Texas Instruments MSP430FR5987IRGCR

Overview

MSP430FR5987IRGCR from Texas Instruments is an ultra-low-power 16-bit mixed-signal microcontroller featuring 64KB ferroelectric RAM (FRAM), 2KB SRAM, a 12-bit ADC with up to 12 external inputs, integrated extended scan interface (ESI) for metering, and hardware AES-256 encryption. It operates from 1.8 V to 3.6 V and targets battery-powered utility meters and portable sensing applications.

For engineers reviewing the MSP430FR5987IRGCR datasheet, MSP430FR5987IRGCR pinout, MSP430FR5987IRGCR application, or MSP430FR5987IRGCR equivalent, key selection criteria include FRAM endurance (10¹⁵ writes), RTC current in LPM3.5 (0.35 µA), ESI peripheral support, 64-pin VQFN package compatibility, and UART/I²C bootloader options.

Technical Context

The MSP430FR5987IRGCR implements the ULP CPUXV2 core with seven low-power modes, including LPM3.5 (RTC active) and LPM4.5 (shutdown at 0.02 µA). Its clock system integrates DCO, LFXT (32 kHz crystal), and HFXT with factory-trimmed frequencies.

Peripherals include three eUSCI modules (two UART/IrDA/SPI, one I²C/SPI), five 16-bit timers (TA0–TA3, TB0), 32-bit hardware multiplier, CRC16/CRC32 engines, and capacitive touch I/O on all P1–P10 and PJ pins - all operating within the same ultra-low-power architecture optimized for intermittent sensing and long-term data logging.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

VQFN-64 (RGC) package, 9 mm × 9 mm body, 0.5 mm pitch, exposed thermal pad (TI recommends connection to VSS).

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with MSP430FR5989IRGCR and MSP430FR5969IPM, the MSP430FR5987IRGCR offers optimal balance of FRAM capacity, VQFN thermal performance, and footprint efficiency for new metering designs - avoiding over-provisioned memory while retaining full peripheral functionality.

Availability

MSP430FR5987IRGCR is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for water metering, heat cost allocation, and portable medical instrumentation requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle assurance, and TI-qualified industrial-grade reliability.

Supply support for MSP430FR5987IRGCR 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, reliability, and system integration.

The MSP430 ULP FRAM portfolio targets energy-constrained applications such as utility metering and portable sensing, combining FRAM's endurance with a holistic ultra-low-power architecture across seven LPM states.

FAQ

What is the maximum operating frequency of the MSP430FR5987IRGCR?

The MSP430FR5987IRGCR supports a maximum system clock frequency of 16 MHz via its digitally controlled oscillator (DCO) or external HFXT crystal. This frequency is fully supported across the entire 1.8 V to 3.6 V supply range and enables real-time processing of sensor data while maintaining ultra-low active-mode current (~100 µA/MHz).

Does the MSP430FR5987IRGCR include hardware encryption capabilities?

Yes, the MSP430FR5987IRGCR integrates a dedicated AES-256 security coprocessor that performs encryption and decryption independently of the CPU. This enables secure firmware updates, protected data storage in FRAM, and authenticated communication - all without compromising real-time performance or increasing active power consumption.

What package type and thermal characteristics does the MSP430FR5987IRGCR use?

The MSP430FR5987IRGCR uses a 64-pin VQFN (RGC) package with a 9 mm × 9 mm body and 0.5 mm pitch. It features an exposed thermal pad that TI specifies must be connected to VSS for optimal thermal dissipation and electrical stability - critical for sustained operation in sealed meter enclosures.

How many external analog inputs does the ADC support on the MSP430FR5987IRGCR?

The MSP430FR5987IRGCR integrates the ADC12_B module with support for up to 12 external analog input channels. It includes an internal voltage reference and sample-and-hold circuitry, enabling precise 12-bit conversions without external reference components - ideal for multi-sensor metering systems.

Is the Extended Scan Interface (ESI) available on the MSP430FR5987IRGCR?

Yes, the MSP430FR5987IRGCR includes the full Extended Scan Interface (ESI) peripheral, with dedicated pins P9.0–P9.7 for ESICH0–ESICH3 and ESICI0–ESICI3. This hardware block enables low-power, background capacitance-to-digital conversion - essential for ultrasonic flow sensing in water and heat meters without CPU involvement.