Texas Instruments MSP430F478IZQWR

Overview

MSP430F478IZQWR 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 and delivering 262 µA active current at 1 MHz/2.2 V.

For engineers reviewing the MSP430F478IZQWR datasheet, MSP430F478IZQWR pinout, MSP430F478IZQWR application, or MSP430F478IZQWR equivalent, key selection criteria include its 48 KB flash + 2 KB RAM configuration, MicroStar Junior™ BGA-113 package, real-time clock capability via basic timer, and low-power mode wake-up in under 6 µs - critical for battery-powered metering and industrial sensing designs.

Technical Context

The MSP430F478IZQWR implements a 16-bit RISC CPU with constant generators and a digitally controlled oscillator (DCO), enabling sub-6-µs wake-up from LPM3 standby. Its SD16_A ADC uses internal reference and supports programmable gain, oversampling, and built-in temperature/VCC sensing - optimized for high-resolution DC measurements in thermostats and hand-held meters.

Peripherals are tightly synchronized: Timer_B provides seven capture/compare registers with shadow loading for precise PWM generation in digital motor control; USCI_A0 supports IrDA encoding and automatic baud-rate detection; USCI_B0 handles I²C slave addressing and SPI master/slave operation; and the LCD_A module includes regulated charge-pump voltage generation for stable segment biasing across temperature.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: 113-ball MicroStar Junior™ BGA (ZQW), 7 mm × 7 mm, 0.5 mm pitch, ball grid array with DVSS/AVSS recommended connection to unused balls.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with MSP430F479IZQWR and MSP430F477IZQWR, the MSP430F478IZQWR offers balanced memory (48 KB flash) and identical peripheral integration - making it optimal for mid-complexity metering systems requiring both feature depth and production cost control.

Availability

MSP430F478IZQWR is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for energy metering, industrial thermostats, and hand-held multimeters requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle assurance, and traceable sourcing for certified production programs.

Supply support for MSP430F478IZQWR 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 expertise in ultra-low-power design.

The MSP430F47x product line targets precision measurement and LCD-displayed portable instrumentation - engineered for extended battery life, high analog accuracy, and integrated system-level functionality in compact form factors.

FAQ

What is the maximum system clock frequency supported by the MSP430F478IZQWR?

The MSP430F478IZQWR supports a maximum system clock (MCLK) frequency of 8 MHz at VCC = 3 V, and 4.15 MHz at VCC = 1.8 V, as specified in the Recommended Operating Conditions table. This limit applies to DCOCLK-derived MCLK; external XT2 oscillator supports up to 8 MHz crystal or ceramic resonator. The MSP430F478IZQWR maintains full peripheral functionality across this range, including SD16_A conversion timing and Timer_B PWM resolution.

Does the MSP430F478IZQWR support hardware real-time clock (RTC) functionality?

Yes, the MSP430F478IZQWR implements RTC capability through its Basic Timer module, which can operate in LPM3 using ACLK (32.768 kHz) to maintain calendar time with seconds/minutes/hours/days/months/year registers. The MSP430F478IZQWR achieves <1.2 µA current in this mode, enabling years of operation on a CR2032 coin cell while retaining timekeeping during power loss.

What LCD configurations does the MSP430F478IZQWR support?

The MSP430F478IZQWR's LCD_A module supports static, 2-mux, 3-mux, and 4-mux displays with up to 160 segments. It includes an integrated regulated charge pump to generate V1–V4 bias voltages, eliminating external components. The MSP430F478IZQWR uses dedicated segment/common pins (S0–S31, COM0–COM3, LCDCAP, LCDREF) and supports software-configurable frame frequency and duty cycle per mux mode.

Can the MSP430F478IZQWR perform simultaneous analog measurements on multiple channels?

Yes, the MSP430F478IZQWR's SD16_A ADC supports sequential conversion across up to five differential input pairs (A0–A4) with automatic channel scanning and result buffering. Conversion timing is programmable per channel, and oversampling up to 256× enables noise reduction without CPU intervention - allowing the MSP430F478IZQWR to acquire synchronized temperature, voltage, and current data in a single measurement cycle.

Is the MSP430F478IZQWR pin-compatible with other members of the MSP430F47x family in the ZQW package?

Yes, the MSP430F478IZQWR shares identical pinout, package dimensions, and ball assignment with MSP430F477IZQWR and MSP430F479IZQWR in the 113-ball MicroStar Junior™ BGA (ZQW) package. All three devices use the same signal mapping per ball position, enabling drop-in replacement within the same footprint - provided flash size and firmware compatibility are verified for the target application.