Texas Instruments XMSP430F5438IPZ

Overview

XMSP430F5438IPZ from Texas Instruments is a 16-bit ultra-low-power mixed-signal microcontroller featuring 256 KB Flash, 16 KB RAM, three 16-bit timers (TA0/TA1/TB0), 12-bit ADC with 14 external + 2 internal channels, four USCI modules (2 UART/IrDA/SPI + 2 I²C/SPI), and RTC functionality - deployed in portable sensor systems and digital motor control where sub-5 µs wake-up and 1.69 µA LPM4 current are critical.

For engineers reviewing the XMSP430F5438IPZ datasheet, XMSP430F5438IPZ pinout, XMSP430F5438IPZ application, or XMSP430F5438IPZ equivalent, key selection criteria include verified 100-pin LQFP package compatibility, confirmed 87 GPIO count, validated 12-bit ADC autoscan capability, and documented support for crystal oscillators up to 32 MHz and internal VLO/REFO clock sources.

Technical Context

The XMSP430F5438IPZ implements a CPUXV2 16-bit RISC core with constant generators and extended memory addressing, paired with a Unified Clock System (UCS) containing FLL, VLO, REFO, and dual crystal oscillator inputs (XT1/XT2). Its power management includes an integrated LDO with programmable core voltage and supply supervision with brownout detection.

Peripherals are tightly synchronized via the UCS: ADC12_A uses ADC12CLK derived from SMCLK or MODOSC; timers TA0/TA1/TB0 accept independent clock sources (ACLK, SMCLK, or external); USCI modules operate with configurable baud-rate generation and automatic UART baud-rate detection - all coordinated under five low-power modes (LPM0–LPM4) with full RAM retention in standby.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

LQFP-100 package (14 mm × 14 mm, 0.5 mm pitch), thermally enhanced with exposed thermal pad (not electrically connected), compliant with JEDEC MO-220 standard.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with XMSP430F5438IPZ, MSP430F5436IPZ offers identical peripheral integration and power performance at reduced Flash capacity, while MSP430F5419IPZ further lowers cost and memory for minimal-feature deployments - all share pin-for-pin compatibility and identical low-power behavior.

Availability

XMSP430F5438IPZ is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for analog sensor systems, digital motor control, and smart thermostat interfaces requiring stable component supply, long-term industrial lifecycle support, and guaranteed traceability.

Supply support for XMSP430F5438IPZ 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 MSP430F543x product line targets ultra-low-power portable instrumentation and battery-operated measurement systems, emphasizing extended runtime, precision analog integration, and rapid wake-up responsiveness.

FAQ

What is the maximum system clock frequency supported by XMSP430F5438IPZ?

The XMSP430F5438IPZ supports a maximum system clock (MCLK) frequency of 18 MHz, achieved via the FLL-controlled DCO using high-frequency crystal (XT2) input up to 32 MHz or internal reference sources. This frequency is validated across the full operating voltage range (2.2 V to 3.6 V) and ambient temperature conditions specified in the datasheet.

Does XMSP430F5438IPZ support crystal oscillators for both low-frequency and high-frequency operation?

Yes, XMSP430F5438IPZ supports dual crystal oscillator inputs: XT1 accepts 32-kHz crystals for RTC and low-power timing, while XT2 supports high-frequency crystals up to 32 MHz for main system clock generation. Both require external load capacitors and are fully integrated into the Unified Clock System with automatic fault detection.

How many general-purpose I/O pins does XMSP430F5438IPZ provide in its LQFP-100 package?

XMSP430F5438IPZ provides 87 general-purpose I/O pins in the LQFP-100 package, as confirmed in the device comparison table and functional block diagram. All 87 pins support interrupt capability, programmable drive strength, and Schmitt-trigger inputs - with up to 16 analog input channels shared across the I/O bank.

Can XMSP430F5438IPZ perform ADC conversions while in low-power mode?

Yes, XMSP430F5438IPZ can initiate and complete ADC12_A conversions in LPM0 and LPM3 modes. In LPM3, the ADC operates using ACLK or REFO clock source with RTC active; conversion results trigger interrupts or DMA without waking the CPU, enabling true autonomous sensor acquisition at 2.6 µA system current.

Is XMSP430F5438IPZ pin-compatible with other devices in the MSP430F543x family?

Yes, XMSP430F5438IPZ is pin-compatible with MSP430F5436IPZ and MSP430F5419IPZ in the same LQFP-100 package, sharing identical pin numbering, signal assignments, power/ground layout, and thermal pad configuration - enabling hardware reuse across Flash-size variants without PCB redesign.