Overview
The Texas Instruments MSP430FR6043IPNR is a highly integrated ultrasonic sensing microcontroller (MCU) part of the MSP430 family. It is designed for a wide range of industrial applications, particularly in gas and water metering. This MCU features an integrated ultrasonic sensing solution (USS_A) module, which provides high accuracy for various flow rates and enables ultra-low-power metering with minimal external components. The device is supported by an extensive hardware and software ecosystem, including development kits and free software tools, to facilitate quick and efficient design implementation.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Description |
|---|---|
| Memory | 64KB FRAM, 12KB RAM (8KB shared with LEA subsystem) |
| Ultrasonic Sensing Module | Integrated USS_A module with programmable pulse generator (PPG), physical interface (PHY), programmable gain amplifier (PGA), and high-speed 12-bit 8-Msps sigma-delta ADC (SDHS) |
| Peripherals | Metering test interface (MTIF), on-chip 8-mux LCD driver, real-time clock (RTC), 12-bit SAR ADC, analog comparator, AES256 encryption module, cyclic redundancy check (CRC) module |
| Power Consumption | Approximately 20-µA overall current consumption with 1 set of results per second; operates in LPM3.5 with 200 nA (typical) |
| Communication Interfaces | Up to 4 eUSCI_A serial communication ports, 2 eUSCI_B serial communication ports, I²C with multiple-slave addressing, hardware UART or I²C bootloader (BSL) |
| Clock System | Fixed-frequency DCO with 10 selectable factory-trimmed frequencies, low-power low-frequency internal clock source (VLO), 32-kHz crystals (LFXT), high-frequency crystals (HFXT) |
| Package | LQFP (PN) package with 80 pins |
Key Features
- High-resolution ultrasonic liquid level sensing, liquid concentration sensing, high-resolution anemometer, ultrasonic surface sensing, ultrasonic leak detection, and oxygen concentration sensing
- Integrated USS_A module for accurate signal acquisition and processing using the low-energy accelerator (LEA)
- Ultra-low-power metering solution, making it ideal for battery-powered applications
- Compliant with and exceeds ISO4064, OIML R49, EN 14236, and EN 1434 accuracy standards
- Ability to directly interface standard ultrasonic sensors up to 2.5 MHz
- On-chip 8-mux LCD driver, real-time clock (RTC), and advanced encryption (AES256) module
- Support for capacitive-touch capability on all pins without external components
Applications
- Ultrasonic smart gas meters and smart water meters
- High-resolution ultrasonic liquid level sensing and liquid concentration sensing
- High-resolution anemometers and ultrasonic surface sensing
- Ultrasonic leak detection and oxygen concentration sensing
- Battery-powered metering applications due to ultra-low power consumption
Q & A
- What is the primary application of the MSP430FR6043IPNR MCU?
The primary application is in ultrasonic sensing for gas and water metering, as well as other industrial applications such as liquid level sensing, anemometers, and leak detection.
- What is the USS_A module, and what does it include?
The USS_A module is an integrated ultrasonic sensing solution that includes a programmable pulse generator (PPG), a physical interface (PHY) with a low impedance output driver, a programmable gain amplifier (PGA), and a high-speed 12-bit 8-Msps sigma-delta ADC (SDHS).
- What are the key peripherals integrated into the MSP430FR6043IPNR?
The key peripherals include a metering test interface (MTIF), an on-chip 8-mux LCD driver, a real-time clock (RTC), a 12-bit SAR ADC, an analog comparator, an AES256 encryption module, and a cyclic redundancy check (CRC) module.
- How does the MSP430FR6043IPNR achieve ultra-low power consumption?
The device achieves ultra-low power consumption through the use of the low-energy accelerator (LEA) and the holistic ultra-low-power MSP system architecture, allowing it to operate in low-power modes such as LPM3.5 with 200 nA (typical).
- What are the communication interfaces available on the MSP430FR6043IPNR?
The device supports up to 4 eUSCI_A serial communication ports, 2 eUSCI_B serial communication ports, I²C with multiple-slave addressing, and hardware UART or I²C bootloader (BSL).
- What is the significance of FRAM technology in the MSP430FR6043IPNR?
FRAM technology combines the low-energy fast writes, flexibility, and endurance of RAM with the nonvolatility of flash, allowing for efficient and reliable data storage.
- What development tools and software are available for the MSP430FR6043IPNR?
Development tools include the EVM430-FR6043 ultrasonic gas flow meter EVM, the MSP-TS430PN80C 80-pin target development board, the ultrasonic sensing design center, the ultrasonic sensing software library, and MSP430Ware™ software.
- What are the compliance standards for the MSP430FR6043IPNR?
The device is compliant with and exceeds ISO4064, OIML R49, EN 14236, and EN 1434 accuracy standards.
- Can the MSP430FR6043IPNR directly interface with standard ultrasonic sensors?
Yes, the device can directly interface with standard ultrasonic sensors up to 2.5 MHz.
- What is the typical current consumption of the MSP430FR6043IPNR?
The typical current consumption is approximately 20-µA with 1 set of results per second.
