Texas Instruments MSP430F5438AIPZR

Overview

MSP430F5438AIPZR 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, three 16-bit timers (TA0/TA1/TB0), and four USCI modules supporting UART/IrDA/SPI/I²C. It operates from 1.8 V to 3.6 V and targets battery-powered sensor systems requiring sub-µA standby current and fast 3.5 µs wake-up.

For engineers reviewing the MSP430F5438AIPZR datasheet, MSP430F5438AIPZR pinout, MSP430F5438AIPZR application, or MSP430F5438AIPZR equivalent, key selection criteria include LQFP-100 package compatibility, RTC-integrated low-power timing, hardware multiplier support for 32-bit operations, and dual-USCI-A/B peripheral flexibility for multi-protocol communication in constrained embedded designs.

Technical Context

The MSP430F5438AIPZR implements a CPUXV2 core with constant generators and extended memory addressing, enabling efficient C code execution. Its unified clock system integrates an FLL, programmable LDO, VLO, REFO, and crystal support up to 32 MHz - all managed via the Power Management Module (PMM) with brownout detection and supply supervision.

Peripherals are tightly coupled to the 3-channel DMA controller and interrupt vector table, allowing autonomous operation in LPM3/LPM4 modes. The ADC12_A module supports autoscan across 16 channels with internal reference and sample-and-hold, while Timer_B0 provides seven capture/compare registers with shadowing for precise PWM and event timing in motor control or sensor sampling.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

LQFP-100 package (14 mm × 14 mm), thermally enhanced with exposed pad; 87 GPIO pins including analog-capable I/O, multiple crystal oscillator terminals (XIN/XOUT, XT2IN/XT2OUT), and dedicated JTAG/SBW debug interface pins (TCK/TMS/TDI/TDO).

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with MSP430F5437AIPN, the MSP430F5438AIPZR delivers 20 additional GPIO and dual USCI-A/B pairs for multi-protocol connectivity; versus MSP430F5436AIPZR, it adds 64 KB flash for larger algorithm storage or bootloader+application separation - both retain identical low-power profiles and LQFP-100 mechanical fit.

Availability

MSP430F5438AIPZR is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for remote sensor nodes, digital motor controls, and handheld meters requiring stable component supply, long-term industrial lifecycle support, and guaranteed traceable sourcing.

Supply support for MSP430F5438AIPZR 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 delivering analog, embedded processing, and connectivity solutions for industrial, automotive, and consumer applications.

The MSP430F5438AIPZR belongs to TI's MSP430F5xx ultra-low-power MCU family, engineered specifically for extended-battery-life portable measurement systems with integrated precision analog and real-time control capabilities.

FAQ

What is the maximum system clock frequency supported by the MSP430F5438AIPZR?

The MSP430F5438AIPZR supports a maximum system clock frequency of 25 MHz, achieved via its digitally controlled oscillator (DCO) with FLL stabilization. High-frequency crystals up to 32 MHz may be used with the XT2 oscillator, but the CPU and most peripherals operate at ≤25 MHz. This limit ensures timing compliance across voltage and temperature ranges per the device's electrical specifications.

Does the MSP430F5438AIPZR include an integrated real-time clock (RTC)?

Yes, the MSP430F5438AIPZR integrates the RTC_A module with calendar mode, alarm capability, and dedicated 32-kHz crystal support on pins P7.0/XIN and P7.1/XOUT. It operates autonomously in LPM3 with full RAM retention and draws only 1.7 µA at 2.2 V - enabling time-stamped data logging and scheduled wake-up without external components.

How many analog input channels does the 12-bit ADC on the MSP430F5438AIPZR support?

The ADC12_A module on the MSP430F5438AIPZR supports 16 total analog input channels: 14 external (A0–A15, with A10/A11 reserved) and 2 internal (temperature sensor and VMID). Channel mapping is fixed per pin assignment (e.g., P5.0 = A8, P7.4 = A12), and autoscan mode allows sequential conversion without CPU intervention.

Is the MSP430F5438AIPZR pin-compatible with other devices in the MSP430F543x family?

Yes, the MSP430F5438AIPZR in the 100-pin LQFP (PZ) package shares identical pinout with MSP430F5436AIPZR and MSP430F5419AIPZR. Pin functions, power domains (DVCC/DVSS/AVCC/AVSS), and peripheral mappings are fully aligned - enabling direct substitution where flash size and feature set meet requirements.

What debug interface does the MSP430F5438AIPZR support?

The MSP430F5438AIPZR supports both 4-wire JTAG and 2-wire Spy-Bi-Wire (SBW) via the RST/NMI/SBWTDIO and TEST/SBWTCK pins. SBW enables full debugging and programming with minimal PCB footprint and is compatible with TI's MSP-FET and LaunchPad development tools - no external voltage required for programming.