C8051F960-A-GMR

Overview

The C8051F960-A-GMR is an ultra-low power 8-bit microcontroller from the Silicon Labs C8051F96x family. It features a high-speed pipelined CIP-51 core, up to 128 kB of in-system programmable Flash memory, and up to 8 kB of internal data RAM. The device integrates a 12-bit ADC with 16 channels and autonomous burst mode, two low-current comparators, and an integrated LCD controller supporting up to 128 segments. Additional peripherals include a DC-DC buck converter for dynamic voltage scaling, a Data Packet Processing Engine (DPPE) with hardware AES, DMA, and CRC, and multiple serial communication interfaces.

Feature Summary

• Ultra-low power architecture featuring deep sleep modes with nanometer-level current consumption and rapid wake-up capabilities.
• Integrated metering-specific peripherals including a DC-DC buck converter and a low-power pulse accumulator for sensor interfacing.
• Hardware-accelerated security and data processing via the DPPE, which includes dedicated blocks for AES encryption, DMA, and CRC.
• Comprehensive analog subsystem with a 12-bit SAR ADC, integrated temperature sensor, and programmable current reference.

Applications

• Smart metering systems requiring precise energy measurement and low standby power.
• Portable consumer electronics utilizing integrated LCD displays for user interface.
• Wireless sensor nodes requiring hardware-accelerated data encryption and protocol processing.
• Industrial control applications needing robust analog signal acquisition and high noise immunity.

Procurement Notes

Verify the specific suffix against the manufacturer's official documentation to confirm package type and temperature range. Ensure compatibility with existing PCB footprints, particularly regarding the QFN or DQFN land patterns. Confirm that the selected variant meets all required regulatory standards for the target deployment region before finalizing procurement orders.

Selection Notes

Select this component when system design demands high integration of analog and digital functions within a single chip. It is suitable for applications where minimizing external components through integrated references and converters is critical. Evaluate the available I/O count and peripheral set against project requirements to ensure optimal resource utilization without unnecessary cost overhead.

Part Context

This part belongs to the C8051F96x series, designed specifically for battery-powered and metering applications. The family emphasizes power efficiency alongside rich peripheral sets, distinguishing it from standard general-purpose microcontrollers by including specialized hardware for display driving and secure data handling.

Replacement Considerations

Consult the official Silicon Labs obsolescence notices and cross-reference guides for direct pin-compatible alternatives within the C8051F9xx series. Verify functional equivalence regarding clock speeds, memory sizes, and peripheral availability before substituting.

FAQ

What are the primary power-saving modes available on the C8051F960?

The device supports multiple low-power modes including Sleep mode with data retention, Suspend mode, and Stop mode, allowing for significant current reduction while maintaining essential state information.

How does the Data Packet Processing Engine benefit wireless applications?

The DPPE accelerates wireless protocols by providing hardware blocks for AES encryption, DMA transfers, and CRC calculations, reducing CPU load and improving overall system throughput.

Can the ADC operate autonomously to save power?

Yes, the 12-bit ADC features an autonomous burst mode with a 16-bit auto-averaging accumulator, allowing it to perform conversions and store results without continuous CPU intervention.