Texas Instruments MSP430F6736IPNR

Overview

MSP430F6736IPNR from Texas Instruments is a 16-bit ultra-low-power mixed-signal microcontroller designed for single-phase electronic watt-hour metering. It integrates three 24-bit sigma-delta ADCs, a 10-bit 200-ksps ADC, LCD driver (up to 320 segments), RTC with crystal offset calibration, and eUSCI modules supporting UART, IrDA, SPI, and I²C. It operates from 1.8 V to 3.6 V and delivers 265 µA/MHz active current at 8 MHz.

For engineers reviewing the MSP430F6736IPNR datasheet, MSP430F6736IPNR pinout, MSP430F6736IPNR application, or MSP430F6736IPNR equivalent, key selection criteria include metrology-grade ADC performance, integrated LCD timing control, low-power RTC operation in LPM3.5 (1.24 µA), and support for tamper-resistant meter designs requiring auxiliary supply isolation and backup memory.

Technical Context

The MSP430F6736IPNR implements a 16-bit RISC CPU with 25-MHz system clock capability, unified clock system featuring FLL, REFO, VLO, and XT1 (32-kHz crystal), and flexible power management with programmable LDO core regulation. Its peripheral set is architected specifically for energy measurement: SD24_B converters accept differential PGA inputs for current/voltage sensing, while ADC10_A provides auxiliary channel monitoring including on-chip temperature sensing.

It supports four 16-bit Timer_A modules (one with three capture/compare registers, three with two each), 3-channel DMA, hardware multiplier for 32-bit operations, and dedicated auxiliary supply pins (AUXVCC1–AUXVCC3) enabling independent biasing of metrology subsystems. The device uses segmented LCD controller with integrated contrast control and requires external connection of VDSYS/DVSYS for proper auxiliary domain operation.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

The MSP430F6736IPNR is packaged in an 80-pin LQFP (PN) with 12 mm × 12 mm body size and standard 0.5-mm pitch. Pin functions are fully mappable for secondary digital peripherals; default mapping aligns with metrology signal routing requirements.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with MSP430F6735IPNR and MSP430F6726IPNR, the MSP430F6736IPNR uniquely provides three full SD24_B converters, 8 KB RAM for extended data buffering, and complete feature parity across all eUSCI and timer modules - making it the highest-capability variant for advanced single-phase meter designs requiring maximum metrology flexibility.

Availability

MSP430F6736IPNR is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for 2-wire single-phase metering, 3-wire single-phase metering, and tamper-resistant metering applications requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and metrology-grade ADC performance.

Supply support for MSP430F6736IPNR 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 MSP430F6736IPNR belongs to TI's MSP430F673x ultra-low-power metrology microcontroller family, engineered specifically for single-phase electronic watt-hour meters with integrated LCD, RTC, and multi-channel sigma-delta ADCs.

FAQ

What is the maximum system clock frequency supported by the MSP430F6736IPNR?

The MSP430F6736IPNR 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 ultra-low power consumption in active mode (265 µA/MHz at 8 MHz). The device achieves sub-3 µs wake-up from LPM3, ensuring responsive real-time metering operations.

Does the MSP430F6736IPNR include an integrated LCD controller, and what is its segment capacity?

Yes, the MSP430F6736IPNR includes the LCD_C controller supporting up to 320 segments in 8-mux configuration. It features integrated contrast control, charge pump, and static drive capability - eliminating the need for external LCD bias circuitry. This makes the MSP430F6736IPNR ideal for utility meters with alphanumeric or graphical segment-based displays requiring long-term reliability and low power.

How many sigma-delta ADC channels does the MSP430F6736IPNR have, and what is their resolution?

The MSP430F6736IPNR integrates three independent 24-bit sigma-delta ADCs (SD24_B) with differential PGA inputs. Each channel supports programmable gain (1× to 32×), offset calibration, and oversampling - enabling high-accuracy current and voltage measurement per IEC 62053-21 Class 0.2 standards. The MSP430F6736IPNR is the only variant in the F673x PN package offering all three SD24_B channels.

What low-power modes are available on the MSP430F6736IPNR, and what is the current draw in RTC-active standby?

The MSP430F6736IPNR offers multiple low-power modes including LPM3 (RTC active, full RAM retention) at 1.7 µA (2.2 V) and LPM3.5 (RTC active with 32-kHz crystal) at 1.24 µA (3.0 V). These modes enable decade-long battery-backed timekeeping in utility meters. LPM4.5 draws just 0.78 µA, supporting ultra-low-power shutdown states while preserving RTC context.

Is the MSP430F6736IPNR pin-compatible with other devices in the MSP430F673x family?

Yes, the MSP430F6736IPNR is pin-compatible with all other 80-pin LQFP (PN) variants in the MSP430F673x family, including MSP430F6735IPNR and MSP430F6734IPNR. Shared pinout enables hardware reuse across meter tiers - for example, upgrading from F6735 to F6736 requires only firmware changes to leverage the additional SD24_B channel and RAM.