Texas Instruments MSP430F1121AIPW

Overview

MSP430F1121AIPW from Texas Instruments is an ultralow-power 16-bit RISC mixed-signal microcontroller featuring 4KB flash + 256B RAM, 14 I/O pins, a 16-bit Timer_A with three capture/compare registers, and an on-chip analog comparator. It operates from 1.8 V to 3.6 V and supports wake-up from standby mode in under 6 μs - ideal for battery-powered sensor nodes and portable measurement systems.

For engineers reviewing the MSP430F1121AIPW datasheet, MSP430F1121AIPW pinout, MSP430F1121AIPW application, or MSP430F1121AIPW equivalent, key selection criteria include active-mode current at 1 MHz (≤350 μA @ 3 V), LPM3 standby current (≤1.9 μA @ 85°C), flash programmability via JTAG or BSL, and compatibility with 32-kHz crystal or internal DCO clock sources.

Technical Context

The MSP430F1121AIPW implements a 16-bit RISC CPU with constant generators and seven addressing modes, enabling single-cycle register operations and high code efficiency. Its basic clock module integrates a digitally controlled oscillator (DCO), LFXT1 oscillator (for 32-kHz crystals), and support for external resistors or high-frequency crystals - all configurable via BCSCTL1/2 and DCOCTL registers.

Peripherals include two 8-bit I/O ports (P1 with full 8-bit interrupt capability; P2 with six externally accessible pins), a 16-bit Timer_A3 with three independent capture/compare channels, and Comparator_A supporting slope A/D conversion and battery monitoring. All peripherals are memory-mapped and accessible via standard instructions without special opcodes.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: 20-pin plastic small-outline wide body (SOWB), PW suffix - 7.5 mm × 12.8 mm, 1.27 mm pitch, surface-mount compatible.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with MSP430F1121AIPW, the F1101AIPW offers reduced memory for simpler firmware, while the F1111AIPW provides mid-tier capacity - both retain identical low-power behavior, timer functionality, and comparator features, making them drop-in alternatives when memory requirements scale down.

Availability

MSP430F1121AIPW is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for wireless sensor nodes, portable medical monitors, smart utility meters, and industrial data loggers requiring stable component supply across long product lifecycles.

Supply support for MSP430F1121AIPW 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 - delivering high-reliability components for industrial, automotive, and consumer applications.

The MSP430x11x1(A) product line targets ultralow-power portable measurement systems, emphasizing extended battery life through aggressive power gating, fast wake-up, and integrated analog peripherals - reducing system-level component count and design complexity.

FAQ

What is the maximum operating frequency of the MSP430F1121AIPW at 3.6 V?

The MSP430F1121AIPW supports a maximum system clock (MCLK) frequency of 8 MHz at 3.6 V, as specified in the recommended operating conditions. This applies when executing code from flash memory. The device's 125 ns instruction cycle time corresponds to this 8 MHz clock, enabling deterministic real-time performance for time-critical tasks such as sensor sampling or communication protocol handling in the MSP430F1121AIPW.

Does the MSP430F1121AIPW support in-system programming without external hardware?

Yes, the MSP430F1121AIPW supports in-system programming via its built-in bootstrap loader (BSL), accessible through UART using P1.1 (TX) and P2.2 (RX). No external programming voltage is required, and the BSL is protected by a user-defined password. This enables field firmware updates without JTAG hardware - a key capability confirmed in the SLAS241I datasheet for the MSP430F1121AIPW.

What package type does the MSP430F1121AIPW use, and what are its dimensions?

The MSP430F1121AIPW uses the 20-pin plastic small-outline wide body (SOWB) package, designated by the 'PW' suffix. Its footprint measures 7.5 mm × 12.8 mm with 1.27 mm lead pitch. This SOIC-style package is RoHS-compliant, surface-mount compatible, and listed explicitly in the 'Available Options' table of the SLAS241I datasheet for the MSP430F1121AIPW.

Can the MSP430F1121AIPW operate from a single 1.8 V supply, and what is its active current at that voltage?

Yes, the MSP430F1121AIPW is fully specified for operation from 1.8 V to 3.6 V. At 1.8 V and 1 MHz MCLK, active-mode current is ≤250 μA (typical 200 μA), per the electrical characteristics table in SLAS241I. This enables direct interface with low-voltage energy harvesters or single-cell NiMH batteries - a verified operating condition for the MSP430F1121AIPW.

How many I/O pins does the MSP430F1121AIPW provide, and which support interrupt-on-change?

The MSP430F1121AIPW provides 14 usable I/O pins: all 8 bits of Port 1 (P1.0–P1.7) and 6 bits of Port 2 (P2.0–P2.5). All 14 pins support individually configurable interrupt-on-change with edge select (rising/falling), as documented in the 'Digital I/O' section and interrupt vector table of SLAS241I - a confirmed capability for the MSP430F1121AIPW.