Texas Instruments MSP430TCH5EPW

Overview

MSP430TCH5EPW from Texas Instruments is a haptics-enabled, ultra-low-power 16-bit RISC microcontroller integrating Immersion TouchSense™ technology, a 10-bit 200-ksps ADC with internal reference, and up to 24 capacitive touch I/O pins. It operates from 1.8 V to 3.6 V, draws 230 µA in active mode (1 MHz, 2.2 V), and supports audio-to-haptics conversion for tactile feedback in portable touch interfaces.

For engineers reviewing the MSP430TCH5EPW datasheet, MSP430TCH5EPW pinout, MSP430TCH5EPW application, or MSP430TCH5EPW equivalent, key selection criteria include haptics effect programmability, integrated capacitive touch capability, low-power timer-A peripherals, USCI support for UART/LIN/IrDA/SPI/I²C, and TSSOP-28 packaging for space-constrained consumer electronics designs.

Technical Context

The MSP430TCH5EPW implements a 16-bit RISC CPU with 62.5-ns instruction cycle time, digitally controlled oscillator (DCO) enabling sub-1-µs wake-up from LPM4, and dual 16-bit Timer_A modules (each with three capture/compare registers) for precise haptic waveform timing and capacitive sensing control. Its USCI module provides independent UART/LIN/IrDA (USCI_A0) and SPI/I²C (USCI_B0) channels.

Capacitive touch functionality is implemented via dedicated GPIO pins with programmable pin oscillators and integrated comparator (COMP_A+) supporting slope A/D conversion, while haptics execution relies on on-chip firmware licensed from Immersion Corporation-supporting 122 preloaded effects, multi-effect sequencing, and audio-synchronized playout without external host intervention.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: 28-pin TSSOP (PW28), body size 9.7 mm × 4.4 mm, 0.65 mm pitch, exposed thermal pad not present.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar haptics and capacitive touch controller applications.

Compared with MSP430TCH5ERHB, the MSP430TCH5EPW offers identical haptics and touch capability in a smaller TSSOP footprint ideal for cost-sensitive consumer assemblies; versus DRV2605L, it integrates full touch + haptics control in one die, eliminating inter-IC communication latency and reducing BOM count by two components.

Availability

MSP430TCH5EPW is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for touch-enabled remote controls, portable navigation devices, and smart home control panels requiring stable component supply across multi-year production cycles.

Supply support for MSP430TCH5EPW 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 microcontrollers.

The MSP430TCH5EPW belongs to the MSP430x2xx family-designed specifically for battery-powered human-interface applications demanding integrated haptics, capacitive touch, and sub-1-µA standby current.

FAQ

What haptics actuator types does the MSP430TCH5EPW support?

The MSP430TCH5EPW supports both Linear Resonant Actuators (LRA) and Eccentric Rotating Mass (ERM) actuators through its integrated Immersion TouchSense firmware. It provides programmable drive waveforms, frequency tuning, and amplitude control optimized for each type-enabling precise tactile feedback without external driver ICs. The MSP430TCH5EPW's USCI_B0 I²C interface can also communicate with external drivers like the DRV2603 if higher power is required.

Does the MSP430TCH5EPW require an external crystal for haptics timing?

The MSP430TCH5EPW does not require an external crystal for basic haptics operation, as its internal digitally controlled oscillator (DCO) provides stable timing up to 16 MHz with sub-1-µs wake-up. However, a 32.768-kHz crystal connected to XIN/XOUT (P2.6/P2.7) is recommended for precise audio-to-haptics synchronization and low-power real-time event scheduling. The MSP430TCH5EPW's clock system automatically selects between DCO and crystal sources based on configured low-power modes.

How many capacitive touch channels can the MSP430TCH5EPW manage simultaneously?

The MSP430TCH5EPW supports up to 24 capacitive touch I/O pins, configurable as self-capacitive buttons, sliders, or wheels using its integrated pin oscillators and COMP_A+ comparator. All 24 channels can be scanned in autoscan mode via the ADC10 module with hardware-accelerated slope A/D conversion. The MSP430TCH5EPW firmware handles baseline tracking and noise rejection internally, enabling robust touch detection even in electrically noisy environments.

Is the Immersion TouchSense license included with the MSP430TCH5EPW?

Yes, the MSP430TCH5EPW includes a royalty-free, pre-integrated license for Immersion TouchSense Technology-no additional fees, royalties, or separate licensing agreements are required. The firmware is factory-programmed into the device's flash memory and supports all 122 haptic effects, multi-effect sequencing, delay timers, and audio-to-haptics mapping out-of-the-box. The MSP430TCH5EPW delivers full TouchSense functionality without external IP negotiation or runtime license validation.

What debug interface does the MSP430TCH5EPW use, and what tools are compatible?

The MSP430TCH5EPW uses the two-wire Spy-Bi-Wire (SBW) interface for in-system programming and debugging, accessible via pins RST/NMI/SBWTDIO (Pin 24) and TEST/SBWTCK (Pin 25). It is fully compatible with TI's MSP-FET debugger, MSP430 LaunchPad development kits, and third-party tools supporting SBW protocol. The MSP430TCH5EPW also includes two hardware breakpoints and full flash read/write protection via security fuse-enabling secure development and production programming without JTAG header overhead.