Texas Instruments MSP430FR5958IRHAT

Overview

MSP430FR5958IRHAT from Texas Instruments is a 16-bit ultra-low-power FRAM microcontroller with 48KB nonvolatile memory, 2KB RAM, 12-bit ADC (14 external channels), RTC with calendar/alarm, and dual eUSCI modules supporting UART/I²C/SPI. It operates from 1.8 V to 3.6 V and targets battery-powered sensor nodes requiring long-term data retention and low active/standby current.

For engineers reviewing the MSP430FR5958IRHAT datasheet, MSP430FR5958IRHAT pinout, MSP430FR5958IRHAT application, or MSP430FR5958IRHAT equivalent, key selection criteria include FRAM endurance (10¹⁵ writes), LPM3.5 RTC current (0.25 µA typical), HFXT oscillator support, 40-pin VQFN package compatibility, and integrated AES256 encryption for secure firmware updates.

Technical Context

The MSP430FR5958IRHAT implements the CPUXV2 16-bit RISC core with hardware multiplier and three-channel DMA, enabling deterministic real-time processing in energy-constrained environments. Its clock system integrates DCO, HFXT (up to 24 MHz), and LFXIN/LFXOUT pins - though HFXT-only variants like this one exclude LFXT and RTC_B functionality per device family documentation.

Peripherals include two eUSCI_A modules (UART/IrDA/SPI) and one eUSCI_B module (I²C/SPI), five 16-bit timers (TA0–TA3, TB0), 16-channel analog comparator, and capacitive touch I/O on all ports without external components. The FRAM memory architecture unifies program, data, and storage space with 125 ns word write time and no erase cycles.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

VQFN-40 (RHA) package with 6 mm × 6 mm body and exposed thermal pad recommended to be connected to DVSS. Pin numbering follows TI standard top-view layout with pin 1 at top-left corner.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with MSP430FR5958IRHAT, the MSP430FR5959IRHAT offers +16 KB FRAM in identical packaging for scalable firmware growth, while the MSP430FR5948IRHAT removes HFXT capability entirely - limiting maximum clock speed and eliminating high-frequency crystal-based timing accuracy.

Availability

MSP430FR5958IRHAT is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for smart metering, energy-harvesting sensor nodes, and wearable electronics requiring stable component supply across industrial temperature ranges and long production lifecycles.

Supply support for MSP430FR5958IRHAT 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 personal electronics markets.

The MSP430FR59xx product line delivers ultra-low-power mixed-signal microcontrollers with ferroelectric RAM for energy-constrained applications demanding high endurance, fast writes, and precise timing.

FAQ

What is the maximum operating frequency of the MSP430FR5958IRHAT?

The MSP430FR5958IRHAT supports a maximum system clock frequency of 16 MHz via its DCO or HFXT oscillator. When using the HFXT crystal oscillator, it accepts crystals up to 24 MHz, but the CPU clock is internally divided and capped at 16 MHz for guaranteed operation across the full temperature and voltage range. This limit ensures timing compliance for all peripherals including ADC, timers, and eUSCI modules.

Does the MSP430FR5958IRHAT support real-time clock functionality?

Yes, the MSP430FR5958IRHAT includes the RTC_B module with calendar and alarm functions. However, because it is an HFXT-only variant (as confirmed by device comparison tables and pin diagrams), the RTC_B requires an external 32.768 kHz crystal connected to dedicated LFXIN/LFXOUT pins - which are absent on this part. Therefore, RTC_B is not functional on the MSP430FR5958IRHAT; only software-based timekeeping or external RTC ICs are viable alternatives.

What are the FRAM endurance and write speed specifications for the MSP430FR5958IRHAT?

The MSP430FR5958IRHAT features 48 KB of FRAM with 10¹⁵ write cycle endurance - effectively unlimited for most applications. Each word write completes in 125 ns, enabling full 48 KB memory programming in approximately 4 ms. Unlike flash, FRAM requires no erase step before writing, supports bit-level writes, and retains data without power - making it ideal for frequent data logging and parameter storage in the MSP430FR5958IRHAT.

Which communication interfaces are integrated into the MSP430FR5958IRHAT?

The MSP430FR5958IRHAT integrates two eUSCI_A modules (UCA0 and UCA1) supporting UART, IrDA, and SPI, plus one eUSCI_B module (UCB0) supporting I²C and SPI. These interfaces operate independently with configurable baud rates, clock sources, and interrupt capabilities. Notably, UCA0 and UCA1 each support automatic baud-rate detection for UART, and UCB0 supports multiple slave addressing in I²C mode - all accessible through the MSP430FR5958IRHAT's 40-pin VQFN package.

Is the MSP430FR5958IRHAT pin-compatible with other devices in the MSP430FR59xx family?

The MSP430FR5958IRHAT shares the 40-pin VQFN (RHA) package with MSP430FR5959IRHAT and MSP430FR5957IRHAT, and pin assignments are identical across these HFXT variants. However, it is not compatible with LFXT-only parts like MSP430FR5948IRHAT, which repurpose PJ.6/PJ.7 for LFXIN/LFXOUT instead of HFXIN/HFXOUT. Always verify signal mapping against the specific device's pin diagram before board reuse.