Texas Instruments MSP430F2003IRSAR

Overview

MSP430F2003IRSAR from Texas Instruments is an ultra-low-power 16-bit mixed-signal microcontroller featuring 1 KB Flash + 256 B information memory, 128 B RAM, a 16-bit Sigma-Delta ADC (SD16_A) with differential PGA inputs and internal reference, and Universal Serial Interface (USI) supporting SPI and I²C. It operates from 1.8 V to 3.6 V and targets battery-powered sensor front ends requiring high-precision analog measurement and low-energy communication.

For engineers reviewing the MSP430F2003IRSAR datasheet, MSP430F2003IRSAR pinout, MSP430F2003IRSAR application, or MSP430F2003IRSAR equivalent, key selection criteria include its 16-bit sigma-delta A/D converter resolution and linearity, USI-based SPI/I²C interface timing compliance, TSSOP-14 package footprint compatibility, and LPM4 standby current of 0.1 µA - all critical for energy-constrained embedded sensing designs.

Technical Context

The MSP430F2003IRSAR implements a 16-bit RISC CPU with constant generators and six software-selectable low-power modes, enabling sub-1 µs wake-up from LPM4. Its SD16_A module supports up to 16-bit effective resolution with programmable gain (1×–16×), differential input pairs, and internal 1.2 V reference - optimized for direct connection to resistive or capacitive sensors without external signal conditioning.

System clocking relies on the integrated digitally controlled oscillator (DCO), factory-calibrated at 1 MHz, 8 MHz, 12 MHz, and 16 MHz (±1%), and supports external 32-kHz crystal or digital clock sources. The USI peripheral provides hardware-synchronized SPI master/slave and I²C master operation using only P1.6 (SCL/SDO), P1.7 (SDA/SDI), and P1.4 (SCLK/TCK) - eliminating need for bit-banged protocols.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: 14-pin Plastic Small-Outline Thin (TSSOP), RoHS-compliant, thermal pad not present. Pin 1 marked by beveled corner; pinout identical across MSP430F20x3 family variants in PW package.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with MSP430F2013IRSAR, the MSP430F2003IRSAR trades Flash capacity for lower unit cost and smaller die size, while retaining identical analog performance; versus MSP430G2553IPW20, it delivers superior 16-bit measurement fidelity at the expense of communication flexibility and memory headroom.

Availability

MSP430F2003IRSAR is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for wireless sensor nodes, portable medical monitors, and industrial current-loop transmitters requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and RoHS-compliant packaging.

Supply support for MSP430F2003IRSAR 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 design.

The MSP430F20xx series was engineered specifically for energy-harvesting and battery-operated sensing applications where nanowatt-level standby power, integrated precision analog, and minimal footprint are mandatory design constraints.

FAQ

What is the maximum sampling rate of the SD16_A ADC in MSP430F2003IRSAR?

The SD16_A module in MSP430F2003IRSAR achieves up to 200 kSPS in oversampling mode, but typical high-resolution operation (16-bit effective) runs at 200 SPS with internal reference and PGA enabled. This rate is confirmed in the SLAS491I datasheet Section 5.3 and supports precision DC measurements without external anti-aliasing filters.

Does MSP430F2003IRSAR support UART communication?

No, MSP430F2003IRSAR does not include a UART peripheral. It features only the Universal Serial Interface (USI), which supports hardware SPI and I²C protocols. UART functionality must be implemented in firmware using timer-generated bit-banging, but this increases CPU load and reduces power efficiency compared to dedicated peripherals.

Can MSP430F2003IRSAR operate without an external crystal?

Yes, MSP430F2003IRSAR can operate entirely from its internal digitally controlled oscillator (DCO), factory-calibrated at 1 MHz, 8 MHz, 12 MHz, and 16 MHz with ±1% accuracy. External crystals are optional and used only when higher frequency stability (e.g., for RTC or precise baud-rate generation) is required.

What is the purpose of the VREF pin (P1.3) on MSP430F2003IRSAR?

The VREF pin (P1.3) on MSP430F2003IRSAR serves dual roles: it accepts an external reference voltage or outputs the internal 1.2 V reference, and functions as SD16_A negative input A1−. This enables flexible reference configurations - e.g., ratiometric measurements using external sensor excitation or high-accuracy absolute measurements using the internal bandgap.

Is MSP430F2003IRSAR pin-compatible with other MSP430F20x3 variants in TSSOP-14?

Yes, MSP430F2003IRSAR shares identical pinout and electrical characteristics with all MSP430F20x3 family members (e.g., MSP430F2013IRSAR) in the 14-pin TSSOP (PW) package. Firmware and hardware designs are interchangeable across this variant group, differing only in Flash size and ordering suffixes.