Texas Instruments MSP430F6720AIPZR

Overview

MSP430F6720AIPZR from Texas Instruments is an ultra-low-power mixed-signal microcontroller designed for single-phase electronic watt-hour metering. It integrates two 24-bit sigma-delta ADCs, a 10-bit 200-ksps ADC, LCD driver supporting up to 320 segments in 8-mux mode, three eUSCI_A modules (UART/IrDA/SPI), one eUSCI_B module (I²C/SPI), four 16-bit timers, hardware multiplier, and RTC with crystal offset calibration - all in a 100-pin LQFP package.

For engineers reviewing the MSP430F6720AIPZR datasheet, MSP430F6720AIPZR pinout, MSP430F6720AIPZR application, or MSP430F6720AIPZR 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 LPM3.5 mode (1.24 µA at 3.0 V), and integrated metrology peripherals enabling Class 0.5 accuracy in utility meter designs.

Technical Context

The MSP430F6720AIPZR implements a 16-bit RISC CPU with 25-MHz system clock capability and extended memory addressing. Its unified clock system includes FLL stabilization, VLO and REFO internal sources, and 32-kHz crystal support for RTC operation - all optimized for metrology-grade timing stability.

Power management features include a fully integrated LDO with programmable core voltage, supply supervision with brownout detection, and separate analog/digital/backup voltage domains (AVCC, DVCC, AUXVCCx). The device supports fast wake-up (3 µs typical) from standby mode and operates across 1.8–3.6 V supply range.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: 100-pin LQFP (PZ), 14 mm × 14 mm body size, standard JEDEC footprint with exposed thermal pad (per TI SLASE46A).

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with MSP430F6720AIPZR, the MSP430F6721AIPZR and MSP430F6723AIPZR retain identical metrology accuracy, low-power behavior, and pin compatibility but scale Flash/RAM to accommodate evolving firmware requirements - making them drop-in upgrades where board space and supply chain allow.

Availability

MSP430F6720AIPZR is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for single-phase metering, energy monitoring gateways, and utility grid sensor nodes requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and metrology-grade accuracy certification.

Supply support for MSP430F6720AIPZR 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 deep expertise in low-power design and precision metrology systems.

The MSP430F672xA product line targets utility metering applications, integrating high-resolution sigma-delta ADCs, RTC, LCD drivers, and ultra-low-power modes specifically to meet IEC 62053 and ANSI C12 standards.

FAQ

What is the maximum resolution and sampling rate supported by the analog-to-digital converters in the MSP430F6720AIPZR?

The MSP430F6720AIPZR integrates two 24-bit sigma-delta ADCs (SD24_B) optimized for metrology-grade current and voltage measurement, plus a separate 10-bit ADC operating at up to 200 ksps for auxiliary sensing. The SD24_B converters support programmable oversampling ratios and differential input configurations, enabling effective resolution beyond 24 bits in noise-limited metering environments. The 10-bit ADC includes sample-and-hold and autoscan for up to six external channels.

Does the MSP430F6720AIPZR support real-time clock operation during main power loss?

Yes, the MSP430F6720AIPZR supports RTC operation during main power loss via its dedicated backup subsystem. Pins AUXVCC1, AUXVCC2, and AUXVCC3 allow connection of a separate low-voltage source (e.g., coin cell or supercapacitor) to maintain the 32-kHz crystal oscillator and RTC registers. In Shutdown RTC Mode (LPM3.5), current consumption drops to 1.24 µA at 3.0 V while preserving timekeeping accuracy and full RAM retention.

How many LCD segments can the MSP430F6720AIPZR drive, and what multiplexing configurations are supported?

The MSP430F6720AIPZR's LCD_C module drives up to 320 segments in 8-mux mode, with dedicated COM0–COM7 pins and configurable SEG lines mapped across Ports P1–P8. It supports static, 2-mux, 3-mux, and 4-mux configurations as well, and includes integrated contrast control via internal resistor ladder and charge pump. This eliminates need for external LCD bias generators in single-phase meter displays.

What communication interfaces are integrated into the MSP430F6720AIPZR, and which are suitable for utility meter data transmission?

The MSP430F6720AIPZR integrates three eUSCI_A modules (supporting UART, IrDA, and SPI) and one eUSCI_B module (supporting I²C and SPI). For utility meter data transmission, eUSCI_A0/A1 are typically configured as UART for PLC modems or optical probe interfaces, while eUSCI_B supports I²C communication with secure elements or external EEPROM. IrDA capability enables handheld field reader compatibility per IEC 62056-21.

Is the MSP430F6720AIPZR pin-compatible with other devices in the MSP430F672x family?

Yes, the MSP430F6720AIPZR is pin-compatible with all 100-pin LQFP variants in the MSP430F672xA family (e.g., MSP430F6721AIPZR, MSP430F6723AIPZR) and shares identical pin functions, power domains, and peripheral mappings. Differences are limited to Flash/RAM size and SD24_B channel count (MSP430F6720A has two converters; higher variants retain the same two), allowing direct hardware reuse across firmware scalability tiers.