Texas Instruments MSP430F6720AIPN

Overview

MSP430F6720AIPN from Texas Instruments is an ultra-low-power mixed-signal microcontroller designed for single-phase energy metering applications. It integrates two 24-bit sigma-delta ADCs, a 10-bit 200-ksps ADC, LCD driver supporting up to 320 segments, three eUSCI_A modules (UART/IrDA/SPI), one eUSCI_B module (I²C/SPI), four 16-bit timers, RTC with crystal offset calibration, and 16 KB flash/1 KB RAM in an 80-pin LQFP package.

For engineers reviewing the MSP430F6720AIPN datasheet, MSP430F6720AIPN pinout, MSP430F6720AIPN application, or MSP430F6720AIPN equivalent, key selection criteria include its dual SD24_B ADC architecture for current/voltage channel separation, auxiliary supply support for backup subsystem operation, low-power RTC modes (LPM3.5: 1.24 µA), and metering-specific peripherals including temperature-compensated RTC and integrated LCD contrast control.

Technical Context

The MSP430F6720AIPN implements a 16-bit RISC CPU with 25-MHz system clock capability and flexible power management including programmable LDO core regulation, supply voltage supervision, and dual auxiliary power supply support. Its unified clock system combines FLL stabilization, VLO, REFO, and 32-kHz XT1 crystal interface for precise timing across active and low-power modes.

Peripherals are optimized for metrology: two independent 24-bit SD24_B converters with differential PGA inputs enable simultaneous voltage and current sampling with high dynamic range; the 10-bit ADC provides auxiliary sensing (e.g., temperature); and the LCD_C module supports 8-mux segment driving with on-chip contrast control-eliminating external bias components in meter displays.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: 80-pin LQFP (PN), 12 mm × 12 mm body size, standard JEDEC footprint with exposed thermal pad (not electrically connected).

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar metrology microcontroller applications.

Compared with MSP430F6720AIPN, the MSP430F6721AIPN and MSP430F6723AIPN retain identical metrology accuracy, LCD drive capability, and ultra-low-power RTC operation-but provide scalable flash/RAM for evolving communication, security, and data logging requirements in next-generation meters.

Availability

MSP430F6720AIPN is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for single-phase watt-hour meters, energy monitoring gateways, and portable power quality analyzers requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and traceable sourcing for utility-grade deployments.

Supply support for MSP430F6720AIPN 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 and embedded processing solutions, with decades of expertise in ultra-low-power microcontrollers and precision metrology ICs.

The MSP430F672x family is engineered specifically for single-phase energy measurement, integrating metrology-grade ADCs, RTC, LCD driver, and low-power architecture to replace discrete metering subsystems with a single-chip solution.

FAQ

What is the maximum sampling rate supported by the SD24_B ADCs in MSP430F6720AIPN?

The MSP430F6720AIPN's SD24_B ADCs support up to 256 kSPS aggregate throughput across both converters. Each SD24_B module operates at up to 128 kSPS with 24-bit resolution, configurable for oversampling ratios from 64× to 1024× to optimize SNR versus conversion speed - critical for meeting IEC 62053-22 harmonic accuracy requirements in MSP430F6720AIPN-based meters.

Does MSP430F6720AIPN support crystal calibration for the RTC?

Yes, MSP430F6720AIPN includes password-protected crystal offset calibration in its RTC_C module. It allows software-adjusted trimming of the 32.768-kHz crystal frequency in 1-ppm steps across ±127 ppm range, compensating for aging and temperature drift - ensuring timekeeping accuracy remains within ±5 ppm over –40°C to +85°C for MSP430F6720AIPN deployments in outdoor meter enclosures.

How many LCD segments can MSP430F6720AIPN drive, and what mux configuration is supported?

MSP430F6720AIPN drives up to 320 segments using its LCD_C module in 8-mux mode. It provides 8 common outputs (COM0–COM7) and 40 segment outputs (S0–S39), with integrated contrast control eliminating external bias components - enabling direct connection to standard 8-mux alphanumeric LCDs used in MSP430F6720AIPN-based utility meters without external voltage dividers.

What low-power modes are available in MSP430F6720AIPN, and what is the lowest active current draw?

MSP430F6720AIPN offers five low-power modes: LPM0–LPM4 plus LPM3.5 and LPM4.5. The lowest active-mode current is 140 µA/MHz (RAM execution, 3.0 V, 8 MHz). In shutdown mode (LPM4.5), it draws just 0.78 µA at 3.0 V - allowing MSP430F6720AIPN to maintain RTC and backup RAM while extending battery life in portable or backup-powered meter applications.

Can MSP430F6720AIPN perform simultaneous sampling across its two SD24_B ADCs?

Yes, MSP430F6720AIPN supports hardware-synchronized start of conversion across both SD24_B modules using the SD24BCTL0 register's SYNC bit. This ensures phase-aligned voltage and current sampling critical for accurate active/reactive power calculation - a required feature for IEC 62053-21 Class 0.5 meter certification that MSP430F6720AIPN delivers natively.