Texas Instruments MSP430A152IRGCR

Overview

MSP430A152IRGCR from Texas Instruments is a 16-bit ultra-low-power mixed-signal microcontroller featuring integrated USB 2.0 PHY, 16KB flash, 4KB+2KB RAM, 10-bit ADC with 8-channel input (6 external + 2 internal), two USCI modules (UART/IrDA/SPI/I²C), four 16-bit timers, RTC, hardware multiplier, and DMA - designed for battery-powered sensor nodes and USB-connected data loggers operating from 1.8 V to 3.6 V.

For engineers reviewing the MSP430A152IRGCR datasheet, MSP430A152IRGCR pinout, MSP430A152IRGCR application, or MSP430A152IRGCR equivalent, key selection criteria include USB 2.0 full-speed support, low-power LPM4.5 mode (0.18 µA), 5-µs wake-up time, 48-pin VQFN package compatibility, and peripheral set alignment with analog sensing and host interface requirements.

Technical Context

The MSP430A152IRGCR implements a digitally controlled oscillator (DCO) with FLL stabilization, supports dual crystal sources (XT1 at 32 kHz and XT2 up to 32 MHz), and integrates a unified clock system with programmable LDO core regulation. Its USB subsystem includes dedicated 3.3-V and 1.8-V power rails, integrated USB-PLL, and eight bidirectional endpoints.

Peripherals are mapped via port mapping controller on P4, limiting simultaneous USCI function availability; the device uses a 16-bit RISC CPUXV2 core with constant generators for optimized code density and execution efficiency in active and low-power modes.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

VQFN-48 (RGCR) package, 7 mm × 7 mm, 0.5 mm pitch, thermally enhanced with exposed pad recommended to be connected to DVSS.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with MSP430A152IRGCR, the MSP430F5504IRGCR removes ADC functionality but reduces cost and flash footprint, while the MSP430F5508IRGCR expands ADC channel count and retains full peripheral parity - both share identical pinout, USB stack, and low-power architecture for drop-in layout reuse.

Availability

MSP430A152IRGCR is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for USB-connected sensor nodes, portable data loggers, and embedded USB bridge applications requiring stable component supply and long-term industrial lifecycle support.

Supply support for MSP430A152IRGCR 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 delivering analog, embedded processing, and connectivity solutions for industrial, automotive, and consumer markets.

The MSP430A152IRGCR belongs to the MSP430F5xx ultra-low-power MCU family, engineered for energy-constrained applications demanding integrated USB, precision analog, and sub-microamp sleep modes - especially in portable instrumentation and human-interface devices.

FAQ

What is the maximum operating frequency of the MSP430A152IRGCR?

The MSP430A152IRGCR supports a system clock up to 25 MHz via its FLL-controlled DCO or external XT2 crystal (up to 32 MHz). At 8 MHz, active-mode current is 195 µA/MHz (flash execution) and 115 µA/MHz (RAM execution), enabling high throughput within strict power budgets. The device maintains timing integrity across all low-power modes using ACLK, SMCLK, and MCLK domain separation.

Does the MSP430A152IRGCR support USB device enumeration without external components?

Yes, the MSP430A152IRGCR integrates a full-speed USB 2.0 PHY, USB-PLL, and dual-voltage (3.3 V/1.8 V) USB power system. It requires only passive termination (27-Ω series resistors on DP/DM) and a 1.5-kΩ pull-up on DP (controlled by PUR pin) for standard USB device enumeration - no external transceiver, regulator, or clock crystal beyond XT1 is needed.

How many analog input channels does the 10-bit ADC in the MSP430A152IRGCR support?

The MSP430A152IRGCR's ADC10_A module supports 8 total input channels: 6 external analog inputs (A0–A5 on P6.x and P5.x pins) plus 2 internal references (VeREF+ and VeREF−). This configuration enables ratiometric sensor measurements and internal diagnostics without external reference circuitry, and the window comparator provides autonomous threshold detection independent of CPU intervention.

Can the USCI modules on the MSP430A152IRGCR operate simultaneously as UART and I²C?

Yes - the MSP430A152IRGCR includes two independent USCI modules (USCI_A1 and USCI_B1), each configurable separately: USCI_A1 supports UART/IrDA/SPI, and USCI_B1 supports I²C/SPI. When mapped to P4 pins via the port mapping controller, both can operate concurrently (e.g., UART for host debug and I²C for sensor communication), though physical pin assignment limits simultaneous signal routing on the 48-pin RGCR package.

What low-power modes are available on the MSP430A152IRGCR, and what is the lowest current draw?

The MSP430A152IRGCR offers six low-power modes (LPM0–LPM4.5). The deepest state is LPM4.5 (shutdown mode), drawing just 0.18 µA at 3 V with full RAM retention and fast wake-up. LPM3 (real-time clock mode) consumes 1.9 µA at 3 V with RTC, watchdog, and supervisor active - ideal for time-stamped sensor wake-ups. All modes retain register and RAM content and support wake-up via interrupts from peripherals or pins.