Texas Instruments MSP430FR68221IRGCR
- Part No.:
- MSP430FR68221IRGCR
- Manufacturer:
- Texas Instruments
- Category:
- Microcontrollers
- Package:
- 64-VFQFN Exposed Pad
- Datasheet:
-
MSP430FR68221IRGCR.pdf
- Description:
- IC MCU 16BIT 64KB FRAM 64VQFN
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

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Product details
Overview
MSP430FR68221IRGCR from Texas Instruments is an ultra-low-power 16-bit FRAM microcontroller with 64KB nonvolatile memory, 2KB RAM, integrated 12-bit ADC, 116-segment LCD driver, and dual eUSCI modules supporting UART, SPI, and I²C. It operates from 1.8 V to 3.6 V and targets battery-powered utility meters and portable sensing devices.
For engineers reviewing the MSP430FR68221IRGCR datasheet, MSP430FR68221IRGCR pinout, MSP430FR68221IRGCR application, or MSP430FR68221IRGCR equivalent, key selection criteria include LPM3.5 RTC current (0.35 µA), FRAM endurance (10¹⁵ writes), capacitive touch I/O support, and absence of AES256-critical for secure metering vs. cost-sensitive sensor nodes.
Technical Context
This device belongs to the MSP430FR68xx1 I²C-BSL subfamily, featuring a DCO-based clock system with LFXT-only support (no HFXT), three Timer_A instances (3/3/5 capture/compare registers), one Timer_B (2/5), and no hardware AES accelerator. Its RTC domain is isolated for LPM3.5 operation using a 32-kHz crystal.
The 64-pin VQFN (RGC) package integrates 52 GPIOs-including dedicated LCD segment/com drivers-and supports capacitive touch on all I/O pins without external components. Pin multiplexing includes dual eUSCI_A/B modules, ADC12_B with 8 external channels, and DMA-controlled peripherals to minimize CPU wakeups.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Core Architecture | 16-bit CPUXV2, up to 16-MHz operation-enables deterministic real-time control in low-power sensor firmware. |
| FRAM Capacity | 64KB unified nonvolatile memory-eliminates write delays and wear leveling overhead in data-logging applications. |
| RTC Current (LPM3.5) | 0.35 µA typical with 32-kHz crystal-supports decade-long battery life in heat cost allocators and water meters. |
| ADC Resolution | 12-bit SAR with internal reference and sample-and-hold-meets accuracy requirements for analog sensor interfacing without external references. |
| LCD Driver | 116-segment static/2–4 mux support-drives custom meter displays directly, reducing BOM count and PCB area. |
| Low-Power Modes | LPM4.5 shutdown at 0.04 µA-enables rapid wake-on-event while preserving full register state across deep sleep. |
| eUSCI Peripherals | eUSCI_A0/A1 (UART/SPI/IrDA); eUSCI_B0/B1 (I²C/SPI)-provides dual independent serial interfaces for sensor hub and communication module coexistence. |
Pinout & Package
The MSP430FR68221IRGCR is housed in a 64-pin VQFN (RGC) package measuring 9 mm × 9 mm with exposed thermal pad recommended to be connected to DVSS.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| P1.0–P1.7 | General-purpose I/O with analog capability | Support capacitive touch, ADC inputs (A0–A3), and timer capture/compare-enables single-chip sensor front-end integration. |
| P2.0–P2.3 | UART BSL interface and RTC clock input | P2.0/P2.1 reserved for I²C BSL (not UART); P2.2 accepts RTCCLK input-allows external time synchronization in metering applications. |
| P3.0–P3.7 | eUSCI_B1 and eUSCI_A1 signals | Configurable as I²C master/slave or SPI peripheral-supports communication with external EEPROM, sensors, or display controllers. |
| P6.0–P6.6 | LCD segment and common outputs | Drive up to 116 segments in static or 4-mux mode-replaces discrete LCD driver ICs and reduces component count. |
| PJ.4/PJ.5 | LFXT crystal connections | Interface to 32-kHz crystal for RTC and low-frequency timing-required for calendar functions and ultra-low-power standby modes. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Ferroelectric RAM (FRAM) | 64KB unified memory with 125 ns write speed and 10¹⁵ endurance-enables frequent logging without flash wear-out concerns in utility meters. |
| Capacitive Touch I/O | All GPIO pins support CSD without external components-reduces bill-of-materials and simplifies mechanical design for thermostats and portable medical devices. |
| Real-Time Clock (RTC) | Calendar mode with alarm and 0.35 µA LPM3.5 current-delivers precise timekeeping for billing cycles and scheduled wake-ups in battery-operated meters. |
| Integrated LCD Driver | 116-segment support with contrast control-eliminates need for external LCD bias generator and saves board space in compact meter designs. |
| Three-Channel DMA | Offloads ADC, UART, and timer data transfers-reduces CPU active time and extends battery life in continuous-sensing applications. |
Applications
| Heat Cost Allocators | Utility Meters (Electricity/Water/Gas) |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Compact, battery-powered units mounted on radiators measure temperature differentials and flow time to allocate heating costs per apartment. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Main controller executing thermodynamic calculations, managing RTC-based billing intervals, and driving segmented LCD display. Use Value: 0.35 µA RTC current enables >10-year battery life; FRAM ensures reliable hourly consumption logging without write corruption during power loss. | Use Scenario: Fixed-installation residential meters collecting consumption data, performing tariff switching, and communicating via optical port or RF module. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: System-on-chip handling metrology (ADC sampling), time-of-use billing (RTC calendar), and serial communication (eUSCI_A/B). Use Value: 64KB FRAM stores 36+ months of interval data; 116-segment LCD displays tariff, consumption, and error codes without external driver. |
| Thermostats | Portable Medical Equipment |
Use Scenario: Battery-powered HVAC controllers with ambient temperature/humidity sensing, user interface, and wireless connectivity. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Central MCU managing sensor acquisition (ADC), capacitive touch UI, and low-power sleep/wake scheduling. Use Value: All-GPIO capacitive touch eliminates overlay switches; LPM4.5 at 0.04 µA extends battery life between user interactions. | Use Scenario: Handheld diagnostic tools (e.g., pulse oximeters, glucose monitors) requiring accurate analog measurement, display, and data storage. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Signal acquisition processor with 12-bit ADC, LCD driver for real-time waveform display, and FRAM for patient session logs. Use Value: 12-bit ADC with internal reference achieves ±1 LSB INL for clinical-grade accuracy; FRAM enables instant save-on-event without interrupt latency penalties. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar microcontroller applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| MSP430FR6822IRGCR | Identical FRAM/RAM/peripherals but features UART-based BSL instead of I²C BSL; same 64KB FRAM, 2KB RAM, and LCD driver. | Preferred where field firmware updates occur via UART interface (e.g., optical port programming in meters); lacks I²C slave bootloading capability. | Select MSP430FR6822IRGCR if UART BSL is required for legacy programming infrastructure or optical interface compatibility. |
| MSP430FR69221IRGCR | Same RGC package and I²C BSL, but adds AES256 encryption coprocessor and higher I/O count (52 vs. 52-same), while retaining identical FRAM, ADC, and LCD specs. | Suitable for security-critical metering deployments requiring encrypted firmware updates or secure data storage; not needed for basic sensor logging. | Choose MSP430FR69221IRGCR when cryptographic protection of firmware or consumption data is mandated by regulatory or utility requirements. |
Compared with MSP430FR6822IRGCR, the MSP430FR68221IRGCR offers I²C BSL for simplified two-wire programming in space-constrained designs; versus MSP430FR69221IRGCR, it omits AES256 to reduce cost and power in non-security applications-making it optimal for high-volume, cost-sensitive utility metering.
Availability
MSP430FR68221IRGCR is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for heat cost allocators, utility meters, and portable medical equipment requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and consistent FRAM reliability across production batches.
Supply support for MSP430FR68221IRGCR 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 and embedded processing solutions for industrial, automotive, and consumer applications.
The MSP430FR68xx1 family targets ultra-low-power sensing and metering systems, emphasizing FRAM-based data integrity, extended battery life, and integrated peripherals to reduce system-level component count.
FAQ
Does the MSP430FR68221IRGCR support hardware AES encryption?
No, the MSP430FR68221IRGCR does not include an AES256 coprocessor. This feature is present only in the MSP430FR69xx and MSP430FR692x1 variants. The MSP430FR68221IRGCR relies on software-based encryption if required, preserving lower power and cost for applications like basic utility metering where cryptographic acceleration is unnecessary.
What is the maximum operating frequency of the MSP430FR68221IRGCR?
The MSP430FR68221IRGCR supports a maximum CPU clock frequency of 16 MHz, achievable via its factory-trimmed DCO oscillator. It does not support high-frequency crystal (HFXT) inputs-its clock system is limited to DCO, VLO, and 32-kHz LFXT sources, making it optimized for ultra-low-power operation rather than high-throughput computation.
How many I/O pins does the MSP430FR68221IRGCR provide in the RGC package?
The MSP430FR68221IRGCR in the 64-pin VQFN (RGC) package provides 52 general-purpose I/O pins. These include dedicated LCD segment and common outputs, ADC input channels, and configurable eUSCI signal lines-all supporting capacitive touch sensing without external circuitry.
Is the MSP430FR68221IRGCR pin-compatible with the MSP430FR6822IRGCR?
Yes, the MSP430FR68221IRGCR and MSP430FR6822IRGCR share identical pinouts, package dimensions, and electrical characteristics in the RGC variant. The only functional difference is the bootload interface: MSP430FR68221IRGCR uses I²C BSL (P1.6/P1.7), while MSP430FR6822IRGCR uses UART BSL (P2.0/P2.1). No PCB redesign is needed when substituting between them.
What LCD configurations does the MSP430FR68221IRGCR support?
The MSP430FR68221IRGCR supports static, 2-mux, 3-mux, and 4-mux LCD drive modes with up to 116 segments. Its integrated LCD_C module includes programmable contrast control and charge pump, enabling direct drive of custom alphanumeric or graphical displays commonly used in utility meters and thermostats without external bias circuitry.
MSP430FR68221IRGCR Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Texas Instruments
- Package/Case:
- 64-VFQFN Exposed Pad
- Series:
- MSP430™ FRAM
- Packaging:
- Tape & Reel (TR)
- Product Status:
- Active
- Programmable:
- Not Verified
- Core Processor:
- MSP430 CPUXV2
- Core Size:
- 16-Bit
- Speed:
- 16MHz
- Connectivity:
- I2C, IrDA, SCI, SPI, UART/USART
- Peripherals:
- Brown-out Detect/Reset, DMA, LCD, POR, PWM, WDT
- Number of I/O:
- 52
- Program Memory Size:
- 64KB (64K x 8)
- Program Memory Type:
- FRAM
- EEPROM Size:
- -
- RAM Size:
- 2K x 8
- Voltage - Supply (Vcc/Vdd):
- 1.8V ~ 3.6V
- Data Converters:
- A/D 8x12b
- Oscillator Type:
- Internal
- Operating Temperature:
- -40°C ~ 85°C (TA)
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
MSP430FR68221IRGCR FAQ
1.How can I place an order for MSP430FR68221IRGCR through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for MSP430FR68221IRGCR on Aetrix. Our sales agent will provide a competitive quotation and guide you through the order confirmation once you accept the terms.
2.Are the price and stock information for MSP430FR68221IRGCR reliable?
The price and inventory of MSP430FR68221IRGCR are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for MSP430FR68221IRGCR is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for MSP430FR68221IRGCR?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for MSP430FR68221IRGCR transactions.
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4.How is shipping managed for MSP430FR68221IRGCR?
MSP430FR68221IRGCR orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your MSP430FR68221IRGCR order is processed, you will receive an email with the shipment details and tracking number.
Note: Tracking information may take up to 24 hours to appear. Express delivery typically takes 3–5 business days.
5.How can I obtain technical support or documentation for MSP430FR68221IRGCR?
For technical support, including MSP430FR68221IRGCR datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your MSP430FR68221IRGCR requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that MSP430FR68221IRGCR is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All MSP430FR68221IRGCR products on Aetrix are procured from qualified distributors and authorized channels. Our dedicated quality assurance team conducts strict verification, including traceability checks and, if necessary, third-party testing. This ensures that MSP430FR68221IRGCR meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of MSP430FR68221IRGCR?
All MSP430FR68221IRGCR units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with MSP430FR68221IRGCR, returns or replacements are accepted under the following conditions:
1.Quantity discrepancies, incorrect items, or visible external defects (such as breakage or corrosion), acknowledged by Aetrix.
2.The issue is reported within 90 days of delivery.
3.The MSP430FR68221IRGCR part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for MSP430FR68221IRGCR:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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