Texas Instruments MSP430FR5948IRHAT

Overview

MSP430FR5948IRHAT from Texas Instruments is a 16-bit ultra-low-power FRAM microcontroller with 48KB nonvolatile memory, 2KB RAM, and integrated RTC clocked by 32-kHz crystal. It features 12-bit ADC (14 external + 2 internal channels), 16-channel analog comparator, five 16-bit timers, AES-256 encryption, and eUSCI modules supporting UART, SPI, and I²C - deployed in battery-powered sensor nodes and energy-harvesting metering systems.

For engineers reviewing the MSP430FR5948IRHAT datasheet, MSP430FR5948IRHAT pinout, MSP430FR5948IRHAT application, or MSP430FR5948IRHAT equivalent, key selection criteria include LPM3.5 current (0.25 µA typical), FRAM endurance (10¹⁵ write cycles), LFXT-only clock architecture, 40-pin VQFN package, and UART/I²C bootloader support.

Technical Context

The MSP430FR5948IRHAT implements the CPUXV2 core with 16 registers and operates up to 16 MHz using a factory-trimmed DCO or external 32-kHz LFXT oscillator. Its low-power architecture includes seven LPMs, with LPM3.5 enabling RTC operation at 0.25 µA and LPM4.5 achieving 0.02 µA shutdown.

All I/O pins support capacitive touch sensing without external components, and the device integrates a 32-bit hardware multiplier, 3-channel DMA, CRC-16 engine, and memory protection unit (MPU) with IP encapsulation - targeting secure, long-life embedded sensing applications requiring frequent data logging and wake-on-event responsiveness.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

VQFN-40 package with exposed thermal pad (recommended connection to DVSS). Pin count and signal mapping align with MSP430FR594x family; LFXT-only configuration excludes HFXIN/HFXOUT pins.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with MSP430FR5949IRHAT and MSP430FR5947IRHAT, the MSP430FR5948IRHAT offers balanced memory (48KB FRAM/2KB RAM), making it optimal for mid-complexity sensor nodes needing robust logging without over-provisioning resources.

Availability

MSP430FR5948IRHAT is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for smart metering, energy-harvesting sensor nodes, and wearable electronics requiring stable component supply and long-term industrial lifecycle support.

Supply support for MSP430FR5948IRHAT 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 MSP430FR59xx product line targets ultra-low-power sensing and measurement applications, combining FRAM persistence with sub-µA real-time operation to extend battery life in remote and maintenance-free systems.

FAQ

What is the maximum operating frequency of the MSP430FR5948IRHAT?

The MSP430FR5948IRHAT supports a maximum system clock frequency of 16 MHz, achieved using the factory-trimmed DCO oscillator or an external high-frequency source - though this specific variant lacks HFXT support and relies on DCO or LFXT-derived clocks for all modes. The CPUXV2 core executes instructions at one cycle per instruction at this rate, enabling responsive real-time control while maintaining ultra-low power efficiency in active mode (≈100 µA/MHz).

Does the MSP430FR5948IRHAT support hardware UART bootloading?

Yes, the MSP430FR5948IRHAT includes a hardware UART bootloader (BSL) accessible via P2.0 (BSLTX) and P2.1 (BSLRX) pins. This enables field firmware updates without JTAG hardware, using standard UART communication with predefined command sequences. The BSL is protected by password lock and supports memory read/write/erase operations - critical for secure over-the-air updates in deployed MSP430FR5948IRHAT-based devices.

What are the key differences between MSP430FR5948IRHAT and MSP430FR5969IRGZ?

The MSP430FR5948IRHAT uses LFXT-only clocking (no HFXIN/HFXOUT), has 48KB FRAM and 2KB RAM in a 40-pin VQFN package, while the MSP430FR5969IRGZ adds HFXT support, offers 64KB FRAM and 2KB RAM in a 48-pin VQFN, and includes additional I/O and ADC channels. These architectural differences make the MSP430FR5948IRHAT optimized for cost-constrained, low-frequency timing applications, whereas the MSP430FR5969IRGZ targets higher-performance mixed-signal systems requiring dual-crystal flexibility.

Can the MSP430FR5948IRHAT operate from a 1.8-V supply?

Yes, the MSP430FR5948IRHAT operates across a wide supply range of 1.8 V to 3.6 V, with minimum voltage constrained by SVS thresholds. At 1.8 V, all peripherals - including the 12-bit ADC, RTC_B, and eUSCI modules - remain fully functional, enabling compatibility with energy-harvesting sources and single-cell Li-ion or alkaline battery systems. Active mode current scales linearly with voltage, preserving ultra-low-power operation even at the lower rail.

How many capture/compare registers does the Timer_B module have on the MSP430FR5948IRHAT?

The Timer_B module (TB0) on the MSP430FR5948IRHAT has six capture/compare registers, as confirmed by the functional block diagram and signal descriptions showing TB0.0 through TB0.6 pin assignments. These registers support PWM generation, input capture for event timing, and output compare for waveform synthesis - essential for motor control, LED dimming, and sensor pulse-width decoding in MSP430FR5948IRHAT-based designs.