solderic.com The LPC2148 offers a 32-bit ARM7TDMI-S core with lower power consumption and integrated USB and CAN interfaces, making it ideal for simple embedded applications, while the LPC1768 features a more powerful ARM Cortex-M3 core with higher performance, advanced peripherals, and Ethernet support suited for complex projects. Discover more about how these microcontrollers compare and which one fits your specific needs in the full article.
Comparison Table
| Feature | LPC2148 | LPC1768 |
|---|---|---|
| Core | ARM7TDMI-S, 32-bit | ARM Cortex-M3, 32-bit |
| Operating Frequency | 60 MHz | 100 MHz |
| Flash Memory | 512 KB | 512 KB |
| RAM | 40 KB | 64 KB |
| GPIO Pins | 45 | 70 |
| Analog Inputs (ADC Channels) | 14 (10-bit ADC) | 8 (12-bit ADC) |
| Timers | 2 x 32-bit Timer | 4 x 32-bit Timer + PWM |
| Communication Interfaces | 2 x UART, USB 2.0 Full-speed, SPI, I2C | 4 x UART, USB 2.0 Full-speed, SPI, I2C, CAN, Ethernet |
| USB | Full-speed Device | Full-speed Device + Host + OTG |
| Operating Voltage | 3.3V | 3.3V |
| Package | LQFP64 | LQFP100 |
| Development Ecosystem | Keil, ARM GCC | Keil, ARM GCC, MBED, RTOS support |
Introduction to LPC2148 and LPC1768
The LPC2148, based on the ARM7TDMI-S core, features a 32-bit RISC architecture with operating speeds up to 60 MHz and integrates 512KB of on-chip flash memory, making it ideal for low-power applications. In contrast, the LPC1768 employs a more advanced Cortex-M3 core at frequencies up to 100 MHz and offers 512KB flash with enhanced peripherals and improved real-time performance, suited for complex embedded systems. Both microcontrollers support multiple communication interfaces, but the LPC1768's richer feature set and higher clock speed provide greater computational efficiency and scalability.
Core Architecture Comparison
LPC2148 features an ARM7TDMI-S core running at 60 MHz, which is suitable for basic embedded applications with moderate processing needs. LPC1768 utilizes a more advanced ARM Cortex-M3 core clocked up to 100 MHz, offering higher computational efficiency, improved interrupt handling, and enhanced low-power modes. Your choice depends on performance requirements; the Cortex-M3-based LPC1768 provides better power-to-performance ratio and richer peripheral support compared to the LPC2148's ARM7 core.
Performance and Clock Speed
The LPC2148 microcontroller operates at a maximum clock speed of 60 MHz, powered by an ARM7TDMI core, making it suitable for moderate embedded applications. In contrast, the LPC1768 features an ARM Cortex-M3 core with a significantly higher clock speed of up to 100 MHz, delivering superior performance and faster processing capabilities. Your choice between these two should consider the LPC1768's enhanced speed and efficiency for demanding real-time tasks.
Memory Capacity and Organization
The LPC2148 microcontroller features 512 KB of on-chip flash memory and 40 KB of RAM, utilizing a Harvard architecture with separate instruction and data buses for efficient data handling. In contrast, the LPC1768 offers a larger 512 KB flash memory but doubles RAM capacity to 64 KB, supporting more complex applications and multitasking. Both devices provide flexible memory organization suitable for embedded systems, with LPC1768's enhanced RAM benefiting advanced real-time processing.
Peripheral Features and Connectivity
The LPC2148 microcontroller features two 10-bit ADC channels, two UARTs, SPI, I2C, and USB 2.0 Full-Speed interface, optimized for low-power applications. The LPC1768 offers advanced peripherals including four UARTs, Ethernet MAC, CAN controller, USB 2.0 Full-Speed host/device/OTG, and an LCD controller for enhanced connectivity and multimedia support. Both MCUs support PWM channels and timers, but the LPC1768's richer peripheral set enables more complex communication and interfacing options for industrial and real-time embedded systems.
Power Consumption and Management
The LPC2148 microcontroller features a lower power consumption profile with support for multiple power-saving modes, making it ideal for energy-efficient applications. In contrast, the LPC1768 offers advanced power management capabilities, including dynamic power scaling and a more versatile sleep mode architecture, which can effectively manage your device's energy usage in complex systems. Choosing between the two depends on whether your priority is minimal baseline power use (LPC2148) or sophisticated power optimization techniques (LPC1768).
Development Tools and Support
LPC2148 and LPC1768 microcontrollers both benefit from strong development tools and ecosystem support, with LPC1768 offering more advanced features compatible with newer IDEs like Keil MDK, IAR Embedded Workbench, and ARM mbed platform, providing extensive libraries and online resources. LPC2148 development is well-supported through older Keil versions and GNU toolchains, but the LPC1768's Cortex-M3 core leverages more efficient debugging and performance monitoring tools. Your choice depends on the preferred development environment and the need for modern integration, where LPC1768 stands out for richer software support and community-driven resources.
Application Suitability and Use Cases
LPC2148 is ideal for low-power, cost-sensitive applications such as basic embedded systems, industrial automation, and portable devices due to its efficient ARM7TDMI core and compact memory resources. LPC1768, with its more powerful Cortex-M3 core, higher processing speed, and extensive peripherals including Ethernet and USB, suits complex applications like real-time control, advanced IoT devices, and multimedia processing. Selection between LPC2148 and LPC1768 depends on performance requirements, peripheral integration, and power consumption priorities specific to the project use case.
Price and Availability
The LPC2148 microcontroller, built on the ARM7TDMI core, is generally more affordable and easier to find in the market due to its longer time presence and widespread use in legacy applications. The LPC1768, featuring the more advanced Cortex-M3 core, typically commands a higher price point but offers enhanced performance and newer features, making it more prevalent in recent industrial and academic projects. Availability of LPC1768 may vary depending on supply chain conditions, with some regions experiencing limited stock compared to the more readily accessible LPC2148 modules.
Conclusion: Choosing Between LPC2148 and LPC1768
LPC2148 excels in cost-effectiveness and simplicity with its 32-bit ARM7TDMI core running at up to 60 MHz, ideal for basic embedded applications requiring moderate performance. LPC1768 offers superior processing power through its 32-bit Cortex-M3 core clocked at 100 MHz, enhanced peripheral set, and greater memory, making it suitable for complex, memory-intensive projects. Selecting between LPC2148 and LPC1768 hinges on the application's performance needs, peripheral requirements, and budget constraints.
lpc2148 vs lpc1768 Infographic
