Texas Instruments MSP430F6720IPZR

Overview

MSP430F6720IPZR 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, LCD driver supporting up to 320 segments, and three eUSCI_A modules for UART/IrDA/SPI communication. It operates from 1.8 V to 3.6 V and delivers 265 µA/MHz active current at 8 MHz.

For engineers reviewing the MSP430F6720IPZR datasheet, MSP430F6720IPZR pinout, MSP430F6720IPZR application, or MSP430F6720IPZR equivalent, key selection criteria include its dual SD24_B ADC architecture, auxiliary supply support for RTC backup, LQFP-100 package with 72 GPIOs, and metering-specific peripherals including tamper detection-ready I/O and crystal-calibrated RTC.

Technical Context

The MSP430F6720IPZR implements a 16-bit RISC CPU with extended memory addressing and constant generators for optimized code efficiency. Its unified clock system includes FLL stabilization, VLO and REFO internal sources, and 32-kHz XT1 crystal support - all enabling sub-3 µs wake-up from LPM3 standby mode.

It features a dedicated auxiliary power subsystem (AUXVCC1–AUXVCC3) isolating RTC, backup RAM, and low-frequency oscillator from main supply domains. The SD24_B module supports differential PGA inputs with programmable gain, while ADC10_A provides six external and two internal channels including on-die temperature sensing.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

LQFP-100 (PZ) package with exposed thermal pad; 14 mm × 14 mm body size; RoHS-compliant; requires external connection of VDSYS/DVSYS for auxiliary supply routing.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with MSP430F6721IPZR and MSP430F6723IPZR, the MSP430F6720IPZR offers minimal memory footprint and cost-optimized peripheral configuration - ideal for entry-level single-phase meters where firmware size and BOM cost are primary constraints.

Availability

MSP430F6720IPZR is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for 2-wire metering, tamper-resistant utility endpoints, and smart grid edge nodes requiring stable component supply across long-lifecycle deployments.

Supply support for MSP430F6720IPZR 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 delivering analog and embedded processing solutions for industrial, automotive, and consumer applications.

The MSP430F6720IPZR belongs to TI's ultra-low-power metering MCU product line, engineered specifically for revenue-grade energy measurement with integrated sigma-delta ADCs, RTC, and LCD drivers - eliminating need for discrete metrology ASICs.

FAQ

What is the maximum operating frequency of the MSP430F6720IPZR?

The MSP430F6720IPZR supports a maximum system clock frequency of 25 MHz, enabled by its digitally controlled oscillator (DCO) and FLL-based clock stabilization. This allows real-time execution of metrology algorithms including RMS calculation, harmonic analysis, and tariff switching within strict timing windows required for IEC 62053 compliance.

Does the MSP430F6720IPZR support crystal oscillator calibration for the RTC?

Yes, the MSP430F6720IPZR includes password-protected RTC functionality with crystal offset calibration and temperature compensation. This feature ensures long-term timekeeping accuracy better than ±1 ppm across –40°C to 85°C, meeting requirements for time-of-use billing in utility-grade meters without external TCXO components.

How many analog input channels does the MSP430F6720IPZR support for metering applications?

The MSP430F6720IPZR supports six external analog input channels via its ADC10_A module and two internal channels (including a temperature sensor), plus two independent 24-bit SD24_B sigma-delta ADCs with differential PGA inputs - providing up to eight simultaneous high-precision measurement paths for voltage, current, and auxiliary signals.

What package type and pin count does the MSP430F6720IPZR use?

The MSP430F6720IPZR uses a 100-pin LQFP (PZ) package measuring 14 mm × 14 mm. It provides 72 general-purpose I/O pins, with dedicated analog input pins (SD0P0–SD1N0), auxiliary supply terminals (AUXVCC1–AUXVCC3), and LCD common outputs (COM0–COM3) mapped to specific physical locations per TI's SLAS731D datasheet.

Can the MSP430F6720IPZR operate from a single 3.3-V supply rail?

Yes, the MSP430F6720IPZR operates across a supply voltage range of 1.8 V to 3.6 V, making it fully compatible with standard 3.3-V systems. Its integrated LDO supports programmable core voltage regulation, and the device maintains full functionality-including all ADCs, RTC, and LCD driver-at 3.3 V with typical active current of 265 µA/MHz at 8 MHz.