Texas Instruments MSP430FR6989IPN

Overview

MSP430FR6989IPN from Texas Instruments is a 16-bit ultra-low-power mixed-signal microcontroller featuring 128KB 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 capacitive sensing in metering applications. It operates from 1.8 V to 3.6 V and supports real-time clock (RTC) with calendar and alarm functions.

For engineers reviewing the MSP430FR6989IPN datasheet, MSP430FR6989IPN pinout, MSP430FR6989IPN application, or MSP430FR6989IPN equivalent, key selection criteria include FRAM endurance (10¹⁵ write cycles), LPM3.5 RTC current (0.35 µA), ESI-based background measurement capability, AES256 encryption coprocessor, and 80-pin LQFP package compatibility with water/heat meter designs.

Technical Context

The MSP430FR6989IPN implements a CPUXV2 core with 16 general-purpose registers and integrates three-channel DMA, 32-bit hardware multiplier (MPY32), and dual eUSCI modules supporting UART/IrDA/SPI (eUSCI_A) and I²C/SPI (eUSCI_B). Its clock system combines DCO (10 factory-trimmed frequencies), LFXT (32-kHz crystal), HFXT, and VLO for flexible low-power timing.

It features an extended scan interface (ESI) with dedicated analog front-end for simultaneous multi-channel capacitive sensing-enabling background water/gas/heat volume measurement without CPU intervention-and includes a programmable voltage reference (REF_A), SVS brownout protection, and MPU-based memory protection with IP encapsulation.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

The MSP430FR6989IPN is housed in an 80-pin LQFP package (12 mm × 12 mm) with exposed thermal pad (not electrically connected), compliant with JEDEC MO-207AD. Pin assignments support full peripheral multiplexing including dual eUSCI interfaces, ESI analog channels, LCD segment/com drivers, and capacitive touch I/O across P1–P10 and PJ ports.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with MSP430FR6989IPZ, the MSP430FR6989IPN offers identical functionality in a smaller 80-pin footprint-reducing PCB area and assembly cost-while MSP430FR6988IPN provides a direct pin-compatible alternative with reduced FRAM capacity for tighter BOM budgets.

Availability

MSP430FR6989IPN is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for water metering, heat cost allocation, and portable medical device designs requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and guaranteed traceability.

Supply support for MSP430FR6989IPN 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 integration.

The MSP430 ULP FRAM portfolio targets battery-operated metering and sensing applications, combining FRAM nonvolatility, ultra-low-power operation, and integrated peripherals like ESI and LCD_C to minimize external components.

FAQ

What is the maximum operating frequency of the MSP430FR6989IPN?

The MSP430FR6989IPN supports a maximum system clock frequency of 16 MHz via its digitally controlled oscillator (DCO), which offers 10 factory-trimmed frequencies. This enables high-speed computation for real-time sensor processing while maintaining ultra-low-power operation through dynamic clock gating and multiple low-power modes.

Does the MSP430FR6989IPN support hardware encryption?

Yes, the MSP430FR6989IPN includes a dedicated AES256 security coprocessor with true random number seed generation. This hardware accelerator performs encryption and decryption independently of the CPU, enabling secure firmware updates, protected data logging, and cryptographic key management without impacting real-time application performance.

How many LCD segments can the MSP430FR6989IPN drive?

The MSP430FR6989IPN integrates the LCD_C peripheral capable of driving up to 320 segments in static, 2-, 3-, 4-, or 8-mux configurations. Its flexible segment/common mapping and built-in contrast control eliminate the need for external display controllers in utility meter and portable medical displays.

What is the purpose of the Extended Scan Interface (ESI) in the MSP430FR6989IPN?

The Extended Scan Interface (ESI) in the MSP430FR6989IPN is a dedicated analog peripheral that performs background capacitive sensing for water, heat, and gas volume measurement. It operates autonomously-without CPU intervention-to acquire and process sensor data, significantly reducing active power consumption during continuous monitoring tasks.

Is the MSP430FR6989IPN pin-compatible with other devices in the MSP430FR69xx family?

Yes, the MSP430FR6989IPN is pin-compatible with the MSP430FR6988IPN and MSP430FR6987IPN in the same 80-pin LQFP (PN) package. All share identical pin functions, electrical characteristics, and peripheral mappings-enabling seamless migration between variants based on FRAM size (128KB/96KB/64KB) without PCB redesign.