Texas Instruments MSP430F478IPNR

Overview

MSP430F478IPNR 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 operating from 1.8 V to 3.6 V supply. It targets battery-powered metering applications requiring high-resolution analog capture and low standby current.

For engineers reviewing the MSP430F478IPNR datasheet, MSP430F478IPNR pinout, MSP430F478IPNR application, or MSP430F478IPNR equivalent, key selection criteria include its 48 KB flash / 2 KB RAM configuration, 80-pin LQFP (PN) package with 48 GPIOs, ultra-low 0.1 µA LPM4 current, 160-segment LCD driver with charge pump, and dual USCI interfaces enabling simultaneous I²C sensor communication and UART host reporting.

Technical Context

The MSP430F478IPNR implements a 16-bit RISC CPU with constant generators and a digitally controlled oscillator (DCO), enabling sub-6 µs wake-up from LPM3. Its SD16_A module supports programmable oversampling ratios and internal reference (1.2 V or 2.0 V), while the LCD_A peripheral includes regulated charge-pump voltage generation (VLCDCAP) and four common outputs (COM0–COM3) for static/4-mux segment driving.

Timer_B provides seven capture/compare registers with shadow loading, supporting precise PWM generation and motor control timing; USCI_B0 operates in I²C master/slave mode with clock stretching support, and USCI_A0 delivers enhanced UART with automatic baud-rate detection and IrDA encoding - critical for interoperability with legacy industrial sensors and displays.

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 ultra-low-power mixed-signal microcontroller applications.

Compared with MSP430F479IPN, MSP430F478IPNR saves cost with no functional trade-off for most metering applications; versus MSP430F6736IPZ, it trades metrology-grade ADC resolution and USB for lower BOM cost and proven field reliability in consumer-grade instrumentation.

Availability

MSP430F478IPNR is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for energy metering, portable test equipment, and thermostatic control applications requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle assurance, and traceable sourcing for industrial OEMs.

Supply support for MSP430F478IPNR 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 decades of leadership in ultra-low-power microcontrollers.

The MSP430F47x product line was engineered specifically for high-accuracy, battery-operated measurement systems - integrating precision analog front-ends, LCD drivers, and ultra-low-power operation to replace discrete metrology solutions in portable instrumentation.

FAQ

What is the maximum LCD segment count supported by the MSP430F478IPNR?

The MSP430F478IPNR supports up to 160 LCD segments using its integrated LCD_A peripheral with four common outputs (COM0–COM3) and configurable static/2-mux/4-mux drive modes. This capability is confirmed in the device overview and electrical specifications section of the SLAS629B datasheet, and enables full-featured numeric and symbol displays in handheld meters without external LCD controllers. The MSP430F478IPNR's LCDCAP pin connects to an external capacitor to generate regulated bias voltages internally.

Does the MSP430F478IPNR include a hardware real-time clock (RTC)?

Yes, the MSP430F478IPNR includes a hardware real-time clock implemented within its Basic Timer module, which can operate in LPM3 using the 32.768 kHz ACLK source. This RTC functionality is explicitly documented in the "Features" and "Description" sections of the SLAS629B datasheet and supports calendar mode with seconds, minutes, hours, day-of-week, date, month, and year registers - essential for time-of-use energy metering and scheduled thermostat operations.

What are the key differences between MSP430F478IPNR and MSP430F479IPN?

The MSP430F478IPNR and MSP430F479IPN share identical peripherals, package (80-pin LQFP), pinout, RAM (2 KB), and operating specifications. Their sole difference is flash memory size: MSP430F478IPNR has 48 KB + 256 B flash, while MSP430F479IPN has 60 KB + 256 B flash. This makes MSP430F479IPN suitable for larger firmware images (e.g., with cryptographic libraries or dual-bank OTA), whereas MSP430F478IPNR optimizes cost for applications fitting within 48 KB.

Can the MSP430F478IPNR's SD16_A ADC perform simultaneous sampling on multiple channels?

No, the MSP430F478IPNR's SD16_A module does not support true simultaneous sampling across multiple channels. It uses a single sigma-delta modulator with multiplexed analog inputs - meaning channels are sampled sequentially under firmware or hardware timer control. However, its fast conversion time (e.g., 1024-OSR cycle ≈ 125 ms) and programmable input scanning enable tightly interleaved acquisition suitable for phase-current measurement in 3-phase meters when synchronized to system timing.

Is the MSP430F478IPNR qualified for industrial temperature range operation?

Yes, the MSP430F478IPNR is specified for industrial temperature range operation from –40°C to +85°C, as confirmed in Section 5.3 ("Recommended Operating Conditions") of the SLAS629B datasheet. All key parameters - including LPM3/LPM4 current, ADC performance, and LCD driver operation - are characterized across this full range, making it suitable for deployment in outdoor energy meters, factory-floor sensors, and HVAC equipment without derating.