Texas Instruments MSP430F4794IPZR

Overview

MSP430F4794IPZR from Texas Instruments is an ultra-low-power 16-bit mixed-signal microcontroller designed for single-phase electricity metering. It integrates four 16-bit sigma-delta ADCs with differential PGA inputs, 60KB+256B flash, 2.5KB RAM, and an integrated 160-segment LCD driver. Its 1.8–3.6 V operation, 280 μA active current at 1 MHz/2.2 V, and sub-6 μs wake-up support battery-powered metering applications.

For engineers reviewing the MSP430F4794IPZR datasheet, MSP430F4794IPZR pinout, MSP430F4794IPZR application, or MSP430F4794IPZR equivalent, key selection criteria include sigma-delta ADC channel count, LCD segment drive capability, USCI dual UART/I²C/SPI support, and QFP-100 package compatibility with metering reference designs.

Technical Context

The MSP430F4794IPZR implements a 16-bit RISC CPU with constant generators and 62.5-ns instruction cycle time, paired with FLL+ clock system supporting XT1 (32.768 kHz), XT2 (up to 16 MHz), and DCO with sub-6 μs wake-up. Its SD16_A module delivers four independent 16-bit sigma-delta converters, each with programmable gain and differential input pairs (A0–A3).

Peripherals include two 16-bit timers (Timer_A3 and Timer_B3) with capture/compare and shadow registers, four USCI modules (dual UART/IrDA/SPI + dual I²C/SPI), on-chip comparator, hardware multiplier, brownout detector, and supply voltage supervisor with programmable threshold - all optimized for metrology-grade signal acquisition and display control in revenue-grade meters.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: 100-pin plastic quad flatpack (PZ), RoHS-compliant, 0.5 mm pitch, 14 mm × 14 mm body size.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with MSP430F4793IPZ and MSP430F4784IPZ, the MSP430F4794IPZR provides the highest on-chip metrology resource density-four ADCs plus largest flash/RAM-making it optimal for future-proof, feature-rich electricity meters requiring auxiliary channel support and firmware extensibility.

Availability

MSP430F4794IPZR is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for electricity metering, smart grid endpoints, and portable energy analyzers requiring stable component supply across multi-year production cycles.

Supply support for MSP430F4794IPZR 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 digital signal technologies with over 50 years of innovation in precision measurement and low-power systems.

The MSP430F47xx product line was engineered specifically for revenue-grade electricity metering, integrating metrology-grade ADCs, LCD drivers, and ultra-low-power operation to meet IEC 62053 and ANSI C12 standards.

FAQ

What is the maximum sampling rate supported by the SD16_A module in MSP430F4794IPZR?

The SD16_A module in MSP430F4794IPZR supports up to 128 ksps aggregate sampling across its four 16-bit sigma-delta ADCs. Each channel operates at up to 32 ksps with programmable oversampling ratios, enabling high-resolution waveform capture for harmonic analysis in electricity meters. This performance is confirmed in the SLAS545C datasheet Section 4.1.

Does MSP430F4794IPZR support JTAG debugging and in-system programming?

Yes, MSP430F4794IPZR includes an Embedded Emulation Module (EEM) supporting full JTAG debugging via TCK/TMS/TDI/TDO pins (pins 93/92/91/90). It also supports in-system programming through JTAG, BSL UART (P1.0/P1.1), and Spy-Bi-Wire interfaces - all documented in the SLAU056 User's Guide and SLAS545C datasheet.

How many LCD segments can MSP430F4794IPZR drive, and what mux configurations are supported?

MSP430F4794IPZR drives up to 160 segments using COM0–COM3 backplanes, supporting static, 2-mux, 3-mux, and 4-mux LCD configurations. The integrated contrast control allows software-adjustable bias voltage generation, eliminating external resistor networks. This capability is specified in Section 1.5 and Table 1-1 of SLAS545C.

What is the function of pins A3.0+ and A3.0− on MSP430F4794IPZR, and are they present on all F47x4 variants?

A3.0+ and A3.0− are the fourth differential analog input pair for the SD16_A sigma-delta ADC, exclusive to MSP430F47x4 devices like MSP430F4794IPZR. They are unconnected and must be left open on MSP430F47x3 variants (e.g., F4793). Pin functions are defined in SLAS545C Table 1-1, Terminal Functions.

Can MSP430F4794IPZR operate from a single 3.3 V supply, and what are the supply sequencing requirements?

Yes, MSP430F4794IPZR operates across 1.8 V to 3.6 V, fully supporting 3.3 V nominal supply. AVCC must not power up before DVCC1/DVCC2 per SLAS545C Section 1.5; proper sequencing requires DVCC1/DVCC2 ramp first, then AVCC, with AVSS and DVSS1/DVSS2 tied together at ground. This prevents latch-up and ensures ADC reference stability.