Texas Instruments MSP430F479IPN

Overview

MSP430F479IPN from Texas Instruments is an ultra-low-power 16-bit RISC microcontroller designed for precision analog sensing and LCD-driven metering applications. It integrates 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 an integrated LCD driver supporting up to 160 segments - all operating from 1.8 V to 3.6 V supply.

For engineers reviewing the MSP430F479IPN datasheet, MSP430F479IPN pinout, MSP430F479IPN application, or MSP430F479IPN equivalent, this device is selected for battery-powered energy meters, handheld test equipment, and industrial sensor nodes requiring high-resolution analog acquisition, real-time clock capability, and on-chip LCD control without external drivers.

Technical Context

The MSP430F479IPN implements a digitally controlled oscillator (DCO) enabling wake-up from LPM3 in under 6 µs, paired with five low-power modes optimized for extended battery life. Its SD16_A module supports programmable oversampling ratios and internal reference, delivering up to 16-bit effective resolution for precision metrology.

It features dual independent 16-bit timers with capture/compare functionality, a basic timer with RTC support, and hardware-based LCD segment driving with regulated charge pump - eliminating need for external bias circuitry in 4-mux static LCD configurations.

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 MSP430F478IPN and MSP430F477IPN, the MSP430F479IPN provides the largest on-chip flash (60 KB) for complex metrology algorithms, secure bootloader updates, and dual-protocol communication stacks - making it the only option in the F47x family qualified for Class 0.2 revenue-grade metering with full feature headroom.

Availability

MSP430F479IPN is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for energy metering, handheld instrumentation, and industrial sensor node applications requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and traceable sourcing.

Supply support for MSP430F479IPN 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 for industrial, automotive, and consumer markets.

The MSP430F479IPN belongs to the MSP430F47x ultra-low-power mixed-signal MCU product line, engineered specifically for precision analog measurement and LCD-based metering systems in battery-constrained environments.

FAQ

What is the maximum LCD segment count supported by the MSP430F479IPN?

The MSP430F479IPN supports up to 160 LCD segments using its integrated LCD_A module with four COM outputs (COM0–COM3). This configuration enables static or 4-mux drive modes with regulated charge pump voltage generation - eliminating need for external LCD bias ICs in applications like digital electricity meters and portable test equipment. The MSP430F479IPN's LCDCAP pin connects directly to an external capacitor to stabilize the internal charge pump output.

Does the MSP430F479IPN include a hardware real-time clock (RTC)?

Yes, the MSP430F479IPN includes a Basic Timer module with real-time clock (RTC) capability. When configured with ACLK sourced from a 32.768-kHz watch crystal, it supports calendar mode with year/month/day/hour/minute/second registers and alarm interrupts. This RTC operates in LPM3 mode with typical current draw of 1.1 µA at 2.2 V - enabling time-stamped data logging in battery-powered MSP430F479IPN applications without external RTC ICs.

What analog-to-digital converter architecture does the MSP430F479IPN use?

The MSP430F479IPN uses a 16-bit sigma-delta analog-to-digital converter (SD16_A) with internal 1.2-V reference, programmable oversampling ratio (OSR), and five differential analog input channels. It achieves up to 16-bit effective resolution with built-in offset/gain calibration and supports direct connection to current-sense shunts or thermocouples. This architecture is explicitly specified in the MSP430F479IPN datasheet Section 5.22–5.29 for precision metrology applications.

Can the MSP430F479IPN operate from a single 3.0-V lithium coin cell?

Yes, the MSP430F479IPN operates across 1.8 V to 3.6 V, making it fully compatible with standard 3.0-V CR2032 coin cells. At 3.0 V, its active-mode current is 420 µA at 1 MHz, and LPM4 current drops to 0.1 µA - enabling multi-year operation in low-duty-cycle applications like remote sensor nodes. The MSP430F479IPN's brownout detector and supply voltage supervisor ensure reliable reset behavior during battery voltage sag.

What communication interfaces are integrated into the MSP430F479IPN?

The MSP430F479IPN integrates two Universal Serial Communication Interfaces (USCIs): USCI_A0 supporting UART, IrDA, and SPI; and USCI_B0 supporting I²C and SPI. These are physically separate modules with independent clocking and register sets - allowing concurrent operation (e.g., UART for host PC debug and I²C for sensor reading). Both interfaces are fully documented in MSP430F479IPN datasheet Sections 5.40–5.43 and support hardware auto-baud rate detection in UART mode.