Texas Instruments MSP430F168IPM
- Part No.:
- MSP430F168IPM
- Manufacturer:
- Texas Instruments
- Category:
- Microcontrollers
- Package:
- 64-LQFP
- Datasheet:
-
MSP430F168IPM.pdf
- Description:
- IC MCU 16BIT 48KB FLASH 64LQFP
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:134
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Product details
Overview
MSP430F168IPM from Texas Instruments is a 16-bit RISC ultralow-power mixed-signal microcontroller with 48KB+256B flash memory, 2KB RAM, dual 12-bit DACs, 12-bit ADC with internal reference and autoscan, two USARTs (UART/SPI/I²C), three-channel DMA, and Timer_B with seven capture/compare registers. It operates from 1.8 V to 3.6 V and supports battery-powered sensor systems requiring fast wake-up (<6 μs) and extended runtime.
For engineers reviewing the MSP430F168IPM datasheet, MSP430F168IPM pinout, MSP430F168IPM application, or MSP430F168IPM equivalent, key selection criteria include flash/RAM size, dual USART support, 7-channel Timer_B capability, 64-pin QFP package compatibility, and integrated analog peripherals for closed-loop control in portable instrumentation.
Technical Context
The MSP430F168IPM implements a 16-bit CPU with constant generators and seven addressing modes, enabling single-cycle register operations and high code efficiency. Its clock system includes digitally controlled oscillator (DCO), ACLK, SMCLK, and MCLK with XT1/XT2 crystal support - enabling sub-6-μs wake-up from LPM4.
Peripherals are memory-mapped and fully accessible via standard instructions. The device integrates two independent USART modules: USART0 supports UART, SPI, and I²C; USART1 supports UART and SPI only. Timer_B7 provides seven capture/compare registers with shadow registers for glitch-free PWM generation in motor control or power conversion.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Core Architecture | 16-bit RISC CPU with 16 general-purpose registers and constant generators; enables efficient C compilation and deterministic real-time execution. |
| Flash / RAM | 48KB + 256B flash memory and 2KB RAM; sufficient for complex sensor fusion algorithms and bootloader-resident firmware updates. |
| ADC/DAC | 12-bit ADC with 8-channel autoscan and internal reference; dual 12-bit voltage-output DACs synchronized for simultaneous analog waveform generation. |
| Timers | Timer_A3 with three capture/compare registers; Timer_B7 with seven capture/compare registers and shadow registers for precise PWM timing and phase-shifted outputs. |
| Communication | Two USARTs: USART0 (UART/SPI/I²C), USART1 (UART/SPI); supports dual serial interfaces for sensor hub + host communication without external bridging. |
| Power Modes | Five low-power modes (LPM0–LPM4); standby current 1.1 μA, off-mode RAM retention 0.2 μA - optimized for multi-year battery life in wireless sensing nodes. |
| Wake-up Time | <6 μs from LPM4 to active mode; enables rapid response to external interrupts while maintaining ultra-low quiescent power. |
Pinout & Package
Package: 64-pin plastic quad flat pack (QFP), PM suffix. Pin count, thermal profile, and mechanical dimensions conform to JEDEC MS-026.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| RST/NMI | Reset / Nonmaskable Interrupt input | Active-low reset initiation and NMI event handling; also triggers bootstrap loader entry when held during power-up. |
| P1.0/TACLK | Timer_A clock input | External clock source for Timer_A; enables asynchronous timing measurement independent of system clocks. |
| P2.6/ADC12CLK/DMAE0 | ADC conversion clock / DMA trigger | Configurable as ADC sampling clock source or external trigger for DMA channel 0 - synchronizes data acquisition with peripheral events. |
| P3.5/URXD0 & P3.4/UTXD0 | USART0 receive/transmit | Primary UART interface for debug console or host communication; supports baud rates up to 1 Mbps at 8 MHz MCLK. |
| P3.6/UTXD1 & P3.7/URXD1 | USART1 transmit/receive | Dedicated second UART for sensor telemetry or modem interface - eliminates software UART overhead and timing conflicts. |
| P6.6/A6/DAC0 & P6.7/A7/DAC1 | Analog output / DAC channels | Simultaneous voltage-mode DAC outputs; used for programmable biasing, calibration signal injection, or analog actuator control. |
| TCK/TMS/TDI/TDO | JTAG test interface | Fully compliant IEEE 1149.1 boundary-scan interface for programming, emulation, and production testing via MSP-FET430UIF or compatible tools. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Dual USART with I²C support | Enables direct connection to I²C sensors (e.g., temperature, humidity) and UART-based radios/modems without external level shifters or protocol converters. |
| Three-channel DMA controller | Offloads CPU from memory-intensive transfers - e.g., streaming ADC samples to RAM or moving DAC waveform buffers without interrupt latency. |
| Integrated SVS and brownout detection | Programmable supply voltage supervisor ensures reliable operation during battery discharge; prevents erratic behavior or flash corruption below safe VCC thresholds. |
| Hardware multiplier (MPY/MPYS) | Accelerates fixed-point math for digital filtering, PID control, or FFT preprocessing - reduces CPU load and extends active-mode battery life. |
| Bootstrap loader (BSL) | Field-upgradable firmware via UART using password-protected BSL; eliminates need for JTAG hardware in production or maintenance scenarios. |
Applications
| Industrial Sensor Node | Portable Medical Meter |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Battery-powered remote vibration and temperature monitoring in factory equipment with LoRaWAN backhaul. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Central MCU managing ADC sampling, sensor fusion, low-power scheduling, and UART-to-LoRa module interface. Use Value: Sub-6-μs wake-up and 0.2 μA off-mode current enable multi-year deployment; dual USARTs isolate sensor comms from radio interface. | Use Scenario: Handheld blood glucose meter with analog front-end, LCD display, and USB/Bluetooth connectivity. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Mixed-signal controller performing 12-bit ADC conversion, DAC-based reference calibration, and SPI-driven display update. Use Value: Integrated 12-bit ADC with internal reference eliminates external precision voltage source; dual DACs enable auto-zeroing and gain calibration. |
| Smart Energy Monitor | Low-Power Data Logger |
Use Scenario: DIN-rail mounted electricity meter measuring voltage/current harmonics and logging energy consumption hourly. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Real-time processing unit executing RMS calculation, harmonic analysis, and time-stamped flash storage via DMA-accelerated ADC reads. Use Value: Hardware multiplier accelerates FFT-based harmonic computation; 48KB flash stores firmware plus 30 days of compressed log data. | Use Scenario: Environmental logger recording temperature, humidity, and light intensity every 15 minutes using coin-cell battery. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Ultra-low-power state machine controlling sensor polling, data formatting, and flash write cycles during brief active bursts. Use Value: Five configurable low-power modes and RAM retention at 0.2 μA allow >5-year operation on CR2032; internal DCO eliminates external crystal cost. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar mixed-signal microcontroller applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| MSP430F169IPM | 60KB flash, 2KB RAM, same peripherals and pinout | Supports larger firmware images and more complex algorithms; identical footprint and migration path | Select when firmware size exceeds 48KB or future scalability is required without PCB redesign. |
| MSP430F1611IPM | 48KB flash, 10KB RAM, extended addressing, no I²C on USART1 | Targeted at memory-intensive applications like large C-stack or floating-point math; higher RAM enables dynamic buffer allocation | Choose for applications requiring >2KB RAM but retaining same flash capacity and peripheral set. |
Compared with MSP430F169IPM, the MSP430F168IPM trades 12KB flash for lower cost and identical RAM/peripherals; versus MSP430F1611IPM, it offers less RAM but adds I²C support on USART0 and maintains full backward compatibility in compact designs.
Availability
MSP430F168IPM is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial sensor nodes, portable medical meters, smart energy monitors, and low-power data loggers requiring stable component supply across long product lifecycles.
Supply support for MSP430F168IPM 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 solutions for industrial, automotive, and consumer markets.
The MSP430F16x series targets ultralow-power mixed-signal applications where battery life, analog integration, and deterministic real-time performance are critical - especially in portable instrumentation and sensor edge devices.
FAQ
What is the maximum operating frequency of the MSP430F168IPM?
The MSP430F168IPM supports a maximum MCLK frequency of 8 MHz under typical conditions. Its 125-ns instruction cycle time corresponds to this 8-MHz clock rate. The DCO can be calibrated to achieve stable operation across voltage and temperature ranges, and external crystals (XT1/XT2) may be used for higher precision timing. This frequency is sufficient for real-time sensor processing, communication stack execution, and control loop updates without compromising ultralow-power operation.
Does the MSP430F168IPM support I²C communication?
Yes, the MSP430F168IPM supports I²C communication via USART0 configured in I²C mode. Pin P3.1 functions as SDA and P3.3 as SCL. I²C operation is not supported on USART1. The hardware I²C implementation includes clock stretching, arbitration, and 7-bit/10-bit address support per TI's MSP430x1xx Family User's Guide. This enables direct interfacing with common I²C sensors and EEPROMs without bit-banging overhead.
How many capture/compare registers does Timer_B have on the MSP430F168IPM?
The MSP430F168IPM features Timer_B7 with seven capture/compare registers (TBCCR0–TBCCR6). This is confirmed in the functional block diagram and terminal function table for MSP430F16x devices. The seventh register enables advanced PWM configurations such as three-phase motor control or interleaved power converter topologies with independent duty-cycle and phase control per channel.
What is the purpose of the P2.5/Rosc pin on the MSP430F168IPM?
The P2.5/Rosc pin on the MSP430F168IPM connects an external resistor to set the nominal frequency of the digitally controlled oscillator (DCO). This resistor determines the DCO's base frequency before calibration, enabling accurate clock generation without an external crystal in cost-sensitive or space-constrained designs. The value selected affects startup time and frequency stability across temperature, and TI provides recommended resistor values in the MSP430x1xx Family User's Guide.
Can the MSP430F168IPM perform in-system flash programming?
Yes, the MSP430F168IPM supports in-system flash programming via the CPU, JTAG interface, or bootstrap loader (BSL). The CPU can execute single-byte and single-word writes to flash memory, enabling firmware updates or parameter storage during normal operation. Flash segments can be erased individually or collectively, and information memory (256B) is available for calibration constants or security keys. All methods preserve RAM contents and require no external programming voltage.
MSP430F168IPM Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Texas Instruments
- Package/Case:
- 64-LQFP
- Series:
- MSP430x1xx
- Packaging:
- Bulk
- Product Status:
- Active
- Programmable:
- Verified
- Core Processor:
- MSP430 CPU16
- Core Size:
- 16-Bit
- Speed:
- 8MHz
- Connectivity:
- I2C, SPI, UART/USART
- Peripherals:
- Brown-out Detect/Reset, DMA, POR, PWM, WDT
- Number of I/O:
- 48
- Program Memory Size:
- 48KB (48K x 8 + 256B)
- Program Memory Type:
- FLASH
- EEPROM Size:
- -
- RAM Size:
- 2K x 8
- Voltage - Supply (Vcc/Vdd):
- 1.8V ~ 3.6V
- Data Converters:
- A/D 8x12b; D/A 2x12b
- Oscillator Type:
- Internal
- Operating Temperature:
- -40°C ~ 85°C (TA)
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
MSP430F168IPM FAQ
1.How can I place an order for MSP430F168IPM through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for MSP430F168IPM on Aetrix. Our sales agent will provide a competitive quotation and guide you through the order confirmation once you accept the terms.
2.Are the price and stock information for MSP430F168IPM reliable?
The price and inventory of MSP430F168IPM are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for MSP430F168IPM is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for MSP430F168IPM?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for MSP430F168IPM transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for MSP430F168IPM?
MSP430F168IPM orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your MSP430F168IPM order is processed, you will receive an email with the shipment details and tracking number.
Note: Tracking information may take up to 24 hours to appear. Express delivery typically takes 3–5 business days.
5.How can I obtain technical support or documentation for MSP430F168IPM?
For technical support, including MSP430F168IPM datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your MSP430F168IPM requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that MSP430F168IPM is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All MSP430F168IPM products on Aetrix are procured from qualified distributors and authorized channels. Our dedicated quality assurance team conducts strict verification, including traceability checks and, if necessary, third-party testing. This ensures that MSP430F168IPM meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of MSP430F168IPM?
All MSP430F168IPM units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with MSP430F168IPM, returns or replacements are accepted under the following conditions:
1.Quantity discrepancies, incorrect items, or visible external defects (such as breakage or corrosion), acknowledged by Aetrix.
2.The issue is reported within 90 days of delivery.
3.The MSP430F168IPM part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for MSP430F168IPM:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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