Texas Instruments MSP430F5438AIZQWT
- Part No.:
- MSP430F5438AIZQWT
- Manufacturer:
- Texas Instruments
- Category:
- Microcontrollers
- Package:
- 113-VFBGA
- Datasheet:
-
MSP430F5438AIZQWT.pdf
- Description:
- IC MCU 16BIT 256KB FLASH 113BGA
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

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Product details
Overview
MSP430F5438AIZQWT from Texas Instruments is an ultra-low-power 16-bit RISC microcontroller with 256 KB flash, 16 KB RAM, 12-bit ADC (14 external + 2 internal channels), four USCI modules (UART/IrDA/SPI/I²C), three 16-bit timers, RTC, and hardware multiplier - deployed in battery-powered sensor nodes and portable meters requiring sub-µA standby current.
For engineers reviewing the MSP430F5438AIZQWT datasheet, MSP430F5438AIZQWT pinout, MSP430F5438AIZQWT application, or MSP430F5438AIZQWT equivalent, key selection criteria include LPM3 current (1.7 µA at 2.2 V), 113-pin MicroStar Junior BGA package, 25-MHz max system clock, integrated LDO core regulation, and dual-USCI support for concurrent UART + I²C communication.
Technical Context
The MSP430F5438AIZQWT implements a unified clock system with FLL stabilization, programmable LDO core voltage, and multiple low-power modes (LPM0–LPM4.5). Its CPUXV2 core executes instructions in single-cycle or two-cycle timing, supported by constant generators and extended memory addressing.
Peripherals are tightly synchronized via shared clock domains: ACLK (32-kHz crystal or REFO/VLO), SMCLK (FLL-stabilized up to 25 MHz), and MCLK (core clock). The 12-bit ADC supports autoscan across 16 channels with internal reference and sample-and-hold, while DMA enables zero-CPU-overhead data transfers between ADC, USCI, and memory.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Core Architecture | 16-bit RISC CPUXV2 with constant generators and extended memory addressing for efficient C code execution |
| Max System Clock | 25 MHz - enables real-time control loops and high-speed serial communication without external PLL |
| LPM3 Current | 1.7 µA at 2.2 V - supports multi-year operation on coin-cell batteries in always-on sensor applications |
| ADC Resolution & Channels | 12-bit, 200 ksps, 16-channel (14 external + 2 internal) - sufficient for precision temperature, voltage, and current sensing |
| USCI Interfaces | Four USCI modules: two UART/IrDA/SPI (USCI_Ax) and two SPI/I²C (USCI_Bx) - allows simultaneous wired comms and sensor bus interfacing |
| Timer Resources | Three 16-bit timers: TA0 (5 CC), TA1 (3 CC), TB0 (7 CC) - supports motor PWM, input capture, and RTC alarm functions |
| Package | MicroStar Junior™ BGA, 113-pin, 7 mm × 7 mm - compact footprint for space-constrained portable designs |
Pinout & Package
MicroStar Junior™ BGA (113-pin, 7 mm × 7 mm) with 0.5-mm pitch; thermal pad exposed on underside for enhanced heat dissipation in sealed enclosures.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| P1.0/TA0CLK/ACLK | Multi-function I/O | Configurable as timer clock input, ACLK output (divided), or general-purpose I/O with interrupt capability |
| P2.7/ADC12CLK/DMAE0 | Peripheral signal | Provides ADC conversion clock; also serves as DMA trigger source for autonomous analog-to-digital acquisition |
| P5.0/A8/VREF+/VeREF+ | Analog I/O | ADC channel A8 input; supplies internal reference voltage or accepts external reference for improved measurement accuracy |
| P7.0/XIN & P7.1/XOUT | Clock interface | Connects to 32-kHz crystal for RTC operation; supports low-frequency precision timing independent of main system clock |
| RST/NMI/SBWTDIO | Control terminal | Unified reset/NMI/debug I/O - enables JTAG or Spy-Bi-Wire programming and debugging without dedicated pins |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Ultra-low-power LPM4.5 mode | 0.1 µA shutdown current - enables rapid field-deployment wake-up after long-term storage without battery drain |
| Fully integrated LDO | Programmable core voltage (1.3–1.45 V) - eliminates external regulator, reduces BOM count, and improves power efficiency across supply range |
| Hardware multiplier | 32-bit integer multiply support - accelerates math-intensive tasks like FFT, PID, and sensor calibration without CPU overhead |
| RTC with alarm | Calendar-mode timekeeping with configurable alarms - enables scheduled wake-up, data logging intervals, and low-power time-based automation |
| Serial bootloader (BSL) | No external programming voltage required - supports field firmware updates over UART or USB-to-UART bridges |
Applications
| Portable Hand-Held Meter | Digital Thermostat |
|---|---|
|
Use Scenario: Battery-powered multimeter measuring voltage, current, and resistance in field service environments. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Main controller executing measurement algorithms, managing LCD display, and handling button inputs with RTC-based auto-shutdown. Use Value: 1.7 µA LPM3 current extends battery life beyond 2 years; 12-bit ADC with internal reference ensures ±0.1% measurement linearity without external components. |
Use Scenario: Wall-mounted HVAC thermostat monitoring ambient temperature and humidity while communicating with HVAC controller via I²C. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Sensor fusion hub aggregating analog sensor data, running PID loop, and maintaining precise 32-kHz RTC for scheduling fan cycles and display refresh. Use Value: Dual USCI modules enable concurrent I²C sensor reads and UART debug output; LPM3 mode maintains timekeeping while drawing <2 µA. |
| Remote Control Transceiver | Analog Sensor Node |
|
Use Scenario: IR remote control unit transmitting encoded commands using IrDA protocol with user feedback via LED. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Signal encoder and transmitter with built-in IrDA modulation logic, driven by low-latency timer outputs. Use Value: USCI_Ax module provides hardware IrDA encoding/decoding; 3.5 µs wake-up from LPM3 ensures responsive button press detection. |
Use Scenario: Industrial temperature/humidity node transmitting calibrated readings wirelessly via UART-connected transceiver every 10 seconds. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Autonomous data acquisition engine performing ADC autoscan, digital filtering, and buffered UART transmission during periodic wake-ups. Use Value: 3-channel DMA moves ADC results to RAM and UART TX buffer without CPU intervention; 16 KB RAM accommodates 100+ samples before transmission. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar ultra-low-power MCU applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| MSP430F5438AIPZ | 100-pin LQFP package; identical core, peripherals, and electrical specs; larger footprint and higher thermal resistance | Suitable for prototyping and manual assembly; less suitable for miniaturized production PCBs | Select when board-level test access, reworkability, or thermal management via heatsink attachment is prioritized |
| MSP430F5436AIZQW | 192 KB flash (vs. 256 KB); otherwise identical pinout, package, and peripheral set | Appropriate for firmware-limited applications where full 256 KB is unnecessary | Choose when cost sensitivity outweighs future firmware expansion needs and flash headroom is >32 KB |
Compared with MSP430F5438AIPZ, the MSP430F5438AIZQWT offers superior board density and thermal performance in production volumes, while MSP430F5436AIZQW trades flash capacity for lower unit cost without compromising package compatibility or peripheral functionality.
Availability
MSP430F5438AIZQWT is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for portable hand-held meters, digital thermostats, and analog sensor nodes requiring stable component supply amid TI's Last Time Buy status for ZQW-package variants.
Supply support for MSP430F5438AIZQWT 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 markets.
The MSP430F5438AIZQWT belongs to TI's MSP430F5xx ultra-low-power MCU family, engineered for extended battery life in portable measurement systems through aggressive power gating, fast wake-up, and integrated analog front-ends.
FAQ
What is the maximum operating frequency of the MSP430F5438AIZQWT?
The MSP430F5438AIZQWT supports a maximum system clock frequency of 25 MHz, achieved via its digitally controlled oscillator (DCO) and FLL circuit. This frequency applies to MCLK and SMCLK domains, enabling high-speed computation and serial communication. The device maintains timing specifications across its full 1.8–3.6 V supply range and industrial temperature range (–40°C to 85°C), as validated in TI's SLAS655H datasheet Section 8.20.
Does the MSP430F5438AIZQWT support hardware-based IrDA communication?
Yes, the MSP430F5438AIZQWT supports hardware IrDA encoding and decoding through its USCI_A modules (USCI_A0–A3). Each USCI_A instance includes dedicated IrDA logic that handles pulse shaping, baud-rate generation, and NRZI modulation per IrDA 1.4 specification - eliminating software bit-banging and reducing CPU load. This capability is confirmed in the "Features" section of the SLAS655H datasheet and functional block diagram.
How many I/O pins does the MSP430F5438AIZQWT provide in its MicroStar Junior BGA package?
The MSP430F5438AIZQWT in the 113-pin MicroStar Junior BGA (ZQW) package provides 87 usable general-purpose I/O pins, as specified in Table 6-1 ("Device Characteristics") of the SLAS655H datasheet. These include all port pins except power, ground, crystal, and debug terminals. Pin multiplexing allows each I/O to serve multiple peripheral functions, such as ADC inputs, timer captures, or USCI signals.
What is the RTC capability of the MSP430F5438AIZQWT?
The MSP430F5438AIZQWT integrates a calendar-mode real-time clock (RTC_A) module with alarm functionality, supporting year/month/day/hour/minute/second counting and programmable alarms. It operates from the 32-kHz crystal (XIN/XOUT) or low-frequency internal sources (VLO/REFO), retaining time in LPM3 with only 1.7 µA current draw. RTC_A features automatic leap-year correction and 32-bit binary counter mode, as detailed in Section 9.9 of the MSP430F5xx Family User's Guide.
Is the MSP430F5438AIZQWT pin-compatible with other members of the MSP430F543xA family in the same package?
Yes, the MSP430F5438AIZQWT is pin-compatible with MSP430F5436AIZQW and MSP430F5419AIZQW in the 113-pin MicroStar Junior BGA package. All share identical pin assignments, electrical characteristics, and peripheral mappings per Figure 7-3 and Table 7-1 of SLAS655H. Firmware developed for one can run on another without hardware changes, though flash size (256 KB vs. 192 KB vs. 128 KB) and USCI count (4 vs. 4 vs. 4) must be verified for functional equivalence.
MSP430F5438AIZQWT Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Texas Instruments
- Package/Case:
- 113-VFBGA
- Series:
- MSP430F5xx
- Packaging:
- Tape & Reel (TR)
- Product Status:
- Obsolete
- Programmable:
- Not Verified
- Core Processor:
- MSP430 CPUXV2
- Core Size:
- 16-Bit
- Speed:
- 25MHz
- Connectivity:
- I2C, IrDA, LINbus, SCI, SPI, UART/USART
- Peripherals:
- Brown-out Detect/Reset, DMA, POR, PWM, WDT
- Number of I/O:
- 87
- Program Memory Size:
- 256KB (256K x 8)
- Program Memory Type:
- FLASH
- EEPROM Size:
- -
- RAM Size:
- 16K x 8
- Voltage - Supply (Vcc/Vdd):
- 1.8V ~ 3.6V
- Data Converters:
- A/D 16x12b
- Oscillator Type:
- Internal
- Operating Temperature:
- -40°C ~ 85°C (TA)
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
MSP430F5438AIZQWT FAQ
1.How can I place an order for MSP430F5438AIZQWT through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for MSP430F5438AIZQWT on Aetrix. Our sales agent will provide a competitive quotation and guide you through the order confirmation once you accept the terms.
2.Are the price and stock information for MSP430F5438AIZQWT reliable?
The price and inventory of MSP430F5438AIZQWT are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for MSP430F5438AIZQWT is usually 5 days.
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5.How can I obtain technical support or documentation for MSP430F5438AIZQWT?
For technical support, including MSP430F5438AIZQWT datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your MSP430F5438AIZQWT requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that MSP430F5438AIZQWT is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All MSP430F5438AIZQWT products on Aetrix are procured from qualified distributors and authorized channels. Our dedicated quality assurance team conducts strict verification, including traceability checks and, if necessary, third-party testing. This ensures that MSP430F5438AIZQWT meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of MSP430F5438AIZQWT?
All MSP430F5438AIZQWT units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with MSP430F5438AIZQWT, returns or replacements are accepted under the following conditions:
1.Quantity discrepancies, incorrect items, or visible external defects (such as breakage or corrosion), acknowledged by Aetrix.
2.The issue is reported within 90 days of delivery.
3.The MSP430F5438AIZQWT part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for MSP430F5438AIZQWT:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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