Texas Instruments MSP430F478IPN

Overview

MSP430F478IPN from Texas Instruments is an ultra-low-power 16-bit mixed-signal microcontroller designed for precision sensor measurement and LCD-driven portable instrumentation. It integrates a 16-bit sigma-delta ADC with five differential analog inputs, a 12-bit DAC, dual 16-bit timers (Timer_A and Timer_B), two USCI modules (UART/I²C/SPI), and an integrated LCD driver supporting up to 160 segments - all in an 80-pin LQFP package operating from 1.8 V to 3.6 V.

For engineers reviewing the MSP430F478IPN datasheet, MSP430F478IPN pinout, MSP430F478IPN application, or MSP430F478IPN equivalent, this page delivers verified technical context, validated pin functions, real-world use cases for metering and timer systems, and two confirmed alternative parts with documented functional and packaging differences.

Technical Context

The MSP430F478IPN implements a 16-bit RISC CPU with constant generators and a digitally controlled oscillator (DCO), enabling sub-6 µs wake-up from LPM3 standby mode. Its SD16_A ADC supports internal reference, programmable gain, and oversampling for high-resolution sensor digitization, while the LCD_A module uses a regulated charge pump for stable segment driving without external components.

It features dual independent clock domains (ACLK, MCLK/SMCLK), hardware-based real-time clock via Basic Timer, supply voltage supervisor (SVS) with programmable threshold, and on-chip comparator - all optimized for battery-powered applications requiring long-term accuracy and low quiescent current.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: 80-pin LQFP (PN), 12 mm × 12 mm body size, surface-mount, RoHS-compliant.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with MSP430F478IPN, the MSP430F479IPN offers 12 KB more flash for future firmware expansion, while the MSP430F477IPN reduces flash by 16 KB to lower unit cost - both retain identical peripheral sets, power profiles, and 80-pin LQFP compatibility for seamless migration.

Availability

MSP430F478IPN is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for energy metering, industrial thermostat, and handheld multimeter applications requiring stable component supply, long-lifecycle support, and TI-qualified manufacturing traceability.

Supply support for MSP430F478IPN 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 with over 50 years of microcontroller innovation.

The MSP430F47x product line was engineered specifically for ultra-low-power, high-precision measurement systems - integrating sigma-delta ADCs, LCD drivers, and real-time clocks to serve metering, sensing, and portable instrumentation markets.

FAQ

What is the maximum system clock frequency supported by the MSP430F478IPN?

The MSP430F478IPN supports a maximum system clock (MCLK) frequency of 4.15 MHz at 1.8 V and 8 MHz at 2.5 V or higher, as specified in the Recommended Operating Conditions table. This limit is enforced by the DCO oscillator's design and ensures reliable operation across the full temperature and voltage range. The MSP430F478IPN does not support external crystal frequencies above 8 MHz on XT2, nor does it include a PLL to multiply clock sources beyond these values.

Does the MSP430F478IPN support hardware real-time clock (RTC) functionality?

Yes, the MSP430F478IPN implements RTC capability through its Basic Timer module configured with ACLK (32.768 kHz) input, enabling calendar-mode timekeeping with seconds, minutes, hours, and day-of-week registers. This RTC operates in LPM3 with only 1.1 µA typical current draw at 25°C and retains accuracy across –40°C to 85°C. The MSP430F478IPN does not include a dedicated RTC peripheral but achieves equivalent functionality via timer registers and interrupt-driven software.

Can the MSP430F478IPN drive a 4-mux LCD without external components?

Yes, the MSP430F478IPN's LCD_A module supports static, 2-, 3-, and 4-mux LCDs up to 160 segments using its integrated regulated charge pump. In 4-mux mode, it generates all required bias voltages (V1–V4) internally when LCDCPEN = 0 and LCDCAP is connected to a 2.2 µF capacitor. No external resistors, capacitors, or voltage dividers are needed - the MSP430F478IPN fully manages LCD voltage generation and timing.

What are the key differences between MSP430F478IPN and MSP430F479IPN?

The MSP430F478IPN and MSP430F479IPN share identical peripherals, pinout, package (80-pin LQFP), RAM (2 KB), and power characteristics. The sole difference is flash memory size: MSP430F478IPN has 48 KB + 256 B, while MSP430F479IPN has 60 KB + 256 B. Both are drop-in replacements in hardware; firmware migration requires only recompilation and flash image adjustment. The MSP430F478IPN is optimal for feature-complete applications with moderate code size.

Is JTAG debugging supported on the MSP430F478IPN?

Yes, the MSP430F478IPN supports full IEEE 1149.1 JTAG debugging via dedicated pins TCK, TMS, TDI/TCLK, and TDO/TDI. These signals are accessible on the 80-pin LQFP package (pins 73, 72, 71, and 70 respectively) and enable boundary-scan testing, flash programming, and real-time emulation. The MSP430F478IPN also supports Spy-Bi-Wire (SBW) via TCK/TMS for reduced-pin debugging when JTAG is not required.