Texas Instruments MSP430F4481IPZ

Overview

MSP430F4481IPZ from Texas Instruments is an ultralow-power 16-bit mixed-signal microcontroller with 48KB+256B flash, 2KB RAM, integrated 160-segment LCD driver, dual USARTs, Timer_B7 with seven capture/compare registers, and hardware multiplier. It operates from 1.8 V to 3.6 V and supports battery-powered portable instrumentation and metering applications.

For engineers reviewing the MSP430F4481IPZ datasheet, MSP430F4481IPZ pinout, MSP430F4481IPZ application, or MSP430F4481IPZ equivalent, key selection considerations include its 100-pin QFP package, absence of ADC12 module (per F44x1 family designation), wake-up time under 6 µs, and dual-serial interface support for host communication and display control.

Technical Context

The MSP430F4481IPZ 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 architecture includes two 16-bit timers-Timer_A3 with three capture/compare registers and Timer_B7 with seven capture/compare registers plus shadow registers-supporting complex PWM, input capture, and waveform generation tasks.

It integrates a serial communication subsystem with two independent USART modules (USART0 and USART1), each configurable as asynchronous UART or synchronous SPI. The device lacks the ADC12 module (confirmed by F44x1 family specification), but retains comparator_A, SVS/brownout detection, programmable code protection, and on-chip bootstrap loader for in-system programming.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: 100-pin plastic quad flat pack (PZ), 14 mm × 14 mm, 0.5 mm pitch, RoHS-compliant.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with MSP430F4481IPZ, MSP430F4491IPZ provides headroom for firmware growth without layout changes, while MSP430F448IPZ adds ADC12 capability at the cost of higher unit price and potential over-specification where external ADCs are already used.

Availability

MSP430F4481IPZ is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for smart metering, portable medical devices, and industrial panel displays requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle assurance, and RoHS-compliant packaging.

Supply support for MSP430F4481IPZ 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 for industrial, automotive, and consumer markets.

The MSP430x44x1 product line delivers ultralow-power mixed-signal control for battery-operated instrumentation, emphasizing LCD integration, dual serial interfaces, and fast wake-up-targeting metering, sensing, and portable HMI applications.

FAQ

Does MSP430F4481IPZ include an integrated ADC module?

No, MSP430F4481IPZ does not include the ADC12 module. As confirmed by the F44x1 family designation in the SLAS344G datasheet, this variant omits the 12-bit analog-to-digital converter present in non-"1" counterparts like MSP430F448IPZ. Designers requiring on-chip ADC must select the non-1 variant or use external converters with MSP430F4481IPZ.

What is the maximum LCD segment count supported by MSP430F4481IPZ?

MSP430F4481IPZ supports up to 160 LCD segments using its integrated driver with 1–4 multiplexing. This is achieved via 40 segment outputs (S0–S39) and four common outputs (COM0–COM3), enabling static or multiplexed display configurations commonly used in portable meters and instrumentation panels.

Is MSP430F4481IPZ pin-compatible with MSP430F448IPZ?

Yes, MSP430F4481IPZ is pin-compatible with MSP430F448IPZ in the 100-pin PZ package. Both share identical pin assignments, electrical characteristics, and package dimensions. The functional difference lies solely in the presence (F448IPZ) or absence (F4481IPZ) of the ADC12 module-no PCB redesign is needed when substituting between them.

What debug interface does MSP430F4481IPZ support?

MSP430F4481IPZ supports the standard IEEE 1149.1 JTAG interface via TCK, TMS, TDO/TDI, and TDI/TCLK pins. This enables full-featured emulation, flash programming, and boundary-scan testing using TI's MSP-FET430UIF or compatible tools-no proprietary debug hardware is required.

Can MSP430F4481IPZ operate from a single 3.3 V supply?

Yes, MSP430F4481IPZ operates across 1.8 V to 3.6 V, making it fully compatible with standard 3.3 V regulated supplies. Its active current of 280 µA at 1 MHz and 2.2 V scales predictably at 3.3 V, and all I/Os are 3.3 V tolerant-no level-shifting is needed for interfacing with common peripherals.