MSP430F5438ACY - 25MHz 256KB Flash MCU | Texas Instruments
MPN: MSP430F5438ACY ✓ ActiveMSP430F5438ACY Overview
A microcontroller is a programmable integrated circuit that combines a processor core, memory, and peripherals on one semiconductor die. The MSP430 belongs to the mixed-signal MCU category and is commonly used for low-power embedded systems because its architecture supports multiple operating modes and peripheral resources while integrating analog conversion functions.
The MSP430F5438ACY provides a 25 MHz CPU clock, 256 KB flash, and 16 KB SRAM. Its 12-bit ADC supports applications that require measured analog inputs, while the hardware multiplier improves multiplication-intensive signal processing. Four communication interfaces are identified in the verified product data, supporting UART, SPI, and I2C connectivity.
The MSP430F5438ACY is suitable for industrial measurement, data acquisition, communications, embedded control, and low-power sensor systems. DMA can move peripheral data with less processor intervention, while the integrated timers and communication peripherals reduce the need for additional discrete interface components.
The device operates from a 2.4 V to 3.6 V supply according to the verified distributor specification, and the listed industrial operating range is -40°C to 85°C. Its 40-pin WQFN package supports compact surface-mount layouts while exposing the MCU’s analog, digital, and communication resources.
PCB designers should follow the manufacturer’s package and pinout documentation, provide appropriate decoupling near the supply pins, and verify signal levels and peripheral multiplexing before firmware configuration. This product combines a 25 MHz processor, 256 KB flash, and integrated analog and serial peripherals for compact embedded control designs.
This page combines verified manufacturer and distributor information with practical engineering context for selecting the MSP430F5438ACY and understanding its role in embedded systems.
Drop-in alternatives for MSP430F5438ACY — same package, pin-to-pin compatible. Different-package parts requiring PCB rework are excluded.
Variants in this series
Same-series models that are drop-in compatible with MSP430F5438ACY (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Communication Interfaces, Hardware Multiplier, Package, Timers.
MSP430F5438AIPZ
✅ Drop-InContact for price
View Datasheet →MSP430F5438AIPZ
✅ Drop-InContact for price
View Datasheet →MSP430F5438AMPZREP
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
MSP430F5438ACY Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Product Type | 16-bit mixed-signal microcontroller |
| CPU Clock Speed | 25 MHz |
| Flash Memory | 256 KB |
| SRAM | 16 KB |
| ADC Resolution | 12-bit |
| Supply Voltage Range | 2.4 V to 3.6 V |
| I/O Ports | 31 |
| Communication Interfaces | UART, SPI, I2C |
| DMA | Available |
| Timers | Integrated |
| Hardware Multiplier | 32-bit hardware multiplier |
| Package | WQFN-40, green plastic |
| Operating Temperature Range | -40°C to 85°C |
| Lifecycle Status | Active |
| Mounting Type | Surface mount |
MSP430F5438ACY wqfn-40, green plastic Pin Configuration Guide
Pin configuration for MSP430F5438ACY (wqfn-40, green plastic 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 MSP430F5438ACY.
Refer to the datasheet for full pin configuration.
Typical Applications
MSP430F5438ACY is suitable for 6 applications: Industrial Sensor Acquisition, Low-Power Data Logger, Embedded Communications Controller, Precision Control System, Battery-Powered Monitoring Node, Industrial Gateway Interface.
Industrial Sensor Acquisition
The MSP430F5438ACY fits industrial sensor acquisition because its 12-bit ADC and 25 MHz CPU provide a platform for sampling and processing mixed analog inputs. The MCU can supervise multiple sensor channels while its UART, SPI, or I2C interface connects to transducers, signal conditioners, or remote measurement modules. With 256 KB flash and 16 KB SRAM, firmware can support calibration tables, filtering, diagnostics, and local data buffering. DMA and timers help coordinate periodic conversions and transfers. A practical design uses regulated 2.4 V to 3.6 V supplies and verifies the ADC input range and peripheral pin multiplexing in the manufacturer documentation.
Recommended
Low-Power Data Logger
The MSP430F5438ACY is suitable for a low-power data logger that periodically samples sensors and stores or transmits measurements. Its low-power MCU architecture supports duty-cycled operation, while 16 KB SRAM can hold active data buffers and 256 KB flash provides room for firmware and local records. UART, SPI, and I2C allow the logger to interface with flash storage, a radio, or an industrial gateway. Timers can wake the device at defined intervals, and DMA can reduce processor involvement during transfers. Battery-life design should minimize active-mode duration, disable unused peripherals, and validate standby or shutdown behavior against the complete operating requirements.
Recommended
Embedded Communications Controller
The MSP430F5438ACY can serve as a communications controller for embedded serial systems because it integrates UART, SPI, and I2C with a 25 MHz 16-bit processor. A modem, sensor network, display controller, or industrial peripheral can be connected through the appropriate interface. The hardware multiplier and DMA resources support data-intensive routines, while 256 KB flash allows protocol stacks and application firmware. Designers should reserve pins for the selected USCI functions, confirm signal levels, and account for bus timing. The MCU’s 2.4 V to 3.6 V supply range makes it appropriate for 3.3 V systems when all attached devices share compatible electrical requirements.
Recommended
Precision Control System
The MSP430F5438ACY is appropriate for precision embedded control when analog feedback and deterministic peripheral timing are required. Its 12-bit ADC can sample control inputs, while timers support timing-critical tasks and hardware resources can drive external interfaces. The 25 MHz clock provides processing headroom for state-machine logic, filtering, diagnostics, and communications. In a closed-loop design, firmware can convert ADC readings, apply control calculations, update outputs, and report status through UART or SPI. Layout should isolate analog and digital return paths where possible, provide local supply decoupling, and verify the package’s exposed thermal and power connections in the official pin documentation.
Recommended
Battery-Powered Monitoring Node
The MSP430F5438ACY supports battery-powered environmental monitoring by combining low-power control, ADC measurement, and serial connectivity. A node can wake periodically, sample a temperature, light, pressure, or current sensor, and transmit the result through UART, SPI, or I2C. The MCU’s 16 KB SRAM supports short-term buffering, while 256 KB flash supports application code and configuration. Power consumption depends on the duty cycle, sensor current, communication time, and board leakage, so firmware should use low-power modes and disable unused blocks. The 3.6 V maximum listed supply should also be checked against battery charging, transient protection, and regulator tolerances.
Recommended
Industrial Gateway Interface
The MSP430F5438ACY can serve as a local gateway controller between sensors and a higher-level communications network. Its multiple USCI interfaces allow simultaneous connection to sensor peripherals and an external communications device, while DMA and timers support regular data movement. Firmware can format measurements, maintain counters, detect faults, and expose status through a host interface. The 25 MHz CPU and 256 KB flash provide capacity for protocol handling and application logic, while 16 KB SRAM supports packet buffering. For a robust gateway, validate electrical isolation, connector protection, supply sequencing, and firmware timing before deployment in industrial environments.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for MSP430F5438ACY — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | MSP430F5438 | MSP430F5438A | MSP430F5438AMPZREP |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Texas Instruments | Texas Instruments | Texas Instruments | Texas Instruments |
| CPU Clock | 25 MHz | 25 MHz | 25 MHz | 25 MHz |
| Flash Memory | 256 KB | 256 KB | 256 KB | 256 KB |
| SRAM | 16 KB | 16 KB | 16 KB | 16 KB |
Key Differentiators
- Integrated mixed-signal resources (vs MSP430F5438AMPZREP)
- Compact verified package option (vs MSP430F5438AMPZREP)
- Same-family compatibility context (vs MSP430F5438A)
Design Notes
Place the MCU supply decoupling capacitors close to the appropriate power and ground pins, following the manufacturer’s recommended values and layout. The verified supply range is 2.4 V to 3.6 V, so the regulator should have adequate transient margin and the system should avoid uncontrolled excursions near the limits. Verify whether unused ADC, communication, and I/O pins require defined levels during sleep or reset states.
Treat analog and digital routing as separate signal paths on the PCB. Keep ADC inputs away from switching nodes and high-current return paths, use a continuous ground reference where appropriate, and place input-conditioning components close to their associated pins. The 12-bit ADC can be useful for sensor measurement, but its practical accuracy depends on source impedance, filtering, reference stability, and printed-circuit noise.
Do not assume that a family member or related ordering code is automatically a drop-in replacement. Confirm package dimensions, exposed-pad requirements, pin multiplexing, supply limits, peripheral assignments, memory size, and temperature grade. The MSP430F5438 and MSP430F5438A product pages provide the authoritative starting point, while the MSP430F5438AMPZREP result is listed in a 100-LQFP package and therefore requires a footprint review.
Review USCI pin multiplexing and external bus timing before assigning UART, SPI, or I2C functions. Use appropriate series termination, pull-up or pull-down networks, and protection devices based on the connected peripheral and cable environment. SPI is particularly sensitive to clock-edge behavior and trace loading, while I2C requires correct pull-up strength and rise-time control. Validate timing with the selected clock configuration.
Compliance Information
The supplied verified data does not explicitly state RoHS, REACH, lead-free, halogen-free, conflict-minerals, or automotive qualification status for MSP430F5438ACY. These fields remain unknown rather than being inferred.
