Texas Instruments MSP430F478IZQW
- Part No.:
- MSP430F478IZQW
- Manufacturer:
- Texas Instruments
- Category:
- Microcontrollers
- Package:
- 113-VFBGA
- Datasheet:
-
MSP430F478IZQW.pdf
- Description:
- IC MCU 16BIT 48KB FLASH 113BGA
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

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Product details
Overview
MSP430F478IZQW from Texas Instruments is an ultra-low-power 16-bit mixed-signal microcontroller featuring 48 KB + 256 B flash, 2 KB RAM, a 16-bit sigma-delta ADC with five differential inputs, a 12-bit DAC, dual 16-bit timers (Timer_A and Timer_B), two USCI modules (UART/I²C/SPI), and integrated LCD driver supporting up to 160 segments - deployed in handheld meters and digital thermostats for precision analog sensing and low-energy display control.
For engineers reviewing the MSP430F478IZQW datasheet, MSP430F478IZQW pinout, MSP430F478IZQW application, or MSP430F478IZQW equivalent, this page delivers verified technical context, package-specific pin functions, real-world use cases, and validated alternative options - all grounded in TI's SLAS629B production datasheet and MicroStar Junior™ BGA terminal assignments.
Technical Context
The MSP430F478IZQW implements a 16-bit RISC CPU with constant generators and a digitally controlled oscillator (DCO), enabling wake-up from LPM3 in under 6 µs. Its SD16_A ADC operates with internal reference and supports programmable oversampling for high-resolution sensor digitization at up to 16-bit effective resolution.
It integrates dual USCI modules: USCI_A0 supports UART with auto-baud detection and IrDA, while USCI_B0 provides I²C and SPI; the LCD_A peripheral includes regulated charge-pump voltage generation and static/4-mux segment driving capability - all powered from a single 1.8–3.6 V supply with independent AVCC/DVCC domains.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Core Architecture | 16-bit RISC CPU with 125-ns instruction cycle; enables compact, deterministic firmware for real-time sensor processing. |
| Flash / RAM | 48 KB + 256 B flash memory and 2 KB RAM - sufficient for embedded metering firmware with calibration tables and LCD UI logic. |
| ADC | 16-bit sigma-delta SD16_A with five differential analog inputs and internal reference - supports high-accuracy thermistor, strain gauge, or current-sense measurements. |
| DAC | Single 12-bit DAC output (DAC0 on P1.6) - provides programmable analog bias or calibration voltage generation. |
| Timers | Timer_A (3 capture/compare registers) and Timer_B (7 capture/compare-with-shadow registers) - enable precise PWM, time-stamping, and RTC-based scheduling. |
| USCI Interfaces | USCI_A0 (UART/IrDA/SPI) and USCI_B0 (I²C/SPI) - support serial communication with sensors, displays, or host controllers without external transceivers. |
| LCD Driver | Integrated LCD_A supporting up to 160 segments with charge-pump regulation - eliminates external LCD bias IC in portable display applications. |
Pinout & Package
Package: 113-ball MicroStar Junior™ BGA (ZQW), 7 mm × 7 mm, 0.5-mm pitch, ball grid layout optimized for high-density PCBs with minimal trace inductance for analog signal integrity.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| AVCC / AVSS | Analog power supply rails | Separate 1.8–3.6 V analog domain; mandatory decoupling required for SD16_A ADC accuracy and noise immunity. |
| DVCC1/DVCC2 / DVSS1/DVSS2 | Digital power supply rails | Dual digital supply inputs allow localized power routing and improved EMI suppression in mixed-signal layouts. |
| P1.0–P1.7, P2.0–P2.7, P3.0–P3.7, P4.0–P4.7, P5.0–P5.7, P6.0–P6.7 | General-purpose I/O with peripheral multiplexing | 48 GPIO pins with configurable functions including SD16_A analog inputs (A0± to A4±), timer capture/compare, USCI signals, and LCD segment outputs. |
| COM0–COM3 | LCD backplane outputs | Four common outputs drive LCD glass backplanes in static or 4-mux mode - essential for configuring segment mapping in display firmware. |
| XIN / XOUT | LFXT1 crystal oscillator interface | Supports 32.768 kHz watch crystal for RTC operation; requires external load capacitors per TI design guidelines. |
| RST/NMI | Reset and non-maskable interrupt input | Active-low reset with NMI capability; also initiates bootloader mode when held during power-up for in-system programming. |
| TCK / TMS / TDI/TCLK / TDO/TDI | JTAG debug interface | 4-wire JTAG for full-speed emulation, flash programming, and real-time debugging - compatible with TI MSP-FET and standard tools. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Ultra-low power operation | 1.1 µA standby (LPM3) and 0.1 µA off-mode (RAM retention) - extends battery life in portable meters beyond 5 years on coin cell. |
| Integrated analog front-end | SD16_A ADC with built-in temperature sensor, VCC sense, and selectable internal reference - reduces BOM count by eliminating external references and sensing components. |
| On-chip LCD driver | Regulated charge-pump output (V4/V3/V2/V1) and COM/segment control - enables direct drive of segmented LCDs up to 160 segments without external bias circuitry. |
| Real-time clock capability | Basic Timer with calendar mode and alarm interrupt - supports time-of-use metering, scheduled wake-up, and timestamped data logging. |
| Programmable security | Bootloader (BSL) with fuse-controlled code protection - prevents unauthorized firmware readout while allowing field updates via UART or USB-to-UART bridge. |
Applications
| Hand-Held Meters | Digital Thermostats |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Portable multimeter measuring voltage, current, and resistance with auto-ranging and hold function. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: MSP430F478IZQW serves as main controller, ADC manager, and LCD driver - acquiring samples, computing RMS values, and updating display every 250 ms. Use Value: Integrated SD16_A ADC and LCD_A eliminate external signal conditioning and display drivers, reducing component count by ≥7 parts and PCB area by 35%. |
Use Scenario: Wall-mounted HVAC thermostat with ambient temperature sensing, setpoint adjustment, and 4-digit LCD display. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: MSP430F478IZQW performs periodic temperature sampling (every 30 s), executes PID control loop, drives LCD segments, and manages button debouncing and relay timing. Use Value: Ultra-low LPM3 current (1.1 µA @ 25°C) enables >10-year battery life using CR2032; built-in RTC ensures accurate time-based scheduling without external clock IC. |
| Analog Sensor Systems | Digital Motor Control |
Use Scenario: Industrial pressure transmitter with 4–20 mA output and HART modulation, housed in explosion-proof enclosure. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: MSP430F478IZQW conditions bridge sensor output via SD16_A, computes linearized pressure value, generates 4–20 mA via DAC0 and external op-amp, and handles HART FSK modulation using USCI_A0. Use Value: Single-chip solution replaces discrete ADC, DAC, UART, and microcontroller - improves long-term stability and reduces calibration drift across temperature. |
Use Scenario: Brushless DC motor controller in cordless power tool with hall-effect commutation and overcurrent protection. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: MSP430F478IZQW reads hall sensors via P1.x inputs, executes commutation logic using Timer_B compare outputs, monitors phase current via SD16_A, and adjusts PWM duty cycle in real time. Use Value: High-resolution SD16_A (16-bit effective) enables precise current measurement down to 50 mA, improving torque control linearity and stall detection accuracy. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar ultra-low-power mixed-signal microcontroller applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| MSP430F479IZQW | 60 KB + 256 B flash (vs. 48 KB), same RAM, peripherals, and ZQW package - identical pinout and electrical specs. | Preferred where firmware complexity exceeds 48 KB capacity (e.g., multi-language UI, advanced diagnostics, OTA update buffer). | Select MSP430F479IZQW only if additional flash space is confirmed necessary; otherwise, MSP430F478IZQW offers optimal cost/performance balance. |
| MSP430F477IZQW | 32 KB + 256 B flash (vs. 48 KB), same RAM, peripherals, and ZQW package - identical pinout and electrical specs. | Suitable for simpler metering applications with minimal UI or fixed-function firmware (e.g., basic energy monitor without data logging). | Choose MSP430F477IZQW when firmware footprint is ≤30 KB and future feature expansion is unlikely - lower unit cost with no hardware redesign. |
Compared with MSP430F479IZQW and MSP430F477IZQW, the MSP430F478IZQW delivers the optimal trade-off between flash capacity and cost for mid-complexity metering and sensor applications - retaining full peripheral compatibility while avoiding over-provisioning or under-provisioning memory resources.
Availability
MSP430F478IZQW is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for handheld meters, digital thermostats, and analog sensor systems requiring stable component supply, long-lifecycle support, and consistent parametric performance across production batches.
Supply support for MSP430F478IZQW 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 innovation in low-power microcontrollers and precision analog solutions.
The MSP430F478IZQW belongs to the MSP430F47x family, designed specifically for ultra-low-power, high-precision measurement applications - integrating sigma-delta ADCs, LCD drivers, and real-time clocks to serve portable instrumentation and smart sensing markets.
FAQ
What is the maximum operating frequency of the MSP430F478IZQW at 3.3 V?
The MSP430F478IZQW supports a maximum system clock (MCLK) frequency of 8 MHz at VCC = 3.3 V and TA = 25°C, as specified in Section 5.3 of the SLAS629B datasheet. This applies when using the DCO as the clock source; external crystals (LFXT1/XT2) operate within defined frequency ranges but do not directly determine CPU speed.
Does the MSP430F478IZQW support I²C communication?
Yes, the MSP430F478IZQW supports I²C communication via USCI_B0 module. Pin assignments include UCB0SCL (P3.2) and UCB0SDA (P3.1) in the ZQW package, and the peripheral supports standard-mode (100 kbps) and fast-mode (400 kbps) I²C protocols with automatic clock stretching and address recognition.
What LCD configuration does the MSP430F478IZQW support in its ZQW package?
The MSP430F478IZQW in the ZQW package supports up to 160 segments in static or 4-mux mode using dedicated COM0–COM3 and segment output pins (S0–S19, S20–S29, S30–S31, S11–S19, etc.). The LCD_A module includes charge-pump regulation (LCDCPEN = 0) and supports programmable bias voltage levels (V1–V4) for optimal contrast across temperature.
Is the MSP430F478IZQW pin-compatible with other MSP430F47x devices in the ZQW package?
Yes, the MSP430F478IZQW is fully pin-compatible with MSP430F477IZQW and MSP430F479IZQW in the ZQW package - sharing identical ball map, signal assignments, power domains, and peripheral mappings. Firmware and PCB designs can be reused across these variants with only flash size differences affecting software partitioning.
What is the typical active-mode current consumption of the MSP430F478IZQW at 1 MHz and 2.2 V?
The typical active-mode current consumption of the MSP430F478IZQW is 262 µA at f(MCLK) = 1 MHz, VCC = 2.2 V, and TA = 25°C, as measured with all peripherals disabled except core CPU and basic clock system - per Table 5.4 in the SLAS629B datasheet.
MSP430F478IZQW Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Texas Instruments
- Package/Case:
- 113-VFBGA
- Series:
- MSP430x4xx
- Packaging:
- Bulk
- Product Status:
- Obsolete
- Programmable:
- Not Verified
- Core Processor:
- MSP430 CPU16
- Core Size:
- 16-Bit
- Speed:
- 8MHz
- Connectivity:
- I2C, IrDA, LINbus, SCI, SPI, UART/USART
- Peripherals:
- Brown-out Detect/Reset, LCD, PWM, WDT
- Number of I/O:
- 48
- Program Memory Size:
- 48KB (48K x 8 + 256B)
- Program Memory Type:
- FLASH
- EEPROM Size:
- -
- RAM Size:
- 2K x 8
- Voltage - Supply (Vcc/Vdd):
- 1.8V ~ 3.6V
- Data Converters:
- A/D 5x16b; D/A 1x12b
- Oscillator Type:
- Internal
- Operating Temperature:
- -40°C ~ 85°C (TA)
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
MSP430F478IZQW FAQ
1.How can I place an order for MSP430F478IZQW through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for MSP430F478IZQW on Aetrix. Our sales agent will provide a competitive quotation and guide you through the order confirmation once you accept the terms.
2.Are the price and stock information for MSP430F478IZQW reliable?
The price and inventory of MSP430F478IZQW are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for MSP430F478IZQW is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for MSP430F478IZQW?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for MSP430F478IZQW transactions.
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4.How is shipping managed for MSP430F478IZQW?
MSP430F478IZQW orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your MSP430F478IZQW order is processed, you will receive an email with the shipment details and tracking number.
Note: Tracking information may take up to 24 hours to appear. Express delivery typically takes 3–5 business days.
5.How can I obtain technical support or documentation for MSP430F478IZQW?
For technical support, including MSP430F478IZQW datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your MSP430F478IZQW requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that MSP430F478IZQW is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All MSP430F478IZQW products on Aetrix are procured from qualified distributors and authorized channels. Our dedicated quality assurance team conducts strict verification, including traceability checks and, if necessary, third-party testing. This ensures that MSP430F478IZQW meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of MSP430F478IZQW?
All MSP430F478IZQW units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with MSP430F478IZQW, returns or replacements are accepted under the following conditions:
1.Quantity discrepancies, incorrect items, or visible external defects (such as breakage or corrosion), acknowledged by Aetrix.
2.The issue is reported within 90 days of delivery.
3.The MSP430F478IZQW part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for MSP430F478IZQW:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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