Texas Instruments MSP430A081IPWR
- Part No.:
- MSP430A081IPWR
- Manufacturer:
- Texas Instruments
- Category:
- Microcontrollers
- Package:
- 28-TSSOP (0.173", 4.40mm Width)
- Datasheet:
-
MSP430A081IPWR.pdf
- Description:
- IC MCU 16BIT 8KB FLASH 28TSSOP
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:4,672
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Product details
Overview
MSP430A081IPWR from Texas Instruments is an ultralow-power 16-bit RISC microcontroller featuring 8KB flash, 256B RAM, 10-bit ADC with internal reference and autoscan, Timer_A3 with three capture/compare registers, and serial communication (UART/SPI) - designed for battery-powered sensor nodes and portable measurement systems operating from 1.8 V to 3.6 V.
For engineers reviewing the MSP430A081IPWR datasheet, MSP430A081IPWR pinout, MSP430A081IPWR application, or MSP430A081IPWR equivalent, this page delivers verified electrical specs, validated 28-pin TSSOP pin functions, confirmed low-power mode timing (6 µs wake-up), and real-world use cases in RF sensor and glass-break detection systems.
Technical Context
The MSP430A081IPWR implements a 16-bit CPU with constant generators and seven addressing modes, enabling single-cycle register operations and high code efficiency. Its basic clock module integrates DCO, 32-kHz crystal support, and selectable ACLK/SMCLK/MCLK sources - all optimized for sub-µA standby (0.7 µA) and off-mode (0.1 µA RAM retention).
This device belongs to the MSP430x12x2 family and includes USART0 for hardware UART/SPI, ADC10 with data transfer controller (DTC), and JTAG/test interface via P1.x pins. It supports five software-selectable low-power modes (LPM0–LPM4), with wake-up from LPM3/LPM4 in under 6 µs using the DCO oscillator.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Core Architecture | 16-bit RISC CPU with 16 general-purpose registers and constant generators - enables efficient signal processing for wave digital filter algorithms. |
| Flash / RAM | 8KB flash + 256B RAM - sufficient for standalone RF sensor firmware with ADC-triggered event handling and UART telemetry. |
| ADC Resolution | 10-bit SAR with internal reference, sample-and-hold, autoscan, and DTC - allows unattended multi-channel analog acquisition without CPU intervention. |
| Power Modes | Five low-power modes including LPM4 (0.1 µA RAM retention) - extends coin-cell battery life to years in intermittent-sensing applications. |
| Wake-Up Time | <6 µs from standby (LPM3) - meets real-time response requirements for intrusion detection and emergency alert systems. |
| Communication | USART0 supporting UART and SPI protocols - enables direct connection to BLE modules or SPI-based environmental sensors. |
| Supply Range | 1.8 V to 3.6 V - compatible with single-cell Li-ion, LiFePO₄, and alkaline battery configurations without external regulators. |
Pinout & Package
Package: 28-pin plastic TSSOP (PW), body size 9.7 mm × 4.4 mm, 0.65 mm pitch, exposed thermal pad connected to VSS.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| P1.0/TACLK/ADC10CLK | Timer/ADC clock input | Accepts external clock for Timer_A or ADC sampling; enables precise timing control independent of system clocks. |
| P1.1/TA0/BSL TX | Capture/compare I/O / BSL transmit | Serves as Timer_A channel 0 I/O and primary UART TX line for bootloader programming over serial interface. |
| P1.4/SMCLK/TCK | Sub-main clock output / JTAG test clock | Drives SMCLK to peripherals and provides TCK signal for boundary-scan testing and in-circuit debugging. |
| P2.3/TA1/A3/VREF− | Analog input / negative ADC reference | Configurable as ADC channel A3 or dedicated VREF− terminal - supports ratiometric measurements with external reference. |
| P3.4/UTXD0 | USART0 transmit data | Dedicated UART TX pin for full-duplex asynchronous communication with host MCUs or wireless transceivers. |
| RST/NMI | Reset / nonmaskable interrupt | Hardware reset input with NMI capability - used for brownout recovery and critical fault handling without software dependency. |
| VCC / VSS | Power supply / ground | Single-supply operation; VSS pad must be connected to PCB ground plane for thermal and EMI performance. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Digital controlled oscillator (DCO) | Stabilizes in <6 µs - eliminates crystal startup delay and enables rapid wake-up from deep sleep for duty-cycled sensing. |
| Data transfer controller (DTC) | Automatically moves ADC results to RAM - frees CPU for computation during continuous analog monitoring. |
| Programmable code protection | Security fuse prevents unauthorized flash read-out - protects proprietary sensor fusion algorithms in deployed devices. |
| Brownout protection | Integrated POR/BOR circuit ensures reliable reset across 1.8–3.6 V range - avoids erratic behavior during battery voltage sag. |
| JTAG + Spy-Bi-Wire | Two-wire debug interface on P1.x pins - reduces PCB routing complexity while supporting full flash erase/program and real-time trace. |
Applications
| Wireless Sensor Node | Glass Break Detection System |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Battery-powered environmental monitor transmitting temperature/humidity via UART to LoRaWAN gateway. IC Role / Device Role: Primary MCU executing sensor polling, ADC conversion, data formatting, and UART transmission. Use Value: 0.1 µA off-mode current and 6 µs wake-up enable 10+ year battery life with 1-minute sampling intervals. | Use Scenario: Acoustic security sensor detecting high-frequency glass fracture signatures using FFT-based analysis. IC Role / Device Role: Real-time signal processor capturing analog audio via ADC10, running wave digital filter algorithm in RAM. Use Value: 16-bit RISC core + DTC offloads CPU during sampling, allowing >90% of cycles for filtering and threshold decision logic. |
| Portable Medical Pulse Oximeter | Industrial Asset Monitor |
Use Scenario: Handheld pulse oximeter acquiring red/IR photodiode signals and calculating SpO₂ using calibrated lookup tables. IC Role / Device Role: Mixed-signal controller managing dual-channel synchronized ADC sampling, LED drive timing, and OLED display interface. Use Value: Integrated 10-bit ADC with internal reference and autoscan eliminates external precision references and reduces BOM count by 3 components. | Use Scenario: Vibration and temperature monitor mounted on rotating machinery, logging data to SD card via SPI. IC Role / Device Role: Data acquisition engine interfacing MEMS accelerometer, thermistor, and SPI flash memory. Use Value: USART0 SPI mode drives SD card at 4 MHz; Timer_A3 generates precise PWM for piezoelectric transducer excitation. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar ultralow-power mixed-signal microcontroller applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| MSP430F1232IPW | Same 28-pin TSSOP package, identical peripherals and memory (8KB flash/256B RAM), but lacks factory-programmed BSL password protection. | Requires custom BSL implementation for secure field updates; suitable for cost-sensitive, non-security-critical deployments. | Select when BSL security is not required and legacy toolchain compatibility is prioritized. |
| MSP430G2553IPW28 | 28-pin TSSOP, 16KB flash/512B RAM, enhanced USCI module, but no integrated DTC or VREF+/- pins - requires external reference for precision ADC. | Better suited for applications needing larger code space and USB-capable communication; less optimal for battery-constrained analog-heavy designs. | Choose when future firmware expansion headroom is essential and external ADC reference design is acceptable. |
Compared with MSP430F1232IPW, the MSP430A081IPWR adds factory-secured BSL for tamper-resistant firmware updates; versus MSP430G2553IPW28, it trades flash capacity for lower active current (200 µA vs 250 µA at 1 MHz) and integrated ADC reference - favoring ultra-low-energy sensing over compute scalability.
Availability
MSP430A081IPWR is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for wireless sensor nodes, acoustic security systems, portable medical instruments, and industrial asset monitors requiring stable component supply across multi-year production cycles.
Supply support for MSP430A081IPWR includes scheduled delivery planning, volume procurement assistance, BOM continuity management, traceable sourcing, and lifecycle availability coordination for OEM customers, industrial embedded developers, connected-device designers, and electronics production programs.
Manufacturer
Texas Instruments is a global semiconductor leader specializing in analog, embedded processing, and connectivity technologies with decades of microcontroller innovation.
The MSP430x12x2 product line was engineered for ultralow-power mixed-signal applications where extended battery life, integrated analog front-ends, and deterministic real-time response are critical - especially in portable instrumentation and remote sensing.
FAQ
What is the maximum operating frequency of the MSP430A081IPWR?
The MSP430A081IPWR supports up to 8 MHz system clock via external high-frequency crystal or DCO tuning. Its 16-bit RISC architecture achieves 125 ns instruction cycle time at 8 MHz, enabling real-time execution of signal processing routines without external accelerators. The device maintains full functionality across its 1.8 V–3.6 V supply range at this frequency.
Does the MSP430A081IPWR include hardware UART support?
Yes, the MSP430A081IPWR includes USART0 hardware supporting both asynchronous UART and synchronous SPI modes. Pins P3.4 (UTXD0) and P3.5 (URXD0) provide dedicated UART transmit/receive lines, while P3.1–P3.3 handle SPI master/slave functions. This eliminates bit-banged serial overhead and ensures deterministic timing for protocol-compliant communication.
How many analog input channels does the MSP430A081IPWR ADC support?
The MSP430A081IPWR ADC10 module supports eight analog input channels (A0–A7) mapped to P2.0, P2.1, P2.2, P2.3, P2.4, P3.0, P3.6, and P3.7. With autoscan mode enabled, it can sequentially convert all eight channels in a single trigger event, storing results directly to memory via the data transfer controller - reducing CPU load during multi-sensor acquisition.
What debug interfaces are supported by the MSP430A081IPWR?
The MSP430A081IPWR supports both standard 4-wire JTAG and 2-wire Spy-Bi-Wire (SBW) debug interfaces using P1.1, P1.2, P1.4, and P1.5 pins. SBW mode reduces PCB footprint and connector count while maintaining full flash programming, breakpoint setting, and real-time variable inspection capabilities through TI's Code Composer Studio and MSP-FET tools.
Is the MSP430A081IPWR pin-compatible with other MSP430x12x2 devices in TSSOP package?
Yes, the MSP430A081IPWR shares identical 28-pin TSSOP (PW) pinout and electrical characteristics with MSP430F1222IPW and MSP430F1232IPW. All share the same peripheral mapping, register layout, and memory organization - enabling drop-in replacement in existing designs without PCB or firmware changes, provided flash content and security settings align with application requirements.
MSP430A081IPWR Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Texas Instruments
- Package/Case:
- 28-TSSOP (0.173", 4.40mm Width)
- Series:
- MSP430x1xx
- Packaging:
- Tape & Reel (TR)
- Product Status:
- Active
- Programmable:
- Not Verified
- Core Processor:
- MSP430
- Core Size:
- 16-Bit
- Speed:
- 8MHz
- Connectivity:
- SPI, UART/USART
- Peripherals:
- Brown-out Detect/Reset, POR, PWM, WDT
- Number of I/O:
- 22
- Program Memory Size:
- 8KB (8K x 8 + 256B)
- Program Memory Type:
- FLASH
- EEPROM Size:
- -
- RAM Size:
- 256 x 8
- Voltage - Supply (Vcc/Vdd):
- 1.8V ~ 3.6V
- Data Converters:
- A/D 8x10b
- Oscillator Type:
- Internal
- Operating Temperature:
- -40°C ~ 85°C (TA)
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
MSP430A081IPWR FAQ
1.How can I place an order for MSP430A081IPWR through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for MSP430A081IPWR on Aetrix. Our sales agent will provide a competitive quotation and guide you through the order confirmation once you accept the terms.
2.Are the price and stock information for MSP430A081IPWR reliable?
The price and inventory of MSP430A081IPWR are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for MSP430A081IPWR is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for MSP430A081IPWR?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for MSP430A081IPWR transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for MSP430A081IPWR?
MSP430A081IPWR orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your MSP430A081IPWR order is processed, you will receive an email with the shipment details and tracking number.
Note: Tracking information may take up to 24 hours to appear. Express delivery typically takes 3–5 business days.
5.How can I obtain technical support or documentation for MSP430A081IPWR?
For technical support, including MSP430A081IPWR datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your MSP430A081IPWR requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that MSP430A081IPWR is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All MSP430A081IPWR products on Aetrix are procured from qualified distributors and authorized channels. Our dedicated quality assurance team conducts strict verification, including traceability checks and, if necessary, third-party testing. This ensures that MSP430A081IPWR meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of MSP430A081IPWR?
All MSP430A081IPWR units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with MSP430A081IPWR, returns or replacements are accepted under the following conditions:
1.Quantity discrepancies, incorrect items, or visible external defects (such as breakage or corrosion), acknowledged by Aetrix.
2.The issue is reported within 90 days of delivery.
3.The MSP430A081IPWR part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for MSP430A081IPWR:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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