Texas Instruments MSP430F4481IPZR

Overview

MSP430F4481IPZR from Texas Instruments is an ultralow-power 16-bit mixed-signal microcontroller featuring 48KB+256B flash memory, 2KB RAM, integrated LCD driver for up to 160 segments, dual USARTs (UART/SPI configurable), and seven-capture/compare registers in Timer_B. It operates from 1.8 V to 3.6 V and targets battery-powered portable instrumentation with on-device display and serial telemetry.

For engineers reviewing the MSP430F4481IPZR datasheet, MSP430F4481IPZR pinout, MSP430F4481IPZR application, or MSP430F4481IPZR equivalent, key selection criteria include its 100-pin QFP package, absence of ADC12 module, 2KB RAM capacity, dual-serial interface support, and LCD segment drive capability up to 160 segments.

Technical Context

The MSP430F4481IPZR implements a 16-bit RISC CPU with constant generators and a digitally controlled oscillator (DCO), enabling wake-up from standby mode in under 6 µs. Its architecture supports five power-saving modes and integrates peripherals including Timer_A (3 capture/compare), Timer_B (7 capture/compare with shadow registers), comparator_A, and hardware multiplier.

This device belongs to the MSP430x44x1 family and omits the ADC12 module present in non-"1" variants (e.g., MSP430F448IPZ). It features two USART modules (USART0 and USART1), each configurable as asynchronous UART or synchronous SPI, and a dedicated LCD controller supporting 4-mux operation across 160 segments.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: 100-pin plastic quad flat pack (PZ), 0.5 mm pitch, -40°C to +85°C operating range.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with MSP430F4481IPZR, MSP430F4491IPZ offers greater program memory for feature-rich firmware, while MSP430F448IPZ adds ADC12 capability at the cost of no functional difference in LCD, timers, or serial interfaces - making it ideal for analog-centric designs requiring identical display and communication functionality.

Availability

MSP430F4481IPZR is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for portable medical meters, smart utility meters, and industrial sensor nodes requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle assurance, and consistent parametric performance across production batches.

Supply support for MSP430F4481IPZR 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 company headquartered in Dallas, Texas, delivering analog and embedded processing solutions for industrial, automotive, and personal electronics markets.

The MSP430x44x1 product line delivers ultralow-power mixed-signal MCUs optimized for battery-operated instrumentation with integrated LCD display, targeting applications where extended runtime and on-device visualization are critical design requirements.

FAQ

Does MSP430F4481IPZR include an analog-to-digital converter (ADC)?

No, MSP430F4481IPZR does not include the ADC12 module. It belongs to the "x44x1" family variant explicitly defined as identical to the MSP430F44x series except for omission of the 12-bit ADC. Designers requiring analog input must add an external ADC or select MSP430F448IPZ instead.

What is the maximum LCD segment count supported by MSP430F4481IPZR?

MSP430F4481IPZR supports up to 160 LCD segments using its integrated controller with 1–4 multiplexing. This is achieved via 40 segment outputs (S0–S39) and four common backplane outputs (COM0–COM3), enabling direct drive of alphanumeric or custom segment displays without external bias circuitry.

How many serial communication interfaces does MSP430F4481IPZR provide?

MSP430F4481IPZR provides two independent universal serial communication interfaces: USART0 and USART1. Each can be configured in software as either asynchronous UART or synchronous SPI, allowing concurrent use - for example, UART for host debugging and SPI for sensor data acquisition.

What package type and pin count does MSP430F4481IPZR use?

MSP430F4481IPZR uses a 100-pin plastic quad flat pack (PZ) package with 0.5 mm lead pitch. It is rated for operation from −40°C to +85°C and is compatible with standard surface-mount reflow processes per JEDEC J-STD-020.

Is MSP430F4481IPZR pin-compatible with MSP430F448IPZ?

Yes, MSP430F4481IPZR and MSP430F448IPZ share identical 100-pin PZ packaging, pinout, and peripheral mapping. The only functional difference is the absence of the ADC12 module in the "1" variant; all I/O, timer, LCD, and serial interface pins operate identically, enabling drop-in replacement where ADC functionality is unused.