L138-FX-225-RC Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The L138-FX-225-RC is an embedded system-on-module (SOM) manufactured by Critical Link LLC, featuring an ARM926EJ-S processor paired with a TMS320C674x DSP co-processor running at 456MHz. This module integrates 8KB internal MPU memory, 256KB internal DSP memory, and 128MB external RAM, with 256MB NAND and 8MB NOR flash storage. The product is currently obsolete, necessitating identification of compatible alternatives for ongoing system support and new designs requiring equivalent functionality.

Substiute Parts

L138-FX-225-RC

Critical Link LLCIn Stock: 1143L138-FX-225-RC Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

L138-FX-325-RC

Critical Link LLCIn Stock: 665L138-FX-325-RC Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

The L138-FX-325-RC qualifies as a direct substitute based on the following critical parameters:

Processor Architecture & Speed: Both modules utilize identical core processors (ARM926EJ-S with OMAP-L138) and DSP co-processor (TMS320C674x) operating at 456MHz, ensuring binary compatibility at the instruction set level.

Connector Interface: Both modules employ SO-DIMM-200 connectors, enabling direct mechanical and electrical compatibility in existing socket designs.

Operating Temperature Range: Both modules support 0°C ~ 70°C operating conditions, maintaining thermal compatibility across applications.

Memory Architecture: While the L138-FX-325-RC increases external RAM to 128MB and NOR flash to 16MB (compared to 8MB in the original), these are functional enhancements that do not prevent substitution. The increased memory capacity is backward-compatible with designs requiring the original specifications.

Module Dimensions: The L138-FX-325-RC measures 2.660" L x 2.000" W (67.60mm x 50.80mm), representing a width increase of 0.500" compared to the original 1.500" width. This dimensional change requires mechanical validation in space-constrained applications.

Compliance & Certifications: Both modules maintain equivalent ECCN (3A991A2) and HTSUS classifications, with the substitute achieving ROHS3 compliance versus RoHS compliance in the original.

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

For Direct Replacement: The L138-FX-325-RC is the manufacturer-recommended substitute for the obsolete L138-FX-225-RC. Selection of this alternative is justified by:

Identical processor architecture and clock frequency ensuring software and firmware compatibility without recompilation or modification.

Active product status with confirmed inventory availability (654 units in stock), providing supply chain continuity.

Enhanced compliance with ROHS3 standards, meeting current regulatory requirements for new designs and manufacturing.

Increased NOR flash capacity (16MB versus 8MB) providing additional firmware storage without functional degradation.

Mechanical Considerations: The 0.500-inch increase in module width must be evaluated against existing socket and enclosure designs. Applications with space constraints require physical validation before deployment.

Inventory & Availability: The L138-FX-225-RC remains available (1091 units in stock) for legacy system support. The L138-FX-325-RC is recommended for new designs and long-term production requirements due to active manufacturing status.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can the L138-FX-325-RC directly replace the L138-FX-225-RC in existing designs?

A: Electrical and functional compatibility is confirmed due to identical processor architecture, clock frequency, and SO-DIMM-200 connector interface. Mechanical compatibility requires validation of the 0.500-inch width increase against existing socket and enclosure dimensions.

Q: What are the key differences between these modules?

A: The primary differences are NOR flash capacity (8MB versus 16MB), module width (1.500" versus 2.000"), product status (Obsolete versus Active), and RoHS compliance level (RoHS versus ROHS3). All other electrical and functional parameters are identical.

Q: Is the increased NOR flash capacity on the L138-FX-325-RC backward-compatible?

A: Yes. Designs utilizing 8MB or less of NOR flash will function identically on the L138-FX-325-RC. The additional 8MB capacity does not introduce compatibility issues for existing firmware.

Q: Why is the L138-FX-225-RC obsolete?

A: The L138-FX-225-RC has been superseded by the L138-FX-325-RC within the MityDSP-L138 product line. The manufacturer recommends transitioning to the active L138-FX-325-RC for new designs and ongoing production.

Q: Are there any thermal or operating condition differences?

A: Both modules operate identically across the 0°C ~ 70°C temperature range with equivalent thermal characteristics. No thermal performance differences exist between the two variants.

Q: What is the impact of ROHS3 compliance on system design?

A: ROHS3 compliance on the L138-FX-325-RC ensures adherence to current European Union Restriction of Hazardous Substances regulations. This is beneficial for systems requiring export to regulated markets and provides assurance of material composition compliance.