Texas Instruments MSP430FR5737IRHAR

Overview

MSP430FR5737IRHAR from Texas Instruments is an ultra-low-power 16-bit mixed-signal microcontroller featuring 16KB ferroelectric RAM (FRAM), 1KB SRAM, 24-MHz system clock, 16-channel analog comparator, and dual eUSCI modules supporting UART, SPI, and I²C. It operates from 2 V to 3.6 V across –40°C to 85°C and targets battery-powered sensor nodes requiring nonvolatile memory endurance and RTC functionality.

For engineers reviewing the MSP430FR5737IRHAR datasheet, MSP430FR5737IRHAR pinout, MSP430FR5737IRHAR application, or MSP430FR5737IRHAR equivalent, key selection criteria include FRAM write endurance (10¹⁵ cycles), LPM3.5 RTC current (1.5 µA), 40-pin VQFN package compatibility, and absence of integrated ADC-critical for low-power analog-sensing designs where external ADCs are preferred.

Technical Context

The MSP430FR5737IRHAR implements a 16-bit CPUXV2 core with seven low-power modes, including LPM4.5 (0.32 µA shutdown) and LPM3.5 with crystal-based RTC (1.5 µA). Its FRAM architecture enables simultaneous read/write operations without erase cycles, supported by built-in ECC and MPU for data integrity.

Peripherals include three 16-bit timers (TA0/TA1/TB0–TB2), 32-bit hardware multiplier, three-channel DMA, and two eUSCI_A modules (UART/IrDA/SPI) plus one eUSCI_B module (I²C/SPI). The device lacks ADC functionality per family comparison table, distinguishing it from MSP430FR5739/FR5735 variants.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

VQFN-40 (RHA) package with 6 mm × 6 mm body size and exposed thermal pad recommended to be connected to DVSS for thermal performance.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with MSP430FR5739IRHAR, MSP430FR5737IRHAR trades integrated ADC for identical FRAM capacity and lower BOM count; versus MSP430FR5735IRHAR, it doubles nonvolatile memory while retaining the same ultra-low-power profile and peripheral complement.

Availability

MSP430FR5737IRHAR is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for smart metering, wireless sensor networks, building automation controllers, and asset tracking beacons requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and guaranteed FRAM reliability.

Supply support for MSP430FR5737IRHAR 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 company delivering analog and embedded processing solutions for industrial, automotive, and consumer markets.

The MSP430FR57xx family is designed for ultra-low-power sensing and system management in energy-constrained applications such as utility meters, environmental monitors, and portable medical devices.

FAQ

Does the MSP430FR5737IRHAR include an integrated analog-to-digital converter (ADC)?

No, the MSP430FR5737IRHAR does not include an integrated ADC. Per the official TI family comparison table, this variant is explicitly listed with "–" under the ADC10_B column, distinguishing it from MSP430FR5739IRHAR and MSP430FR5735IRHAR. Designers must use external ADCs or rely on the 16-channel Comparator_D for threshold-based analog decisions. The MSP430FR5737IRHAR retains full timer, FRAM, RTC, and communication peripheral functionality despite ADC omission.

What is the maximum system clock frequency supported by the MSP430FR5737IRHAR?

The MSP430FR5737IRHAR supports a maximum system clock frequency of 24 MHz. This is achieved using the factory-trimmed DCO oscillator or optional external HFXT crystal. The 24-MHz capability enables real-time processing of sensor data, cryptographic operations, and high-speed serial communication while maintaining ultra-low-power efficiency across all seven low-power modes defined in the device's operating modes specification.

How many I/O pins does the MSP430FR5737IRHAR provide in its VQFN-40 package?

The MSP430FR5737IRHAR in the RHA (VQFN-40) package provides 32 general-purpose I/O pins. These are distributed across ports P1 (8 pins), P2 (8 pins), P3 (8 pins), P4 (2 pins), and PJ (6 pins), with some pins multiplexed for peripheral functions. Pin assignments are fully documented in Section 4.1 of the SLAS639L datasheet, and all I/Os support interrupt generation and wake-up from low-power modes LPM3.5 and deeper.

What is the FRAM endurance rating for the MSP430FR5737IRHAR?

The MSP430FR5737IRHAR features 16 KB of FRAM rated for 10¹⁵ write cycles per memory location - orders of magnitude higher than flash or EEPROM. This endurance allows continuous data logging (e.g., timestamped sensor events) over decades without wear-out concerns. Unlike flash, FRAM writes occur at full speed (125 ns/word) without erase delays or block management, simplifying firmware design for cyclic buffer or ring-log implementations.

Which debug interface is supported by the MSP430FR5737IRHAR?

The MSP430FR5737IRHAR supports the Spy-Bi-Wire (SBW) interface via the RST/NMI/SBWTDIO and TEST/SBWTCK pins, enabling full programming, debugging, and boundary-scan functionality using a two-wire connection. This eliminates the need for a 4-wire JTAG header, reducing PCB footprint and connector cost. SBW is natively supported by TI's MSP-FET and compatible IDEs including Code Composer Studio™ and IAR Embedded Workbench.