MSP430F5438AIZQWR - 25MHz 256KB MCU | Texas Instruments
MPN: MSP430F5438AIZQWR ✓ ActiveMSP430F5438AIZQWR Overview
A mixed-signal microcontroller combines a digital processor core with peripherals designed to acquire and process analog signals. The MSP430F5438AIZQWR belongs to the MSP430 family of ultra-low-power 16-bit RISC microcontrollers, where CPU processing, communication, timing, and data acquisition are integrated into one device. This makes it suitable for embedded systems that require local sensing, control, and serial communications while keeping component count low.
The device provides 256 KB of flash, 16 KB of SRAM, a 25 MHz clock, and a high-performance 12-bit ADC. Its communication peripherals include UART, SPI, and I2C, while DMA supports efficient transfers without repeatedly involving the CPU. The integrated hardware multiplier accelerates suitable arithmetic operations, and three 16-bit timers support periodic events, timing, and control-loop functions. These peripherals make the MCU appropriate for industrial instrumentation, data acquisition, building automation, and low-power embedded control.
The MSP430 architecture supports low-power-oriented embedded designs, particularly when the firmware can use its timers, interrupts, and serial interfaces to avoid continuous processor activity. Peripheral integration reduces the need for separate interface or conversion ICs, while DMA can improve responsiveness when moving ADC, communication, or memory data. The 113-ball package provides substantial I/O connectivity, but its fine-pitch BGA construction requires careful PCB layout, inspection, and assembly capability.
Typical applications include sensor nodes, industrial measurement systems, building-control equipment, portable instruments, communication modules, and embedded data loggers. UART, SPI, and I2C allow connection to sensors, transceivers, displays, storage devices, and external controllers. The 12-bit ADC supports analog measurement, while DMA and timers help implement responsive acquisition and control tasks.
When designing around this MCU, validate the complete 113-ball pinout and power requirements against the manufacturer datasheet before layout. Confirm that the PCB assembly process supports the package, provide suitable decoupling and analog routing around the ADC, and verify all unused BGA balls according to the device guidelines. Pricing and availability should be checked for the exact orderable MPN.
This page combines verified manufacturer and distributor information with package, application, comparison, and design guidance intended to make component selection more practical. It is not a substitute for the complete datasheet, which remains the authoritative source for electrical limits, timing, pin definitions, and errata.
Drop-in alternatives for MSP430F5438AIZQWR — same package, pin-to-pin compatible. Different-package parts requiring PCB rework are excluded.
No drop-in alternatives available for this product.
Request AlternativesMSP430F5438AIZQWR Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Product Type | 16-bit mixed-signal microcontroller |
| Maximum Clock Frequency | 25 MHz |
| Flash Memory | 256 KB |
| SRAM | 16 KB |
| ADC Resolution | 12-bit |
| DMA | Yes |
| Serial Interfaces | UART, SPI, I2C |
| Timer Count | Three 16-bit timers |
| Hardware Multiplier | Yes |
| Package | 113-ball BGA Microstar Junior, 7 x 7 mm |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +85 C |
| Supply Voltage | 2.5 V/3.3 V |
| Architecture | MSP430 CPUXV2, 16-bit RISC |
| RTC Module | Real-time clock with alarm capabilities |
| I/O Pins | Up to 87 I/O pins |
| Mounting Type | Surface mount |
| DigiKey Listing | MSP430F5438AIZQWR |
| LCSC Price Reference | From $2.4837 |
MSP430F5438AIZQWR 113-ball bga microstar junior, 7 x 7 mm Pin Configuration Guide
Pin configuration for MSP430F5438AIZQWR (113-ball bga microstar junior, 7 x 7 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 MSP430F5438AIZQWR.
Refer to the datasheet for full pin configuration.
Typical Applications
MSP430F5438AIZQWR is suitable for 6 applications: Industrial Sensor Acquisition, Building Automation Control, Portable Measurement Instrument, Communication Gateway Module, Embedded Data Logger, Security and Access Controller.
Industrial Sensor Acquisition
The MSP430F5438AIZQWR fits industrial sensor acquisition because its 12-bit ADC converts analog measurements while its 25 MHz CPU handles configuration, filtering, and control. UART, SPI, and I2C provide options for connecting sensors, transceivers, and local controllers. DMA can move conversion or communications data with less CPU involvement, while three 16-bit timers provide periodic acquisition and service timing. For an industrial design, verify the full ADC channel count, input range, reference requirements, and analog-layout recommendations in the TI datasheet before finalizing the schematic.
Recommended
Building Automation Control
The MSP430F5438AIZQWR is suitable for building-control nodes that monitor sensors and coordinate actuators through UART, SPI, or I2C. Its integrated timers can support periodic sampling and scheduled control functions, while the hardware multiplier can assist arithmetic operations in control software. The low-power MSP430 architecture is useful when the controller must remain efficient between events, although actual standby and active current must be checked in the official documentation. The 113-ball BGA requires assembly planning and careful PCB layout.
Recommended
Portable Measurement Instrument
For a portable measurement instrument, MSP430F5438AIZQWR combines a 12-bit ADC, 25 MHz processing, 256 KB flash, and 16 KB SRAM in one mixed-signal MCU. The CPU can supervise sensor readings and control a display or data-transfer interface, while DMA helps manage transfers and timers organize measurement sequences. Because the part is specified for a 2.5 V/3.3 V supply, the power architecture should be designed around the complete TI electrical requirements. Battery life depends on firmware duty cycle and the device's verified low-power operating modes.
Recommended
Communication Gateway Module
MSP430F5438AIZQWR can serve as the embedded controller in a communication gateway because it includes UART, SPI, and I2C alongside DMA and multiple timers. Those resources allow the firmware to receive local sensor data, format messages, and forward information through an external transceiver. The 16-bit CPU and 25 MHz clock provide more processing headroom than a simple serial bridge, while the hardware multiplier can support efficient arithmetic. Interface voltage levels, transceiver selection, and protocol timing must be verified against the final system requirements.
Recommended
Embedded Data Logger
The MSP430F5438AIZQWR is appropriate for an embedded data logger that periodically records sensor data and stores or transmits it through a serial interface. Its 256 KB flash provides application and firmware storage, 16 KB SRAM supports working buffers, and timers can schedule logging intervals. DMA can reduce processor involvement during data movement, while the hardware multiplier supports efficient data processing. Storage endurance, write timing, and retention requirements must be evaluated from the official datasheet and the chosen nonvolatile-memory implementation.
Recommended
Security and Access Controller
MSP430F5438AIZQWR can be evaluated for access-control and security equipment that combines local inputs, communication, and timed control actions. The 12-bit ADC is useful when analog sensing is required, while UART, SPI, and I2C support readers, sensors, and configuration interfaces. Timer resources can manage debounce intervals, relay timing, or scheduled control. The MCU does not replace a dedicated cryptographic device when the design requires certified security functions; cryptography, key storage, and compliance requirements should be addressed separately.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for MSP430F5438AIZQWR — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product |
|---|---|
| Package | 113-ball BGA Microstar Junior, 7 x 7 mm |
| Brand | Texas Instruments |
| Architecture | MSP430 CPUXV2, 16-bit |
| Maximum Clock Frequency | 25 MHz |
| Flash Memory | 256 KB |
| SRAM | 16 KB |
| ADC Resolution | 12-bit |
| Supply Voltage | 2.5 V/3.3 V |
| Communication Interfaces | UART, SPI, I2C |
| DMA | Yes |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +85 C |
| Distributor Price Reference | From $2.4837 |
Key Differentiators
- Integrated mixed-signal processing (vs MSP430F1491IPMR)
- DMA-assisted peripheral data movement (vs MSP430F5631IZQWT)
- Serial-interface breadth (vs MSP430F5658IZQWT)
- Flash and SRAM capacity for embedded firmware (vs MSP430FG6625IZQWR)
Design Notes
The MSP430F5438AIZQWR uses a 113-ball Microstar Junior BGA package. Before routing, obtain the official package drawing and ball map and verify every supply, ground, analog, and signal connection against TI documentation. Use a PCB assembly process and inspection method capable of handling the package pitch and ball pattern. Do not rely on a generic BGA symbol or third-party comparison image for manufacturing release.
The verified listings identify a 2.5 V/3.3 V supply option, but the complete current limits, sequencing, decoupling, and analog-supply requirements must be taken from the MSP430F5438A datasheet. Place required supply and bypass capacitors close to the device pins and preserve the manufacturer-recommended layout. Confirm voltage tolerances and startup behavior before selecting regulators or field-programmable parts.
Route the 12-bit ADC inputs as a carefully separated analog network, keeping digital switching paths away from sensitive inputs. The supplied data confirms the ADC resolution but does not provide acquisition timing, channel configuration, or reference requirements, so those values must be checked before selecting sampling rates or external components. Use the TI recommended grounding and return-path strategy in the final schematic and PCB review.
Do not treat MSP430F5631IZQWT, MSP430F5658IZQWT, MSP430FG6625IZQWR, or MSP430F6631IZQWR as drop-in replacements without proof of identical BGA ball mapping, electrical limits, memory organization, peripheral placement, and software compatibility. The supplied cross-reference results identify comparison parts but do not establish direct replacement. Validate firmware, boot behavior, interrupt mapping, and peripheral pin assignments before committing to a substitution.
Compliance Information
The supplied web data does not provide verified RoHS, REACH, lead-free, halogen-free, or conflict-minerals statements for MSP430F5438AIZQWR. AEC-Q100 is recorded as not applicable because the verified material describes an industrial microcontroller and does not identify an automotive-qualified variant.
