Texas Instruments MSP430FR6988IPNR

Overview

MSP430FR6988IPNR from Texas Instruments is an ultra-low-power 16-bit mixed-signal microcontroller featuring 96KB ferroelectric RAM (FRAM), 2KB SRAM, integrated LCD driver (up to 320 segments), 12-bit ADC with 16 external inputs, and Extended Scan Interface (ESI) for precision analog sensing in metering applications. It operates from 1.8 V to 3.6 V and supports real-time clock (RTC) with calendar mode at 0.35 µA in LPM3.5.

For engineers reviewing the MSP430FR6988IPNR datasheet, MSP430FR6988IPNR pinout, MSP430FR6988IPNR application, or MSP430FR6988IPNR equivalent, key selection criteria include FRAM endurance (10¹⁵ write cycles), ESI-based background measurement capability, AES256 security coprocessor, and dual eUSCI modules supporting UART/IrDA/SPI/I²C - all critical for secure, battery-powered utility metering designs.

Technical Context

The MSP430FR6988IPNR implements a ULP CPUXV2 core with seven low-power modes, including LPM3.5 (RTC active, 0.35 µA) and LPM4.5 (shutdown, 0.02 µA). Its FRAM memory architecture enables fast writes (125 ns/word) without erase cycles and eliminates flash wear-out concerns in data-logging scenarios.

It integrates three 16-bit timers (TA0–TA3, TB0), a 32-bit hardware multiplier, CRC16/CRC32 engines, and dual eUSCI_A/B modules - one configured for UART/IrDA/SPI (eUSCI_A0/A1), the other for I²C/SPI (eUSCI_B0/B1). The ESI peripheral supports capacitive and resistive sensor scanning without CPU intervention.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

The MSP430FR6988IPNR is housed in an 80-pin LQFP (PN) package measuring 12 mm × 12 mm with exposed thermal pad (not electrically connected). Pin functions are multiplexed across digital I/O, analog inputs, timer capture/compare, USCI interfaces, and LCD segment/com drivers.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with MSP430FR6989IPNR, the MSP430FR6988IPNR offers identical low-power performance and security but trades 32KB FRAM for cost-sensitive metering designs; versus MSP430FR5988IPMR, it adds ESI and LCD_C essential for utility meter HMI and transducer interfacing - making it the optimal balance of feature set, power, and package size for certified metering applications.

Availability

MSP430FR6988IPNR is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for water metering, heat metering, and portable medical device applications requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and guaranteed traceability for regulatory compliance.

Supply support for MSP430FR6988IPNR 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 with emphasis on energy efficiency, reliability, and system-level integration.

The MSP430FR69xx product line targets ultra-low-power metering and sensing applications, integrating FRAM, ESI, LCD drivers, and security features to simplify certified utility and medical device development.

FAQ

What is the maximum operating frequency of the MSP430FR6988IPNR?

The MSP430FR6988IPNR supports a maximum system clock frequency of 16 MHz using its factory-trimmed DCO or external HFXT crystal. This allows deterministic real-time execution of ESI scan sequences, ADC conversions, and cryptographic operations while maintaining sub-100 µA/MHz active-mode current consumption.

Does the MSP430FR6988IPNR include hardware encryption capabilities?

Yes, the MSP430FR6988IPNR integrates a dedicated AES256 security coprocessor that performs encryption and decryption in hardware. This enables secure firmware updates, encrypted data logging in FRAM, and compliance with DLMS/COSEM and IEC 62056 standards - all without burdening the CPU or increasing active-mode power.

How does the Extended Scan Interface (ESI) in the MSP430FR6988IPNR improve metering accuracy?

The ESI in the MSP430FR6988IPNR performs autonomous, background capacitance and resistance measurements with 24-bit resolution and programmable settling time. It eliminates CPU involvement during transducer excitation and signal acquisition - reducing noise coupling and enabling precise ultrasonic time-of-flight calculations critical for ±1% water meter accuracy.

What LCD configurations does the MSP430FR6988IPNR support?

The MSP430FR6988IPNR's LCD_C module supports static, 2–8 multiplexed displays with up to 320 segments. It includes built-in charge pump, contrast control, and blinking capability - allowing direct drive of segmented LCDs in heat meters and cost allocators without external bias circuitry or display controllers.

Is the MSP430FR6988IPNR pin-compatible with other devices in the MSP430FR69xx family?

Yes, the MSP430FR6988IPNR shares identical 80-pin LQFP (PN) package pinout with MSP430FR6989IPNR and MSP430FR6987IPNR. All three devices maintain register-level compatibility across FRAM, ESI, LCD_C, and USCI peripherals - enabling scalable design reuse across 64KB/96KB/128KB memory variants.