Texas Instruments MSP430FG438IPNR

Overview

MSP430FG438IPNR from Texas Instruments is an ultra-low-power 16-bit RISC microcontroller featuring 48 KB Flash, 2 KB RAM, a 12-bit ADC with 12 channels and autoscan, dual 12-bit DACs, three configurable op-amps, two 16-bit timers (Timer_A3 and Timer_B3), integrated LCD driver for up to 128 segments, and USART supporting UART/SPI modes - designed for battery-powered analog sensor systems and digital metering applications.

For engineers reviewing the MSP430FG438IPNR datasheet, MSP430FG438IPNR pinout, MSP430FG438IPNR application, or MSP430FG438IPNR equivalent, key selection criteria include its 1.8–3.6 V supply range, sub-1 µA LPM4 current, 48 I/O pins, 80-pin QFP (PN) package, and integrated analog peripherals enabling single-chip sensor front-end + display control.

Technical Context

The MSP430FG438IPNR implements a 16-bit CPU with constant generators and a digitally controlled oscillator (DCO), enabling wake-up from LPM3 in under 6 µs. Its analog subsystem integrates a 12-bit ADC with internal reference and sample-and-hold, dual synchronized 12-bit DACs, and three programmable op-amps usable as amplifiers, comparators, or filters.

Digital peripherals include a single-channel DMA controller, hardware USART configurable as UART or SPI, brownout detector, supply-voltage supervisor with programmable threshold, and bootloadable flash memory with security fuse - all operating within five low-power modes optimized for extended battery life in portable measurement devices.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: 80-pin LQFP (PN), 12 mm × 12 mm, 0.5 mm pitch, RoHS-compliant.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar mixed-signal microcontroller applications.

Compared with MSP430FG439IPNR and MSP430FG437IPNR, the MSP430FG438IPNR delivers optimal balance of memory (48 KB Flash/2 KB RAM), ultra-low-power operation, and integrated analog peripherals - making it ideal for mid-complexity portable instrumentation where code size exceeds 32 KB but does not require 60 KB.

Availability

MSP430FG438IPNR is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for analog sensor systems, hand-held meters, and programmable thermostats requiring stable component supply and long-term industrial availability.

Supply support for MSP430FG438IPNR 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 delivering analog, embedded processing, and connectivity solutions for industrial, automotive, and consumer markets.

The MSP430FG43x product line targets ultra-low-power portable measurement applications, integrating high-precision analog peripherals, LCD drivers, and energy-efficient processing in a single chip.

FAQ

What is the maximum system clock frequency supported by the MSP430FG438IPNR?

The MSP430FG438IPNR supports a maximum system clock (MCLK) frequency of 8 MHz at 3.6 V supply voltage, and 4.15 MHz at 1.8 V. This is achieved using the internal digitally controlled oscillator (DCO) with FLL+ modulation, and is validated across the full operating temperature range of –40°C to +85°C per the device's recommended operating conditions.

Does the MSP430FG438IPNR support external crystal oscillators?

Yes, the MSP430FG438IPNR supports two external crystal oscillators: XT1 (32.768 kHz watch crystal or 1–8 MHz crystal/resonator) and XT2 (1–8 MHz crystal/resonator). XT1 provides low-frequency clocking for ACLK and real-time functions; XT2 supplies higher-frequency clock sources for MCLK or SMCLK when greater timing precision is required than the DCO alone can provide.

How many I/O pins does the MSP430FG438IPNR have, and what are their capabilities?

The MSP430FG438IPNR provides 48 general-purpose I/O pins distributed across Ports P1–P6. All pins support digital input/output with Schmitt-trigger inputs, programmable pullup/pulldown resistors, and interrupt capability on edge transitions. Many pins are multifunctional - serving as analog inputs (A0–A15), timer capture/compare signals, USART lines, LCD segment/com outputs, DAC outputs, or op-amp terminals - as defined in the pin configuration table.

Can the MSP430FG438IPNR drive a 128-segment LCD directly without external components?

Yes, the MSP430FG438IPNR integrates a dedicated LCD controller/driver capable of directly driving up to 128 segments using four commons (COM0–COM3). It supports static, 2-, 3-, or 4-mux configurations and includes internal resistor ladder bias generation - eliminating the need for external bias networks, charge pumps, or driver ICs in most standard LCD implementations.

What low-power modes are available on the MSP430FG438IPNR, and how do they differ?

The MSP430FG438IPNR offers five low-power modes (LPM0–LPM4). LPM0–LPM2 disable CPU but retain SMCLK/MCLK; LPM3 stops DCO and uses ACLK only (e.g., for RTC or LCD); LPM4 shuts down all clocks including ACLK and retains only RAM. Current consumption ranges from 55 µA (LPM0) to 0.1 µA (LPM4), with wakeup latency from <1 µs (LPM0) to <6 µs (LPM3), enabling fine-grained power optimization per application phase.