C8051F973-A-GM Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The C8051F973-A-GM is an 8-bit CIP-51™ microcontroller manufactured by Silicon Labs, featuring 16KB FLASH memory and a 48-QFN package. This device is classified as Not For New Designs, indicating it has reached end-of-life status. Organizations currently using this microcontroller in production or maintenance applications require equivalent alternatives to ensure supply chain continuity and long-term product support.

Substiute Parts

C8051F973-A-GM

Silicon LabsIn Stock: 1374C8051F973-A-GM Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

EFM32TG11B340F64GQ48-B

Silicon LabsIn Stock: 691EFM32TG11B340F64GQ48-B Datasheet

SimilarRFQ

Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution of the C8051F973-A-GM is determined by the following critical parameters:

• Package Compatibility: Both main and substitute parts must support surface mount installation in a 48-pin configuration
• Voltage Supply Range: Operating voltage must encompass or exceed the 1.8V ~ 3.6V requirement
• Temperature Range: Operating temperature range must cover -40°C ~ 85°C
• Memory Architecture: Program memory and RAM capacity must meet or exceed the original specifications
• Connectivity Interfaces: I2C/SMBus, SPI, and UART/USART support required for protocol compatibility
• Peripheral Support: DMA, PWM, and WDT functionality must be present
• Compliance: RoHS3 compliance and equivalent MSL rating required

The EFM32TG11B340F64GQ48-B qualifies as a substitute based on these parameters, though it represents an architectural upgrade from 8-bit to 32-bit processing with enhanced memory and peripheral capabilities.

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

The EFM32TG11B340F64GQ48-B is an active product with full manufacturer support, whereas the C8051F973-A-GM is classified as Not For New Designs. Both devices maintain ROHS3 compliance and equivalent moisture sensitivity levels (MSL 2, 1 Year).

The substitute part offers increased processing capability (32-bit ARM Cortex-M0+ versus 8-bit CIP-51™), higher clock speed (48MHz versus 25MHz), and significantly expanded memory resources (64KB FLASH and 32KB RAM versus 16KB FLASH and 4KB RAM). Both devices support the core connectivity protocols required for typical embedded applications: I2C, SPI, and UART/USART.

Package differences exist: the original uses a 48-WFQFN (6x6) footprint while the substitute uses a 48-TQFP (7x7) footprint. This requires PCB layout modification. The substitute provides additional peripheral functionality including CANbus, IrDA, LINbus, SmartCard support, and integrated I2S and LCD interfaces not present in the original device.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can the EFM32TG11B340F64GQ48-B directly replace the C8051F973-A-GM without firmware modification?

A: Direct pin-for-pin replacement is not possible due to different package footprints (48-WFQFN versus 48-TQFP) and different pin assignments. Firmware recompilation is required due to architectural differences between the 8-bit CIP-51™ and 32-bit ARM Cortex-M0+ processors. However, the substitute supports equivalent connectivity interfaces (I2C, SPI, UART/USART) and core peripherals (DMA, PWM, WDT).

Q: What are the package footprint differences?

A: The C8051F973-A-GM uses a 48-WFQFN (6x6mm) package with exposed pad, while the EFM32TG11B340F64GQ48-B uses a 48-TQFP (7x7mm) package. PCB redesign is required for physical compatibility.

Q: Are both devices RoHS compliant?

A: Yes, both the C8051F973-A-GM and EFM32TG11B340F64GQ48-B are ROHS3 compliant with MSL 2 (1 Year) moisture sensitivity ratings.

Q: What is the voltage supply compatibility?

A: The C8051F973-A-GM operates at 1.8V ~ 3.6V, while the EFM32TG11B340F64GQ48-B operates at 1.8V ~ 3.8V. The substitute supports a slightly extended upper voltage range and is compatible with systems designed for the original device's voltage specifications.

Q: How do the analog-to-digital converter specifications compare?

A: The C8051F973-A-GM provides 43 channels of 10-bit ADC, while the EFM32TG11B340F64GQ48-B provides 12-bit SAR ADC with integrated 12-bit DAC. The substitute offers higher resolution conversion but fewer input channels.

Q: Is the substitute suitable for applications requiring high I/O count?

A: The C8051F973-A-GM provides 43 I/O pins, while the EFM32TG11B340F64GQ48-B provides 37 I/O pins. Applications requiring all 43 I/O lines may require design modification when using the substitute.