Texas Instruments MSP430FR6979IPN

Overview

MSP430FR6979IPN from Texas Instruments is a 16-bit ultra-low-power FRAM microcontroller with 128KB nonvolatile memory, 2KB RAM, integrated LCD driver (up to 320 segments), 12-bit ADC with 16 external inputs, and dual eUSCI modules supporting UART/IrDA/SPI/I²C. It operates from 1.8 V to 3.6 V and targets battery-powered utility metering and data logging.

For engineers reviewing the MSP430FR6979IPN datasheet, MSP430FR6979IPN pinout, MSP430FR6979IPN application, or MSP430FR6979IPN equivalent, key selection factors include FRAM endurance (10¹⁵ write cycles), LPM3.5 RTC current (0.35 µA), capacitive touch I/O support on all ports P1–P10/PJ, AES256 encryption coprocessor, and 80-pin LQFP package with 63 GPIOs.

Technical Context

The MSP430FR6979IPN implements the MSP430 CPUXV2 core with 16 general-purpose registers and executes instructions at up to 16 MHz using a factory-trimmed DCO or external HFXT/LFXT crystals. Its power architecture delivers seven low-power modes, including LPM3.5 (RTC active) and LPM4.5 (shutdown), with verified currents of 0.35 µA and 0.02 µA respectively.

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, three-channel DMA, CRC16/CRC32 engines, and dual eUSCI_A (UART/IrDA/SPI) and eUSCI_B (I²C/SPI) interfaces - all accessible via multiplexed pins on the 80-pin LQFP package.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

The MSP430FR6979IPN is housed in an 80-pin LQFP (PN) package measuring 12 mm × 12 mm, with exposed thermal pad not connected per TI recommendation. All 63 GPIOs support capacitive touch sensing without external components.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with MSP430FR6977IPN and MSP430FR6928IPM, the MSP430FR6979IPN provides maximum FRAM capacity and full LCD support in the 80-pin LQFP footprint - making it optimal for feature-rich utility meters and portable instruments requiring long-term secure data retention and human-readable displays.

Availability

MSP430FR6979IPN is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for water metering, heat cost allocation, and portable medical instrumentation requiring stable component supply, long-lifecycle assurance, and consistent FRAM performance across production batches.

Supply support for MSP430FR6979IPN 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 company headquartered in Dallas, Texas, delivering analog and embedded processing solutions for industrial, automotive, and consumer markets.

The MSP430FR69xx product line was engineered for ultra-low-power, battery-operated sensing and metering applications - integrating FRAM, LCD drivers, security accelerators, and precision analog peripherals into a single-chip solution for utility and medical edge devices.

FAQ

What is the maximum operating frequency of the MSP430FR6979IPN?

The MSP430FR6979IPN supports a maximum system clock frequency of 16 MHz, achievable using the factory-trimmed DCO oscillator or external HFXT crystal. This speed enables real-time signal processing for ADC sampling, cryptographic operations, and LCD refresh while maintaining ultra-low-power efficiency in active mode (≈100 µA/MHz).

Does the MSP430FR6979IPN support hardware AES encryption?

Yes, the MSP430FR6979IPN includes a dedicated hardware AES256 encryption and decryption coprocessor with integrated true random number generation. This enables secure firmware updates, encrypted sensor data storage in FRAM, and compliance with data privacy standards - all without consuming CPU cycles or increasing active-mode power consumption.

How many GPIO pins does the MSP430FR6979IPN have in its 80-pin LQFP package?

The MSP430FR6979IPN provides 63 general-purpose I/O pins in the 80-pin LQFP (PN) package. All GPIOs support capacitive touch sensing natively, and each pin is multiplexed with at least one peripheral function such as timer capture/compare, USCI communication, ADC input, or LCD segment/common drive.

What is the RTC current consumption of the MSP430FR6979IPN in LPM3.5 mode?

The MSP430FR6979IPN draws 0.35 µA typical current in LPM3.5 mode with the real-time clock running from a 32-kHz crystal. This ultra-low RTC current enables decade-long battery operation in applications like water meters and environmental loggers - validated under recommended operating conditions (25°C, 3.0 V supply).

Can the MSP430FR6979IPN drive a 320-segment LCD directly?

Yes, the MSP430FR6979IPN integrates the LCD_C peripheral capable of driving up to 320 segments in static or 2–8 multiplex configurations. It includes programmable contrast control, internal charge pump, and dedicated segment/common pins - eliminating the need for external LCD controllers in utility meter and portable medical display designs.