Texas Instruments MSP430FR6977IPZR

Overview

MSP430FR6977IPZR from Texas Instruments is a 16-bit ultra-low-power mixed-signal microcontroller featuring 64KB ferroelectric RAM (FRAM), 2KB SRAM, integrated LCD driver supporting up to 320 segments, 12-bit ADC with 16 external inputs, and dual eUSCI modules supporting UART, SPI, and I²C. 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 MSP430FR6977IPZR datasheet, MSP430FR6977IPZR pinout, MSP430FR6977IPZR application, or MSP430FR6977IPZR equivalent, key selection criteria include FRAM endurance (10¹⁵ write cycles), RTC operation at 0.35 µA in LPM3.5, capacitive touch I/O on all ports P1–P10/PJ, AES256 encryption coprocessor, and 100-pin LQFP package with HFXIN/HFXOUT support.

Technical Context

The MSP430FR6977IPZR implements the MSP430 CPUXV2 core with 16 general-purpose registers and executes instructions at up to 16 MHz using a digitally controlled oscillator (DCO) with 10 factory-trimmed frequencies. Its clock system integrates LFXT (32-kHz crystal), HFXT (high-frequency crystal), and VLO for flexible low-power timing across seven operating modes.

Peripherals include three 16-bit Timer_A modules (TA0, TA1, TA3), one 16-bit Timer_B (TB0) with seven capture/compare registers, 32-bit hardware multiplier (MPY32), three-channel DMA controller, and dual eUSCI_A (UART/IrDA/SPI) and eUSCI_B (I²C/SPI) interfaces - all accessible via multiplexed I/O pins in the 100-pin LQFP package.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

The MSP430FR6977IPZR is housed in a 100-pin LQFP (PZ) package with exposed thermal pad option not implemented. Pin functions are fully multiplexed across digital I/O, analog peripherals, clocks, and communication interfaces, supporting flexible PCB routing and low-pin-count design reuse.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with MSP430FR6979IPZR and MSP430FR6927IRGC, the MSP430FR6977IPZR delivers optimal balance of memory (64KB FRAM), full feature set (HFXT, 83 I/O, 320-segment LCD), and standard 100-pin LQFP packaging - making it ideal for metering designs requiring field-proven scalability without layout revision.

Availability

MSP430FR6977IPZR is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for water metering, heat cost allocation, and portable medical metering requiring stable component supply, long-lifecycle support, and TI-qualified industrial-grade reliability.

Supply support for MSP430FR6977IPZR 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 solutions for industrial, automotive, and consumer markets.

The MSP430FR69xx product line is engineered for ultra-low-power, battery-operated metering and sensing applications - integrating FRAM, precision analog, LCD drivers, and security features into a single-chip solution optimized for 10+ year deployments.

FAQ

What is the maximum operating frequency of the MSP430FR6977IPZR?

The MSP430FR6977IPZR supports a maximum CPU clock frequency of 16 MHz, achievable using the high-frequency crystal oscillator (HFXT) or the digitally controlled oscillator (DCO) with factory trimming. This allows real-time execution of metrology algorithms and communication stack processing while maintaining ultra-low-power efficiency across all operating modes.

Does the MSP430FR6977IPZR support hardware AES encryption?

Yes, the MSP430FR6977IPZR includes a dedicated AES256 security coprocessor with support for both encryption and decryption operations. It also provides a true random number seed generator for cryptographic key derivation. This hardware acceleration offloads the CPU and ensures deterministic, side-channel-resistant security execution for applications like secure data logging and regulatory compliance.

How many I/O pins does the MSP430FR6977IPZR have, and are they all capacitive-touch capable?

The MSP430FR6977IPZR provides 83 general-purpose I/O pins across ports P1–P10 and PJ in its 100-pin LQFP package. All 83 pins support capacitive touch sensing (CSD) without external components, enabling robust, sealed front-panel interfaces for metering and medical devices while minimizing bill-of-materials and PCB area.

What LCD configurations does the MSP430FR6977IPZR support?

The MSP430FR6977IPZR integrates the LCD_C peripheral supporting static, 2-, 3-, 4-, 6-, and 8-mux configurations with up to 320 total segments. It drives common outputs (COM0–COM7) and segment lines directly, eliminating external LCD controllers. The device supports internal voltage generation and contrast control, enabling direct connection to custom or standard segment-based displays in utility and medical equipment.

Is an external crystal required for RTC operation on the MSP430FR6977IPZR?

Yes, the MSP430FR6977IPZR requires a 32.768-kHz crystal connected to PJ.4 (LFXIN) and PJ.5 (LFXOUT) for accurate real-time clock (RTC) operation in low-power mode LPM3.5. The RTC consumes only 0.35 µA typical in this mode, enabling decade-long battery life in metering applications where timekeeping accuracy and ultra-low quiescent current are critical.