C8051F901-GM

Overview

The C8051F901-GM is an ultra-low power microcontroller from the Silicon Labs C8051F9xx series, featuring a high-speed 8051 core operating at up to 25 MHz. It integrates 16 kB of in-system programmable Flash memory and 768 bytes of RAM within a compact 24-pin QFN package. The device supports a supply voltage range of 0.9 V to 3.6 V and includes a built-in DC-DC converter for single-cell operation. Key peripherals include a 10-bit SAR ADC with auto-averaging accumulator, two comparators, multiple serial communication interfaces, and a SmaRTClock real-time clock.

Feature Summary

• Ultra-low power architecture with integrated DC-DC converter enabling extended battery life in portable applications
• High-performance pipelined 8051 core delivering up to 25 MIPS throughput
• Integrated analog subsystem featuring a 10-bit ADC with programmable gain amplifier and on-chip temperature sensor
• Comprehensive digital peripheral set including hardware SMBus, dual SPI, UART, and programmable counter arrays

Applications

• Portable medical devices and personal health monitors
• Smart metering and utility monitoring systems
• Battery-powered sensor interfaces and data loggers
• Energy harvesting systems and low-power embedded controllers

Procurement Notes

Verify the specific suffix 'GM' corresponds to the 24-pin QFN package variant when sourcing. Confirm that the 'F901' designation indicates the 16 kB Flash configuration rather than the 8 kB variant found in other family members. Ensure compatibility with the required operating voltage range and check for any specific revision errata associated with the manufacturing lot before final integration.

Selection Notes

Select this component for designs requiring minimal active current consumption while maintaining sufficient processing speed for complex control loops. The inclusion of a hardware DC-DC converter makes it suitable for single-cell lithium or alkaline battery applications where voltage regulation efficiency is critical. Consider the available I/O count and peripheral requirements against the 24-pin package constraints during initial schematic capture.

Part Context

This part belongs to the C8051F91x/90x family of ultra-low power MCUs designed for cost-sensitive and battery-operated markets. The F901 variant specifically provides 16 kB of Flash memory, distinguishing it from lower-capacity siblings like the F902 which typically offers 8 kB. The family shares a common pinout and peripheral set, allowing for flexible design scaling across different memory requirements within the same form factor.

Replacement Considerations

Direct substitutes within the same package and feature set include the C8051F911-GM, which shares identical specifications but may differ in minor revision details. For applications requiring higher Flash capacity, the C8051F912-GM serves as a compatible upgrade within the same footprint.