Texas Instruments MSP430FR5959IDAR

Overview

MSP430FR5959IDAR from Texas Instruments is a 16-bit ultra-low-power FRAM microcontroller with 64KB nonvolatile memory, 2KB RAM, 12-bit ADC (14 external + 2 internal channels), RTC with calendar/alarm, and dual eUSCI modules supporting UART, SPI, and I²C. It operates from 1.8 V to 3.6 V and targets battery-powered sensor nodes and data loggers.

For engineers reviewing the MSP430FR5959IDAR datasheet, MSP430FR5959IDAR pinout, MSP430FR5959IDAR application, or MSP430FR5959IDAR equivalent, key selection criteria include FRAM endurance (10¹⁵ writes), LPM3.5 current (0.25 µA typical), HFXT oscillator support, TSSOP-38 package compatibility, and integrated AES-256 encryption for secure firmware updates.

Technical Context

The MSP430FR5959IDAR implements the CPUXV2 16-bit RISC core with 16 registers and executes instructions at up to 16 MHz using a factory-trimmed DCO or external HFXT (up to 24 MHz). Its memory subsystem integrates 64KB FRAM as unified program/data/storage space, eliminating separate flash/EEPROM partitions and enabling atomic writes without erase cycles.

Peripherals include five 16-bit timers (TA0–TA3, TB0), a 32-bit hardware multiplier, 3-channel DMA, 16-channel analog comparator, and eUSCI_A0/eUSCI_B0 supporting UART (with auto-baud detection), IrDA, SPI, and I²C. The device supports HFXT only - no LFXT or RTC_B functionality - per its variant specification in the family datasheet.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

TSSOP-38 package (12.5 mm × 6.2 mm), thermally enhanced with exposed pad connected to DVSS. Pinout validated per Figure 4-5 and Table 4-1 of SLAS704G Rev. G.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with MSP430FR5969IRHAT, the MSP430FR5959IDAR trades RTC_B and LFXT support for identical HFXT performance in a smaller footprint; versus MSP430FR5958IDAR, it delivers 16KB additional FRAM for extended data retention without changing layout or firmware architecture.

Availability

MSP430FR5959IDAR is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for smart utility metering, energy-harvesting sensor nodes, and wearable health monitors requiring stable component supply and long-term production continuity.

Supply support for MSP430FR5959IDAR 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 headquartered in Dallas, Texas, delivering analog and embedded processing solutions for industrial, automotive, and consumer markets.

The MSP430 ULP FRAM portfolio targets energy-constrained applications such as battery-powered sensors, portable medical devices, and smart meters - emphasizing FRAM endurance, sub-µA sleep modes, and integrated analog peripherals.

FAQ

What is the maximum operating frequency of the MSP430FR5959IDAR?

The MSP430FR5959IDAR supports a maximum system clock frequency of 16 MHz using its factory-trimmed DCO or an external HFXT oscillator. The device's CPUXV2 core executes instructions at this rate with zero wait states, and all peripherals-including the 12-bit ADC and eUSCI modules-are fully functional at 16 MHz. This frequency enables real-time signal processing while maintaining ultra-low-power efficiency.

Does the MSP430FR5959IDAR support low-frequency crystal (LFXT) operation?

No, the MSP430FR5959IDAR does not support LFXT operation. As confirmed in the device comparison table and functional block diagram notes, MSP430FR595x variants are HFXT-only devices and exclude the LFXT oscillator, LFXIN/LFXOUT pins, and RTC_B module. The MSP430FR5959IDAR relies solely on DCO or HFXT (up to 24 MHz) for clocking, and its RTC functionality is limited to LPM3.5 domain operation using VLO or DCO-derived clocks.

How many analog input channels does the MSP430FR5959IDAR ADC support?

The MSP430FR5959IDAR integrates a 12-bit ADC12_B module supporting 14 external analog input channels (A0–A13) plus 2 internal channels (temperature sensor and VREF generator output). This configuration is explicitly documented in Table 3-1 and Section 4.2 of the SLAS704G datasheet. All 14 external channels are accessible on the TSSOP-38 package, enabling simultaneous multi-sensor monitoring without external multiplexing.

What debug interface does the MSP430FR5959IDAR use?

The MSP430FR5959IDAR uses the two-wire Spy-Bi-Wire (SBW) interface via the RST/NMI/SBWTDIO and TEST/SBWTCK pins. This interface provides full JTAG-equivalent functionality-including flash programming, real-time debugging, and EnergyTrace++ power profiling-using only two pins. SBW eliminates the need for a 4-pin JTAG header, reducing PCB footprint and simplifying test fixture design for high-volume manufacturing.

Is the MSP430FR5959IDAR pin-compatible with other MSP430FR59xx devices in TSSOP-38?

Yes, the MSP430FR5959IDAR is pin-compatible with MSP430FR5958IDAR and MSP430FR5957IDAR in the TSSOP-38 package. All three share identical pin assignments, electrical characteristics, and peripheral mappings per Figures 4-3 and 4-5 and Table 4-1 of SLAS704G. This allows direct substitution within the same hardware design when memory or feature scaling is required, without PCB revision.