Texas Instruments MSP430F6438IPZR

Overview

MSP430F6438IPZR from Texas Instruments is a 16-bit ultra-low-power mixed-signal 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, and four 16-bit timers - used in battery-powered sensor systems and portable meters.

For engineers reviewing the MSP430F6438IPZR datasheet, MSP430F6438IPZR pinout, MSP430F6438IPZR application, or MSP430F6438IPZR equivalent, key selection criteria include active-mode current (270 µA/MHz @ 8 MHz), standby current (1.8 µA @ 3.0 V), wake-up time (3 µs), 74 GPIOs, and LQFP-100 package compatibility for space-constrained embedded designs.

Technical Context

The MSP430F6438IPZR implements a 16-bit RISC CPUXV2 core with constant generators and hardware multiplier supporting 32-bit operations. Its unified clock system integrates FLL, VLO, REFO, XT1 (32 kHz), and XT2 (up to 32 MHz) for precise frequency control across operating modes.

Power management includes programmable LDO core regulation, supply voltage supervision (SVS/SVM), brownout reset, and five low-power modes (LPM0–LPM4.5). Peripheral integration features 6-channel DMA, two USCI modules (UART/IrDA/SPI/I²C), and LCD_B controller with contrast control and segment bias generation.

Key Specifications

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.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with MSP430F6436IPZR, the MSP430F6438IPZR provides double flash capacity for firmware growth and field upgrades; versus MSP430F5438AIPZR, it delivers integrated power management and display support - reducing BOM count by ≥3 components and eliminating layout rework.

Availability

MSP430F6438IPZR is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for analog sensor systems, digital motor control, and hand-held meters requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle assurance, and TI-authorized traceability.

Supply support for MSP430F6438IPZR 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 MSP430F6438IPZR belongs to TI's ultra-low-power mixed-signal MCU product line, designed specifically for battery-operated measurement, sensing, and portable instrumentation where nanowatt-level sleep current and fast wake-up are critical.

FAQ

What is the maximum system clock frequency supported by the MSP430F6438IPZR?

The MSP430F6438IPZR supports a maximum system clock frequency of 20 MHz, achieved using the FLL-controlled DCO or external high-frequency crystal (XT2) up to 32 MHz. This frequency enables real-time execution of complex algorithms while maintaining ultra-low power consumption in active mode (270 µA/MHz @ 3.0 V). The MSP430F6438IPZR's clock architecture ensures stable operation across temperature and voltage ranges without external PLL components.

Does the MSP430F6438IPZR include an integrated voltage regulator?

Yes, the MSP430F6438IPZR integrates a fully programmable low-dropout (LDO) regulator that accepts 1.8–3.6 V input and delivers a stable 3.3-V core and peripheral supply (LDOO). This eliminates the need for an external regulator in most designs. The LDO supports dynamic core voltage adjustment and includes built-in supervision (SVM/SVS) - a key capability confirmed in the MSP430F6438IPZR datasheet Section 8.53 and functional block diagram.

How many analog-to-digital converter (ADC) channels does the MSP430F6438IPZR support?

The MSP430F6438IPZR features a 12-bit ADC12_A module with 16 total input channels: 12 external analog inputs (A0–A11) and 4 internal sources (temperature sensor, VCC/2, VMID, and AVCC). It achieves 200 ksps sampling rate with autoscan mode, allowing sequential conversion of multiple channels without CPU intervention - a specification explicitly listed in Table 6-1 and Section 8.37–8.42 of the MSP430F6438IPZR datasheet.

What low-power modes are available on the MSP430F6438IPZR, and what is the lowest current draw?

The MSP430F6438IPZR offers five low-power modes (LPM0–LPM4.5). The lowest active-retention mode is LPM4.5 (shutdown mode), drawing 0.3 µA at 3.0 V with RTC disabled. With RTC enabled using a 32-kHz crystal, LPM3.5 draws 1.1 µA at 3.0 V - verified in Section 1 (Features) and Section 8.5 table of the MSP430F6438IPZR datasheet. All modes retain full RAM content except LPM4.5, which retains only RTC registers.

Is the MSP430F6438IPZR pin-compatible with other devices in the MSP430F643x family?

Yes, the MSP430F6438IPZR in the LQFP-100 (PZ) package is pin-compatible with MSP430F6436IPZR, MSP430F6435IPZR, and MSP430F6433IPZR in the same package variant - confirmed by identical pin diagrams (Figure 7-1 and Figure 7-2), shared signal naming (e.g., P6.6/CB6/A6/DAC0), and device comparison table (Table 6-1). However, functional differences exist: MSP430F6438IPZR and MSP430F6435IPZR include dual DACs; MSP430F6436IPZR and MSP430F6433IPZR do not.