Texas Instruments MSP430A150IDAR

Overview

MSP430A150IDAR from Texas Instruments is an ultra-low-power 16-bit mixed-signal microcontroller featuring 8KB Flash, 512B RAM, a 10-bit 200-ksps ADC with internal reference and autoscan, two 16-bit timers (Timer_A3 and Timer_B3), and USCI modules supporting UART/LIN, IrDA, SPI, and I²C - deployed in sensor front-ends and portable measurement systems.

For engineers reviewing the MSP430A150IDAR datasheet, MSP430A150IDAR pinout, MSP430A150IDAR application, or MSP430A150IDAR equivalent, key selection criteria include its 1.8–3.6 V supply range, sub-1 µs wake-up from LPM4, integrated brownout detector, Spy-Bi-Wire debug interface, and TSSOP-38 package compatibility with industrial temperature operation (–40°C to 85°C).

Technical Context

The MSP430A150IDAR implements a 16-bit RISC CPU with constant generators and seven addressing modes, enabling single-cycle register operations. Its basic clock system includes DCO (calibrated to ±1% at 1/2/4/8 MHz), ACLK from 32-kHz crystal or internal VLO, and SMCLK sourced from DCO or external HF crystal up to 16 MHz.

It integrates two configurable operational amplifiers (OA0 and OA1) - confirmed for MSP430F22x4 family variants - supporting rail-to-rail input/output, programmable gain, and use as PGA or comparator. The device supports five low-power modes (LPM0–LPM4), with LPM4 consuming only 0.1 µA while retaining RAM.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: 38-pin Thin Shrink Small-Outline Package (TSSOP, DA suffix), body size 9.7 × 4.4 mm, 0.65 mm pitch, lead finish NiPdAu. Compatible with standard reflow profiles and automated assembly.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar ultra-low-power mixed-signal microcontroller applications.

Compared with MSP430F2252IDA and MSP430G2553IPW28, the MSP430A150IDAR uniquely delivers integrated dual op-amps and Timer_B in a 38-pin TSSOP - enabling analog front-end consolidation and synchronized multi-channel timing without external components or layout changes.

Availability

MSP430A150IDAR is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for wireless sensor nodes, industrial data loggers, and portable medical instruments requiring stable component supply, long-term manufacturability, and TI's industrial-grade qualification.

Supply support for MSP430A150IDAR 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 expertise in ultra-low-power microcontrollers.

The MSP430™ family was designed specifically for battery-operated and energy-harvesting applications demanding extended runtime, robust analog integration, and reliable operation across industrial temperature ranges.

FAQ

What is the maximum operating frequency of the MSP430A150IDAR?

The MSP430A150IDAR supports a maximum system clock (MCLK) of 16 MHz when using an external HF crystal or resonator. Its digitally controlled oscillator (DCO) is factory-calibrated to four frequencies (1/2/4/8 MHz) with ±1% accuracy, enabling high-speed operation without external timing components in many applications. The core executes instructions at 62.5 ns per cycle at 16 MHz, and the MSP430A150IDAR maintains full functionality across its 1.8–3.6 V supply range at this speed.

Does the MSP430A150IDAR include operational amplifiers?

Yes, the MSP430A150IDAR includes two rail-to-rail operational amplifiers (OA0 and OA1) as part of its integrated analog subsystem. These op-amps support multiple configurations including non-inverting amplifier, inverting amplifier, differential amplifier, and comparator modes. They are fully functional in the MSP430F22x4 family, and the MSP430A150IDAR is a member of that family - confirmed by TI's SLAS504G datasheet and pinout documentation for the DA package variant.

What debug interface does the MSP430A150IDAR support?

The MSP430A150IDAR supports the Spy-Bi-Wire (SBW) interface - a 2-wire variant of JTAG - using pins RST/NMI/SBWTDIO and TEST/SBWTCK. This interface enables full in-system programming, real-time debugging, breakpoint setting, and memory inspection without requiring a dedicated 4-pin JTAG header. The MSP430A150IDAR is compatible with TI's MSP-FET430UIF and MSP-FET430U38 debug tools, and supports BSL (bootstrap loader) via UART for field firmware updates.

Is the MSP430A150IDAR pin-compatible with other MSP430F22x4 devices in TSSOP-38?

Yes, the MSP430A150IDAR is pin-compatible with all MSP430F22x4-family devices in the 38-pin TSSOP (DA) package, including MSP430F2234IDA, MSP430F2254IDA, and MSP430F2274IDA. All share identical pin numbering, electrical characteristics, and peripheral mapping per TI's SLAS504G datasheet. This allows direct substitution within the same footprint when Flash/RAM requirements or op-amp usage align with the target application.

What low-power modes are supported by the MSP430A150IDAR?

The MSP430A150IDAR supports six operating modes: Active Mode (AM) and five software-selectable low-power modes (LPM0–LPM4). LPM4 draws only 0.1 µA with RAM retention and is exited in less than 1 µs - critical for duty-cycled sensor applications. Each mode selectively disables clocks (MCLK, SMCLK, ACLK) and modules (DCO, crystal oscillator) to minimize power. The MSP430A150IDAR's brownout detector remains active in all modes to prevent erratic behavior during voltage droop.