Texas Instruments MSP430FR4131IG48

Overview

MSP430FR4131IG48 from Texas Instruments is a 16-bit ultra-low-power mixed-signal microcontroller with 4KB program FRAM + 512B information FRAM + 512B RAM, integrated 10-bit 200 ksps ADC, and LCD driver supporting up to 4×24 or 8×20 segments in 48-pin TSSOP package. It operates from 1.8 V to 3.6 V and delivers 126 µA/MHz active current at 3 V, targeting battery-powered metering and portable health devices.

For engineers reviewing the MSP430FR4131IG48 datasheet, MSP430FR4131IG48 pinout, MSP430FR4131IG48 application, or MSP430FR4131IG48 equivalent, key selection criteria include FRAM endurance (10¹⁵ write cycles), LPM3.5 standby current (≤1 µA with RTC + LCD), capacitive touch I/O capability on all pins, and dual eUSCI modules supporting UART/I²C/SPI.

Technical Context

The MSP430FR4131IG48 implements a 16-bit RISC CPU with constant generators for code efficiency and integrates a digitally controlled oscillator (DCO) with FLL for ±1% accuracy at room temperature. Its clock system includes REFO (32 kHz), VLO (10 kHz), MODCLK, and external XT1 crystal support.

It features two Timer_A3 peripherals (each with three capture/compare registers), CRC16 engine, RTC counter, and intelligent LCD controller with on-chip charge pump enabling segment drive in LPM3.5. All 44 GPIOs are software-configurable as capacitive touch inputs or LCD SEG/COM lines.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: 48-pin TSSOP (DGG), 12.5 mm × 6.1 mm body size, lead pitch 0.5 mm.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with MSP430FR4131IG48, the IG56 variant offers expanded I/O and LCD capacity at the cost of board area, while the IG48-based MSP430FR4132 provides double FRAM for firmware growth without layout change - both retain identical low-power behavior and peripheral feature set.

Availability

MSP430FR4131IG48 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for remote controls, thermostats, and water meters requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle assurance, and consistent parametric performance across production batches.

Supply support for MSP430FR4131IG48 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 with emphasis on energy efficiency and system integration.

The MSP430FR41xx product line targets ultra-low-power LCD applications such as smart meters and portable medical devices, combining FRAM nonvolatility with sub-µA standby operation and integrated analog peripherals.

FAQ

What is the maximum operating frequency of the MSP430FR4131IG48?

The MSP430FR4131IG48 supports a maximum CPU clock frequency of 16 MHz using its on-chip digitally controlled oscillator (DCO) with frequency-locked loop (FLL). This allows deterministic real-time execution while maintaining ultra-low power consumption in active mode (126 µA/MHz at 3 V). The DCO achieves ±1% accuracy at room temperature with the internal reference, and higher precision is attainable using an external 32-kHz crystal (XT1) for FLL calibration. MSP430FR4131IG48 does not require external clock sources for basic operation.

Does the MSP430FR4131IG48 support capacitive touch sensing on all I/O pins?

Yes, the MSP430FR4131IG48 supports capacitive touch sensing on all 44 general-purpose I/O pins. This capability is implemented in hardware without requiring external components or dedicated touch controller ICs. Each pin can be configured as a capacitive touch input through software-controlled timing and charge-transfer measurement, enabling robust button, slider, or proximity detection in battery-constrained applications. MSP430FR4131IG48 leverages its low-power architecture to perform touch scans during brief wake-ups from LPM3.5, minimizing average current draw.

What LCD configurations does the MSP430FR4131IG48 support in its 48-pin TSSOP package?

In the 48-pin TSSOP (DGG) package, the MSP430FR4131IG48 supports up to 4×24 or 8×20 segment LCD configurations. This is enabled by 44 GPIOs assignable as SEG or COM lines, including dedicated LCD charge pump pins (LCDCAP0/LCDCAP1) and programmable contrast control in 0.06-V steps from 2.6 V to 3.5 V. The on-chip charge pump sustains LCD operation in LPM3.5 mode with ≤1 µA current, eliminating external bias circuitry. MSP430FR4131IG48's LCD controller fully integrates timing, multiplexing, and voltage generation for direct drive of passive segment displays.

How much FRAM and RAM does the MSP430FR4131IG48 include?

The MSP430FR4131IG48 integrates 4096 bytes of program FRAM, 512 bytes of information FRAM, and 512 bytes of SRAM. The FRAM is unified memory - usable for code, constants, and data storage - with 10¹⁵ write cycle endurance, built-in error correction code (ECC), and configurable write protection. Unlike flash, FRAM allows byte-level writes without erase cycles, enabling efficient data logging and parameter storage. MSP430FR4131IG48's RAM provides volatile working memory for stack and variables during active operation.

What communication interfaces are available on the MSP430FR4131IG48?

The MSP430FR4131IG48 includes two enhanced universal serial communication interfaces: eUSCI_A0 supports UART, IrDA, and SPI; eUSCI_B0 supports SPI and I²C. These modules operate independently and can be clocked from multiple sources (SMCLK, ACLK, or internal clocks), enabling concurrent communication with sensors (via I²C), host processors (via UART), or peripherals (via SPI). MSP430FR4131IG48 does not include USB, CAN, or Ethernet interfaces - its focus is on low-power, short-range embedded connectivity.