Texas Instruments MSP430F6636IPZ

Overview

MSP430F6636IPZ from Texas Instruments is a 16-bit ultra-low-power mixed-signal microcontroller featuring 128 KB flash, 16 KB + 2 KB RAM, USB 2.0 interface, 12-bit ADC with 16 channels (12 external), dual 12-bit DACs, LCD driver for up to 160 segments, and 74 GPIO pins in a 100-pin LQFP package. It targets battery-powered portable measurement systems requiring precise analog sensing and real-time control.

For engineers reviewing the MSP430F6636IPZ datasheet, MSP430F6636IPZ pinout, MSP430F6636IPZ application, or MSP430F6636IPZ equivalent, key selection criteria include USB integration, low-power RTC operation (1.1 µA in LPM3.5), 3 µs wake-up time from standby, and support for full-speed USB device mode with integrated PHY and voltage regulation.

Technical Context

The MSP430F6636IPZ implements a 16-bit RISC CPU with constant generators and extended memory addressing, paired with a unified clock system including FLL, VLO, REFO, XT1 (32 kHz), and XT2 (up to 32 MHz). Its power architecture integrates a programmable LDO core regulator, supply supervision, and five low-power modes optimized for sub-µA RTC retention and rapid wake-up.

Peripherals include four 16-bit timers (TA0/TA1/TA2/TB0), two USCI modules supporting UART/IrDA/SPI/I²C, hardware multiplier, 6-channel DMA, comparator, and USB controller with eight endpoints, all operating under a single coherent power management framework that maintains peripheral state across low-power transitions.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: 100-pin LQFP (PZ), 14 mm × 14 mm body size, standard JEDEC footprint with exposed thermal pad.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with MSP430F6636IPZ, MSP430F6637IPZ offers more flash for advanced USB device stacks or larger embedded GUIs, while MSP430F6634IPZ removes DACs to reduce cost where analog output is unnecessary - both retain full pin compatibility and identical low-power behavior.

Availability

MSP430F6636IPZ is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for smart energy metering, portable medical instrumentation, industrial remote sensor nodes, USB-enabled thermostat controllers, and battery-powered handheld meters requiring stable component supply and long-term lifecycle support.

Supply support for MSP430F6636IPZ 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-level integration.

The MSP430F663x product line is designed for ultra-low-power portable measurement and sensing applications, integrating high-precision analog peripherals, USB connectivity, and robust real-time control in a single chip to minimize system complexity and extend battery life.

FAQ

What is the maximum operating frequency of the MSP430F6636IPZ?

The MSP430F6636IPZ supports a maximum system clock frequency of 20 MHz, achieved via its digitally controlled oscillator (DCO) locked to external crystals (XT2 up to 32 MHz) or internal references using the FLL control loop. This frequency applies to MCLK and SMCLK domains, enabling high-throughput ADC sampling and USB packet processing while maintaining deterministic timing for real-time tasks.

Does the MSP430F6636IPZ support USB host functionality?

No, the MSP430F6636IPZ implements only USB 2.0 full-speed device-mode functionality with integrated PHY and endpoint controller. It does not support USB host or OTG operation. The USB module is configured exclusively for device enumeration and communication under host control, with fixed 8 endpoints (4 IN, 4 OUT) and no host controller logic or VBUS sensing circuitry.

How many analog input channels does the ADC12_A module support on the MSP430F6636IPZ?

The ADC12_A module on the MSP430F6636IPZ supports 16 total input channels: 12 external analog inputs (A0–A11) and 4 internal sources (temperature sensor, VCC/2, VR+ reference, and VMID). Channel selection is software-configurable, and autoscan mode enables sequential conversion across any defined subset without CPU intervention.

What package type and pin count does the MSP430F6636IPZ use?

The MSP430F6636IPZ uses a 100-pin LQFP (PZ) package with 14 mm × 14 mm body size and standard JEDEC footprint. It also has orderable variants in 113-pin nFBGA (ZCA) and MicroStar Junior BGA (ZQW), but the IPZ suffix specifically denotes the 100-pin LQFP variant with lead-free finish and industrial temperature range (–40°C to 85°C).

Can the MSP430F6636IPZ operate from a single 3.0-V supply?

Yes, the MSP430F6636IPZ operates across a supply voltage range of 1.8 V to 3.6 V. At 3.0 V, it delivers specified performance for all peripherals including USB (with internal 3.3-V regulator), ADC (12-bit linearity), and real-time clock (1.1 µA in LPM3.5). The integrated LDO allows core voltage regulation independently of supply fluctuations, ensuring stable operation over the full voltage range.