Texas Instruments MSP430FR6879IPN
- Part No.:
- MSP430FR6879IPN
- Manufacturer:
- Texas Instruments
- Category:
- Microcontrollers
- Package:
- 80-LQFP
- Datasheet:
-
MSP430FR6879IPN.pdf
- Description:
- IC MCU 16BIT 128KB FRAM 80LQFP
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:4,155
Please send an inquiry. Send us your inquiry, and we will respond immediately.
Product details
Overview
MSP430FR6879IPN from Texas Instruments is a 16-bit ultra-low-power mixed-signal microcontroller featuring 128KB ferroelectric RAM (FRAM), 2KB SRAM, integrated 12-bit ADC with 16 external inputs, LCD controller for up to 320 segments, and five 16-bit timers. 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 MSP430FR6879IPN datasheet, MSP430FR6879IPN pinout, MSP430FR6879IPN application, or MSP430FR6879IPN equivalent, key selection criteria include FRAM endurance (1015 write cycles), RTC power in LPM3.5 (0.35 µA typical), capacitive touch I/O on all ports P1–P10/PJ, and UART/I²C/SPI dual eUSCI peripherals with hardware bootloader support.
Technical Context
The MSP430FR6879IPN implements the CPUXV2 core with 16 general-purpose registers and integrates a flexible clock system with DCO (10 factory-trimmed frequencies), LFXT (32-kHz crystal), HFXT, and VLO. Its memory architecture unifies FRAM for code, data, and nonvolatile storage-enabling atomic writes and eliminating erase latency.
Peripherals include two independent eUSCI_A modules (UART/IrDA/SPI) and two eUSCI_B modules (I²C/SPI), a 32-bit hardware multiplier, three-channel DMA, CRC16/CRC32 engines, and an analog subsystem with 16-channel comparator and programmable reference. All I/O pins support capacitive touch sensing without external components.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Core Architecture | 16-bit RISC CPUXV2, up to 16-MHz operation - enables deterministic real-time control with low gate count and minimal power per instruction. |
| Nonvolatile Memory | 128KB FRAM - supports unlimited write cycles, instant write capability (125 ns/word), and radiation resistance for harsh environments. |
| Supply Voltage Range | 1.8 V to 3.6 V - accommodates single-cell Li-ion, alkaline, or coin-cell batteries without external regulators in many designs. |
| Low-Power Mode LPM3.5 | 0.35 µA typical (RTC active) - extends battery life to >10 years in water/heat meter applications with calendar-based wakeups. |
| ADC Resolution & Inputs | 12-bit SAR ADC with internal reference, 16 external channels - enables simultaneous sensor acquisition (e.g., flow, temperature, pressure) without multiplexer overhead. |
| LCD Driver Capacity | Up to 320 segments, static to 8-mux - drives large-format utility meter displays directly, reducing BOM cost and PCB area. |
| Capacitive Touch I/O | All P1–P10 and PJ pins - eliminates dedicated touch controller ICs and external RC networks in user-interface designs. |
Pinout & Package
LQFP-80 package (12 mm × 12 mm, 0.5 mm pitch), RoHS-compliant, with exposed thermal pad (not electrically connected). Pin functions validated per TI SLASE33C datasheet Section 4.2 for PN package.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| P1.0–P1.7 | Multi-function GPIO + TA0/TA1, UCB0, LCD seg | Support timer capture/compare, I²C slave interface, and segment drive - enables compact meter front-end with shared signal routing. |
| P2.0–P2.7 | Multi-function GPIO + UCA0, TB0, COMx, Sxx | Drive LCD backplane (COM0–COM7), UART TX/RX, and Timer_B outputs - critical for integrated display and communication in portable meters. |
| P3.0–P3.7 | Multi-function GPIO + UCB1, UCA1, TB0, Sxx | Dual eUSCI peripheral access (I²C + UART/SPI) on same port - simplifies isolation and protocol bridging in multi-interface systems. |
| P5.0–P5.7 | Multi-function GPIO + TA1, UCB1, Sxx | Provide MCLK/SMCLK/ACLK outputs and secondary I²C interface - supports clock distribution and redundant comms in fail-safe designs. |
| P6.0–P6.7 | Multi-function GPIO + LCD COM/REF/CAP, TA0CLK | Configure LCD bias voltages (V1–V5), drive COM lines, and supply timer clock - enables full LCD subsystem control without external bias ICs. |
| PJ.0–PJ.5 | JTAG/Spy-Bi-Wire debug + HFXT/LFXT | Support production programming and field firmware updates via 2-wire interface; crystal connections enable precise RTC timing. |
| DVCC1/DVCC2/DVCC3/DVCC4 | Digital power supply (4 pins) | Decoupled digital domains reduce noise coupling between CPU, peripherals, and LCD driver sections. |
| AVCC1/AVSS1–AVSS3 | Analog power and ground | Isolated analog supply path ensures ADC and comparator accuracy remains unaffected by digital switching noise. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Ferroelectric RAM (FRAM) | 128KB unified memory with 1015 write endurance and 125 ns write speed - eliminates flash wear-out concerns and enables logging at microsecond intervals. |
| Ultra-Low-Power RTC | 0.35 µA in LPM3.5 with calendar/alarm - sustains timekeeping through decade-long battery life while enabling scheduled wakeups for periodic measurement. |
| Integrated LCD Controller | Drives up to 320 segments with contrast control and software-configurable mux - removes need for external LCD drivers and reduces component count in utility meters. |
| Capacitive Touch I/O | All 63 GPIO pins support CTSIO without external components - enables robust, low-cost touch buttons and sliders on meter housings with no added BOM cost. |
| Dual eUSCI Peripherals | eUSCI_A0/A1 (UART/IrDA/SPI) + eUSCI_B0/B1 (I²C/SPI) - supports concurrent AMR protocols (e.g., DLMS over UART + sensor I²C) without software arbitration. |
| Hardware Bootloader (BSL) | UART or I²C BSL with password protection - allows secure field firmware updates over existing communication interfaces without JTAG hardware. |
Applications
| Water Metering | Heat Cost Allocation |
|---|---|
|
Use Scenario: Ultrasonic or mechanical flow measurement with pulse counting, temperature compensation, and hourly consumption logging. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary system controller executing metrology algorithms, managing FRAM-based data logs, and driving LCD display with real-time flow rate. Use Value: 128KB FRAM stores >10 years of hourly data; RTC with 0.35 µA LPM3.5 enables decade battery life; integrated ADC reads temperature sensors directly. |
Use Scenario: Apartment-level thermal energy allocation using inlet/outlet temperature differential and flow integration over billing periods. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Dual-sensor acquisition hub with synchronized 12-bit ADC sampling, calendar-triggered data aggregation, and LCD display of monthly usage. Use Value: Unified FRAM stores calibrated coefficients and historical data atomically; capacitive touch enables tamper-resistant UI; LCD_C drives multi-line display natively. |
| Portable Medical Meters | Data Logging |
|
Use Scenario: Battery-powered blood glucose or oxygen saturation meters requiring clinical-grade accuracy, audit trails, and USB/IrDA data export. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Sensor interface, calibration management, secure FRAM storage of test results with timestamps, and IrDA/UART host communication. Use Value: 1015 FRAM write cycles ensure lifetime data integrity; hardware CRC32 validates log integrity; low-power modes extend single-battery operation to >6 months. |
Use Scenario: Environmental monitoring nodes capturing temperature, humidity, and pressure at fixed intervals for industrial asset tracking. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Autonomous logger with RTC alarm wakeups, multi-sensor ADC polling, FRAM circular buffer, and SPI-connected external flash or radio. Use Value: Fast FRAM writes (4 ms for 64KB) prevent data loss during burst sampling; DMA offloads CPU during transfers; LPM4.5 (0.02 µA) minimizes quiescent drain between samples. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar ultra-low-power mixed-signal microcontroller applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| MSP430FR6877IPN | 64KB FRAM (vs. 128KB), identical package, peripherals, and power specs | Suitable for simpler metering with smaller data history or reduced feature set | Select when FRAM capacity requirements are ≤64KB and cost optimization is prioritized without sacrificing I/O or analog capability. |
| MSP430FR6972IPM | 64KB FRAM, 80-pin LQFP, adds AES-128 encryption engine and enhanced RTC features | Better suited for secure firmware updates or regulatory-compliant data encryption in smart utility deployments | Choose when cryptographic security (AES) or advanced RTC tamper detection is required, accepting lower FRAM density. |
Compared with MSP430FR6877IPN and MSP430FR6972IPM, the MSP430FR6879IPN delivers maximum FRAM capacity in the 80-pin footprint without encryption overhead-making it optimal for high-volume, high-data-retention metering where cost-per-byte and write endurance are primary constraints.
Availability
MSP430FR6879IPN is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for water metering, heat cost allocation, and portable medical metering requiring stable component supply, long-term manufacturability, and consistent parametric performance across production batches.
Supply support for MSP430FR6879IPN 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 and industrial-grade reliability.
The MSP430FR6879IPN belongs to TI's ULP FRAM microcontroller portfolio, engineered specifically for battery-operated utility meters and portable instrumentation where nonvolatile memory endurance, sub-µA RTC operation, and integrated analog peripherals reduce system complexity.
FAQ
What is the maximum operating frequency of the MSP430FR6879IPN?
The MSP430FR6879IPN supports a maximum CPU clock frequency of 16 MHz, achievable via the internal digitally controlled oscillator (DCO) with 10 factory-trimmed frequencies or external HFXT crystal. This enables real-time execution of metrology algorithms and fast FRAM writes while maintaining ultra-low-power efficiency in active mode (≈100 µA/MHz).
Does the MSP430FR6879IPN support hardware encryption?
No, the MSP430FR6879IPN does not include a hardware AES engine. It relies on software-based cryptographic libraries for security functions. For hardware-accelerated encryption, consider the MSP430FR6972IPM, which integrates AES-128. The MSP430FR6879IPN prioritizes FRAM capacity and analog integration over cryptographic acceleration.
How many I/O pins on the MSP430FR6879IPN support capacitive touch sensing?
All 63 general-purpose I/O pins across ports P1–P10 and PJ support capacitive touch sensing without external components. This capability is implemented in hardware via the CTSIO module and requires no additional resistors or capacitors-reducing BOM cost and board space in meter UI designs.
What LCD configuration options does the MSP430FR6879IPN support?
The MSP430FR6879IPN's LCD_C module supports static, 2-, 3-, 4-, 6-, and 8-mux configurations with up to 320 total segments. It provides programmable contrast control, internal charge pump, and independent voltage references (V1–V5) - enabling direct drive of large-segment utility meter displays without external bias generators.
Is the MSP430FR6879IPN pin-compatible with other devices in the FR687x family?
Yes, the MSP430FR6879IPN (80-pin LQFP) shares identical pinout and electrical characteristics with the MSP430FR6877IPN and MSP430FR68791IPN in the same package. This allows hardware reuse across variants differing only in FRAM size (64KB vs. 128KB) or bootloader type (UART vs. I²C BSL).
MSP430FR6879IPN Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Texas Instruments
- Package/Case:
- 80-LQFP
- Series:
- MSP430™ FRAM
- Packaging:
- Tray
- 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:
- 63
- Program Memory Size:
- 128KB (128K 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 12x12b
- Oscillator Type:
- Internal
- Operating Temperature:
- -40°C ~ 85°C (TA)
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
MSP430FR6879IPN FAQ
1.How can I place an order for MSP430FR6879IPN through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for MSP430FR6879IPN 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 MSP430FR6879IPN reliable?
The price and inventory of MSP430FR6879IPN are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for MSP430FR6879IPN is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for MSP430FR6879IPN?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for MSP430FR6879IPN transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for MSP430FR6879IPN?
MSP430FR6879IPN orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your MSP430FR6879IPN 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 MSP430FR6879IPN?
For technical support, including MSP430FR6879IPN datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your MSP430FR6879IPN requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that MSP430FR6879IPN is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All MSP430FR6879IPN 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 MSP430FR6879IPN meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of MSP430FR6879IPN?
All MSP430FR6879IPN units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with MSP430FR6879IPN, 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 MSP430FR6879IPN part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for MSP430FR6879IPN:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
MSP430FR6879IPN Tags

-
ATTINY4-TSHR
Microchip Technology

-
ATTINY10-TSHR
Microchip Technology

-
ATTINY10-TS8R
Microchip Technology

-
ATTINY202-SSNR
Microchip Technology

-
ATTINY202-SSFR
Microchip Technology

-
ATTINY402-SSNR
Microchip Technology

-
PIC16F15213T-I/MF
Microchip Technology

-
PIC16F15213-E/MF
Microchip Technology

-
PIC10F200T-I/OT
Microchip Technology

-
ATTINY412-SSNR
Microchip Technology

-
PIC10F202T-I/OT
Microchip Technology

-
ATTINY404-SSNR
Microchip Technology
Tech Hub
A practical engineering guide to 3.3V and 5V logic compatibility, input thresholds, resistor dividers, translator ICs, MOSFET level shifting, I2C pull-ups, timing limits and power-sequencing risks.
The 74HC595 uses push-pull logic outputs, while the TPIC6B595 uses 50 V open-drain DMOS sinks for higher-power loads. This guide compares timing, current limits, 3.3 V interfacing, load wiring, thermal…
The 74HC595 converts serial data into eight stable parallel outputs. This guide covers pin functions, shift and storage timing, OE and MR behavior, drive-current limits, cascading, voltage compatibilit…
A technical comparison of level-sensitive latches and edge-triggered flip-flops, covering timing windows, setup and hold limits, master–slave operation, time borrowing, race-through, HDL inference and…
A D latch stores one bit while Enable controls when data can pass. This reference covers gate-level operation, truth tables, transparency, setup and hold timing, LE versus OE, common ICs and practical …
An SR latch stores one bit through cross-coupled feedback. This engineering reference covers NOR and NAND implementations, truth tables, forbidden-state recovery, gated operation, switch debouncing, fa…
Latch circuits retain one bit through feedback. This technical reference covers SR and D latches, truth tables, transparency, timing limits, latch-versus-flip-flop behavior, applications and common log…
An engineering guide to LED driver operation, constant-current and constant-voltage outputs, linear and switching topologies, dimming, IC selection, calculations, replacement compatibility, and fault c…
Operational amplifier guide covering op amp basics, feedback, ideal vs real op amps, common configurations, buffer circuits, offset, bias current, gain-bandwidth, slew rate, rail-to-rail limits and sel…
Jumper cables guide covering safe connection order, red and black clamp placement, final ground connection, cable gauge, length, clamp quality, copper vs CCA cables, jump starter comparison and battery…

