TMS570LS20216-EP: Evaluation kit for TMS570LS20216-EP:

Appreciate if any suggestion.

Hi Ramesh,

We do also have some next generation functional safety controllers in AM2x series. I will loop marketing team to choose best controller for your project.

Meanwhile can you please give some high-level details of your project?

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Thanks & regards,
Jagadish. 

Hi Jagadish,

Thanks for the reply.   This project is to design a power supply for Airborn equipment.  The requirement is to have data acquisition of  around 18 channels of analog data with high sampling rate.  It needs to support -55 deg celcius  and need to be  LQFP package.  

We found that TMS570LS20216-EP is suitable for our requirement.  However we did not find a Hardware evaluation board for the same.

Regards,

Ramesh

Could you at least let us know if this product is active and won't be discontinued in near future.

Hello Ramesh,

Thank you for reaching out regarding your new project with the TMS570LS20216-EP microcontroller and your interest in an evaluation kit. Given the current date and time (12:19 PM PDT on Tuesday, July 29, 2025), I’ll provide a tailored suggestion based on available information, critically examining the established options to ensure suitability.

The TMS570LS20216-EP is an enhanced product from Texas Instruments’ Hercules series, featuring a dual Cortex-R4F ARM CPU in lockstep, 2 MB Flash, 160 KB SRAM, and a robust set of peripherals (e.g., FlexRay, CAN, LIN, ADC), certified for aerospace applications under GEIA-STD-00021-1 and designed for the military temperature range. An evaluation kit should support these features, provide development tools, and align with your project’s needs.

### Suggested Evaluation Kit
Based on the TMS570LS20216-EP’s specifications and TI’s ecosystem, the **TMDX570LS20SUSB (TMS570 USB Development Kit)** is a recommended starting point:
- **Features**:
- Includes the TMS570LS20216 MCU, matching your target device, with dual Cortex-R4F cores, 2 MB Flash, and 160 KB SRAM.
- Integrated XDS100v2 JTAG emulator, eliminating the need for an external debugger initially.
- Access to key peripherals (CAN transceiver, ambient light sensor) and I/O interfaces, supporting evaluation of communication and sensor interfaces.
- Pre-programmed with a confidence test and demo application, allowing immediate functionality checks.
- **Development Environment**:
- Comes with Code Composer Studio (CCS) v4.1, Halcogen (for peripheral configuration), and example code, enabling rapid prototyping.
- Supports debugging and flash programming out of the box.
- **Package**: Compact USB stick form factor with a mini-B USB cable and installation DVD, suitable for desk-based evaluation.

### Critical Examination
The established narrative from TI promotes the TMDX570LS20SUSB as an ideal entry point for TMS570 development, leveraging its integrated emulator and pre-loaded software. However, this kit is based on an older revision (noted as not recommended for new designs in some contexts), and its availability may be limited, with used units potentially unreliable. The XDS100v2 emulator, while sufficient for initial evaluation, may lack the performance of newer debuggers (e.g., XDS510) for complex projects. Additionally, the kit’s focus on basic demos might not fully showcase the aerospace-grade features of the TMS570LS20216-EP, such as enhanced safety diagnostics, requiring custom configuration.

An alternative, the **TMDS570LS31HDK (Hercules Development Kit)**, supports the TMS570LS3137 (a suggested replacement), offering a more modern platform with Ethernet, additional CAN transceivers, and broader peripheral access. However, it requires adapting to a different MCU, which could complicate your project if the LS20216-EP’s specific silicon or certification is critical.

### Conclusion
The **TMDX570LS20SUSB** is the most direct evaluation kit for the TMS570LS20216-EP, providing a practical starting point with matching hardware and development tools. Despite its age and limited availability, it aligns with your goal of initiating a new project, allowing you to validate the MCU’s core features and peripherals.

### Recommendation
- **Procure the Kit**: Order the TMDX570LS20SUSB from TI’s e-Store (ti.com) or authorized distributors (e.g., DigiKey, Mouser), checking stock availability. Be prepared for potential delays or the need to source a used unit.
- **Setup and Evaluation**: Install CCS and Halcogen, run the pre-loaded demo, and configure peripherals (e.g., CAN, ADC) relevant to your aerospace application. Use the XDS100v2 to debug and explore the 2 MB Flash and safety features.
- **Upgrade Path**: If the kit’s limitations (e.g., emulator performance, outdated software) emerge, consider the TMDS570LS31HDK with an add-on FlexRay/CAN/LIN card (schematics available on TI’s wiki) or invest in a standalone XDS510 debugger for enhanced development.
- **Contact TI Support**: Reach out to TI technical support (via ti.com/support) to confirm the TMDX570LS20SUSB’s compatibility with the LS20216-EP’s aerospace certification and request updated documentation or firmware.

If you can share your project’s specific requirements (e.g., communication protocols, safety certifications), I can refine this suggestion further. Best of luck with your project!

Regards,

Hi Wowowo Jojo,

Thanks for the suggestions

TMDX570LS20SUSB is Obsolete and no longer manufactured.  So I want to check the availability of TMS570LS20216-EP in future.  Any suggestion from Ti is appreciated.

Regards,

Ramesh

Any suggestion at the earliest from Ti shall be appreciated

Hi Ramesh,

Apologies for the delay in the response.

Ramesh M2 said:

TMDX570LS20SUSB is Obsolete and no longer manufactured.  So I want to check the availability of TMS570LS20216-EP in future.  Any suggestion from Ti is appreciated.

USB sticks are stopped for all the devices by TI long back, only Launchpads and HDK boards are available.

And also, i don't see any Launchpad or HDK board for this particular device. 

And some customers also preferred our TMS570LC4357-EP for Airborne applications:

(+) TMS570LC4357-EP: suitable for ED-80/DO254 DAL-A? - Arm-based microcontrollers forum - Arm-based microcontrollers - TI E2E support forums

This is kind of advanced controller in Hercules category and this device has Lauchpad and HDK boards available for to do prototype:

TMS570LC4357-EP data sheet, product information and support | TI.com

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Thanks & regards,
Jagadish.

S5LS20216ASGWTMEP is still available for order, my supplier told me