Texas Instruments MSP430F5359IZCAT

Overview

MSP430F5359IZCAT from Texas Instruments is an ultra-low-power 16-bit RISC microcontroller with 512 KB flash, 66 KB RAM, integrated LDO, four 16-bit timers, 12-bit ADC (200 ksps, 16 channels), dual 12-bit DACs, RTC with alarm, comparator, and up to 74 GPIO - designed for battery-powered sensor systems and portable metering applications.

For engineers reviewing the MSP430F5359IZCAT datasheet, MSP430F5359IZCAT pinout, MSP430F5359IZCAT application, or MSP430F5359IZCAT equivalent, key selection criteria include active-mode current (295 µA/MHz @ 8 MHz), standby current (2.0 µA @ 3.0 V), 3-µs wake-up time, USB absence, LCD driver exclusion, and nFBGA-113 package compatibility.

Technical Context

The MSP430F5359IZCAT implements a unified clock system with FLL stabilization, VLO and REFO internal sources, XT1 (32-kHz crystal), and XT2 (up to 32-MHz crystal). Its power management includes programmable LDO core regulation, supply voltage supervision, and five low-power modes (LPM0–LPM4.5).

Peripherals are organized around six-channel DMA, three USCIs (USCI_A0–A2 for UART/IrDA/SPI; USCI_B0–B2 for I²C/SPI), and memory-mapped peripherals including ADC12_A with autoscan, DAC12_A with synchronization, and RTC_B with battery backup capability - all accessible via 16-bit addressing in the extended memory model.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

nFBGA-113 package (7 mm × 7 mm, 0.5-mm pitch) with 74 configurable I/O pins, dedicated JTAG/SBW debug interface, and separate analog/digital power domains (AVCC/AVSS, DVCC/DVSS).

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with MSP430F5359IZCAT, the ZQW alternative offers identical functionality in a legacy BGA variant requiring different PCB land patterns, while the F5358IZCAT reduces memory headroom without altering peripheral capability - making the MSP430F5359IZCAT optimal for feature-rich, future-proofed designs demanding full 512 KB flash and 66 KB RAM.

Availability

MSP430F5359IZCAT is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for portable handheld meters, digital thermostats, remote sensor nodes, and analog signal conditioners requiring stable component supply throughout product lifecycles.

Supply support for MSP430F5359IZCAT 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 company headquartered in Dallas, Texas, delivering analog and embedded processing solutions for industrial, automotive, and consumer markets.

The MSP430F535x series targets ultra-low-power embedded control in battery-operated instrumentation, where extended runtime, precision analog integration, and robust real-time operation are essential design requirements.

FAQ

What is the maximum system clock frequency supported by the MSP430F5359IZCAT?

The MSP430F5359IZCAT supports a maximum system clock frequency of 20 MHz. This is achieved using the integrated digitally controlled oscillator (DCO) with FLL stabilization or by connecting an external high-frequency crystal (XT2) up to 32 MHz. The device's CPUXV2 core and peripherals are fully rated for operation at 20 MHz, enabling high-throughput data acquisition and processing while maintaining ultra-low power efficiency in active mode.

Does the MSP430F5359IZCAT include USB functionality?

No, the MSP430F5359IZCAT does not include USB functionality. Unlike the MSP430F565x and MSP430F665x variants, the F535x series omits the integrated USB-PHY, USB-PLL, and USB power system. This omission reduces silicon area and power consumption, aligning with its focus on non-USB applications such as standalone sensor nodes and metering devices where UART, SPI, or I²C suffice for host communication.

What package type and pin count does the MSP430F5359IZCAT use?

The MSP430F5359IZCAT uses an nFBGA-113 package: a 7 mm × 7 mm, 0.5-mm pitch, 113-ball fine-pitch ball grid array. It provides 74 usable I/O pins, along with dedicated power, ground, crystal, reset, and debug interface connections. This package enables high-density PCB layouts while maintaining thermal performance suitable for industrial ambient temperatures.

How much RAM and flash memory does the MSP430F5359IZCAT have?

The MSP430F5359IZCAT integrates 512 KB of on-chip flash memory and 66 KB of RAM. The flash includes error correction and memory integrity detection (MID) for reliability in mission-critical applications. The RAM comprises 64 KB of general-purpose SRAM plus 2 KB of additional RAM mapped for specific peripheral use - sufficient for complex algorithms, multi-channel buffering, and real-time operating system stacks.

Can the MSP430F5359IZCAT operate from a single 3.0-V supply?

Yes, the MSP430F5359IZCAT operates across a supply voltage range of 1.8 V to 3.6 V. At 3.0 V, it delivers 295 µA/MHz active current and 2.0 µA standby current (LPM3), with full functionality across all peripherals including ADC, DAC, RTC, and USCI modules. The integrated LDO allows core voltage regulation independent of supply variation, ensuring consistent timing and analog performance over the entire voltage range.