Texas Instruments MSP430FG4617IZQWR

Overview

MSP430FG4617IZQWR from Texas Instruments is an ultra-low-power 16-bit mixed-signal microcontroller featuring 92KB+256B flash, 8KB RAM, a 12-bit ADC with 12 channels, dual 12-bit DACs, three configurable op amps, integrated LCD driver (160 segments), and dual 16-bit timers (Timer_A3 and Timer_B7). It operates from 1.8 V to 3.6 V and targets portable medical devices and electronic metering systems requiring long battery life and analog signal conditioning.

For engineers reviewing the MSP430FG4617IZQWR datasheet, MSP430FG4617IZQWR pinout, MSP430FG4617IZQWR application, or MSP430FG4617IZQWR equivalent, key selection criteria include its MicroStar Junior BGA-113 package, 80 I/O pins, on-chip LCD charge pump, real-time clock capability, and support for UART/I²C/SPI via USCI_A0 and USCI_B0 interfaces.

Technical Context

The MSP430FG4617IZQWR implements the MSP430xG461x architecture with CPUX core, FLL+ frequency locking loop, and five low-power modes enabling sub-µA standby current (1.3 µA) and wake-up in under 6 µs. Its analog subsystem integrates a 12-bit ADC with internal reference and autoscan, dual synchronized 12-bit DACs, and three programmable op amps usable in sensor front-end or signal reconstruction roles.

Digital peripherals include two independent 16-bit timers with capture/compare registers (Timer_A3 with three, Timer_B7 with seven plus shadow registers), universal serial communication interfaces supporting UART, IrDA, SPI, and I²C, and hardware DMA supporting three channels for autonomous data movement between memory and peripherals without CPU intervention.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: MicroStar Junior™ BGA (113-ball, 7 mm × 7 mm, ZQW). Ball pitch: 0.5 mm. Thermal pad: none. RoHS-compliant, lead-free finish.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with MSP430FG4617IZQWR, the FG4618 offers more flash for complex firmware while maintaining identical analog performance and power profile; the CG4617 replaces flash with ROM for immutable, lower-cost deployment in fixed-feature products.

Availability

MSP430FG4617IZQWR is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for portable medical devices, electronic energy meters, and industrial sensor nodes requiring stable component supply and long-term lifecycle support.

Supply support for MSP430FG4617IZQWR 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 digital signal technologies with decades of MCU innovation.

The MSP430FG4617IZQWR belongs to the MSP430xG461x ultra-low-power mixed-signal MCU family, designed specifically for battery-operated measurement applications demanding precision analog integration, extended sleep duration, and minimal active power consumption.

FAQ

What is the package type and ball count for MSP430FG4617IZQWR?

The MSP430FG4617IZQWR uses the MicroStar Junior™ BGA package with 113 balls in a 7 mm × 7 mm footprint and 0.5 mm pitch. This compact, surface-mount package supports high-density PCB layouts and is optimized for portable applications. The ZQW designation confirms this specific variant, and all ZQW-orderable parts are marked Last Time Buy per TI's Package Option Addendum.

Does MSP430FG4617IZQWR support real-time clock functionality?

Yes, the MSP430FG4617IZQWR includes a Basic Timer module with real-time clock (RTC) capability. It supports calendar mode with year/month/day/hour/minute/second tracking, alarm interrupts, and automatic leap-year correction. This RTC operates independently in LPM3 and requires only the 32.768-kHz watch crystal (XT1) for accuracy, making it ideal for time-stamped data logging in e-meters and medical devices.

How many analog input channels does the 12-bit ADC in MSP430FG4617IZQWR support?

The MSP430FG4617IZQWR features a 12-bit successive-approximation ADC (ADC12) with 12 selectable analog input channels (A0–A7, A12–A15). It supports internal reference (2.5 V), external reference, sample-and-hold, and autoscan mode - enabling continuous conversion across multiple sensors without CPU intervention, critical for multi-parameter medical or metering systems.

Can MSP430FG4617IZQWR drive a segment LCD without external components?

Yes, the MSP430FG4617IZQWR integrates an LCD_A peripheral capable of driving up to 160 segments with software-selectable bias (static to 1:4 mux) and a regulated on-chip charge pump. When LCDCPEN = 1, it generates internal LCD voltages (VLCD) from DVCC, eliminating the need for external bias generators or capacitors beyond the required LCDCAP decoupling capacitor.

What communication interfaces are available on MSP430FG4617IZQWR?

The MSP430FG4617IZQWR provides two universal serial communication interfaces: USCI_A0 (supporting UART, IrDA, and SPI) and USCI_B0 (supporting SPI and I²C). Additionally, it includes USART1 (UART/SPI) and hardware DMA for zero-CPU-overhead data transfers. These interfaces enable concurrent communication with sensors (I²C), displays (SPI), and host systems (UART), essential for multi-peripheral embedded designs.