SIM3L167-C-GQR Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The SIM3L167-C-GQR is a 32-bit ARM Cortex-M3 microcontroller manufactured by Silicon Labs, featuring 256KB FLASH memory and 80-TQFP packaging. This device is classified as "Not For New Designs," indicating it has reached end-of-life status. Organizations currently using this component or requiring functional equivalents for legacy system maintenance and production support must identify suitable substitute microcontrollers that maintain compatibility with existing designs while offering comparable performance characteristics.

Substiute Parts

SIM3L167-C-GQR

Silicon LabsIn Stock: 1016SIM3L167-C-GQR Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

MSP430F6747IPZR

Texas InstrumentsIn Stock: 1191MSP430F6747IPZR Datasheet

SimilarRFQ

Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitute microcontroller identification for the SIM3L167-C-GQR is based on the following critical parameters:

Memory Configuration: Program memory capacity of 256KB FLASH and 32KB RAM are primary selection criteria. Substitute parts must maintain identical or greater memory specifications to ensure firmware compatibility.

I/O Count: The 62 I/O pins establish the minimum peripheral interface requirement. Substitute devices must provide equivalent or expanded I/O availability.

Voltage Supply Range: The 1.8V to 3.8V operating range defines power supply compatibility. Substitute parts must support this voltage envelope or a compatible subset.

Package Compatibility: The 80-TQFP (12x12) package defines PCB layout constraints. While package substitution may be possible with design modifications, pin-compatible alternatives are preferred for direct replacement scenarios.

Operating Temperature Range: The -40°C to 85°C specification establishes thermal operating boundaries that substitute parts must meet or exceed.

Connectivity and Peripherals: I2C, SPI, UART/USART, PWM, DMA, and LCD support represent functional requirements that substitute devices should maintain.

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

The MSP430F6747IPZR presents a functional alternative to the SIM3L167-C-GQR with the following considerations:

Memory Equivalence: Both devices provide 256KB FLASH and 32KB RAM, ensuring firmware storage capacity compatibility.

I/O Parity: Both microcontrollers offer 62 I/O pins, maintaining peripheral interface requirements.

Voltage Supply Compatibility: The MSP430F6747IPZR operates within 1.8V to 3.6V, which is compatible with the SIM3L167-C-GQR's 1.8V to 3.8V range for applications not exceeding 3.6V.

Product Status Advantage: The MSP430F6747IPZR maintains Active product status, ensuring continued availability and manufacturing support compared to the end-of-life SIM3L167-C-GQR.

Compliance: Both devices meet RoHS requirements. The MSP430F6747IPZR carries ROHS3 Compliant status with REACH Unaffected designation.

Package Consideration: The MSP430F6747IPZR uses 100-LQFP (14x14) packaging versus the 80-TQFP (12x12) of the original part. This package difference requires PCB layout redesign and is not a direct pin-compatible replacement.

Architecture Difference: The MSP430F6747IPZR employs 16-bit architecture at 25MHz compared to the 32-bit ARM Cortex-M3 at 50MHz in the SIM3L167-C-GQR. Firmware porting and performance validation are required for applications dependent on 32-bit processing or higher clock speeds.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can the MSP430F6747IPZR directly replace the SIM3L167-C-GQR on existing PCBs?

A: No. The MSP430F6747IPZR uses 100-LQFP (14x14) packaging while the SIM3L167-C-GQR uses 80-TQFP (12x12). Direct PCB replacement is not possible without layout redesign. Pin mapping and footprint changes are required.

Q: Are the memory specifications identical between these devices?

A: Yes. Both microcontrollers provide 256KB FLASH program memory and 32KB RAM, ensuring equivalent storage capacity for firmware and runtime data.

Q: What is the impact of the architecture difference (32-bit vs. 16-bit)?

A: The SIM3L167-C-GQR uses 32-bit ARM Cortex-M3 architecture while the MSP430F6747IPZR uses 16-bit MSP430 CPUXV2 architecture. Applications requiring 32-bit data processing or leveraging ARM-specific instruction sets require firmware porting and functional validation.

Q: Does the speed difference (50MHz vs. 25MHz) affect compatibility?

A: The SIM3L167-C-GQR operates at 50MHz while the MSP430F6747IPZR operates at 25MHz. Applications with timing-critical operations or high-speed peripheral requirements may require performance analysis and potential redesign.

Q: Are the voltage supply ranges compatible?

A: The SIM3L167-C-GQR operates at 1.8V to 3.8V while the MSP430F6747IPZR operates at 1.8V to 3.6V. For applications operating at or below 3.6V, voltage compatibility is maintained. Applications requiring operation above 3.6V cannot use the MSP430F6747IPZR.

Q: What connectivity features are preserved in the substitute part?

A: Both devices support I2C, IrDA, SPI, and UART/USART connectivity. The SIM3L167-C-GQR includes SmartCard support while the MSP430F6747IPZR includes LINbus support. Both provide DMA, LCD, PWM, and WDT peripherals.

Q: How do the moisture sensitivity levels differ?

A: The SIM3L167-C-GQR has MSL 2 (1 Year) while the MSP430F6747IPZR has MSL 3 (168 Hours). The substitute part requires more stringent moisture control during storage and handling.