Texas Instruments MSP430FR6877IPZR

Overview

MSP430FR6877IPZR from Texas Instruments is a 16-bit ultra-low-power mixed-signal microcontroller featuring 64KB ferroelectric RAM (FRAM), 2KB SRAM, 12-bit ADC with 16 external inputs, integrated LCD driver supporting up to 320 segments, and dual eUSCI modules (UART/IrDA/SPI + I²C/SPI). It operates from 1.8 V to 3.6 V and targets battery-powered metering applications requiring long-term data retention and low active/standby current.

For engineers reviewing the MSP430FR6877IPZR datasheet, MSP430FR6877IPZR pinout, MSP430FR6877IPZR application, or MSP430FR6877IPZR equivalent, key selection criteria include FRAM endurance (10¹⁵ write cycles), RTC-enabled LPM3.5 mode (0.35 µA typical), capacitive touch I/O on all ports P1–P10/PJ, and UART/I²C bootloader support - all in a 100-pin LQFP package.

Technical Context

The MSP430FR6877IPZR implements the CPUXV2 16-bit RISC core with hardware multiplier and three-channel DMA, enabling deterministic real-time processing in energy-constrained systems. Its clock system integrates DCO (10 factory-trimmed frequencies), LFXT (32-kHz crystal), HFXT (up to 24 MHz), and VLO for flexible low-power timing.

Analog subsystem includes a 16-channel comparator, programmable reference (REF_A), and ADC12_B with sample-and-hold and internal reference - supporting simultaneous high-accuracy sensing and display driving. The LCD_C module provides static/2–8 mux drive with contrast control, directly managed by dedicated hardware without CPU intervention.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

LQFP-100 package (14 mm × 14 mm, 0.5 mm pitch) with exposed thermal pad; RoHS-compliant, lead-free finish.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with MSP430FR6879IPZR, the MSP430FR6877IPZR trades FRAM capacity for cost-sensitive metering; versus MSP430FR6877IPN, it offers 20 additional GPIO and full 320-segment LCD support - critical for feature-rich utility displays.

Availability

MSP430FR6877IPZR is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for water metering, heat cost allocation, and portable medical devices requiring stable component supply, long-term FRAM reliability, and certified low-power operation.

Supply support for MSP430FR6877IPZR 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 MSP430FR6877IPZR belongs to TI's ULP FRAM microcontroller portfolio, engineered specifically for battery-operated utility meters and portable instrumentation demanding near-zero-power RTC, high-endurance nonvolatile storage, and integrated analog peripherals.

FAQ

What is the maximum operating frequency of the MSP430FR6877IPZR?

The MSP430FR6877IPZR supports a maximum system clock frequency of 16 MHz via its digitally controlled oscillator (DCO) or external HFXT crystal. This allows real-time execution of metrology algorithms while maintaining ultra-low power consumption in active mode (≈100 µA/MHz). The device also supports lower-frequency modes (e.g., 32 kHz LFXT for RTC) to optimize energy use across operational states. MSP430FR6877IPZR achieves this performance within its 1.8–3.6 V supply range.

Does the MSP430FR6877IPZR support capacitive touch sensing without external components?

Yes, the MSP430FR6877IPZR supports capacitive touch sensing on all I/O ports (P1–P10 and PJ) using its integrated CapTIvate™-compatible peripheral, eliminating the need for external RC networks or dedicated touch controllers. This capability is confirmed in the device overview and signal descriptions, where each port is explicitly listed as touch-capable. MSP430FR6877IPZR leverages built-in charge-transfer measurement and noise-immune firmware libraries for robust button/slider implementation in harsh metering environments.

What LCD configurations does the MSP430FR6877IPZR support?

The MSP430FR6877IPZR integrates the LCD_C module supporting static, 2-, 3-, 4-, 6-, and 8-mux configurations with up to 320 total segments. It provides dedicated segment and common drivers, programmable contrast control, and charge-pump voltage generation - enabling direct connection to custom or standard segment LCDs without external bias circuitry. MSP430FR6877IPZR's 83 GPIO include dedicated COM0–COM7 and segment pins mapped across P6–P10/PJ, matching the 320-segment maximum specified in the family datasheet.

How does the FRAM memory in the MSP430FR6877IPZR differ from traditional flash in terms of endurance and speed?

The MSP430FR6877IPZR features 64KB of ferroelectric RAM (FRAM) with 10¹⁵ write cycles - orders of magnitude higher than flash (typically 10⁴–10⁵ cycles) - and 125 ns per word write time, enabling real-time logging without wear leveling. Unlike flash, FRAM writes are byte-addressable, instantaneous, and consume significantly less energy per write operation. MSP430FR6877IPZR leverages this for deterministic data capture in utility meters where frequent timestamped writes are mandatory.

What bootloaders are supported by the MSP430FR6877IPZR?

The MSP430FR6877IPZR includes a hardware bootloader (BSL) supporting both UART and I²C interfaces, allowing in-system firmware updates without JTAG. The UART BSL uses P2.0 (TX) and P2.1 (RX); the I²C BSL uses P1.6 (SDA) and P1.7 (SCL). These are documented in the terminal configuration section and confirmed in the device comparison table. MSP430FR6877IPZR's BSL is factory-programmed and secured via password protection, enabling secure field upgrades in deployed metering infrastructure.