Texas Instruments MSP430F6638IZQWR

Overview

MSP430F6638IZQWR from Texas Instruments is an ultra-low-power 16-bit mixed-signal microcontroller with integrated USB 2.0 PHY, 256 KB flash, 16 KB + 2 KB RAM, 74 GPIO, and a 12-bit ADC (200 ksps, 16-channel autoscan). It operates from 1.8 V to 3.6 V and supports real-time clock (RTC) backup, LCD driver (160 segments), dual 12-bit DACs, and four 16-bit timers - deployed in battery-powered sensor systems and portable meters.

For engineers reviewing the MSP430F6638IZQWR datasheet, MSP430F6638IZQWR pinout, MSP430F6638IZQWR application, or MSP430F6638IZQWR equivalent, key selection criteria include USB integration without external transceiver, sub-2 µA LPM3 standby current at 3.0 V, 3 µs wake-up time, full-speed USB endpoint configuration (8 IN/8 OUT), and MicroStar Junior BGA (113-pin, 7 mm × 7 mm) packaging for space-constrained designs.

Technical Context

The MSP430F6638IZQWR implements a 16-bit RISC CPUXV2 core with constant generators and hardware multiplier supporting 32-bit operations. Its unified clock system integrates FLL stabilization, VLO and REFO internal sources, XT1 (32-kHz crystal), and XT2 (up to 32-MHz crystal), enabling precise timing across active and low-power modes.

Peripherals are tightly coupled via a 6-channel DMA controller and shared memory map: USB module includes integrated 3.3-V/1.8-V power system and USB-PLL; ADC12_A features internal reference (1.5/2.0/2.5 V), sample-and-hold, and autoscan; LCD_B drives up to 160 segments with contrast control; and RTC_B supports alarm and battery backup with dedicated SVS supervision.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MicroStar Junior™ BGA (113-pin, 7 mm × 7 mm) package with 74 configurable I/O pins, including dedicated USB DP/DM, crystal inputs (XT1/XT2), RTC backup supply (VBAT), and LCD segment/com drivers. Pin functions support multiplexed peripheral mapping via port-select registers.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with MSP430F6638IPZ, the MSP430F6638IZQWR offers 30% smaller PCB area and enhanced thermal dissipation; versus MSP430F6636IZQWR, it delivers double flash capacity for USB device class stacks, secure boot, and field-upgradable feature sets - critical for certified medical or utility-grade devices.

Availability

MSP430F6638IZQWR is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for energy metering, portable medical instrumentation, industrial sensor nodes, smart thermostats, and handheld test equipment requiring stable component supply throughout extended production lifecycles.

Supply support for MSP430F6638IZQWR 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 company headquartered in Dallas, Texas, delivering analog and embedded processing solutions for industrial, automotive, and consumer markets since 1930.

The MSP430F6638IZQWR belongs to the MSP430F663x ultra-low-power MCU family, designed specifically for battery-operated measurement and sensing applications demanding precision analog integration, USB connectivity, and multi-year runtime on primary cells.

FAQ

What is the maximum system clock frequency supported by the MSP430F6638IZQWR?

The MSP430F6638IZQWR supports a maximum system clock frequency of 20 MHz. This is achieved using the integrated FLL with XT2 crystal (up to 32 MHz input) or internal DCO, and is confirmed in Section 8.20 (DCO Frequency) and Section 4 functional block diagrams of the SLAS566G datasheet. The 20-MHz limit applies to MCLK operation and is independent of USB clock domain (which uses dedicated USB-PLL).

Does the MSP430F6638IZQWR support USB device enumeration without external components?

Yes, the MSP430F6638IZQWR supports full-speed USB 2.0 device enumeration with no external transceiver, level shifters, or termination resistors. Its integrated USB-PHY, 3.3-V/1.8-V power system, and USB-PLL meet USB specification requirements per Section 8.53–8.56 of the SLAS566G datasheet. Only standard USB-series resistors (15 kΩ pull-down on D+ and D−) are recommended for robustness.

How many I/O pins does the MSP430F6638IZQWR provide in its MicroStar Junior BGA package?

The MSP430F6638IZQWR provides 74 general-purpose I/O pins in the 113-pin MicroStar Junior BGA (ZQW) package. This is explicitly stated in Table 6-1 (Device Comparison) and confirmed in Section 7.1 pin diagrams and signal descriptions of the SLAS566G datasheet. All 74 pins are individually configurable with interrupt, pull-up/down, and drive strength control.

What is the standby current consumption of the MSP430F6638IZQWR in LPM3 mode?

The MSP430F6638IZQWR consumes 1.8 µA at 2.2 V and 2.1 µA at 3.0 V in LPM3 mode (watchdog + crystal + supply supervisor active, full RAM retention). These values are specified in the "Ultra-low power consumption" section under Standby Mode (LPM3) of the SLAS566G datasheet and validated across process corners per Section 8.5.

Can the MSP430F6638IZQWR drive a 160-segment LCD without external bias circuitry?

Yes, the MSP430F6638IZQWR integrates the LCD_B peripheral capable of driving up to 160 segments in static, 2-, 3-, or 4-mux configurations with programmable contrast control and internal charge pump. No external bias generator or resistor network is required, as confirmed in Section 3 Description and Section 8.35–8.36 of the SLAS566G datasheet.