Texas Instruments MSP430A138IPNR

Overview

MSP430A138IPNR from Texas Instruments is an ultra-low-power 16-bit mixed-signal microcontroller featuring a 16-bit sigma-delta ADC, dual 12-bit DACs, two configurable operational amplifiers, integrated LCD driver for up to 128 segments, and dual USCI modules supporting UART, SPI, and I²C. It operates from 1.8 V to 3.6 V, delivers 262 µA active current at 1 MHz/2.2 V, and supports five power-saving modes - ideal for battery-powered analog sensor systems and handheld meters.

For engineers reviewing the MSP430A138IPNR datasheet, MSP430A138IPNR pinout, MSP430A138IPNR application, or MSP430A138IPNR equivalent, this device is selected for precision analog front-end integration, real-time clock capability, low-power LCD driving, and embedded signal conditioning in space-constrained industrial and portable measurement designs.

Technical Context

The MSP430A138IPNR implements a 16-bit RISC CPU with constant generators and a digitally controlled oscillator (DCO), enabling sub-6 µs wake-up from standby mode. Its analog subsystem includes SD16_A with internal reference, five differential inputs, and programmable gain, plus two independent OA blocks configurable as PGA, comparator, or transimpedance amplifier.

Dual 16-bit timers (Timer_A with three capture/compare registers; Timer_B with seven) support PWM, capture, and RTC functions. The USCI_A0 and USCI_B0 modules provide hardware-synchronized UART (with auto-baud detection), IrDA, SPI, and I²C - all operating independently of CPU activity.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: 80-pin LQFP (PN), 12 mm × 12 mm, 0.5 mm pitch, exposed thermal pad (not electrically connected).

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar mixed-signal microcontroller applications.

Compared with MSP430A138IPNR, MSP430FG479IPN offers higher flash capacity without altering analog performance or package, whereas MSP430F6736IPZ trades LCD integration for metrology acceleration - making the former a drop-in firmware upgrade and the latter a domain-specific replacement requiring layout and firmware adaptation.

Availability

MSP430A138IPNR is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for analog sensor systems, handheld meters, digital thermostats, and industrial panel meters requiring stable component supply across long-lifecycle production programs.

Supply support for MSP430A138IPNR includes scheduled delivery planning, volume procurement assistance, BOM continuity management, traceable sourcing, and lifecycle availability coordination for OEM customers, industrial embedded developers, connected-device designers, and electronics production programs.

Manufacturer

Texas Instruments is a global semiconductor leader delivering analog, embedded processing, and connectivity technologies with emphasis on energy efficiency and system integration.

The MSP430A138IPNR belongs to the MSP430FG47x ultra-low-power mixed-signal MCU family, designed specifically for precision measurement applications demanding integrated analog peripherals, extended battery life, and minimal external component count.

FAQ

What is the maximum operating frequency of the MSP430A138IPNR?

The MSP430A138IPNR supports a maximum system clock (MCLK) frequency of 4.15 MHz at 1.8 V and 8 MHz at 2.5 V or higher, as specified in the Recommended Operating Conditions table. This limit is enforced by the internal DCO and calibrated against supply voltage - exceeding it may cause timing violations or increased current consumption. The MSP430A138IPNR does not support external crystal oscillators above 8 MHz in XT2 mode.

Does the MSP430A138IPNR include a hardware real-time clock (RTC)?

Yes, the MSP430A138IPNR integrates a Basic Timer module that can be configured as a real-time clock with calendar functionality when driven by a 32.768-kHz watch crystal connected to XIN/XOUT pins. This RTC supports alarm interrupts, calendar date/time tracking, and automatic leap-year compensation - all implemented in hardware without CPU intervention. The MSP430A138IPNR RTC requires no external RTC IC.

Can the MSP430A138IPNR drive a 128-segment LCD directly?

Yes, the MSP430A138IPNR includes a dedicated LCD_A peripheral capable of driving up to 128 segments using static, 2-mux, 3-mux, or 4-mux configurations. It supports internal charge-pump voltage generation (via LCDCAP pin), programmable contrast control, and software-configurable bias and frame frequency - eliminating the need for external LCD bias generators or driver ICs in the MSP430A138IPNR design.

What analog input configurations does the SD16_A ADC support on the MSP430A138IPNR?

The SD16_A ADC in the MSP430A138IPNR supports five differential analog input channels (A0–A4), each configurable with programmable gain (1×, 2×, 4×, 8×, 16×, 32×, 64×), internal or external reference selection, and offset calibration. Inputs A0–A1 are routed to P6.x pins; A2–A4 are accessible on P1.x and P2.x - all usable simultaneously. The MSP430A138IPNR SD16_A also includes built-in temperature sensor and VCC sense channels.

Is the MSP430A138IPNR pin-compatible with other MSP430FG47x devices?

Yes, the MSP430A138IPNR shares identical 80-pin LQFP (PN) package pinout and peripheral register mapping with MSP430FG477IPN, MSP430FG478IPN, and MSP430FG479IPN. All four devices use the same signal naming, I/O assignment, and power/ground pin locations - enabling direct PCB-level substitution within the same footprint. Firmware migration between them requires only flash size and peripheral enable adjustments.