MSP430F5438AIZCAT Overview
The MSP430F5438AIZCAT is a low-power, 16?bit microcontroller designed for industrial and battery-powered systems that need more memory and more peripheral integration than entry-level MSP430 parts. It combines a low-frequency, energy-efficient CPU with on-chip Flash and SRAM, multiple timers, a 12?bit ADC, and a full?speed USB peripheral to support both real?time control and data transfer tasks. Engineers and sourcing teams find it useful where a balance of low static current, mid?range performance, and broad I/O makes designs more compact and more cost-effective. Learn more at IC Manufacturer
MSP430F5438AIZCAT Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| CPU architecture | 16?bit RISC |
| Maximum clock | 25 MHz |
| On?chip Flash | 256 KB |
| SRAM | 16 KB |
| ADC | 12?bit, up to 200 kSPS |
| USB | Full?speed (12 Mbps) |
| DMA channels | 8 channels |
| Operating voltage | 1.8 V to 3.6 V |
| Operating temperature | ?40 ??C to +85 ??C |
| Package | 100?pin LQFP (typical) |
| Communication interfaces | Multiple USCI modules: UART/SPI/I2C support |
MSP430F5438AIZCAT Key Features
- Single 16?bit RISC core with low active current, enabling longer battery life in portable applications.
- Large on?chip 256 KB Flash and 16 KB SRAM for more code and data without external memory, reducing board count.
- Integrated 12?bit ADC with up to 200 kSPS performance for higher resolution sensing compared to 8? or 10?bit alternatives.
- Full?speed USB controller to simplify direct USB connectivity for firmware upgrades, logging, or device communication.
- Multiple USCI serial modules provide flexible UART, SPI, and I2C connectivity, easing peripheral integration.
- On?chip DMA and multiple timers improve system efficiency by offloading routine data moves and timing tasks from the CPU.
- Wide supply range and industrial temperature rating make it more suitable for harsher environments than consumer?only parts.
Typical Applications
- Battery?powered metering and portable measurement instruments that need low standby current and higher code density for advanced algorithms and calibration data storage.
- Industrial control nodes requiring deterministic timing, multiple serial interfaces, and USB for configuration or diagnostics during maintenance cycles.
- Data loggers and sensor gateways combining mid?range processing, 12?bit analog sampling, and USB connectivity for data offload or firmware updates.
- Human?machine interface (HMI) designs where more Flash and SRAM let developers implement richer menus, buffering, and USB device support on a single microcontroller.
MSP430F5438AIZCAT Advantages vs Typical Alternatives
The device balances lower power draw with more memory and integrated peripherals than simpler microcontrollers. Compared with basic MSP430 variants, it provides roughly two to four times more Flash and several times more SRAM, enabling more complex firmware without external memory. Compared with some 8?bit controllers, it offers a 16?bit CPU and a higher?resolution ADC and integrated USB, which reduce BOM and improve throughput for data?centric tasks. Its industrial voltage and temperature ranges make it more reliable in demanding deployments.
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MSP430F5438AIZCAT Brand Info
MSP430F5438AIZCAT is produced by Texas Instruments, a global semiconductor company known for analog and embedded processing solutions. TI??s MSP430 family emphasizes ultra?low power, broad peripheral integration, and long product availability, making it a common choice for industrial and portable embedded systems.
FAQ
What CPU architecture does it use?
The microcontroller uses a 16?bit RISC architecture typical of the MSP430 family. This architecture is optimized for low power and efficient code density, which helps reduce energy consumption in both active and standby modes.
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What memory sizes are included?
The device includes 256 KB of on?chip Flash and 16 KB of SRAM. These sizes let you store larger application code and runtime data without adding external memory, simplifying board layout and reducing cost.
Does it support USB connectivity?
Yes, the part includes a full?speed USB peripheral. That enables device?side USB communication for firmware updates, logging, or host communication without a separate USB controller chip.
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What analog capabilities are available?
It integrates a 12?bit analog?to?digital converter capable of up to 200 kSPS sampling. This provides higher resolution sensing for signal acquisition and control compared with lower?resolution ADCs.
Which interfaces are available for peripherals?
Multiple USCI modules provide flexible serial interfaces, including UART, SPI, and I2C. Combined with timers and DMA, these interfaces support a wide range of sensors, displays, and comms peripherals with efficient CPU utilization.



