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MSP430FR5728: Low temperature out of spec usage

Part Number: MSP430FR5728

I am investigating using an MSP430FR type device with a small package at very low temperatures. The FRAM is of particular interest. I found that the MSP430FR5728 will continue running when it is submerged in LN, -196C, but then fails to run after powering down and back up again. The programmer gives me the error "Error connecting to the target: Device configuration data inconsistent. Please discontinue using/replace target device". From the error, it seems that maybe the configuration is somehow corrupted? I have tested another MSP430  non FRAM device at these temperatures without any apparent issues.

I understand that the parts are not rated for these temperatures.

  • Hello Jeremy,

    That is a really interesting experiment.

    Based on the datasheet for Absolute Maximum Ratings, stresses beyond those listed under Absolute Maximum Ratings may cause permanent damage to the device. 

    Thanks,

    Yiding 

  • Hello, thanks for your reply. Very few, if any, manufactures will rate their devices down to -196C... Do you know if there is a way to find out how long a chip has been in manufacture? I'm wondering if the program of the chip is fine, but that somehow the area containing configuration information is more sensitive to affected by the temperature. I was able to use another non-FRAM msp430 that has been in manufacture for quite some time without a noticeable failure. Unless the FRAM parts are more susceptible to low temperature stress than the standard parts, which maybe they are, maybe there is a consistency check that was added at some point. I would be interested in trying the oldest(been in manufacure for the longest time) FRAM based micro that meets our needs.

    Regards,

    Jeremy

  • Hello Jeremy,

    You can look at the top right of the device datasheet and based on the release time for the datasheet you can tell how long a device has been in manufacture.

    Thanks,

    Yidinh=g

  • Hello Yiding,

    This is very helpful. Thank you.

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