MSP430A079IPN - 16-Bit 8 MHz MCU | Texas Instruments
MPN: MSP430A079IPN ✓ ActiveMSP430A079IPN Overview
An MCU is a semiconductor device that integrates a processor core, program memory, data memory, peripherals, and I/O in one package. Within the embedded-control hierarchy, the MSP430A079IPN sits between a general-purpose microprocessor and a fixed-function logic device. Its 16-bit architecture provides a practical balance of processing capability, memory capacity, and compact embedded control, while the mixed-signal family is commonly used where analog measurements and digital control must share one system.
The three principal headline specifications are an 8 MHz operating speed, 48 KB of flash program memory, and an 80-pin LQFP footprint. The flash memory can retain firmware without a separate external program-memory device, while the 80-pin package provides substantially more I/O and peripheral connectivity than a small 8-pin or 16-pin microcontroller package. The manufacturer describes the part as an MSP430x4xx-series MCU with 48K x 8 flash and 256 bytes of additional memory.
The device architecture supports embedded acquisition, monitoring, and control rather than general-purpose desktop computing. Its analog and digital resources are intended to reduce the number of external components in instrumented systems, while its 16-bit datapath provides useful precision for control calculations. Exact peripheral assignments, timer resources, converter performance, clock limits, and electrical ratings should be taken from the pin-description table and electrical-characteristics tables in the Texas Instruments MSP430A079IPN datasheet.
Typical application areas include industrial sensor modules, compact data-acquisition equipment, building-control interfaces, portable instrumentation, and low-power embedded monitoring devices. The 48 KB embedded flash capacity is useful for moderate firmware sizes, while the 12 x 12 mm LQFP package supports conventional surface-mount assembly and a generous pin count for external sensors, displays, communications, and actuators.
PCB design should begin with the manufacturer pin-description table, decoupling requirements, clock configuration, and exposed thermal-pad guidance. Confirm every signal, supply pin, analog reference, and programming connection against the exact IPN package before layout release; similar MSP430 family members can differ in pin availability and peripheral multiplexing.
This page consolidates the confirmed 16-bit architecture, 8 MHz clock rating, 48 KB flash configuration, 256-byte memory feature, 80-LQFP packaging, sourcing information, pinout considerations, and replacement guidance to support faster engineering and procurement evaluation.
Drop-in alternatives for MSP430A079IPN — same package, pin-to-pin compatible. Different-package parts requiring PCB rework are excluded.
MSP430F5438IPN
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
MSP430F5438AIPN
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
MSP430A079IPN Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Product Type | 16-bit mixed-signal microcontroller |
| Series | MSP430x4xx |
| Maximum Clock Frequency | 8 MHz |
| Flash Memory | 48 KB (48K x 8) |
| Additional Memory | 256 bytes |
| Architecture | 16-bit |
| Package | 80-pin LQFP (12 x 12 mm) |
| Mounting Type | Surface mount |
| Pin Count | 80 pins |
MSP430A079IPN 80-pin lqfp (12 x 12 mm) Pin Configuration Guide
Pin configuration for MSP430A079IPN (80-pin lqfp (12 x 12 mm) package). This digital IC includes GPIO, communication interfaces (UART, SPI, I2C), and power pins. Refer to the manufacturer datasheet for alternate pin functions and configuration options. Essential for embedded system design and PCB layout.
No detailed pinout data available for MSP430A079IPN.
Refer to the datasheet for full pin configuration.
Typical Applications
MSP430A079IPN is suitable for 6 applications: Industrial Sensor Conditioning, Compact Data Acquisition, Building Control Interface, Portable Instrumentation, Environmental Monitoring, LED Lighting Controller.
Industrial Sensor Conditioning
The MSP430A079IPN suits compact sensor-conditioning modules because its 16-bit architecture provides useful control precision while 48 KB of flash holds application firmware and local configuration logic. The 8 MHz clock supports event handling, filtering, status reporting, and communication routines without requiring a separate external processor. In an industrial design, the MCU can read sensor inputs, apply calibration, detect thresholds, and drive status indicators. The 80-pin LQFP also offers more peripheral and I/O routing options than a small microcontroller package. Validate analog ranges, electrical limits, and exact peripheral assignments against the manufacturer datasheet before connecting field sensors.
Recommended
Compact Data Acquisition
The MSP430A079IPN can act as the control center for a compact data-acquisition module that must combine sensor conditioning, digital status, and local processing. Its 48K x 8 flash arrangement provides dedicated firmware storage, while the 16-bit processor architecture is appropriate for timestamp handling, scaling, and threshold decisions. The 80-pin package makes it practical to allocate pins to converters, external references, communications, and indicators. Actual converter resolution, sampling rate, input count, and acquisition timing must be taken from the exact device documentation before setting acquisition-channel or precision requirements.
Recommended
Building Control Interface
The MSP430A079IPN is appropriate for a building-control interface that gathers digital inputs, operates local logic, and reports equipment status. The 8 MHz maximum clock provides capacity for protocol handling and scheduled control tasks, while the 48 KB flash capacity accommodates application code and parameter tables. Its 80-pin LQFP package provides a broad selection of configurable I/O and peripheral connections for switches, sensors, relays, and communications. Because exact multiplexing depends on the device and package, engineers should verify every required signal in the pin-description table and complete the manufacturer power, clock, and reset design checks.
Recommended
Portable Instrumentation
The MSP430A079IPN fits portable analytical instruments where a compact 16-bit controller can organize measurements, run control logic, and manage a user interface. Its embedded 48 KB flash reduces the need for external program memory, and the 12 x 12 mm LQFP supports dense surface-mount assemblies. Possible functions include logging, alarm evaluation, calibration sequencing, and communication with a host or display. Power-budget and battery-life conclusions require the datasheet's actual active and sleep current figures, so those ratings should be reviewed before selecting the device for a duty-cycled portable product.
Recommended
Environmental Monitoring
The MSP430A079IPN can support environmental monitoring nodes that sample sensors, apply limits, and report operating status. Its 16-bit processing architecture is suitable for baseline scaling and control calculations, while 48 KB of flash supports firmware updates, logging logic, and diagnostic routines. The extensive 80-pin package allows several external sensor inputs, communications, and local status outputs to coexist on one board. Verify whether the required mixed-signal resources are present in the exact MSP430A079IPN configuration, then confirm input bandwidth, converter accuracy, and available peripheral functions before finalizing the node architecture.
Recommended
LED Lighting Controller
The MSP430A079IPN can control an LED lighting module by sequencing channels, monitoring current or temperature conditions, and implementing timing or dimming functions. The 16-bit datapath and 8 MHz clock provide capacity for state machines and communication handling, while the 80-pin LQFP offers numerous I/O options for drivers and feedback signals. The flash capacity can hold lighting profiles and control tables without an external memory device. Before implementation, confirm the required timer channels, PWM resources, analog feedback inputs, and operating limits in the manufacturer datasheet; do not infer peripheral availability from the MSP430 family name alone.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for MSP430A079IPN — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | MSP430F5438IPN | MSP430F5438AIPN |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Texas Instruments | Texas Instruments | Texas Instruments |
| Package | 80-pin LQFP (12 x 12 mm) | 80-pin LQFP (12 x 12 mm) | 80-pin LQFP (12 x 12 mm) |
| Architecture | 16-bit | 16-bit MSP430 architecture | 16-bit MSP430 architecture |
| Pin Count | 80 pins | 80 pins | 80 pins |
| Mounting Type | Surface mount | Surface mount | Surface mount |
Key Differentiators
- Confirmed 48K x 8 flash organization (vs MSP430F5438IPN)
- Confirmed 8 MHz maximum clock rating (vs MSP430F5438AIPN)
- Compact 12 x 12 mm LQFP with 80 pins (vs MSP430F5438IPN)
Design Notes
Assign every pin using the exact MSP430A079IPN 80-pin LQFP pin-description table before routing PCB traces. Pay particular attention to multiple supply and ground pins, analog reference pins, reset, clock inputs, and programming signals. The 12 x 12 mm land pattern and exposed-pad requirements must follow the manufacturer package drawing. Because similar MSP430 devices can multiplex the same physical pin for different peripherals, approve the schematic only after comparing the device identifier, peripheral map, and intended configuration.
Place the required bypass capacitors at the device supply pins and route power and ground connections using the layout guidance in the manufacturer datasheet. Keep analog inputs and reference connections away from switching-node and high-current return paths. Confirm the exact supply-voltage range, current limits, startup behavior, and required external components before applying power. If the board combines this MCU with switching converters, verify sequencing and analog-noise isolation because package compatibility does not establish acceptable power-rail behavior.
Do not treat a shared 80-pin LQFP footprint as proof that MSP430F5438IPN or MSP430F5438AIPN is a drop-in substitute. Compare clock settings, memory organization, peripheral multiplexing, device identifiers, reset behavior, and programming requirements against the target design. Firmware may also require a different linker configuration, driver library, or target-device definition. Complete both schematic-level and firmware-level verification before approving either alternative for production.
Apply the datasheet's clock and analog-layout recommendations directly to the selected operating mode. Keep oscillator routing short, observe any recommended series resistance, and maintain separation between sensitive analog inputs and fast digital switching paths. Use clean grounding and return-current planning around the 80-pin device to reduce susceptibility to coupling. Exact grounding, isolation, and filtering values depend on the clock source and analog subsystem configuration, so confirm them in the manufacturer application guidance rather than copying generic values.
Compliance Information
Compliance declarations were not identified in the available product records. Confirm RoHS, REACH, lead-free, halogen-free, conflict-minerals, and automotive qualification status in the current Texas Instruments product documentation before environmental or regulatory release.
