet examples before integration. Another pitfall: leaving unused pins floating can cause excess current in CMOS inputs; tie them to GND or VCC through 10 kohm resistors, or explicitly configure them as outputs. Finally, the JTAG pins are not 5 V tolerant - level-shift any external debugger voltages accordingly. Estimated current draw summary: ~80 mA typical at 120 MHz active mode; ~10 mA deep-sleep; ~1 uA hibernation with RTC.
Compliance Information
RoHS compliance and lead-free status confirmed from DigiKey/LCSC listings. AEC-Q100 not applicable to non-automotive-grade Tiva C variants; for automotive, evaluate Tiva C variants with 'Q1' suffix. REACH and halogen-free status not explicitly stated in the provided data; set to 'unknown' rather than guessed.
