Datasheet

LPC2377_78 All information provided in this document is subject to legal disclaimers. © NXP B.V. 2013. All rights reserved.
Product data sheet Rev. 6.1 — 16 October 2013 17 of 69
NXP Semiconductors
LPC2377/78
Single-chip 16-bit/32-bit microcontrollers
The 16-bit instruction length of the Thumb set allows it to approach twice the density of
standard ARM code, while retaining most of the ARM performance advantage over a
traditional 16-bit processor using 16-bit registers. This increase is possible because
Thumb code operates on the same 32-bit register set as ARM code.
Thumb code is able to provide up to 65 % of the code size of ARM, and 160 % of the
performance of an equivalent ARM processor connected to a 16-bit memory system.
7.2 On-chip flash programming memory
The LPC2377/78 incorporate a 512 kB flash memory system. This memory can be used
for both code and data storage. Programming of the flash memory can be accomplished
in several ways. It may be programmed In System via the serial port (UART0). The
application program may also erase and/or program the flash while the application is
running, allowing a great degree of flexibility for data storage field and firmware upgrades.
The flash memory is 128 bits wide and includes pre-fetching and buffering techniques to
allow it to operate at SRAM speeds of 72 MHz.
7.3 On-chip SRAM
The LPC2377/78 include a SRAM memory of 32 kB reserved for the ARM processor
exclusive use. This RAM may be used for code and/or data storage and may be accessed
as 8 bits, 16 bits, and 32 bits.
A 16 kB SRAM block serving as a buffer for the Ethernet controller and an 8 kB SRAM
used by the GPDMA controller or the USB device can be used for data and code storage.
The 2 kB RTC SRAM can be used for data storage only. The RTC SRAM is battery
powered and retains the content in the absence of the main power supply.