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Texas Instruments MSP430F6438IZCAR

Name: MSP430F6438IZCAR
Brand: Texas Instruments
SKU: MSP430F6438IZCAR
Price: 2.40 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 5 (2 reviews)

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Part No.:: MSP430F6438IZCAR

Manufacturer:: Texas Instruments

Category:: Microcontrollers

Package:: 113-VFBGA

Datasheet:: MSP430F6438IZCAR.pdf

Description:: IC MCU 16BIT 256KB FLSH 113NFBGA

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Product details

Overview

MSP430F6438IZCAR 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 GPIOs - deployed in battery-powered sensor systems and digital thermostats.

For engineers reviewing the MSP430F6438IZCAR datasheet, MSP430F6438IZCAR pinout, MSP430F6438IZCAR application, or MSP430F6438IZCAR equivalent, key selection criteria include ultra-low active/standby current (270 µA/MHz AM, 1.8 µA LPM3), integrated LCD and RTC with backup, dual DAC synchronization, and 100-pin LQFP package compatibility for space-constrained embedded designs.

Technical Context

The MSP430F6438IZCAR implements a unified clock system with FLL-stabilized DCO, VLO, REFO, XT1 (32-kHz crystal), and XT2 (up to 32-MHz crystal) sources - enabling precise timing control across low-power modes. Its power management includes programmable LDO core regulation, SVS/SVM monitoring, and brownout reset with 50-mV hysteresis.

Peripherals are tightly coupled to the 6-channel DMA and CPUXV2 core: ADC12_A supports autoscan across 12 external + 4 internal channels with shared reference; DAC12_A provides voltage-output channels synchronized via TB0 trigger; LCD_B drives up to 160 segments with contrast control and segmented voltage rail mapping (V1–V5).

Key Specifications

Parameter	Value and Actual Design Meaning
Core Architecture	16-bit RISC CPUXV2 with constant generators and 32-bit hardware multiplier - enables efficient C code execution and real-time math operations without software overhead.
Memory	256 KB Flash (in-system programmable, no external VPP) + 18 KB RAM + 8 B backup RAM - supports robust firmware updates and data retention during RTC-only operation.
Power Consumption	270 µA/MHz in Active Mode (AM) at 3.0 V; 1.8 µA in Standby (LPM3); 1.1 µA in RTC-active Shutdown (LPM3.5) - extends coin-cell battery life to multi-year operation.
ADC Performance	12-bit ADC12_A with 200 ksps sampling rate, autoscan, internal reference (1.5/2.0/2.5 V), and 12 external + 4 internal input channels - eliminates need for external signal conditioning in analog sensor front-ends.
DAC Capability	Dual 12-bit DAC12_A with voltage output, monotonicity guaranteed, ±1 LSB INL/DNL - enables precision analog waveform generation and closed-loop control actuation.
Timer System	Four 16-bit timers: TA0 (5 CC registers), TA1/TA2 (3 CC each), TB0 (7 CC) - supports complex PWM generation, input capture, quadrature decoding, and real-time event sequencing.
Communication	Two USCI modules: USCI_A0/A1 (UART/IrDA/SPI), USCI_B0/B1 (I²C/SPI) - allows simultaneous wired connectivity to sensors (I²C), displays (SPI), and host interfaces (UART) without resource contention.

Pinout & Package

Package: 100-pin LQFP (PZ), 14 mm × 14 mm body size, surface-mount, RoHS-compliant. Pinout validated per TI SLAS720E Rev. September 2018, Figure 4-1 and Table 4-1.

Pin/Terminal	Circuit Role	Design Meaning
RST/NMI/SBWTDIO	Reset / Non-maskable interrupt / JTAG debug I/O	Single-pin multifunction interface for safe device initialization, fault recovery, and in-circuit programming via Spy-Bi-Wire.
P1.0/TA0CLK/ACLK/S39	GPIO / Timer A0 clock input / ACLK output / LCD segment	Configurable as low-jitter system clock source, real-time counter feed, or display driver - reduces external component count.
P5.0/VREF+/VeREF+	ADC reference positive / External reference input	Enables flexible reference selection: internal bandgap (1.5/2.0/2.5 V) or external precision source - critical for measurement accuracy across temperature.
P6.6/CB6/A6/DAC0	GPIO / Comparator_B input / ADC channel A6 / DAC0 output	Shared analog path supports simultaneous sensing (ADC), threshold detection (Comp_B), and actuation (DAC) on same pin - simplifies feedback loop design.
LCDCAP/R33	LCD charge pump capacitor connection / LCD voltage rail V1	Must be tied to DVSS if unused; otherwise enables regulated LCD bias generation - ensures stable contrast without external charge pump IC.

Key Features

Feature	Design Value
Ultra-low-power operation	3 µs wake-up from LPM3 enables rapid response to sensor events while maintaining sub-2 µA sleep current - ideal for duty-cycled battery applications.
Integrated LCD driver	Drives up to 160 segments with programmable contrast and internal voltage segmentation (V1–V5) - eliminates external LCD bias IC and saves PCB area.
Dual synchronized DACs	Two 12-bit voltage-output DACs with hardware-triggered update (e.g., TB0 overflow) - supports precise dual-channel analog output for motor control or calibration signals.
Real-time clock with backup	RTC_B module with battery backup support (VBAT), alarm, and calendar functions - maintains timekeeping during main power loss without external RTC chip.
Flexible clock system	FLL + DCO + XT1/XT2 + VLO + REFO allows dynamic clock scaling and fail-safe switching - ensures timing integrity across voltage/temp variations and crystal faults.

Applications

Smart Thermostat Control	Hand-Held Digital Multimeter
Use Scenario: Indoor climate controller with temperature/humidity sensing, user interface (LCD + buttons), and HVAC relay control. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Main system MCU managing sensor reads, PID computation, LCD refresh, RTC-based scheduling, and relay drive via GPIO/DAC. Use Value: Integrated 160-segment LCD driver and ultra-low standby current (1.8 µA) enable year-long operation on AA batteries without display degradation.	Use Scenario: Portable test instrument measuring voltage, current, resistance, and continuity with autoranging and hold function. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Central processor executing ADC sampling, auto-zero calibration, DAC-based reference generation, and SPI-driven display update. Use Value: Dual 12-bit DACs provide precision reference voltages for ADC offset correction; 200 ksps ADC enables fast sampling for AC RMS calculation.
Digital Motor Controller	Remote-Controlled Sensor Node
Use Scenario: Brushless DC motor controller in cordless power tools with hall-effect commutation, current sensing, and thermal protection. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Real-time motor sequencer using TB0 PWM outputs, ADC for phase current sampling, and comparator for overcurrent shutdown. Use Value: Four 16-bit timers with 7+3+3+5 capture/compare registers support independent PWM generation for 3-phase gate drivers and auxiliary timing tasks.	Use Scenario: Wireless environmental monitor (temperature, light, motion) transmitting data via BLE module every 5 minutes. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Low-duty-cycle sensor aggregator: wakes via RTC alarm, samples sensors, processes data, triggers UART to BLE module, then returns to LPM3.5 (1.1 µA). Use Value: RTC_B with crystal and LPM3.5 mode reduce average system current to <1 µA - extends CR2032 battery life beyond 2 years.

Smart Thermostat Control

Hand-Held Digital Multimeter

Use Scenario: Indoor climate controller with temperature/humidity sensing, user interface (LCD + buttons), and HVAC relay control.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Main system MCU managing sensor reads, PID computation, LCD refresh, RTC-based scheduling, and relay drive via GPIO/DAC.

Use Value: Integrated 160-segment LCD driver and ultra-low standby current (1.8 µA) enable year-long operation on AA batteries without display degradation.

Use Scenario: Portable test instrument measuring voltage, current, resistance, and continuity with autoranging and hold function.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Central processor executing ADC sampling, auto-zero calibration, DAC-based reference generation, and SPI-driven display update.

Use Value: Dual 12-bit DACs provide precision reference voltages for ADC offset correction; 200 ksps ADC enables fast sampling for AC RMS calculation.

Digital Motor Controller

Remote-Controlled Sensor Node

Use Scenario: Brushless DC motor controller in cordless power tools with hall-effect commutation, current sensing, and thermal protection.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Real-time motor sequencer using TB0 PWM outputs, ADC for phase current sampling, and comparator for overcurrent shutdown.

Use Value: Four 16-bit timers with 7+3+3+5 capture/compare registers support independent PWM generation for 3-phase gate drivers and auxiliary timing tasks.

Use Scenario: Wireless environmental monitor (temperature, light, motion) transmitting data via BLE module every 5 minutes.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Low-duty-cycle sensor aggregator: wakes via RTC alarm, samples sensors, processes data, triggers UART to BLE module, then returns to LPM3.5 (1.1 µA).

Use Value: RTC_B with crystal and LPM3.5 mode reduce average system current to <1 µA - extends CR2032 battery life beyond 2 years.

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, identical peripherals and pinout - lacks 128 KB of program memory.	Suitable for simpler firmware with smaller code footprint; same LCD, RTC, ADC, DAC, and timer capabilities.	Select when application logic fits within 128 KB Flash and cost sensitivity outweighs future firmware scalability needs.
MSP430F5438AIPN	256 KB Flash, 16 KB RAM, but no integrated LCD driver or dual DACs; uses older 80-pin TQFP package.	Requires external LCD bias IC and DACs; better suited for non-display applications needing high-speed USB or enhanced analog performance.	Choose only if LCD and DAC integration are unnecessary and legacy board layout reuse is required.

Compared with MSP430F6436IPZ, the MSP430F6438IZCAR offers double Flash capacity for feature-rich firmware and field upgrades; versus MSP430F5438AIPN, it delivers full display and analog actuation integration - reducing BOM count and PCB complexity in compact portable devices.

Availability

MSP430F6438IZCAR is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for smart thermostat control, hand-held digital multimeters, and remote-controlled sensor nodes requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle assurance, and RoHS-compliant manufacturing.

Supply support for MSP430F6438IZCAR 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 MSP430F6438IZCAR belongs to the MSP430F6xx ultra-low-power microcontroller family, designed specifically for extended-battery-life applications demanding integrated analog peripherals, LCD support, and real-time clock functionality in compact form factors.

FAQ

What is the maximum operating frequency of the MSP430F6438IZCAR?

The MSP430F6438IZCAR supports a maximum system clock frequency of 20 MHz, achieved via its digitally controlled oscillator (DCO) stabilized by the FLL loop using XT2 (up to 32 MHz crystal) or internal references. This frequency is confirmed in Section 1.1 Features and Table 5-20 of the SLAS720E datasheet, and applies directly to the MSP430F6438IZCAR variant in 100-pin LQFP packaging.

Does the MSP430F6438IZCAR support hardware debugging during development?

Yes, the MSP430F6438IZCAR supports hardware debugging via the Spy-Bi-Wire (SBW) interface using the RST/NMI/SBWTDIO and TEST/SBWTCK pins. This 2-wire interface enables full JTAG-like functionality including breakpoints, register inspection, and flash programming - verified in Section 4.2 Signal Descriptions and Section 6.8 JTAG Operation of the SLAS720E datasheet for the MSP430F6438IZCAR.

How many analog input channels does the ADC12_A module support on the MSP430F6438IZCAR?

The ADC12_A module on the MSP430F6438IZCAR supports 16 total analog input channels: 12 external (A0–A11) and 4 internal (temperature sensor, VCC/2, VeREF+, and VREF-/VeREF−). This configuration is explicitly stated in Table 3-1 Device Comparison and Section 5.37 of the SLAS720E datasheet, and applies to the MSP430F6438IZCAR without qualification.

Is the MSP430F6438IZCAR pin-compatible with other devices in the MSP430F643x family?

Yes, the MSP430F6438IZCAR is pin-compatible with MSP430F6436IZCAR, MSP430F6435IZCAR, and MSP430F6433IZCAR in the same 100-pin LQFP (PZ) or 113-pin BGA (ZQW) packages. Pin assignments and electrical characteristics are identical across the family, as confirmed in Figures 4-1 through 4-3 and Table 4-1 of the SLAS720E datasheet - enabling direct substitution where Flash/RAM requirements align.

What LCD voltage rails are supported by the integrated LCD_B driver in the MSP430F6438IZCAR?

The LCD_B driver in the MSP430F6438IZCAR supports five programmable analog voltage rails (V1–V5) for segment and common line biasing, with V1 generated internally via LCDCAP/R33 charge pump and V2–V5 mapped to GPIO pins P5.2, P2.6, P2.7, and PJ.x. This architecture is documented in Section 1.1 Features and Section 5.35 of the SLAS720E datasheet and applies specifically to the MSP430F6438IZCAR's LCD peripheral implementation.

MSP430F6438IZCAR Specifications

Product attributes: Attribute value

Manufacturer:: Texas Instruments

Package/Case:: 113-VFBGA

Series:: MSP430F6xx

Packaging:: Tape & Reel (TR)

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:

MSP430F6438IZCAR FAQ

1.How can I place an order for MSP430F6438IZCAR through Aetrix?

Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for MSP430F6438IZCAR 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 MSP430F6438IZCAR reliable?

The price and inventory of MSP430F6438IZCAR are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for MSP430F6438IZCAR is usually 5 days.

3.What payment methods are accepted for MSP430F6438IZCAR?

We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for MSP430F6438IZCAR transactions.

Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.

4.How is shipping managed for MSP430F6438IZCAR?

MSP430F6438IZCAR orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.

Once your MSP430F6438IZCAR 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 MSP430F6438IZCAR?

For technical support, including MSP430F6438IZCAR datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your MSP430F6438IZCAR requirements.

6.How does Aetrix verify that MSP430F6438IZCAR is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?

All MSP430F6438IZCAR 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 MSP430F6438IZCAR meets industry standards.

7.What is the process for return or replacement of MSP430F6438IZCAR?

All MSP430F6438IZCAR units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with MSP430F6438IZCAR, 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 MSP430F6438IZCAR part is unused and in its original packaging.

Return procedure for MSP430F6438IZCAR:

1.Submit a request within 90 days.

2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.

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