Texas Instruments MSP430F5438IPZR

Overview

MSP430F5438IPZR 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), four USCI modules (2 UART/IrDA/SPI + 2 I²C/SPI), and RTC functionality. It operates from 2.2 V to 3.6 V and supports up to 18-MHz system clock, targeting battery-powered sensor systems and digital timers.

For engineers reviewing the MSP430F5438IPZR datasheet, MSP430F5438IPZR pinout, MSP430F5438IPZR application, or MSP430F5438IPZR equivalent, key selection criteria include its 100-pin LQFP package, 87 GPIOs, integrated LDO with programmable core voltage, wake-up time <5 µs from LPM3, and hardware multiplier for 32-bit operations.

Technical Context

The MSP430F5438IPZR implements a unified clock system (UCS) with FLL stabilization, dual crystal support (32-kHz XT1 and up to 32-MHz XT2), REFO and VLO internal references, and programmable core voltage regulation via an integrated LDO. Its CPUXV2 core executes instructions in single-cycle mode with constant generators for optimized code density.

Peripherals are tightly coupled to the 3-channel DMA engine and interrupt vector architecture, enabling deterministic real-time response. 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 glitch-free PWM generation.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

The MSP430F5438IPZR is housed in a 100-pin LQFP (PZ) package measuring 14 mm × 14 mm, with 87 general-purpose I/O pins, dedicated analog inputs (A0–A15), and multiple power/ground domains (DVCC/DVSS ×4, AVCC/AVSS, VCORE).

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with MSP430F5436IPZR and MSP430F5419IPZR, the MSP430F5438IPZR provides the largest on-chip Flash (256 KB) while retaining identical peripheral sets, power performance, and pin compatibility - making it optimal for feature-rich firmware deployments in space-constrained LQFP layouts.

Availability

MSP430F5438IPZR is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for remote sensor nodes, digital thermostats, hand-held meters, and digital motor controllers requiring stable component supply, long-term industrial availability, and consistent parametric performance across temperature ranges.

Supply support for MSP430F5438IPZR 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 with emphasis on energy efficiency, reliability, and system integration.

The MSP430F5438IPZR belongs to TI's MSP430F5xx ultra-low-power MCU family, designed specifically for portable and battery-operated measurement applications demanding extended runtime, precise analog acquisition, and deterministic real-time control.

FAQ

What is the maximum operating frequency of the MSP430F5438IPZR?

The MSP430F5438IPZR supports a maximum system clock frequency of 18 MHz, enabled by its digitally controlled oscillator (DCO) and FLL-based unified clock system. This frequency is achievable under recommended operating conditions (3.0 V, 25°C) and allows high-speed execution while maintaining ultra-low-power characteristics in active mode.

Does the MSP430F5438IPZR include a hardware real-time clock (RTC)?

Yes, the MSP430F5438IPZR integrates the RTC_A module with calendar mode, alarm capability, and battery-backed operation. When paired with a 32-kHz crystal on XIN/XOUT (pins P7.0/P7.1), it maintains accurate timekeeping in LPM3 (2.6 µA) and LPM4 (1.69 µA) low-power modes - essential for time-stamped sensor logging and scheduled wake-up events.

How many analog input channels does the ADC support on the MSP430F5438IPZR?

The MSP430F5438IPZR features the ADC12_A module with 14 external analog input channels (A0–A15, excluding A10/A11) and 2 internal channels (temperature sensor and VREF+/VeREF+), totaling 16 selectable inputs. All channels support autoscan mode and internal reference voltage generation for self-contained analog measurement.

Is the MSP430F5438IPZR pin-compatible with other devices in the MSP430F54xx family?

Yes, the MSP430F5438IPZR shares identical pinout and package (100-pin LQFP, PZ) with MSP430F5436IPZR and MSP430F5419IPZR. All three devices maintain matching signal assignments across all 100 pins, enabling direct PCB reuse when migrating between Flash variants - provided firmware accommodates differing memory sizes.

What communication interfaces are available on the MSP430F5438IPZR?

The MSP430F5438IPZR provides four Universal Serial Communication Interfaces (USCI): USCI_A0–A3 support UART, IrDA, and SPI; USCI_B0–B3 support I²C and SPI. This gives designers eight total serial channels - four UART-capable and four I²C-capable - with independent clocking and DMA support for concurrent multi-protocol operation.