Texas Instruments MSP430F6736IPZ

Overview

MSP430F6736IPZ 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), real-time clock with crystal offset calibration, and eUSCI modules supporting UART, IrDA, SPI, and I²C. Delivers 265 µA/MHz active current at 8 MHz/3.0 V with 128 KB Flash and 8 KB RAM in 100-pin LQFP.

For engineers reviewing the MSP430F6736IPZ datasheet, MSP430F6736IPZ pinout, MSP430F6736IPZ application, or MSP430F6736IPZ equivalent, key selection criteria include metrology-grade ADC performance (3× SD24_B), RTC accuracy with temperature compensation, auxiliary supply support for backup subsystems, and compliance with ANSI C12.20 and IEC 62053-21 standards for revenue-grade metering.

Technical Context

The MSP430F6736IPZ implements a 16-bit RISC CPU with extended memory addressing and constant generators for optimized code efficiency. Its unified clock system includes FLL stabilization, low-frequency internal sources (VLO, REFO), and 32-kHz crystal support for RTC operation - all enabling sub-3 µs wake-up from LPM3 standby mode.

Peripherals are architected for metrology: three independent SD24_B converters accept differential PGA inputs for simultaneous voltage/current/neutral channel sampling; ADC10_A provides auxiliary measurements including on-chip temperature sensing; dedicated AUXVCC pins isolate the RTC and backup memory subsystem from main supply noise.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: 100-pin LQFP (PZ), 14 mm × 14 mm, 0.5-mm pitch, thermally enhanced 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 MSP430F6735IPZ and MSP430F6726IPZ, the MSP430F6736IPZ uniquely delivers full 3-channel SD24_B metrology, 8 KB RAM for deep waveform buffers, and complete pin compatibility across the F673x family - making it the highest-specification option for Class 0.2 revenue meters requiring neutral monitoring and long-term data logging.

Availability

MSP430F6736IPZ is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for 2-wire single-phase metering, 3-wire single-phase metering, and tamper-resistant utility metering applications requiring stable component supply and long-term lifecycle support.

Supply support for MSP430F6736IPZ 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, with leadership in low-power microcontrollers and precision analog signal chains.

The MSP430F6736IPZ belongs to TI's MSP430F673x metrology-optimized MCU family, engineered specifically for revenue-grade electricity meters requiring high-accuracy ADCs, tamper-resistant RTC, and integrated LCD drivers - targeting ANSI C12.20 and IEC 62053-21 compliance.

FAQ

What is the maximum sampling rate supported by the SD24_B converters in the MSP430F6736IPZ?

The MSP430F6736IPZ SD24_B converters operate at up to 128 kSPS per channel with programmable oversampling ratios. Each of the three independent SD24_B modules supports synchronous start triggers, enabling simultaneous sampling across voltage, current, and neutral channels - critical for phase-angle accuracy in Class 0.2 metering applications per IEC 62053-21.

Does the MSP430F6736IPZ support hardware-based AES encryption for secure firmware updates?

No, the MSP430F6736IPZ does not include a hardware AES engine. Security relies on software-implemented cryptographic libraries and password-protected peripherals (e.g., RTC, Flash). For hardware-accelerated encryption, TI recommends migrating to the MSP432P4xx or CC13xx/CC26xx families - the MSP430F6736IPZ focuses on metrology precision, not cryptographic acceleration.

Can the MSP430F6736IPZ drive a 4-mux LCD display with more than 160 segments?

Yes, the MSP430F6736IPZ LCD_C controller supports up to 320 segments in 8-mux mode or 640 segments in 4-mux mode. In 4-mux configuration, it drives displays with up to 160 commons and 4 segments per common - exceeding 160 total segments. The integrated contrast control eliminates need for external resistor networks or charge pumps.

What is the purpose of the AUXVCC1, AUXVCC2, and AUXVCC3 pins on the MSP430F6736IPZ?

The AUXVCC1, AUXVCC2, and AUXVCC3 pins provide isolated power domains for the backup subsystem: AUXVCC1 powers the 32-kHz XT1 oscillator and RTC_C module; AUXVCC2 supplies the backup RAM (4×16 bits); AUXVCC3 powers the SD24_B reference buffer. This separation ensures metrology timing and data retention remain stable during main supply transients or brownouts.

Is the MSP430F6736IPZ pin-compatible with the MSP430F6736IPN variant?

No, the MSP430F6736IPZ (100-pin LQFP) and MSP430F6736IPN (80-pin LQFP) are not pin-compatible. The PZ package provides 72 GPIOs and all three SD24_B differential pairs (SD0–SD2), while the PN package offers only 52 GPIOs and omits SD2P0/SD2N0 pins - limiting it to two SD24_B channels. PCB layout must be redesigned when switching between packages.