Texas Instruments MSP430FR6877IPN

Overview

MSP430FR6877IPN from Texas Instruments is a 16-bit ultra-low-power mixed-signal microcontroller featuring 64KB FRAM, 2KB RAM, 12-bit ADC with 16 external inputs, integrated LCD driver for up to 320 segments, and real-time clock with calendar/alarm functions. It operates from 1.8 V to 3.6 V and targets battery-powered utility metering and data logging systems.

For engineers reviewing the MSP430FR6877IPN datasheet, MSP430FR6877IPN pinout, MSP430FR6877IPN application, or MSP430FR6877IPN equivalent, key selection criteria include FRAM endurance (10¹⁵ write cycles), LPM3.5 RTC current (0.35 µA), 80-pin LQFP package compatibility, and dual eUSCI_A/B modules supporting UART/IrDA/SPI/I²C.

Technical Context

The MSP430FR6877IPN implements the MSP430 CPUXV2 core with 16 registers and integrates a flexible clock system including DCO (10 factory-trimmed frequencies), LFXT (32-kHz crystal), and HFXT support. Its power architecture delivers seven low-power modes optimized for energy-constrained applications.

Peripherals include three 16-bit Timer_A modules (TA0/TA1/TA3), two Timer_B modules (TB0/TB1), 32-bit hardware multiplier, three-channel DMA, CRC16/CRC32 engines, and capacitive touch I/O on all ports P1–P10 and PJ without external components.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

80-pin LQFP (PN) package with 12 mm × 12 mm body size, 0.5 mm pitch, and exposed thermal pad (per TI SLASE33C datasheet Section 9).

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with MSP430FR6877IPN, the MSP430FR6879IPN offers double FRAM capacity in identical packaging for seamless scalability, while the MSP430FR6877IPZ provides greater I/O flexibility at the cost of larger footprint and layout changes.

Availability

MSP430FR6877IPN is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for water metering, heat cost allocation, and portable medical metering requiring stable component supply across multi-year production cycles.

Supply support for MSP430FR6877IPN 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 specializing in analog, embedded processing, and connectivity technologies with decades of expertise in ultra-low-power design.

The MSP430 ULP FRAM portfolio targets energy-constrained applications like utility metering and portable instrumentation, combining ferroelectric memory with holistic power architecture to extend battery life without sacrificing performance.

FAQ

What is the maximum operating frequency of the MSP430FR6877IPN?

The MSP430FR6877IPN supports a maximum system clock frequency of 16 MHz via its digitally controlled oscillator (DCO), which offers 10 factory-trimmed frequencies for precision timing without external crystals in many use cases. This enables high-speed signal processing for metrology algorithms while maintaining ultra-low-power efficiency in active mode (≈100 µA/MHz). The MSP430FR6877IPN also supports external HFXT and LFXT crystals for applications requiring higher accuracy.

Does the MSP430FR6877IPN support hardware encryption?

No, the MSP430FR6877IPN does not include dedicated hardware AES or cryptographic accelerators. It relies on software-based security implementations for tasks such as secure boot or data encryption. This distinguishes it from higher-tier MSP430FR6xxx variants like the MSP430FR6989, which integrate AES-128 modules. For applications requiring certified cryptographic operations, external secure elements or firmware-based libraries must be used with the MSP430FR6877IPN.

How many LCD segments can the MSP430FR6877IPN drive?

The MSP430FR6877IPN integrates the LCD_C peripheral capable of driving up to 320 segments in static, 2-, 3-, or 4-mux configurations. Its flexible COM/SEG mapping and built-in charge pump allow direct connection to common industrial LCD glass without external bias circuitry. The actual segment count depends on selected mux ratio and pin assignment-e.g., 8×40 in 4-mux mode-and is fully configurable via register settings in the MSP430FR6877IPN's LCD_C module.

What debug interface does the MSP430FR6877IPN use?

The MSP430FR6877IPN uses the 2-wire Spy-Bi-Wire (SBW) interface via TEST/SBWTCK and RST/NMI/SBWTDIO pins for programming and debugging. This low-pin-count interface is electrically compatible with JTAG but requires only two signals, reducing PCB routing complexity. TI's MSP-FET and LaunchPad development tools fully support SBW-based firmware loading and real-time debugging of the MSP430FR6877IPN without requiring full 4-wire JTAG headers.

Is the MSP430FR6877IPN pin-compatible with other MSP430FR68xx devices?

Yes, the MSP430FR6877IPN shares identical pinout and electrical characteristics with the MSP430FR6879IPN and MSP430FR68791IPN in the 80-pin LQFP (PN) package. All three devices have the same 80-pin mapping, voltage tolerances, and I/O drive strength, enabling drop-in replacement for memory or bootloader variant changes. However, the MSP430FR6877IPZ (100-pin) is not pin-compatible due to differing package size and pin count.