Texas Instruments MSP430FR5887IRGCR

Overview

MSP430FR5887IRGCR from Texas Instruments is a 16-bit ultra-low-power FRAM microcontroller with 64KB nonvolatile memory, 2KB RAM, 12-bit ADC (12 external inputs), RTC, and Extended Scan Interface (ESI) for metering applications. It operates from 1.8 V to 3.6 V and supports LPM3.5 standby at 0.35 µA typical - enabling multi-year battery life in water/heat meters.

For engineers reviewing the MSP430FR5887IRGCR datasheet, MSP430FR5887IRGCR pinout, MSP430FR5887IRGCR application, or MSP430FR5887IRGCR equivalent, key selection criteria include ESI peripheral support, FRAM endurance (10¹⁵ write cycles), 64-pin VQFN package (9 mm × 9 mm), RTC calendar mode, and UART/I²C serial interfaces for sensor data aggregation and firmware updates.

Technical Context

The MSP430FR5887IRGCR implements the ULP CPUXV2 core with 16 registers and integrates a 32-bit hardware multiplier, three-channel DMA, and dual eUSCI modules (A0/A1 for UART/IrDA/SPI; B0/B1 for I²C/SPI). Its clock system combines DCO (10 factory-trimmed frequencies), LFXT (32-kHz crystal), and HFXT for flexible timing control across active and low-power modes.

It features an Extended Scan Interface (ESI) with dedicated analog front-end for background capacitance-to-digital conversion - supporting up to 16-channel ESI input scanning without CPU intervention - alongside integrated LCD driver (up to 48 segments) and capacitive touch I/O on all P1–P10 ports.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

VQFN-64 (RGC) package with 9 mm × 9 mm body size and exposed thermal pad (recommended connection to VSS). Pin count and signal mapping match TI's official RGC package drawing for MSP430FR588x devices.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with MSP430FR5888IRGCR and MSP430FR5969IPM, the MSP430FR5887IRGCR uniquely balances ESI-enabled metrology, 64KB FRAM endurance, and VQFN-64 thermal performance - making it optimal for cost-sensitive, battery-operated utility meters where analog sensing dominates system requirements.

Availability

MSP430FR5887IRGCR is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for water metering, heat cost allocation, and portable medical metering requiring stable component supply and long-term industrial lifecycle support.

Supply support for MSP430FR5887IRGCR 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 reliability.

The MSP430FR58xx family targets ultra-low-power metering and sensing applications - designed specifically to replace legacy flash-based MCUs in battery-operated utility and medical instruments using FRAM's instant-write and infinite endurance.

FAQ

What is the maximum operating frequency of the MSP430FR5887IRGCR?

The MSP430FR5887IRGCR supports a maximum system clock frequency of 16 MHz via its digitally controlled oscillator (DCO), with 10 factory-trimmed frequency steps. This allows deterministic real-time execution while maintaining ultra-low-power operation across all active and low-power modes. The MSP430FR5887IRGCR achieves this without external crystal dependency for core timing, though HFXT supports higher-precision applications.

Does the MSP430FR5887IRGCR support hardware encryption?

No, the MSP430FR5887IRGCR does not include a hardware AES accelerator. Unlike the MSP430FR59xx series, it omits cryptographic peripherals to prioritize analog sensing resources - specifically the Extended Scan Interface (ESI) and 12-bit ADC. Security for the MSP430FR5887IRGCR relies on software-based algorithms and the integrated memory protection unit (MPU) with IP encapsulation.

What is the purpose of the ESIDVCC and ESIDVSS pins on the MSP430FR5887IRGCR?

The ESIDVCC and ESIDVSS pins provide a dedicated power domain for the Extended Scan Interface (ESI) analog circuitry. This isolation prevents digital switching noise from degrading ESI's sub-100-fF capacitance measurement accuracy. For optimal performance, ESIDVCC must be decoupled with a 100-nF capacitor and tied to the main DVCC rail only through a ferrite bead or small resistor, as specified in TI's MSP430FR58xx design guidelines.

Can the MSP430FR5887IRGCR drive a segment LCD display?

Yes, the MSP430FR5887IRGCR integrates the LCD_C peripheral supporting up to 48 segments in static or multiplexed configurations. It provides programmable contrast control and internal charge pump - eliminating need for external bias generation. The device drives common outputs (COM0–COM7) and segment lines directly from P2.x and P6.x pins, with full support for blinking and duty-cycle adjustment in hardware.

Is the MSP430FR5887IRGCR pin-compatible with other devices in the MSP430FR588x family?

Yes, the MSP430FR5887IRGCR in the 64-pin VQFN (RGC) package shares identical pinout and signal mapping with MSP430FR5888IRGCR and MSP430FR5889IRGCR. This allows drop-in replacement within the same package variant - enabling scalable memory selection (64KB/96KB/128KB FRAM) without PCB redesign. Functional compatibility extends to all peripherals including ESI, ADC, timers, and eUSCI modules.