Texas Instruments MSP430F415IPMR

Overview

MSP430F415IPMR from Texas Instruments is an ultra-low-power 16-bit RISC mixed-signal microcontroller with 16KB flash, 512B RAM, integrated 96-segment LCD driver, Timer_A5 (5 capture/compare registers), comparator, and FLL+ clock system. It operates from 1.8 V to 3.6 V and supports five power-saving modes - ideal for battery-powered handheld meters and industrial sensor displays.

For engineers reviewing the MSP430F415IPMR datasheet, MSP430F415IPMR pinout, MSP430F415IPMR application, or MSP430F415IPMR equivalent, key selection criteria include its 64-pin QFP package, LCD segment drive capability, SVSIN-enabled supply monitoring, Timer1_A5 interrupt vector priority (13), and JTAG/BSL programmability without external voltage.

Technical Context

The MSP430F415IPMR implements a dual-timer architecture: Timer0_A3 (3 CC registers) for basic timing and Timer1_A5 (5 CC registers) for advanced capture/compare tasks - both accessible via dedicated interrupt vectors (0FFFAh and 0FFF8h). Its FLL+ module locks DCO frequency to XT1 (32.768 kHz) with digital modulation, enabling sub-6 μs wake-up from LPM4.

It features separate analog (AVCC/AVSS1/AVSS2) and digital (DVCC/DVSS) supply domains, with programmable brownout detection and SVSIN on P6.7. The LCD controller supports static to 4-mux configurations using COM0–COM3 and S0–S96 pins, with automatic function selection independent of PxSEL bits.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: 64-pin plastic quad flat pack (QFP), PM suffix, RoHS-compliant, 10 mm × 10 mm body, 0.5 mm pitch.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with MSP430F417IPMR, the MSP430F415IPMR trades flash/RAM capacity for cost-sensitive metering designs; versus MSP430F2617TPMR, it delivers superior LCD integration and lower active current - critical for battery lifetime in display-centric devices.

Availability

MSP430F415IPMR is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for handheld energy meters, industrial panel displays, and portable gas detectors requiring stable component supply across long production lifecycles.

Supply support for MSP430F415IPMR 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 focused on analog, embedded processing, and connectivity technologies, serving industrial, automotive, and consumer markets since 1930.

The MSP430x41x product line was designed specifically for ultra-low-power portable measurement and display applications - emphasizing extended battery life, integrated LCD control, and robust analog signal conditioning.

FAQ

What is the maximum operating frequency of the MSP430F415IPMR?

The MSP430F415IPMR achieves an instruction cycle time of 125 ns, corresponding to a maximum CPU clock (MCLK) frequency of 8 MHz. This is sustained via the FLL+ module locking the DCO to integer multiples of the 32.768 kHz crystal reference. The device does not support external high-frequency crystals beyond XT1; MCLK is derived solely from the FLL+ output.

Does the MSP430F415IPMR support in-system programming without JTAG?

Yes, the MSP430F415IPMR includes a factory-programmed bootstrap loader (BSL) that enables in-system programming over UART using only P1.0 (TX) and P1.1 (RX). No external programming voltage is required, and the BSL is protected by a user-configurable password. This allows firmware updates in deployed field units without physical debugger access.

How many LCD segments can the MSP430F415IPMR drive, and what backplane configurations are supported?

The MSP430F415IPMR drives up to 96 segments using four common backplanes (COM0–COM3), supporting static, 2-mux, 3-mux, and 4-mux LCD configurations. Segment outputs map directly to P2.x, P3.x, P4.x, P5.x, and P6.x pins - no external bias generator or charge pump is needed, reducing bill-of-materials and PCB area.

What is the purpose of the SVSIN pin (P6.7) on the MSP430F415IPMR?

The SVSIN pin (P6.7) provides an analog input for the programmable supply voltage supervisor (SVS), allowing custom threshold detection independent of fixed internal levels. When enabled, it triggers SVSOUT on P1.3 and initiates a power-on reset sequence if the monitored voltage falls below the programmed value - critical for graceful shutdown in battery-powered meters.

Are the Timer0_A3 and Timer1_A5 modules mutually exclusive or can they operate simultaneously?

Timer0_A3 and Timer1_A5 operate fully independently with separate clock sources, control registers, and interrupt vectors (0FFECh/0FFEAh and 0FFFAh/0FFF8h). They can run concurrently - for example, Timer0_A3 generating LCD frame timing while Timer1_A5 captures flow meter pulses - without resource contention or software arbitration overhead.