Texas Instruments MSP430F148IPAG

Overview

MSP430F148IPAG from Texas Instruments is an ultra-low-power 16-bit RISC microcontroller featuring 48KB flash, 2KB RAM, dual 16-bit timers (Timer_A3 and Timer_B7), two USARTs, a 12-bit ADC with 8 analog inputs, and on-chip comparator. It operates from 1.8 V to 3.6 V and supports five power-saving modes, enabling sub-6 µs wake-up-ideal for battery-powered sensor nodes and portable instrumentation.

For engineers reviewing the MSP430F148IPAG datasheet, MSP430F148IPAG pinout, MSP430F148IPAG application, or MSP430F148IPAG equivalent, key selection criteria include its TQFP-64 package, dual USART support (UART/SPI), 12-bit ADC conversion time under 10 µs, integrated hardware multiplier, and JTAG debug interface compatibility with TI's MSP-FET toolchain.

Technical Context

The MSP430F148IPAG implements a 16-bit CPU with constant generators and a digitally controlled oscillator (DCO), enabling rapid transition from LPM3 standby (<6 µs) to active mode. Its memory-mapped peripherals include two independent 16-bit timers-one with three capture/compare registers (Timer_A3), the other with seven plus shadow registers (Timer_B7)-supporting complex PWM, input capture, and real-time event sequencing.

It integrates dual USART modules (USART0 and USART1), each configurable as asynchronous UART or synchronous SPI, with dedicated I/O pins for STE, SIMO, SOMI, and UCLK. The 12-bit ADC12 supports internal reference, sample-and-hold, autoscan across eight channels (A0–A7), and external reference input via VeREF+ and VREF− pins-enabling precision analog sensing without external components.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

TQFP-64 (10 mm × 10 mm) package with exposed thermal pad (not electrically connected); RoHS-compliant, lead-free finish; 0.5 mm pitch; JEDEC standard footprint.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with MSP430F148IPAG, MSP430F149IPAG offers 12KB more flash for larger firmware or bootloader features, while MSP430F1481IRTD trades crystal support for a 1 mm² smaller package-both retain identical peripheral sets and instruction compatibility.

Availability

MSP430F148IPAG is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for smart sensor nodes, portable energy meters, and industrial process monitors requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle assurance, and full traceability.

Supply support for MSP430F148IPAG 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 specializing in analog, embedded processing, and connectivity technologies, with decades of leadership in ultra-low-power microcontrollers.

The MSP430F14x family was designed specifically for battery-operated measurement and control applications-emphasizing nanowatt-level power management, integrated analog front-ends, and robust real-time performance in harsh environments.

FAQ

What is the maximum operating frequency of the MSP430F148IPAG?

The MSP430F148IPAG does not have a fixed maximum clock frequency-it relies on its digitally controlled oscillator (DCO) calibrated to run up to approximately 8 MHz under typical conditions. Actual achievable frequency depends on supply voltage and temperature; the device supports SMCLK frequencies up to 8 MHz and MCLK up to the DCO limit, with timing verified per Section 5.18 of the SLAS272H datasheet. MSP430F148IPAG performance remains deterministic within its specified operating range.

Does the MSP430F148IPAG support external crystal oscillators?

Yes, the MSP430F148IPAG supports two external crystal oscillators: LFXT1 (via XIN/XOUT pins, compatible with 32.768 kHz watch crystals) and XT2 (via XT2IN/XT2OUT pins, for 400 kHz to 8 MHz standard crystals). These provide high-precision clock sources for real-time clocks or communication baud rate generation. MSP430F148IPAG retains full functionality whether using internal DCO or external crystals.

How many analog input channels does the MSP430F148IPAG ADC support?

The MSP430F148IPAG integrates the ADC12 module with eight selectable analog input channels (A0 through A7), mapped directly to P6.0–P6.7 pins. All channels support single-ended or differential acquisition, internal reference (2.5 V), or external reference via VeREF+ and VREF− pins. MSP430F148IPAG's ADC12 also includes autoscan mode for sequential conversion without CPU intervention.

Is the MSP430F148IPAG pin-compatible with other MSP430F14x devices?

Yes, the MSP430F148IPAG is pin-compatible with all 64-pin variants in the MSP430F14x family-including MSP430F149IPAG, MSP430F147IPAG, and their '1' suffix derivatives in TQFP (PAG) and LQFP (PM) packages. Pin functions, power domains, and peripheral mappings match exactly across these parts, enabling drop-in replacement where flash/RAM requirements align. MSP430F148IPAG shares identical signal routing and electrical characteristics per pin.

What debug interface does the MSP430F148IPAG use?

The MSP430F148IPAG uses a standard 4-wire JTAG interface (TCK, TMS, TDI/TCLK, TDO/TDI) compliant with IEEE 1149.1 for programming, boundary-scan testing, and real-time debugging. It supports TI's MSP-FET430UIF and MSP-FET emulators, as well as open-source tools like naken_asm and mspdebug. MSP430F148IPAG also includes a UART-based Bootloader (BSL) accessible via RST/NMI and UART pins for field firmware updates without JTAG hardware.