C8051F021-GQ

Overview

The C8051F021-GQ is a mixed-signal System-on-Chip microcontroller from Silicon Labs, featuring a high-speed 8051 core operating at up to 25 MHz. It integrates 64 kB of in-system programmable Flash memory and 4352 bytes of internal RAM. Key analog peripherals include an 8-channel 12-bit SAR ADC with 100 ksps throughput, two 12-bit DACs, and two analog comparators. Digital interfaces consist of two UARTs, one SPI, and one SMBus/I2C-compatible port. The device supports a 2.7V to 3.6V supply voltage and operates within a temperature range of -40°C to +85°C.

Feature Summary

• Highly integrated mixed-signal architecture combining a pipelined 8051 core with extensive on-chip analog and digital peripherals.
• Features a 12-bit successive approximation register (SAR) ADC with programmable gain amplifier and multiple external input channels.
• Includes dual 12-bit digital-to-analog converters capable of synchronized output for jitter-free waveform generation.
• Supports non-intrusive full-speed in-circuit debugging via on-chip JTAG circuitry with boundary scan capabilities.

Applications

• Portable medical equipment
• Weigh scales
• Test equipment
• Fiber optic systems

Procurement Notes

Verify the component status as End-of-Life (EOL) before procurement. Confirm that the GQ suffix corresponds to the TQFP-64 package variant. Ensure compatibility with replacement strategies, such as the EFM8BB31F64G-QFN32, if new designs are required. Validate all electrical specifications against the official datasheet prior to integration.

Selection Notes

Select this component for applications requiring high analog precision alongside standard 8051 processing. The 12-bit ADC resolution and dual DACs make it suitable for signal conditioning tasks. Consider the available GPIO count and communication interfaces relative to system requirements. Evaluate power consumption profiles across different clock speeds and sleep modes for battery-operated constraints.

Part Context

This part belongs to the C8051F02x family of highly integrated mixed-signal MCUs. These devices are designed to reduce board space and component count by integrating numerous peripheral functions onto a single chip. The family shares a common instruction set and debug interface, facilitating migration between variants with differing memory sizes or peripheral counts.

Replacement Considerations

Silicon Labs recommends the EFM8BB31F64G-QFN32 as a replacement for this part due to its End-of-Life status. Designers should evaluate architectural differences between the legacy 8051 core and the newer Busy Bee series during migration.

FAQ

What is the maximum sampling rate of the 12-bit ADC?

The 12-bit SAR ADC supports a programmable throughput of up to 100 ksps.

Does the C8051F021 support simultaneous serial communication?

Yes, it provides two UART serial ports that can be used concurrently along with hardware SMBus and SPI interfaces.