Texas Instruments MSP430F6720IPZ

Overview

MSP430F6720IPZ from Texas Instruments is an ultra-low-power 16-bit 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 with temperature sensor, LCD driver for up to 320 segments, and three eUSCI_A modules supporting UART/IrDA/SPI plus one eUSCI_B module for I²C/SPI - all in a 100-pin LQFP package.

For engineers reviewing the MSP430F6720IPZ datasheet, MSP430F6720IPZ pinout, MSP430F6720IPZ application, or MSP430F6720IPZ equivalent, key selection considerations include its dual SD24_B ADC configuration, RTC with crystal offset calibration, auxiliary supply subsystem for backup operation, and support for tamper-resistant meter designs requiring long battery life and high-accuracy energy measurement.

Technical Context

The MSP430F6720IPZ implements a 16-bit RISC CPU with 25-MHz system clock capability, unified clock system featuring FLL, VLO, REFO, and 32-kHz XT1 crystal support, and flexible power management including programmable LDO core regulation and five low-power modes (LPM0–LPM4.5) with sub-µA standby current. Its architecture enables fast wake-up (3 µs typical) and efficient execution of metrology algorithms.

It features a dedicated auxiliary supply domain (AUXVCC1/2/3) isolating the RTC, backup RAM, and 32-kHz oscillator, enabling continuous timekeeping during main power loss. The SD24_B converters support differential PGA inputs with 24-bit resolution and integrated digital filters, while the ADC10_A provides six external and two internal channels with sample-and-hold and autoscan.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: 100-pin LQFP (PZ), 14 mm × 14 mm body size, exposed thermal pad not specified. Pin functions validated per TI SLAS731D Rev. September 2018, Figure 4-1 and Table 4-1.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with MSP430F6720IPZ, the F6721IPZ offers double the Flash/RAM for enhanced feature sets without changing pinout or power profile, while the F6723IPZ adds a third SD24_B channel - making it suitable for higher-channel-count or future-proofed meter designs where hardware scalability matters.

Availability

MSP430F6720IPZ is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for 2-wire single-phase metering, tamper-resistant utility meters, and smart grid endpoint nodes requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and traceable sourcing for industrial deployment.

Supply support for MSP430F6720IPZ 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 specializing in analog and embedded processing technologies, with leadership in low-power microcontrollers and precision analog solutions.

The MSP430F672x product line is designed specifically for single-phase electronic energy metering, integrating metrology-grade ADCs, RTC, LCD driver, and ultra-low-power operation to meet IEC 62053 and ANSI C12 standards.

FAQ

What is the maximum system clock frequency supported by the MSP430F6720IPZ?

The MSP430F6720IPZ supports a maximum system clock frequency of 25 MHz, enabled by its digitally controlled oscillator (DCO) and FLL-based clock stabilization. This allows high-speed execution of metrology algorithms while maintaining compatibility with the device's ultra-low-power architecture and timing-critical peripherals like the SD24_B ADCs and RTC.

Does the MSP430F6720IPZ include an integrated LCD driver, and what is its segment capacity?

Yes, the MSP430F6720IPZ includes the LCD_C controller supporting up to 320 segments in 8-mux mode. It provides integrated contrast control, charge pump, and COM/SEG drive capability - eliminating the need for external LCD bias circuitry. This integration reduces bill-of-materials cost and simplifies design for utility meter front-panel displays.

How many 24-bit sigma-delta ADC channels does the MSP430F6720IPZ have, and are they differential?

The MSP430F6720IPZ integrates two independent 24-bit SD24_B sigma-delta ADC modules, each supporting fully differential PGA inputs with programmable gain. These ADCs are optimized for high-accuracy current and voltage sampling in energy metering applications, meeting Class 0.2 accuracy requirements under IEC 62053-22.

What low-power modes are available on the MSP430F6720IPZ, and what is the lowest current consumption?

The MSP430F6720IPZ offers five low-power modes (LPM0–LPM4.5). The lowest active-retention mode is LPM4.5 (shutdown mode), consuming 0.78 µA at 3.0 V. LPM3.5 (RTC-only mode) draws 1.24 µA at 3.0 V, preserving real-time clock operation with crystal and full RAM retention - ideal for battery-backed meter timekeeping.

Is the MSP430F6720IPZ pin-compatible with other devices in the MSP430F672x family?

Yes, the MSP430F6720IPZ is pin-compatible with all other 100-pin PZ-package variants in the MSP430F672x family (e.g., MSP430F6721IPZ, MSP430F6723IPZ). They share identical pinouts, power domains, and peripheral mappings - enabling hardware reuse across different Flash/RAM and ADC channel configurations within the same footprint.