Texas Instruments MSP430FR5736IPWR

Overview

MSP430FR5736IPWR from Texas Instruments is an ultra-low-power 16-bit FRAM microcontroller with 16KB nonvolatile memory, 1KB RAM, 10-bit ADC (12 external + 2 internal channels), and dual eUSCI modules supporting UART/IrDA/SPI/I²C. It operates from 2 V to 3.6 V across –40°C to 85°C and targets battery-powered sensor nodes requiring fast write endurance and RTC-based data logging.

For engineers reviewing the MSP430FR5736IPWR datasheet, MSP430FR5736IPWR pinout, MSP430FR5736IPWR application, or MSP430FR5736IPWR equivalent, key selection criteria include FRAM write cycle endurance (10¹⁵), LPM3.5 RTC current (1.5 µA), 16-channel comparator support, and TSSOP-28 package compatibility with legacy MSP430FR57xx layouts.

Technical Context

The MSP430FR5736IPWR implements the MSP430 CPUXV2 core with hardware multiplier and three-channel DMA, enabling deterministic real-time control in active mode (81.4 µA/MHz). Its FRAM architecture eliminates erase-before-write latency and supports simultaneous read/write operations without wear leveling overhead.

Power management integrates a low-dropout regulator (LDO), supply voltage supervisor (SVS), and zero-power brownout detection. Clocking includes DCO (up to 8 MHz), VLO, LFXT (32 kHz crystal), and HFXT - all configurable via software-controlled register settings for dynamic power/performance scaling.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

TSSOP-28 package (7.0 mm × 4.4 mm body, 0.65 mm pitch) with exposed thermal pad recommended for VSS connection.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with MSP430FR5736IPWR, the MSP430FR5737IPWR offers expanded analog channel count for denser sensor integration, while the MSP430FR5739IPWR provides identical functionality with optimized DCO calibration - both maintain full software and hardware compatibility within the FR57xx family.

Availability

MSP430FR5736IPWR is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for smart metering, industrial sensor nodes, home security panels, and asset tracking beacons requiring stable component supply and long-term production continuity.

Supply support for MSP430FR5736IPWR 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 MSP430FR57xx product line delivers ultra-low-power mixed-signal microcontrollers with ferroelectric RAM for energy-constrained sensing, metering, and system management applications where write endurance and instant nonvolatility are critical.

FAQ

What is the maximum operating frequency of the MSP430FR5736IPWR?

The MSP430FR5736IPWR features a factory-trimmed DCO oscillator capable of up to 8 MHz operation. This maximum clock rate is confirmed in the device's electrical specifications table and applies across the full operating voltage range (2.0 V to 3.6 V) and temperature range (–40°C to +85°C). The MSP430FR5736IPWR achieves deterministic real-time performance at this frequency while maintaining ultra-low active-mode current consumption of 81.4 µA/MHz.

Does the MSP430FR5736IPWR support hardware UART bootloading?

Yes, the MSP430FR5736IPWR includes a factory-programmed Bootloader (BSL) that supports hardware UART-based programming via eUSCI_A0 or eUSCI_A1. This allows field firmware updates without JTAG hardware, using only RX/TX pins and standard serial protocol commands. The BSL is protected by password verification and resides in ROM, preserving FRAM space for application code.

How does the FRAM memory in the MSP430FR5736IPWR differ from flash in terms of write endurance?

The MSP430FR5736IPWR's 16 KB FRAM offers 10¹⁵ write cycles - orders of magnitude higher than typical flash (10⁴–10⁵ cycles). Unlike flash, FRAM writes require no erase phase, enabling byte-level writes at 125 ns per word. This eliminates wear leveling complexity and makes the MSP430FR5736IPWR ideal for high-frequency data logging applications where flash would wear out prematurely.

Can the MSP430FR5736IPWR operate directly from a single-cell lithium battery?

Yes, the MSP430FR5736IPWR operates across 2.0 V to 3.6 V, matching the discharge curve of standard 3.0–3.6 V lithium coin cells (e.g., CR2032) and 3.0–4.2 V lithium-polymer batteries. Its integrated LDO and ultra-low LPM4.5 current (0.32 µA) enable multi-year operation on a single cell without external regulators or boost converters.

Is the MSP430FR5736IPWR pin-compatible with other devices in the MSP430FR57xx family?

Yes, the MSP430FR5736IPWR in TSSOP-28 packaging shares identical pinout and signal mapping with MSP430FR5737IPWR and MSP430FR5739IPWR. All three devices use the same RGE/PW package variants and support drop-in replacement in designs targeting the FR57xx TSSOP footprint, provided peripheral usage aligns with the specific variant's ADC and comparator channel count.