LPC800 Series Microcontroller Overview
Overview
The LPC800 series, developed by NXP Semiconductors, is a cost-effective, 32-bit ARM Cortex-M0+ microcontroller family designed to meet the needs of simple yet powerful embedded system applications. This series combines low-power performance with a versatile set of peripherals, offering an excellent balance of efficiency, functionality, and affordability. The LPC800 is particularly well-suited for compact IoT nodes, entry-level automation systems, real-time control applications, and other resource-constrained designs. Its streamlined architecture, robust feature set, and comprehensive development ecosystem—including extensive tool support and rapid prototyping capabilities—make it a go-to choice for developers seeking reliable performance without complexity or high costs.
Specifications
The LPC800 series is built around a highly efficient ARM Cortex-M0+ core and includes a range of hardware features tailored for embedded systems:
CPU: ARM Cortex-M0+ (Ultra-low-power, deterministic processing with a reduced instruction set for energy efficiency)
Operating Voltage: 1.8V to 3.6V, accommodating a variety of power supply configurations
Clock Speed: Up to 30 MHz, driven by an internal RC oscillator (1% accuracy) or external clock sources for precision timing
Flash Memory: Up to 16 KB, providing ample space for firmware and small applications
RAM: Up to 4 KB, sufficient for lightweight data processing and variable storage
GPIO: Up to 18 configurable I/O pins with interrupt capabilities and flexible multiplexing
Timers: Multiple options including 16-bit and 32-bit general-purpose timers for scheduling and control tasks
ADC: 10-bit Analog-to-Digital Converter with up to 8 input channels for sensor interfacing
Communication Interfaces:
Package Options: Available in DIP8, TSSOP16/20, and HVQFN20/24/33 packages, offering flexibility for prototyping and production
Temperature Range: -40°C to +85°C, with industrial-grade variants for harsh environments
Power Consumption: As low as 90 µA/MHz in active mode and deep sleep modes down to 1 µA
Key Features
The LPC800 series incorporates a variety of hardware and design innovations that enhance its usability, performance, and adaptability in embedded systems:
Low-power Cortex-M0+ Core: Optimized with a minimal instruction set and efficient pipeline, delivering high performance per watt for battery-powered or energy-sensitive applications.
ROM-based Bootloader: A built-in UART-based In-System Programming (ISP) bootloader eliminates the need for external programmers, simplifying firmware updates in the field.
State Configurable Timer (SCTimer/PWM): A highly flexible timer module that supports advanced PWM generation, input capture, and output compare logic, enabling complex timing and control tasks.
Switch Matrix: A unique pin assignment system allowing developers to reconfigure peripheral functions to any available GPIO pin, reducing PCB design complexity and enhancing flexibility.
Pattern Match Engine: A hardware-based feature that monitors pin signal patterns in real time without CPU intervention, perfect for low-latency event detection or wake-up triggers.
Serial Wire Debug (SWD): A two-pin debug interface for efficient firmware programming, real-time debugging, and minimal resource usage.
Clock Gating & Power Profiles: Granular control over clock sources and power modes (e.g., sleep, deep sleep) to optimize energy use for specific application needs.
Support for LPCOpen SDK: A comprehensive software development kit with pre-built peripheral drivers, code examples, and board support packages to streamline development.
Comparator: An integrated analog comparator for basic signal monitoring or threshold detection without relying on the ADC.
Applications
The LPC800’s combination of affordability, low power consumption, and versatile feature set makes it an excellent fit for a broad range of embedded applications, particularly in cost- and space-constrained environments:
Programming & Development
The LPC800 series is designed with developer accessibility in mind, offering a variety of programming interfaces, tools, and workflows to suit different project needs:
Programming Interfaces
UART Bootloader (ISP Mode): Embedded in ROM, this allows firmware flashing over a UART connection using tools like FlashMagic or custom scripts—no external hardware required.
SWD Interface: A two-pin Serial Wire Debug port supports full debugging (breakpoints, watchpoints) and flash programming with debug probes like CMSIS-DAP, J-Link, or LPC-Link2.
Supported IDEs and SDKs
MCUXpresso IDE: NXP’s free, Eclipse-based IDE with integrated support for LPC800, including LPCOpen libraries, a graphical pin configurator, and advanced debugging tools.
LPCOpen SDK: A modular, open-source software package providing peripheral drivers, middleware, and example projects tailored to the LPC800 series.
ARM CMSIS Compliance: Leverages the Cortex Microcontroller Software Interface Standard for portable, reusable code across ARM-based platforms.
Keil MDK / IAR Embedded Workbench: Professional-grade toolchains with optimizing compilers and extensive debugging features for commercial-grade development.
Typical Development Workflow
Additional Tools and Resources
Conclusion
The LPC800 series from NXP Semiconductors stands out as a versatile, cost-effective solution for developers tackling embedded system designs. With its low-power ARM Cortex-M0+ core, rich peripheral set, and flexible programming options, it empowers a wide range of applications—from IoT edge devices to industrial sensors and educational projects. The series’ thoughtful design features, such as the Switch Matrix, SCTimer, and Pattern Match Engine, paired with robust development tools like MCUXpresso and LPCOpen, make it an approachable yet powerful choice for both beginners and seasoned engineers. Whether you’re optimizing for power efficiency, prototyping rapidly, or scaling a cost-sensitive product, the LPC800 delivers the performance and reliability needed to bring your ideas to life.
FAQ
Q: What makes the LPC800 series different from other microcontrollers in its class?
A: The LPC800 distinguishes itself with its low-power Cortex-M0+ core, unique features like the Switch Matrix for flexible pin assignments, and the State Configurable Timer for advanced timing tasks. Its ROM-based bootloader and compact package options also simplify development and deployment.
Q: Can I use the LPC800 for battery-powered projects?
A: Yes, the LPC800 is ideal for battery-powered applications, thanks to its low power consumption (as low as 90 µA/MHz active and 1 µA in deep sleep) and clock gating features that allow fine-tuned energy management.
Q: Do I need a special programmer to flash the LPC800?
A: No, the LPC800 includes a ROM-based UART bootloader for In-System Programming (ISP), meaning you can flash firmware using just a UART connection and tools like FlashMagic. Alternatively, SWD debugging requires a probe like LPC-Link2 or J-Link.
Q: Is the LPC800 suitable for real-time applications?
A: Absolutely. Its deterministic Cortex-M0+ core, combined with features like the Pattern Match Engine and SCTimer, supports real-time tasks such as signal detection, PWM control, and precise timing.
Q: What’s the best way to get started with the LPC800?
A: Start with an evaluation board like the LPCXpresso800-MAX, download the MCUXpresso IDE, and explore the LPCOpen SDK’s example projects. These resources provide a hands-on introduction to the microcontroller’s capabilities.
Q: Are there limitations to the LPC800’s memory and processing power?
A: With up to 16 KB of flash and 4 KB of RAM, the LPC800 is best suited for lightweight applications. For more complex tasks requiring larger memory or higher performance, consider NXP’s LPC1100 or LPC54000 series.
Further Reading
Looking to dive deeper into the LPC800 series or related topics? Check out these articles and guides on our site:
Resources
Here’s a curated list of tools, documentation, and communities to support your LPC800 development journey:
