Texas Instruments MSP430F5438AIPZ

Overview

MSP430F5438AIPZ from Texas Instruments is a 16-bit ultra-low-power mixed-signal microcontroller featuring 256 KB flash, 16 KB RAM, a 12-bit ADC with 14 external + 2 internal channels, four USCI modules (dual UART/IrDA/SPI and dual I²C/SPI), and three 16-bit timers (TA0/TA1/TB0). It operates from 1.8 V to 3.6 V and supports real-time clock functionality - deployed in battery-powered sensor systems and portable meters.

For engineers reviewing the MSP430F5438AIPZ datasheet, MSP430F5438AIPZ pinout, MSP430F5438AIPZ application, or MSP430F5438AIPZ equivalent, key selection criteria include LPM4.5 shutdown current (0.1 µA), 100-pin LQFP package compatibility, RTC alarm capability, ADC autoscan mode, and dual-USCI_A/B peripheral flexibility for multi-protocol communication stacks.

Technical Context

The MSP430F5438AIPZ integrates a CPUXV2 core with constant generators and extended memory addressing, enabling efficient C execution. Its unified clock system combines FLL stabilization, programmable LDO core regulation, and multiple clock sources (XT1, XT2, REFO, VLO) to support dynamic power-state transitions.

Peripherals are tightly synchronized via DMA and interrupt vectors: the 12-bit ADC supports up to 200 ksps with internal reference and sample-and-hold; Timer_B0 provides seven capture/compare registers with PWM output control; and USCI modules allow simultaneous UART, IrDA, SPI, and I²C operation across independent channels.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: 100-pin LQFP (PZ), 14 mm × 14 mm body size, exposed thermal pad not specified.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with MSP430F5436AIPZ and MSP430F5419AIPZ, the MSP430F5438AIPZ provides maximum on-chip flash for feature-rich firmware, field upgrades, and secure boot storage - making it optimal for next-generation programmable instrumentation and connected edge devices.

Availability

MSP430F5438AIPZ is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for analog sensor systems, digital motor controls, and hand-held meters requiring stable component supply, long-term industrial availability, and TI-qualified manufacturing traceability.

Supply support for MSP430F5438AIPZ 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 MSP430F5438AIPZ belongs to TI's MSP430F5xx ultra-low-power microcontroller family, engineered specifically for extended-battery-life portable measurement and sensing applications requiring high analog integration and deterministic real-time performance.

FAQ

What is the maximum system clock frequency supported by the MSP430F5438AIPZ?

The MSP430F5438AIPZ supports a maximum system clock frequency of 25 MHz, achieved via its digitally controlled oscillator (DCO) with FLL stabilization. This frequency is confirmed in the device's electrical characteristics table and functional block diagram. The MSP430F5438AIPZ uses the FLL loop to lock the DCO to reference sources such as XT2 (up to 32 MHz crystal) or REFO, enabling reliable operation at 25 MHz under recommended conditions. Higher frequencies may be possible but are not characterized or guaranteed.

Does the MSP430F5438AIPZ include an integrated real-time clock (RTC) module?

Yes, the MSP430F5438AIPZ includes a dedicated RTC_A module with calendar mode, alarm interrupt capability, and battery-backed operation when supplied via the RTC backup supply. This is explicitly documented in the functional block diagram, device description, and peripheral summary. The RTC_A module operates independently in LPM3 and supports time-of-day tracking, periodic interrupts, and wake-up events - all without CPU involvement. The MSP430F5438AIPZ leverages this for energy-efficient time-stamped data logging and scheduled sensor sampling.

How many USCI modules does the MSP430F5438AIPZ support, and what protocols do they implement?

The MSP430F5438AIPZ supports four USCI modules: USCI_A0, USCI_A1, USCI_B0, and USCI_B1. Each USCI_A module implements UART, IrDA, and synchronous SPI; each USCI_B module implements I²C and synchronous SPI. This configuration is verified in the device comparison table and functional block diagram. These modules operate independently, allowing concurrent UART communication with a wireless module and I²C interfacing with environmental sensors - a capability confirmed in the MSP430F5438AIPZ's signal descriptions and peripheral mapping.

What is the ADC resolution and channel count of the MSP430F5438AIPZ?

The MSP430F5438AIPZ features a 12-bit successive approximation register (SAR) ADC (ADC12_A) with 14 external analog input channels and 2 internal channels (temperature sensor and VCC/2 reference), totaling 16 selectable inputs. This is specified in the device comparison table, functional block diagram, and ADC section of the datasheet. The ADC supports autoscan mode, sample-and-hold, and internal reference - enabling high-accuracy, multi-channel sensor acquisition without external components. The MSP430F5438AIPZ achieves up to 200 ksps sampling rate under optimal conditions.

Is the MSP430F5438AIPZ pin-compatible with other members of the MSP430F543x family?

Yes, the MSP430F5438AIPZ is pin-compatible with the MSP430F5436AIPZ and MSP430F5419AIPZ in the 100-pin PZ package, as confirmed by identical pin diagrams (Figure 7-1) and shared signal descriptions in the datasheet. All three share the same 100-pin LQFP footprint, identical power/ground pin locations, and overlapping peripheral mappings (e.g., USCI, timers, ADC inputs). However, flash size differs (256 KB vs. 192 KB vs. 128 KB), so firmware must be validated for memory constraints - but no PCB redesign is needed when migrating among these PZ-package variants.