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Texas Instruments MSP430F6438IPZ
- Part No.:
- MSP430F6438IPZ
- Manufacturer:
- Texas Instruments
- Category:
- Microcontrollers
- Package:
- 100-LQFP
- Datasheet:
-
MSP430F6438IPZ.pdf
- Description:
- IC MCU 16BIT 256KB FLASH 100LQFP
- Quantity:
- Payment:
- Shipping:
Inventory:4,964
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Product details
Overview
MSP430F6438IPZ from Texas Instruments is an ultra-low-power 16-bit RISC microcontroller with 256 KB flash, 18 KB RAM, integrated 3.3-V LDO, 12-bit ADC (200 ksps, 16 channels), dual 12-bit DACs, LCD driver (160 segments), RTC, four 16-bit timers, two USCI modules (UART/IrDA/SPI/I²C), and 74 GPIO pins - deployed in battery-powered sensor systems and portable meters.
For engineers reviewing the MSP430F6438IPZ datasheet, MSP430F6438IPZ pinout, MSP430F6438IPZ application, or MSP430F6438IPZ equivalent, key selection criteria include LPM3.5 RTC current (1.1 µA), wake-up time (3 µs), ADC autoscan capability, DAC synchronization, and LQFP-100 package compatibility for high-pin-count mixed-signal embedded designs.
Technical Context
The MSP430F6438IPZ implements a unified clock system with FLL stabilization, VLO/REFO internal sources, and support for 32-kHz XT1 and up to 32-MHz XT2 crystals. Its power management includes programmable LDO core regulation, SVS/SVM monitoring, and five low-power modes (LPM0–LPM4.5) optimized for sub-µA RTC operation and fast wake-up.
Peripherals are tightly coupled via 6-channel DMA and shared memory mapping: ADC12_A feeds 12 external + 4 internal channels into autoscan buffers; DAC12_A provides synchronized voltage outputs; USCI_A0/A1 support UART with auto-baud detection and IrDA; USCI_B0/B1 handle I²C and SPI with independent clock domains.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Core Architecture | 16-bit RISC CPU with constant generators and 20-MHz max system clock - enables compact, deterministic code execution for real-time sensor processing. |
| Flash / RAM | 256 KB flash (in-system programmable) and 18 KB SRAM - supports complex firmware with data logging, calibration tables, and bootloader space. |
| ADC Performance | 12-bit ADC at 200 ksps with autoscan across 16 channels (12 external, 4 internal) - eliminates software polling for multi-sensor acquisition. |
| DAC Capability | Dual 12-bit DACs with hardware synchronization - enables precise differential analog output generation for sensor excitation or reference control. |
| Low-Power Modes | LPM3.5 draws 1.1 µA at 3.0 V with RTC active; LPM4.5 draws 0.3 µA - extends battery life in always-on timing and backup applications. |
| Wake-up Time | 3 µs from LPM3 to active mode - meets tight response deadlines in interrupt-driven metering and alarm systems. |
| GPIO Count | 74 configurable I/O pins in LQFP-100 package - supports high-density peripheral interfacing including LCD segment drivers and sensor buses. |
Pinout & Package
LQFP-100 package (14 mm × 14 mm), thermally enhanced with exposed thermal pad; 100-pin square grid, 0.5-mm pitch; RoHS-compliant, lead-free finish.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| RST/NMI/SBWTDIO | Reset, NMI input, JTAG/SBW debug I/O | Single-pin multifunction interface for safe reset assertion, non-maskable interrupt, and in-circuit debugging without dedicated debug header. |
| XIN / XOUT | Low-frequency crystal oscillator terminals | Connects 32.768-kHz watch crystal for precision RTC timing and low-power clock source. |
| XT2IN / XT2OUT | High-frequency crystal oscillator terminals | Supports up to 32-MHz crystal or external clock for high-speed active-mode operation and USB-capable timing (though USB not implemented on this variant). |
| P5.0 / P5.1 | VREF+ / VREF− inputs | Accept external reference voltage for ADC/DAC - enables ratiometric measurements and improved accuracy over internal references. |
| P6.6 / P6.7 / P7.6 / P7.7 | DAC0 / DAC1 outputs | Four dedicated analog output pins supporting dual DAC operation with independent or synchronized update control. |
| P5.2–P5.5 / P9.0–P9.7 / P8.7–P8.0 | LCD segment/common drivers | Direct drive of up to 160 LCD segments without external bias circuitry - reduces BOM count in display-enabled handheld devices. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Integrated 3.3-V LDO regulator | Eliminates need for external voltage regulator; supports single-supply operation from 1.8–3.6 V with programmable core voltage scaling. |
| Hardware multiplier (MPY32) | Executes 32-bit multiply-accumulate operations in one cycle - accelerates digital filtering, FFT, and PID control loops. |
| 6-channel DMA controller | Enables zero-CPU-overhead data movement between peripherals (e.g., ADC → RAM, RAM → DAC) - preserves low-power mode residency during burst transfers. |
| RTC_B module with battery backup | Maintains accurate timekeeping during main power loss using VBAK supply - critical for energy metering and timestamped event logging. |
| USCI_Ax with IrDA encoder/decoder | Direct infrared physical layer support - enables contactless configuration and diagnostics in thermostats and remote sensors without transceiver ICs. |
Applications
| Analog Sensor Data Logger | Digital Thermostat Controller |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Continuous acquisition of temperature, humidity, and pressure sensors in field-deployed environmental monitors powered by coin-cell batteries. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Central MCU managing sensor polling, ADC autoscan, RTC-stamped data storage, and low-power sleep cycling. Use Value: LPM3.5 current of 1.1 µA enables >5-year battery life; 12-bit ADC linearity (±1 LSB INL) ensures traceable measurement fidelity. | Use Scenario: Residential HVAC control unit requiring precise temperature regulation, user interface (LCD + buttons), and wireless setup via IR remote. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: System-on-chip handling sensor reading, PID computation, LCD driving (160 seg), and IrDA-based commissioning. Use Value: Integrated LCD_B driver reduces component count; USCI_Ax IrDA support enables direct remote programming without UART-to-IR bridge IC. |
| Hand-Held Multimeter | Industrial Digital Timer |
Use Scenario: Portable test equipment measuring voltage, current, and resistance with autoranging, hold function, and backlit LCD. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Mixed-signal processor executing analog front-end control, digitization, math functions, and segmented display refresh. Use Value: Dual 12-bit DACs generate precision reference voltages for autoranging; 74 GPIOs support keypad scanning and analog switch matrix control. | Use Scenario: DIN-rail mounted timer for factory automation, controlling solenoids or relays with programmable on/off intervals and calendar-based scheduling. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Real-time controller running RTC alarm interrupts, I/O state management, and nonvolatile event logging. Use Value: RTC_B with battery backup retains schedule during power outage; 256 KB flash stores multiple timer profiles and firmware updates. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar ultra-low-power mixed-signal microcontroller applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| MSP430F6436IPZ | 128 KB flash (vs. 256 KB), identical RAM, peripherals, and package - same pinout and firmware compatibility. | Suitable where firmware size <128 KB suffices; no change to PCB or driver stack required. | Select when cost sensitivity outweighs future firmware expansion needs. |
| MSP430F5438AIPZ | Same 256 KB flash/18 KB RAM but lacks integrated LCD driver and has only one USCI_B; uses older CPUXV2 core with reduced instruction set. | Applicable in non-display systems needing UART + I²C only; requires porting due to peripheral register differences. | Choose only if legacy design reuse or lower unit cost justifies LCD and dual-USCI_B feature loss. |
Compared with MSP430F6436IPZ, the MSP430F6438IPZ provides double flash capacity for larger firmware or data buffers; versus MSP430F5438AIPZ, it delivers integrated LCD support and enhanced USCI flexibility - both critical for next-generation portable instrumentation.
Availability
MSP430F6438IPZ is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for analog sensor systems, digital thermostats, hand-held meters, and industrial digital timers requiring stable component supply and long-term production continuity.
Supply support for MSP430F6438IPZ 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 and reliability.
The MSP430F6438IPZ belongs to TI's ultra-low-power mixed-signal MCU product line, engineered specifically for battery-operated measurement, sensing, and display-integrated applications demanding sub-µA RTC operation and fast wake-up responsiveness.
FAQ
What is the maximum operating frequency of the MSP430F6438IPZ?
The MSP430F6438IPZ supports a maximum system clock frequency of 20 MHz, achieved via its digitally controlled oscillator (DCO) or external high-frequency crystal (XT2) up to 32 MHz. The CPU executes instructions at this rate, and all peripherals-including ADC, timers, and USCI-are fully functional at 20 MHz. This frequency is validated under recommended operating conditions (1.8 V to 3.6 V supply, ambient temperature –40°C to 85°C).
Does the MSP430F6438IPZ support hardware real-time clock (RTC) with battery backup?
Yes, the MSP430F6438IPZ integrates the RTC_B module with dedicated VBAK supply input, enabling continuous timekeeping during main power loss. When connected to a backup battery or supercapacitor, the RTC maintains calendar/time registers and generates alarms while drawing only 1.1 µA in LPM3.5 mode at 3.0 V - confirmed in Section 8.5 of the SLAS720F datasheet.
How many analog input channels does the ADC12_A module support on the MSP430F6438IPZ?
The ADC12_A module on the MSP430F6438IPZ supports 16 total input channels: 12 external analog inputs (A0–A11) and 4 internal sources (temperature sensor, VCC/2, VeREF+, and AVCC). Channel selection is managed via the ADC12MCTLx registers, and autoscan mode allows sequential conversion without CPU intervention - a capability verified in the device-specific functional description and electrical specifications.
Is the MSP430F6438IPZ pin-compatible with other devices in the MSP430F643x family?
Yes, the MSP430F6438IPZ in the LQFP-100 (PZ) package shares identical pinout and signal mapping with MSP430F6436IPZ, MSP430F6435IPZ, and MSP430F6433IPZ - as confirmed in Figures 7-1 and 7-2 of the SLAS720F datasheet. This allows direct substitution within the same footprint when flash/RAM or peripheral differences permit functional equivalence.
What development tools are officially supported for the MSP430F6438IPZ?
Texas Instruments officially supports the MSP430F6438IPZ with the MSP-FET programmer/debugger, Code Composer Studio IDE (v12+), and the MSP-TS430PZ100 target socket board. TI also provides the MSP-EXP430F6438 Experimenter Board - a full-featured evaluation platform with onboard LCD, buttons, LEDs, and sensor interfaces - all documented in the SLAS720F datasheet and TI's MSP430F6438 product folder.
MSP430F6438IPZ Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Texas Instruments
- Package/Case:
- 100-LQFP
- Series:
- MSP430F6xx
- Packaging:
- Tray
- Product Status:
- Active
- Programmable:
- Not Verified
- Core Processor:
- MSP430 CPUXV2
- Core Size:
- 16-Bit
- Speed:
- 20MHz
- Connectivity:
- I2C, IrDA, LINbus, SCI, SPI, UART/USART
- Peripherals:
- Brown-out Detect/Reset, DMA, LCD, POR, PWM, WDT
- Number of I/O:
- 74
- Program Memory Size:
- 256KB (256K x 8)
- Program Memory Type:
- FLASH
- EEPROM Size:
- -
- RAM Size:
- 18K x 8
- Voltage - Supply (Vcc/Vdd):
- 1.8V ~ 3.6V
- Data Converters:
- A/D 16x12b; D/A 2x12b
- Oscillator Type:
- Internal
- Operating Temperature:
- -40°C ~ 85°C (TA)
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
MSP430F6438IPZ FAQ
1.How can I place an order for MSP430F6438IPZ through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for MSP430F6438IPZ 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 MSP430F6438IPZ reliable?
The price and inventory of MSP430F6438IPZ are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for MSP430F6438IPZ is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for MSP430F6438IPZ?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for MSP430F6438IPZ transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for MSP430F6438IPZ?
MSP430F6438IPZ orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your MSP430F6438IPZ order is processed, you will receive an email with the shipment details and tracking number.
Note: Tracking information may take up to 24 hours to appear. Express delivery typically takes 3–5 business days.
5.How can I obtain technical support or documentation for MSP430F6438IPZ?
For technical support, including MSP430F6438IPZ datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your MSP430F6438IPZ requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that MSP430F6438IPZ is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All MSP430F6438IPZ 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 MSP430F6438IPZ meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of MSP430F6438IPZ?
All MSP430F6438IPZ units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with MSP430F6438IPZ, 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 MSP430F6438IPZ part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for MSP430F6438IPZ:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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