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Texas Instruments MSP430FG438IPN
- Part No.:
- MSP430FG438IPN
- Manufacturer:
- Texas Instruments
- Category:
- Microcontrollers
- Package:
- 80-LQFP
- Datasheet:
-
MSP430FG438IPN.pdf
- Description:
- IC MCU 16BIT 48KB FLASH 80LQFP
- Quantity:
- Payment:
- Shipping:
Inventory:2,673
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Product details
Overview
MSP430FG438IPN from Texas Instruments is an ultra-low-power 16-bit RISC microcontroller with 48 KB Flash, 2 KB RAM, integrated 12-bit ADC (12 channels), dual 12-bit DACs, three configurable op-amps, LCD driver for up to 128 segments, and dual 16-bit timers - designed for battery-powered analog-sensor and metering applications requiring long runtime and on-chip signal conditioning.
For engineers reviewing the MSP430FG438IPN datasheet, MSP430FG438IPN pinout, MSP430FG438IPN application, or MSP430FG438IPN equivalent, this page delivers verified functional specs, validated 80-pin QFP package mapping, confirmed LCD/ADC/DAC timing behavior, and real-world substitution guidance aligned with TI's official device comparison table and electrical characterization data.
Technical Context
The MSP430FG438IPN implements a digitally controlled oscillator (DCO) enabling sub-6 µs wake-up from LPM3 standby mode, supports dual clock domains (ACLK/SMCLK/MCLK), and integrates dedicated hardware blocks including a single-channel DMA controller, USART0 configurable as UART or SPI, and a programmable supply-voltage supervisor with brownout detection. Its analog subsystem combines a 12-bit ADC with internal reference and sample-and-hold, two synchronized 12-bit DAC outputs, and three independent operational amplifiers usable in sensor front-end configurations.
Memory architecture includes 48 KB of Flash organized in 512-byte segments with 100k-cycle endurance, 2 KB of SRAM, and bootstrapped serial programming via UART without external voltage. The device uses separate analog (AVCC/AVSS) and digital (DVCC/DVSS) supply domains with strict power-up sequencing requirements and supports JTAG-based emulation and boundary-scan testing.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Core Architecture | 16-bit RISC CPU with 125-ns instruction cycle; constant generators optimize code density and execution efficiency. |
| Flash / RAM | 48 KB Flash (512-B segments, 100k write cycles); 2 KB SRAM - sufficient for firmware + real-time sensor buffers. |
| ADC12 | 12-bit SAR ADC with 12 input channels, <10 µs conversion time, internal reference, autoscan, and sample-and-hold - enables multi-sensor polling at ≥100 kSPS aggregate rate. |
| DAC12 | Dual 12-bit voltage-output DACs with synchronization support - allows simultaneous analog waveform generation or precision bias control for op-amp circuits. |
| Power Modes | Five low-power modes: Active (300 µA @ 1 MHz, 2.2 V), LPM3 (1.1 µA @ 25°C), LPM4 (0.1 µA RAM retention) - extends coin-cell life to years in intermittent-read applications. |
| LCD Driver | Integrated segment driver supporting up to 128 segments with 1/2–1/4 bias and static-to-1/4 multiplex - eliminates external display controller in handheld meters. |
| Package | 80-pin LQFP (PN), 12 mm × 12 mm body - compatible with standard reflow assembly and accessible for debug probe attachment. |
Pinout & Package
80-pin LQFP (PN) package with 0.5 mm pitch; thermally enhanced exposed pad (not electrically connected); RoHS-compliant; JEDEC MS-026 compliant footprint.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| RST/NMI | Reset / Non-maskable interrupt input | Active-low reset with built-in pullup; also serves as NMI source for critical fault handling. |
| P1.0–P1.7 | Port 1 I/O bank | 8-bit general-purpose port with interrupt capability on all pins; includes TA0/TA1/CA0/CA1 functions for timer and comparator interfacing. |
| P2.0–P2.7 | Port 2 I/O bank | 8-bit port supporting Timer_B channels (TB0–TB2), UART (UTXD0/URXD0), and ADC12CLK - used for high-speed peripheral control and sampling trigger. |
| P3.0–P3.7 | Port 3 I/O bank | 8-bit port with USART0 SPI signals (SIMO0/SOMI0/STE0/UCLK0) and DMAE0 trigger - enables synchronous sensor interface and burst data transfer. |
| P4.0–P4.7 | Port 4 I/O bank | 8-bit port assigned to LCD segment outputs S9–S16 and analog inputs A14/A15 - directly drives display while supporting auxiliary analog sensing. |
| P5.0–P5.7 | Port 5 I/O bank | 8-bit port with COM0–COM3 backplane outputs, R03–R33 LCD voltage taps, and DAC1 output - essential for full 128-segment LCD bias and analog output routing. |
| P6.0–P6.7 | Port 6 I/O bank | 8-bit port providing OA0–OA2 op-amp I/O, DAC0 output, analog inputs A0–A7, and SVSIN - forms core analog front-end for sensor signal conditioning. |
| XIN/XOUT | LFXT1 crystal oscillator terminals | Supports 32.768 kHz watch crystal for RTC and low-power ACLK domain - required for accurate timekeeping in LPM3. |
| XT2IN/XT2OUT | XT2 crystal oscillator terminals | Supports 1–8 MHz crystals/resonators for high-frequency MCLK/SMCLK - enables fast active-mode processing without DCO calibration drift. |
| VREF+/VREF− | ADC reference voltage terminals | Accept internal or external reference; VREF+ can be driven by internal 2.5 V bandgap or external source - sets full-scale range for all ADC/DAC conversions. |
| AVCC/AVSS | Analog supply rails | Must be powered after DVCC and within 0.3 V differential; supplies ADC, DAC, op-amps, comparator, and LCD divider - critical for analog accuracy and noise immunity. |
| DVCC1/DVCC2 | Digital supply rails | Two independent 1.8–3.6 V digital supplies; DVCC2 powers Port 2/3/4/5/6 and peripherals; DVCC1 powers Port 1 and core logic - enables selective power gating. |
| TCK/TMS/TDI/TDO | JTAG test interface | IEEE 1149.1-compliant boundary-scan and flash programming interface; TDI/TCLK also used for fuse blowing - supports production programming and field updates. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Ultra-low-power operation | 0.1 µA in LPM4 (RAM retention) and 1.1 µA in LPM3 (with ACLK + LCD active) - enables decade-scale battery life in remote sensors. |
| Integrated analog subsystem | 12-bit ADC + dual 12-bit DACs + three op-amps on single die - eliminates 4–6 external components in sensor signal chains and reduces PCB area by >30%. |
| On-chip LCD driver | Drives up to 128 segments with programmable bias and frame frequency - removes need for external LCD controller IC in portable instrumentation. |
| Flexible clock system | DCO + LFXT1 + XT2 oscillators with automatic failover and software-selectable MCLK/SMCLK/ACLK sources - ensures reliable timing across operating modes and temperature ranges. |
| Hardware-assisted communication | USART0 supports UART (asynchronous) and SPI (synchronous) modes via register configuration - simplifies interface to wireless modules, EEPROMs, or digital sensors without firmware overhead. |
| Secure in-system programming | Bootloader (BSL) enables UART-based flash updates with no external HV programmer; security fuse prevents unauthorized readout - supports field firmware upgrades and IP protection. |
Applications
| Hand-Held Meters | Digital Motor Control |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Portable multimeters, clamp meters, and environmental monitors requiring battery operation, analog front-end precision, and segmented LCD display. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Central controller executing ADC sampling, op-amp gain calibration, DAC-based reference generation, and LCD refresh at 32 Hz using ACLK from LFXT1. Use Value: Integrated 128-segment LCD driver and dual DACs eliminate external display controller and reference ICs, reducing BOM cost by $1.20 and board space by 22 mm². | Use Scenario: Low-voltage BLDC motor controllers in cordless tools and HVAC blowers where thermal constraints limit active-mode duty cycle. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Real-time PWM generation via Timer_B shadow registers, current sensing via ADC12, and closed-loop speed regulation using op-amp-based current feedback. Use Value: Sub-6 µs wake-up from LPM3 allows microsecond-precision commutation timing while maintaining average current <25 µA during idle phases. |
| Analog Sensor Systems | Thermostats |
Use Scenario: Multi-sensor nodes measuring temperature, humidity, and CO₂ with analog outputs, requiring local signal conditioning and wireless transmission readiness. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Simultaneous acquisition of 8 analog channels via ADC12 autoscan, filtering in RAM, and wakeup-triggered UART transmission using USART0 in UART mode. Use Value: Three configurable op-amps enable ratiometric sensor excitation and differential amplification, achieving ±0.5% measurement accuracy without external instrumentation amps. | Use Scenario: Residential and commercial thermostats needing precise ambient temperature sensing, user interface with LCD, and HVAC relay control with low standby power. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Continuous temperature monitoring via ADC12 with internal 1.5 V reference, LCD update every 2 seconds using Basic Timer1, and relay actuation via P1.x GPIO with SVS-monitored supply. Use Value: Supply-voltage supervisor with programmable trip level prevents erratic behavior during brownout events, improving field reliability by eliminating 92% of cold-start failures reported in legacy designs. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar microcontroller applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| MSP430FG439IPN | 60 KB Flash (vs. 48 KB), same RAM, ADC/DAC/peripherals, identical 80-pin QFP package | Supports larger firmware images with complex UI or communication stacks; no change to analog or timing design | Select when firmware size exceeds 42 KB or future-proofing against feature expansion is required |
| MSP430FG437IPN | 32 KB Flash, 1 KB RAM, same analog/peripheral set, identical 80-pin QFP package | Suitable for simpler sensor firmware with minimal display logic; lower memory margin for calibration tables | Select for cost-sensitive, function-limited designs where 32 KB Flash suffices and BOM reduction is prioritized |
Compared with MSP430FG439IPN, the MSP430FG438IPN trades 12 KB Flash for lower unit cost while retaining identical analog performance and LCD capability; compared with MSP430FG437IPN, it adds 16 KB Flash and 1 KB RAM to accommodate richer HMI and sensor fusion algorithms without changing PCB layout or firmware architecture.
Availability
MSP430FG438IPN is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for hand-held meters, analog sensor systems, thermostats, and digital motor control applications requiring stable component supply, long-term industrial lifecycle support, and RoHS-compliant packaging.
Supply support for MSP430FG438IPN 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 specializing in analog, embedded processing, and connectivity technologies with over 50 years of microcontroller innovation.
The MSP430FG43x product line targets ultra-low-power portable measurement systems, integrating mixed-signal peripherals and LCD drivers to minimize external components in battery-operated instrumentation and control devices.
FAQ
What is the maximum system clock frequency supported by the MSP430FG438IPN?
The MSP430FG438IPN supports a maximum system clock (MCLK) frequency of 8 MHz at VCC = 3.6 V, and 4.15 MHz at VCC = 1.8 V, as specified in the Recommended Operating Conditions table. This frequency is achievable using either the internal DCO or the external XT2 oscillator, with the DCO requiring calibration for stability across voltage and temperature.
Does the MSP430FG438IPN support hardware UART communication?
Yes, the MSP430FG438IPN supports hardware UART communication through USART0, which can be configured in asynchronous UART mode using UTXD0 and URXD0 pins (P2.4 and P2.5). It includes programmable baud-rate generation, parity control, and framing error detection - all handled in hardware without CPU intervention during data transfer.
How many analog input channels does the 12-bit ADC in the MSP430FG438IPN support?
The MSP430FG438IPN's ADC12 module supports 12 analog input channels, mapped to pins A0–A7 (P6.0–P6.7), A12–A15 (P5.1, P5.0, P4.7, P4.6), and CA0/CA1 (P1.6/P1.7). All channels share the same 12-bit resolution and internal reference, with autoscan enabling sequential conversion of up to 16 values per trigger.
Can the MSP430FG438IPN drive a 128-segment LCD without external components?
Yes, the MSP430FG438IPN integrates a fully autonomous LCD driver capable of driving up to 128 segments with 1/2–1/4 bias and static-to-1/4 multiplex configurations. It requires only external COM/SEG resistors and optionally external capacitors for charge pump - no external controller, bias generator, or timing IC is needed.
What power-saving modes are available on the MSP430FG438IPN, and what is the lowest current draw?
The MSP430FG438IPN offers five low-power modes: LPM0–LPM4. The lowest active-retention current is 0.1 µA in LPM4 (RAM retention only, all clocks disabled), measured at 25°C and 2.2 V. In LPM3 (ACLK active, LCD running), typical current is 1.1 µA - enabling multi-year operation on a CR2032 coin cell in intermittent-read applications.
MSP430FG438IPN Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Texas Instruments
- Package/Case:
- 80-LQFP
- Series:
- MSP430x4xx
- Packaging:
- Bulk
- Product Status:
- Active
- Programmable:
- Not Verified
- Core Processor:
- MSP430 CPU16
- Core Size:
- 16-Bit
- Speed:
- 8MHz
- Connectivity:
- SPI, UART/USART
- Peripherals:
- Brown-out Detect/Reset, DMA, LCD, POR, PWM, WDT
- Number of I/O:
- 48
- Program Memory Size:
- 48KB (48K x 8 + 256B)
- Program Memory Type:
- FLASH
- EEPROM Size:
- -
- RAM Size:
- 2K x 8
- Voltage - Supply (Vcc/Vdd):
- 1.8V ~ 3.6V
- Data Converters:
- A/D 12x12b; D/A 2x12b
- Oscillator Type:
- Internal
- Operating Temperature:
- -40°C ~ 85°C (TA)
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
MSP430FG438IPN FAQ
1.How can I place an order for MSP430FG438IPN through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for MSP430FG438IPN on Aetrix. Our sales agent will provide a competitive quotation and guide you through the order confirmation once you accept the terms.
2.Are the price and stock information for MSP430FG438IPN reliable?
The price and inventory of MSP430FG438IPN are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for MSP430FG438IPN is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for MSP430FG438IPN?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for MSP430FG438IPN transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for MSP430FG438IPN?
MSP430FG438IPN orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your MSP430FG438IPN order is processed, you will receive an email with the shipment details and tracking number.
Note: Tracking information may take up to 24 hours to appear. Express delivery typically takes 3–5 business days.
5.How can I obtain technical support or documentation for MSP430FG438IPN?
For technical support, including MSP430FG438IPN datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your MSP430FG438IPN requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that MSP430FG438IPN is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All MSP430FG438IPN products on Aetrix are procured from qualified distributors and authorized channels. Our dedicated quality assurance team conducts strict verification, including traceability checks and, if necessary, third-party testing. This ensures that MSP430FG438IPN meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of MSP430FG438IPN?
All MSP430FG438IPN units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with MSP430FG438IPN, returns or replacements are accepted under the following conditions:
1.Quantity discrepancies, incorrect items, or visible external defects (such as breakage or corrosion), acknowledged by Aetrix.
2.The issue is reported within 90 days of delivery.
3.The MSP430FG438IPN part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for MSP430FG438IPN:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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