Texas Instruments MSP430FR59891IRGCR

Overview

MSP430FR59891IRGCR from Texas Instruments is an ultra-low-power 16-bit FRAM microcontroller with 128KB nonvolatile memory, 2KB RAM, integrated 12-bit ADC (12 external inputs), RTC with calendar, and extended scan interface (ESI) for metering applications. It operates from 1.8 V to 3.6 V and delivers 100 µA/MHz active current, 0.35 µA RTC mode, and 0.02 µA shutdown current - optimized for battery-powered water/heat meters and portable data loggers.

For engineers reviewing the MSP430FR59891IRGCR datasheet, MSP430FR59891IRGCR pinout, MSP430FR59891IRGCR application, or MSP430FR59891IRGCR equivalent, key selection criteria include ESI peripheral support for capacitive sensing, FRAM endurance (10¹⁵ write cycles), AES256 security coprocessor, dual eUSCI modules (UART/IrDA/SPI + I²C/SPI), and VQFN-64 package compatibility with space-constrained meter designs.

Technical Context

The MSP430FR59891IRGCR implements the MSP430 CPUXV2 core with 16 general-purpose registers and executes instructions at up to 16 MHz using a factory-trimmed DCO, HFXT, or LFXT clock source. Its low-power architecture includes seven LPM states, with LPM3.5 enabling RTC operation at 0.35 µA while retaining full FRAM and register retention.

Peripherals are tightly coupled to power domains: ESI operates in LPM3.5 for background analog measurement without waking the CPU; the 12-bit ADC supports internal reference and sample-and-hold; and the 32-bit hardware CRC engine accelerates firmware integrity checks. All I/O ports P1–P10 and PJ support capacitive touch sensing without external components.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

VQFN-64 (RGC) package, 9 mm × 9 mm body, 0.5 mm pitch, thermal pad recommended to be connected to VSS. Pin count and I/O mapping match MSP430FR598x family specification.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with MSP430FR59891IRGCR, the MSP430FR5989IRGC offers identical functionality but lacks I²C BSL support - limiting programming flexibility in systems without UART access - while the MSP430FR5988IRGC trades 32KB FRAM capacity for lower unit cost, making it viable for simpler metering firmware with tighter memory constraints.

Availability

MSP430FR59891IRGCR is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for water metering, heat cost allocation, and portable medical instrumentation requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and TI-qualified industrial-grade reliability.

Supply support for MSP430FR59891IRGCR 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 technologies for industrial, automotive, and consumer applications.

The MSP430FR59xx family targets ultra-low-power metering and sensing systems, integrating FRAM, ESI, and security peripherals to replace legacy flash-based MCUs in battery-operated utility and medical devices.

FAQ

What is the maximum operating frequency of the MSP430FR59891IRGCR?

The MSP430FR59891IRGCR supports a maximum CPU clock frequency of 16 MHz, achievable using the factory-trimmed DCO, HFXT crystal oscillator, or external clock source. This frequency is fully supported across the entire 1.8 V to 3.6 V supply range and specified over the full industrial temperature range (–40°C to 85°C). The device maintains timing compliance and ultra-low-power operation even at maximum clock speed.

Does the MSP430FR59891IRGCR include hardware support for capacitive touch sensing?

Yes, the MSP430FR59891IRGCR provides native capacitive touch capability on all I/O pins across ports P1 through P10 and PJ - no external RC networks or dedicated touch controllers are required. This is implemented via integrated charge-transfer circuitry and firmware libraries (CapTIvate™) that enable self- and mutual-capacitance measurements directly in the MCU, reducing system cost and PCB area.

How does the Extended Scan Interface (ESI) in the MSP430FR59891IRGCR improve metering accuracy?

The ESI in the MSP430FR59891IRGCR is a dedicated analog front-end that performs high-precision, low-noise capacitance measurements in the background - independent of CPU activity. It integrates programmable current sources, high-resolution timers, and automatic calibration to achieve sub-femtofarad resolution, enabling accurate water/heat volume calculation without CPU overhead or external signal conditioning.

What bootloading options are supported by the MSP430FR59891IRGCR?

The MSP430FR59891IRGCR features an I²C bootloader (BSL), allowing firmware updates over a two-wire I²C interface without requiring a JTAG debugger or UART connection. This enables in-system programming during manufacturing or field service using standard I²C master devices, simplifying production test and remote update workflows compared to UART-only BSL variants.

Is the MSP430FR59891IRGCR pin-compatible with other devices in the MSP430FR59xx family?

Yes, the MSP430FR59891IRGCR in the VQFN-64 (RGC) package shares identical pinout, electrical characteristics, and peripheral mapping with MSP430FR5989IRGC, MSP430FR5988IRGC, and MSP430FR5987IRGC - enabling drop-in replacement across these variants for design reuse and simplified inventory management.