Texas Instruments MSP430A151IRHBT

Overview

MSP430A151IRHBT from Texas Instruments is an ultra-low-power 16-bit RISC microcontroller featuring 2 KB flash memory, 256 B RAM, a 10-bit 200-ksps ADC with internal reference and autoscan, two 16-bit timers (Timer0_A3 with three capture/compare registers and Timer1_A2 with two), and dual USCI modules supporting UART/LIN/IrDA/SPI/I²C. It operates from 1.8 V to 3.6 V and targets battery-powered sensor nodes and portable instrumentation.

For engineers reviewing the MSP430A151IRHBT datasheet, MSP430A151IRHBT pinout, MSP430A151IRHBT application, or MSP430A151IRHBT equivalent, key selection criteria include its 32-pin QFN (RHB) package, sub-1 µs wake-up from standby mode (0.7 µA), integrated comparator for slope A/D, and calibrated DCO enabling crystal-free operation at up to 16 MHz.

Technical Context

The MSP430A151IRHBT implements a digitally controlled oscillator (DCO) with four factory-calibrated frequencies (±1% accuracy at 3 V, 30°C), eliminating need for external crystals in many applications. Its USCI_A0 module supports LIN-compliant auto-baudrate detection and IrDA encoding/decoding, while USCI_B0 provides hardware I²C master/slave and SPI functionality.

Power management is handled via six operating modes - Active, LPM0–LPM4 - with LPM4 consuming only 0.1 µA (RAM retention). The 10-bit ADC includes a data transfer controller (DTC) that autonomously stores conversion results to memory without CPU intervention, and the comparator_A+ supports precision battery-voltage supervision and analog signal monitoring.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: 32-pin QFN (RHB), 5 mm × 5 mm, 0.5 mm pitch, exposed thermal pad (connected to DVSS).

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar microcontroller applications.

Compared with MSP430F2112IRHB, the MSP430A151IRHBT offers identical functionality and pin compatibility, while MSP430G2553IRHB trades LIN/IrDA capability and tighter DCO calibration for greater memory - making the former a true functional match and the latter a capacity-focused alternative.

Availability

MSP430A151IRHBT is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for smart sensor nodes, portable medical monitors, and industrial data loggers requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and verified ultra-low-power performance.

Supply support for MSP430A151IRHBT 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 company headquartered in Dallas, Texas, delivering analog and embedded processing solutions for industrial, automotive, and consumer markets.

The MSP430A151IRHBT belongs to the MSP430F21x2 ultra-low-power MCU family, designed specifically for battery-operated measurement and sensing applications where nanowatt-level standby current and fast wake-up are mandatory.

FAQ

What is the maximum operating frequency of the MSP430A151IRHBT?

The MSP430A151IRHBT supports a maximum system clock (MCLK) of 16 MHz using its factory-calibrated digitally controlled oscillator (DCO). This frequency is achievable without external crystals due to four internal trim points stored in information memory segment A, each accurate to ±1% at 3 V and 30°C. The device also accepts external HF crystals up to 16 MHz via XIN/XOUT pins for higher stability requirements.

Does the MSP430A151IRHBT support LIN bus communication?

Yes, the MSP430A151IRHBT supports LIN bus communication through its USCI_A0 module, which implements enhanced UART with automatic baudrate detection (LIN-compliant). This feature allows the MSP430A151IRHBT to act as a LIN slave node without external transceivers, detecting bus speed dynamically during synchronization fields - essential for automotive body electronics and distributed sensor networks.

What is the purpose of the CAOUT pin on the MSP430A151IRHBT?

The CAOUT pin (P1.0) on the MSP430A151IRHBT is the output of the integrated Comparator_A+ module. It provides a digital logic-level signal reflecting the comparison result between selected analog inputs (e.g., V_REF- vs. V_REF+ or A0 vs. A1). This output can trigger interrupts, serve as a timer input (TA0CLK), or feed directly into GPIO-controlled logic - enabling battery voltage threshold detection and slope A/D conversion without external comparators.

Can the MSP430A151IRHBT operate without an external crystal?

Yes, the MSP430A151IRHBT can operate without an external crystal by using its internal digitally controlled oscillator (DCO), which is factory-calibrated at four frequencies (1/8/12/16 MHz) with ±1% accuracy at 3 V and 30°C. The DCO stabilizes in less than 1 µs, supporting all low-power modes and enabling crystal-free designs for cost-sensitive, space-constrained applications such as disposable sensors and wearables.

How many I/O pins does the MSP430A151IRHBT provide?

The MSP430A151IRHBT provides 24 individually configurable digital I/O pins across Ports P1 (8 pins), P2 (8 pins), and P3 (8 pins), with all pins supporting programmable pullup/pulldown resistors and interrupt capability on P1 and P2. Each pin is multifunctional - serving as GPIO, timer I/O, ADC inputs, USCI signals, or crystal connections - maximizing peripheral integration within the 32-pin RHB QFN footprint.