Texas Instruments MSP430F6638IPZ

Overview

MSP430F6638IPZ from Texas Instruments is an ultra-low-power 16-bit mixed-signal microcontroller featuring 256 KB flash, 16 KB + 2 KB RAM, USB 2.0 full-speed interface, 12-bit ADC with 16 channels, dual 12-bit DACs, LCD driver for 160 segments, and 74 GPIO pins in a 100-pin LQFP package-designed for battery-powered sensor systems and portable meters.

For engineers reviewing the MSP430F6638IPZ datasheet, MSP430F6638IPZ pinout, MSP430F6638IPZ application, or MSP430F6638IPZ equivalent, key selection criteria include USB integration, RTC with battery backup, low-power wake-up timing (3 µs), and analog-peripheral density for embedded measurement systems.

Technical Context

The MSP430F6638IPZ implements a 16-bit RISC CPU with constant generators and extended memory addressing, paired with five programmable low-power modes (LPM0–LPM4.5) optimized for sub-µA standby operation. Its unified clock system integrates FLL, VLO, REFO, XT1 (32 kHz), and XT2 (up to 32 MHz) sources with automatic frequency stabilization.

Peripherals are tightly coupled to the 6-channel DMA controller and hardware multiplier, enabling autonomous analog acquisition (ADC autoscan), synchronized dual DAC output, and real-time USB data streaming without CPU intervention-critical for deterministic sensor fusion and metering firmware.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

LQFP-100 package (14 mm × 14 mm), thermally enhanced with exposed thermal pad; pin-compatible with other MSP430F663x PZ variants including MSP430F6637IPZ and MSP430F6636IPZ.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with MSP430F6637IPZ and MSP430F6636IPZ, the MSP430F6638IPZ provides maximum on-chip flash for complex metrology firmware, while retaining identical low-power behavior, USB functionality, and analog subsystem performance-making it the highest-capacity drop-in option in the LQFP-100 family.

Availability

MSP430F6638IPZ is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for smart energy metering, portable handheld meters, and industrial sensor nodes requiring stable component supply and long-term production continuity.

Supply support for MSP430F6638IPZ 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 applications.

The MSP430F6638IPZ belongs to TI's ultra-low-power mixed-signal MCU product line, engineered specifically for battery-operated measurement systems demanding high analog integration, USB connectivity, and sub-µA sleep current.

FAQ

What is the maximum operating frequency of the MSP430F6638IPZ?

The MSP430F6638IPZ supports a maximum system clock frequency of 20 MHz, enabled by its digitally controlled oscillator (DCO) and FLL-based clock system. This frequency is achievable across the full 1.8 V to 3.6 V supply range and validated under typical operating conditions per the SLAS566G datasheet. The MSP430F6638IPZ maintains timing integrity at this rate while delivering 270 µA/MHz active-mode efficiency.

Does the MSP430F6638IPZ support USB device enumeration without external components?

Yes, the MSP430F6638IPZ integrates a full-speed USB 2.0 PHY with on-die termination resistors, 3.3-V and 1.8-V USB power regulation, and USB-PLL clock synthesis. No external transceiver, resistors, or voltage regulators are required for standard USB device enumeration-only the DP/DM traces and proper PCB layout per TI's USB design guidelines are needed for MSP430F6638IPZ compliance.

How many analog input channels does the MSP430F6638IPZ ADC support?

The MSP430F6638IPZ features the ADC12_A module with 16 total input channels: 12 external analog inputs (A0–A11) and 4 internal sources (temperature sensor, VCC/2, VR+, and VMID). Channel selection, sample-and-hold timing, and autoscan sequencing are fully configurable in hardware, enabling unattended multi-channel acquisition critical for MSP430F6638IPZ-based metering applications.

What is the wake-up time from LPM3 standby mode for the MSP430F6638IPZ?

The MSP430F6638IPZ wakes from LPM3 (standby mode with watchdog, crystal, and full RAM retention) in 3 µs typical, as specified in Section 8.27 of the SLAS566G datasheet. This fast wake-up is achieved via the DCO's rapid stabilization circuitry and applies across the full 1.8–3.6 V supply range-enabling responsive event-driven operation in MSP430F6638IPZ sensor and metering systems.

Is the MSP430F6638IPZ pin-compatible with other MSP430F663x devices in the LQFP-100 package?

Yes, the MSP430F6638IPZ shares identical pinout, electrical characteristics, and register mapping with MSP430F6637IPZ and MSP430F6636IPZ in the 100-pin LQFP (PZ) package. All three devices support the same peripheral functions on corresponding pins-including USB_DP/DM, XT1/XT2, ADC inputs, and LCD segment drivers-allowing direct hardware reuse across firmware variants in MSP430F6638IPZ-based designs.