Texas Instruments MSP430F448IPZ

Overview

MSP430F448IPZ from Texas Instruments is an ultralow-power 16-bit mixed-signal microcontroller featuring 48KB+256B flash memory, 2KB RAM, integrated 160-segment LCD driver, dual USARTs, and a 12-bit ADC with internal reference. 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 portable meters and sensor display systems.

For engineers reviewing the MSP430F448IPZ datasheet, MSP430F448IPZ pinout, MSP430F448IPZ application, or MSP430F448IPZ equivalent, key selection criteria include its 100-pin QFP package, Timer_B7 with seven capture/compare registers, hardware multiplier support, LCD segment drive capability up to 160 segments, and dual USART configuration (USART0 and USART1) configurable as UART or SPI.

Technical Context

The MSP430F448IPZ implements a 16-bit RISC CPU with constant generators and a digitally controlled oscillator (DCO), enabling 125-ns instruction cycle time and sub-6 µs active-mode wake-up from standby. Its architecture integrates dedicated peripherals including two 16-bit timers (Timer_A3 and Timer_B7), a 12-bit ADC12 module with sample-and-hold and autoscan, and a comparator with programmable hysteresis.

It features dual USART modules supporting asynchronous UART and synchronous SPI operation, plus an integrated LCD controller driving up to 160 segments using four backplane outputs (COM0–COM3). The device includes brownout detection, supply voltage supervisor with programmable level, and JTAG-based emulation via TCK/TMS/TDI/TDO pins.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: 100-pin plastic quad flat pack (QFP), PZ package, 0.5 mm pitch, body size 14 mm × 14 mm.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with MSP430F447IPZ and MSP430F449IPZ, the MSP430F448IPZ delivers optimal balance of memory (48KB flash/2KB RAM), LCD drive (160 segments), and peripheral count (dual USART, Timer_B7, hardware multiplier) for mid-complexity portable instrumentation-avoiding overdesign or resource constraints.

Availability

MSP430F448IPZ is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for hand-held meters, industrial sensor displays, and smart utility meters requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and consistent parametric performance across production batches.

Supply support for MSP430F448IPZ 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 with emphasis on power efficiency and system integration.

The MSP430x44x family-including MSP430F448IPZ-is designed for ultralow-power mixed-signal applications demanding extended battery life, integrated LCD control, and robust analog front-end capabilities in portable measurement and display systems.

FAQ

What is the maximum LCD segment count supported by the MSP430F448IPZ?

The MSP430F448IPZ supports up to 160 LCD segments using a 4-backplane (COM0–COM3) configuration. This is confirmed in the functional block diagram and terminal function tables, where COM0–COM3 and segment outputs S0–S39 (plus reserved S40–S159) are explicitly allocated. The device's LCD controller includes built-in charge pump and contrast control circuitry, eliminating need for external bias generation.

Does the MSP430F448IPZ include a hardware multiplier unit?

Yes, the MSP430F448IPZ includes a hardware multiplier supporting MPY, MPYS, MAC, and MACS instructions. This is documented in the MSP430x44x functional block diagram and referenced in the "Hardware Multiplier" label within the architecture overview. It accelerates arithmetic operations critical for sensor calibration, filtering, and metrology calculations without consuming CPU cycles.

How many USART modules does the MSP430F448IPZ have, and what interfaces do they support?

The MSP430F448IPZ has two USART modules: USART0 and USART1. Each is software-configurable as either asynchronous UART or synchronous SPI. This is specified in the family description ("two USARTs (USART0, USART1)†") and confirmed in the MSP430x44x functional block diagram. Pin assignments include UTXD0/URXD0 and UTXD1/URXD1, enabling concurrent serial communication paths.

What is the ADC resolution and key capability of the MSP430F448IPZ?

The MSP430F448IPZ features a 12-bit successive-approximation ADC (ADC12) with internal reference, sample-and-hold, and autoscan functionality. It supports up to eight input channels and conversion times under 10 µs. This is explicitly stated in the "12-Bit A/D Converter" bullet and verified in the MSP430x44x functional block diagram and terminal function tables (e.g., P6.3/A3 through P6.7/A7).

What package type and pin count does the MSP430F448IPZ use?

The MSP430F448IPZ uses a 100-pin plastic quad flat pack (QFP) package, designated PZ. This is confirmed in the "AVAILABLE OPTIONS" table listing "MSP430F448IPZ" under the "PLASTIC 100-PIN QFP (PZ)" column and in all PZ-specific pin designation diagrams (pages 4, 6, 8, and 10 of the datasheet).