Texas Instruments MSP430FR5988IPMR

Overview

MSP430FR5988IPMR from Texas Instruments is a 16-bit ultra-low-power FRAM microcontroller featuring 96KB nonvolatile FRAM, 2KB RAM, 12-bit ADC with 12 external inputs, RTC with calendar mode, and integrated extended scan interface (ESI) for precision metering. It operates from 1.8 V to 3.6 V and delivers 100 µA/MHz active current, targeting battery-powered utility meters and portable data loggers.

For engineers reviewing the MSP430FR5988IPMR datasheet, MSP430FR5988IPMR pinout, MSP430FR5988IPMR application, or MSP430FR5988IPMR equivalent, key selection criteria include FRAM endurance (10¹⁵ writes), ESI peripheral support for background analog sensing, LPM3.5 RTC current (0.35 µA), AES256 encryption coprocessor, and 64-pin LQFP package compatibility with capacitive touch I/O on all ports P1–P10 and PJ.

Technical Context

The MSP430FR5988IPMR 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 (10 factory-trimmed frequencies), LFXT (32-kHz crystal), and HFXT for flexible timing control across measurement, communication, and sleep states.

Peripherals are memory-mapped and managed via bus logic with DMA controller (3-channel), MPY32 hardware multiplier, and CRC16/CRC32 engines. The ESI peripheral enables autonomous, low-power background scanning of up to 16 analog inputs-critical for water/heat metering where sensor excitation and digitization must occur without CPU intervention.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: 64-pin LQFP (PM), 10 mm × 10 mm body size, thermally enhanced with exposed pad recommended to be connected 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 MSP430FR5989IPMR, the MSP430FR5988IPMR reduces FRAM capacity by 32KB but retains identical ESI, RTC, and security features-making it optimal for metering applications where 96KB suffices. Versus MSP430FR5969IPMR, it adds ESI, calendar RTC, and LCD_C-enabling advanced utility metering without architectural trade-offs.

Availability

MSP430FR5988IPMR is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for water metering, heat cost allocation, and portable medical logging requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle assurance, and TI-authorized traceability.

Supply support for MSP430FR5988IPMR 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 system integration.

The MSP430 ULP FRAM portfolio targets battery-operated metering, sensing, and data logging applications-designed to maximize operational lifetime through FRAM's near-zero write energy and intelligent low-power peripherals like ESI and calendar RTC.

FAQ

What is the maximum operating frequency of the MSP430FR5988IPMR?

The MSP430FR5988IPMR supports a maximum system clock frequency of 16 MHz via its digitally controlled oscillator (DCO) with 10 factory-trimmed settings. This frequency applies to the CPUXV2 core and all synchronous peripherals-including the 12-bit ADC, timers, and eUSCI modules-enabling deterministic real-time response in metering and sensor applications.

Does the MSP430FR5988IPMR include hardware encryption capabilities?

Yes, the MSP430FR5988IPMR integrates a dedicated AES256 security coprocessor with support for both encryption and decryption operations. It also includes a true random number seed generator for cryptographic key derivation. These features operate independently of the CPU, allowing secure firmware updates and protected data logging in utility metering applications without compromising ultra-low-power operation.

How many external analog inputs does the MSP430FR5988IPMR ADC support?

The MSP430FR5988IPMR features a 12-bit ADC (ADC12_B) supporting up to 12 external analog input channels. This is confirmed in Table 3-1 of the SLAS789D datasheet, which specifies "12 ext" under the ADC12_B column for the MSP430FR5988 device variant. Inputs are configurable via the analog input multiplexer and compatible with internal reference or external voltage references.

What is the purpose of the Extended Scan Interface (ESI) in the MSP430FR5988IPMR?

The Extended Scan Interface (ESI) in the MSP430FR5988IPMR is a dedicated hardware peripheral enabling autonomous, low-power background scanning of up to 16 analog inputs-including resistive, capacitive, and impedance-based sensors. It operates independently of the CPU, allowing continuous measurement during LPM3 or deeper sleep modes-critical for battery-powered water and heat meters requiring decades of operation without maintenance.

Is the MSP430FR5988IPMR pin-compatible with other devices in the MSP430FR59xx family?

Yes, the MSP430FR5988IPMR in the 64-pin LQFP (PM) package shares identical pinout and electrical characteristics with the MSP430FR5989IPMR, MSP430FR5987IPMR, and MSP430FR5986IPMR. This allows direct substitution within the same footprint for design flexibility-though functional differences (e.g., FRAM size, ADC channel count, ESI presence) must be verified against application requirements before replacement.