Texas Instruments MSP430F2121IPWR
- Part No.:
- MSP430F2121IPWR
- Manufacturer:
- Texas Instruments
- Category:
- Microcontrollers
- Package:
- 20-TSSOP (0.173", 4.40mm Width)
- Datasheet:
-
MSP430F2121IPWR.pdf
- Description:
- IC MCU 16BIT 4KB FLASH 20TSSOP
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

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Product details
Overview
MSP430F2121IPWR from Texas Instruments is an ultra-low-power 16-bit RISC mixed-signal microcontroller featuring 4 KB + 256 B flash memory, 256 B RAM, a 16-bit Timer_A with three capture/compare registers, and an on-chip analog comparator for slope A/D conversion. It operates from 1.8 V to 3.6 V and supports active-mode current of 250 μA at 1 MHz/2.2 V - optimized for battery-powered sensor nodes and portable measurement systems.
For engineers reviewing the MSP430F2121IPWR datasheet, MSP430F2121IPWR pinout, MSP430F2121IPWR application, or MSP430F2121IPWR equivalent, key selection criteria include its 20-pin TSSOP (PW) package, calibrated DCO up to 16 MHz, brownout detection, JTAG-based on-chip emulation, and support for ultra-fast wake-up (<1 μs) from standby mode - critical for energy-constrained embedded control.
Technical Context
The MSP430F2121IPWR 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), 32-kHz crystal support, and high-frequency crystal input up to 16 MHz - all configurable via BCSCTL registers.
Peripheral integration includes Timer_A3 with three independent capture/compare channels, Comparator_A+ with eight selectable inputs (CA0–CA7), two 8-bit I/O ports (P1/P2) with individually programmable pullup/down resistors and edge-selectable interrupts, and a bootstrap loader accessible via UART on P1.1/P2.2 - enabling field firmware updates without external programming hardware.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Core Architecture | 16-bit RISC CPU with 16 general-purpose registers and 62.5-ns instruction cycle time - enables deterministic real-time control in compact firmware. |
| Memory | 4 KB + 256 B flash (main + info memory) and 256 B RAM - sufficient for standalone sensor firmware with calibration data storage in segment A. |
| Operating Voltage | 1.8 V to 3.6 V - supports direct connection to single-cell Li-ion (3.0–3.7 V) or dual-cell alkaline (2.4–3.2 V) power sources without regulation. |
| Active Current | 250 μA at 1 MHz/2.2 V - allows >1-year operation on a CR2032 coin cell in duty-cycled sensing applications. |
| Low-Power Modes | LPM4 draws 0.1 μA with RAM retention - preserves state during multi-day sleep intervals while minimizing self-discharge impact. |
| Wake-Up Time | <1 μs from LPM3/LPM4 - ensures timely response to external interrupts (e.g., motion or voltage threshold events) without missing edges. |
| Comparator Input Channels | Eight analog inputs (CA0–CA7) mapped across P1/P2 pins - enables flexible sensor interface (e.g., thermistor, battery voltage, light sensor) without external mux. |
Pinout & Package
Package: 20-pin TSSOP (PW), body size 6.5 mm × 4.4 mm, 0.65 mm pitch, thermal pad not present (unlike RGE QFN variant).
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| P1.0/TACLK | Timer_A clock input / GPIO | Accepts external timing source for precise event capture; default function enables asynchronous signal sampling. |
| P1.1/TA0/TMS | Timer_A channel 0 output / JTAG test mode select | Dual-use pin: drives PWM or BSL UART TX; TMS role enables boundary-scan debugging without extra header pins. |
| P1.2/TA1 | Timer_A channel 1 output / GPIO | Generates second independent PWM waveform or interrupt-driven timing signal for motor control or LED dimming. |
| P1.3/TA2 | Timer_A channel 2 output / GPIO | Provides third PWM output or capture input for quadrature encoder or pulse-width measurement. |
| P1.4/SMCLK/TCK | Sub-main clock output / JTAG test clock | Exposes SMCLK for synchronizing peripheral modules; TCK role supports in-circuit debug without dedicated clock line. |
| P2.0/ACLK/CA2 | ACLK output / comparator input CA2 | Drives 32-kHz watch crystal signal to other ICs; CA2 input enables differential sensing against reference voltage. |
| XIN/P2.6/CA6 | Crystal oscillator input / comparator input CA6 | Connects to low-frequency crystal; CA6 reuse allows simultaneous RTC and analog monitoring on same pin. |
| RST/NMI | Reset or non-maskable interrupt input | Hardware reset initiation or high-priority fault handling (e.g., overvoltage detection via comparator output). |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Ultra-low-power operation | 0.1 μA LPM4 current with RAM retention enables multi-year battery life in wireless sensor endpoints. |
| On-chip analog comparator | Eight selectable inputs and slope A/D capability eliminate need for external ADC in simple threshold-detection designs. |
| Calibrated internal DCO | Four factory-trimmed frequencies (1/8/12/16 MHz ±1%) allow crystal-free operation with guaranteed timing accuracy. |
| Bootstrap loader (BSL) | UART-based flash programming via P1.1/P2.2 enables firmware updates in deployed units without JTAG hardware. |
| JTAG emulation module | Embedded Emulation Module (EEM) supports full-speed debugging, breakpoints, and real-time variable inspection via MSP-FET430UIF. |
Applications
| Wireless Sensor Node | Portable Medical Monitor |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Battery-powered temperature/humidity node transmitting data via sub-GHz RF transceiver every 5 minutes. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Main controller executing sensor readout, data processing, low-power scheduling, and RF interface management. Use Value: 0.1 μA LPM4 current extends CR2032 lifetime beyond 2 years; integrated comparator monitors battery voltage for graceful shutdown. |
Use Scenario: Handheld pulse oximeter requiring low-noise analog front-end and real-time SpO₂ calculation. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Signal processor capturing photodiode outputs, performing analog comparison and digital filtering. Use Value: Slope A/D conversion via Comparator_A+ replaces external ADC; 16-bit Timer_A generates precise LED drive timing for AC/DC separation. |
| Smart Utility Meter | Industrial Condition Monitor |
Use Scenario: Tamper-resistant electricity meter logging voltage/current samples and communicating via PLC or NB-IoT. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Secure data acquisition unit with brownout detection, flash encryption, and watchdog supervision. Use Value: Brownout detector prevents corrupted flash writes during grid sags; security fuse blocks unauthorized firmware access. |
Use Scenario: Vibration sensor on motor housing capturing acceleration peaks and triggering alerts via RS-485. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Edge-triggered interrupt handler capturing zero-crossing events and timestamping with Timer_A. Use Value: Sub-1 μs wake-up ensures no vibration transient is missed; 256 B RAM stores burst capture buffers before transmission. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar ultra-low-power microcontroller applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| MSP430F2131IPW | 8 KB flash, 256 B RAM, identical peripherals and pinout | Supports larger firmware (e.g., BLE stack, advanced filtering algorithms) without layout change | Select when future firmware expansion or field-upgrade capability is required. |
| MSP430G2553IPW28 | 16 KB flash, 512 B RAM, enhanced USCI (UART/SPI/I²C), 28-pin TSSOP | Requires PCB redesign but adds serial connectivity for sensor fusion or gateway bridging | Choose when UART/I²C peripheral integration reduces BOM cost versus external bridge ICs. |
Compared with MSP430F2121IPWR, MSP430F2131IPW offers double flash capacity in the same 20-pin TSSOP footprint for seamless scalability, while MSP430G2553IPW28 trades pin compatibility for richer communication peripherals and memory - making it suitable for next-generation designs needing protocol offload.
Availability
MSP430F2121IPWR is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for wireless sensor nodes, portable medical monitors, smart utility meters, and industrial condition monitors requiring stable component supply across extended production lifecycles.
Supply support for MSP430F2121IPWR 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 over 90 years of innovation in low-power design.
The MSP430F2121IPWR belongs to the MSP430x2xx ultra-low-power MCU family, engineered specifically for battery-operated measurement and sensing applications where energy efficiency, integration, and long-term reliability are paramount.
FAQ
What is the maximum operating frequency of the MSP430F2121IPWR?
The MSP430F2121IPWR supports a maximum system clock (MCLK) frequency of 16 MHz when powered at ≥3.3 V, enabled by its factory-calibrated DCO. At 2.7 V, the maximum is 12 MHz, and at 1.8 V, it is limited to 6 MHz - all values specified in the recommended operating conditions table of the SLAS439F datasheet. The MSP430F2121IPWR achieves this without external crystals when using internal DCO tuning.
Does the MSP430F2121IPWR support in-system programming without external hardware?
Yes, the MSP430F2121IPWR includes a UART-based bootstrap loader (BSL) that allows flash programming via P1.1 (TXD) and P2.2 (RXD) using only a TTL-level serial interface. No JTAG debugger is required for firmware updates, and the BSL is protected by a user-configurable password stored in information memory - a feature confirmed in the SLAS439F datasheet section "Bootstrap Loader (BSL)".
What low-power modes are available on the MSP430F2121IPWR and how do they differ?
The MSP430F2121IPWR provides six operating modes: Active Mode (AM), Low-Power Mode 0–4 (LPM0–LPM4). LPM4 disables all clocks including ACLK and draws just 0.1 μA with RAM retention, while LPM3 retains ACLK (e.g., for RTC) at 0.7 μA. Each mode selectively disables CPU, MCLK, SMCLK, DCO, or crystal oscillator - documented in detail in Section 6 of SLAS439F with current measurements per mode and voltage.
Can the MSP430F2121IPWR's analog comparator be used for battery voltage monitoring?
Yes, the MSP430F2121IPWR's Comparator_A+ module supports battery voltage monitoring by configuring one input (e.g., CA0) as a fixed reference (via internal resistor ladder) and the other (e.g., CA1) as the scaled battery rail. Its output triggers interrupts or sets flags for software response - a use case explicitly cited in the SLAS439F datasheet under "Comparator_A+" and "Applications" sections.
Is the MSP430F2121IPWR pin-compatible with other devices in the MSP430F21x1 family?
Yes, the MSP430F2121IPWR shares identical pinout and electrical characteristics with MSP430F2101IPW, MSP430F2111IPW, and MSP430F2131IPW in the 20-pin TSSOP (PW) package - confirmed in Table 1 ("Available Options") and the "Device Pinout" diagram of SLAS439F. This allows drop-in replacement within the same memory tier or upward migration to higher-flash variants without PCB modification.
MSP430F2121IPWR Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Texas Instruments
- Package/Case:
- 20-TSSOP (0.173", 4.40mm Width)
- Series:
- MSP430F2xx
- Packaging:
- Tape & Reel (TR)
- Product Status:
- Active
- Programmable:
- Verified
- Core Processor:
- MSP430 CPU16
- Core Size:
- 16-Bit
- Speed:
- 16MHz
- Connectivity:
- -
- Peripherals:
- Brown-out Detect/Reset, POR, PWM, WDT
- Number of I/O:
- 16
- Program Memory Size:
- 4KB (4K x 8 + 256B)
- Program Memory Type:
- FLASH
- EEPROM Size:
- -
- RAM Size:
- 256 x 8
- Voltage - Supply (Vcc/Vdd):
- 1.8V ~ 3.6V
- Data Converters:
- Slope A/D
- Oscillator Type:
- Internal
- Operating Temperature:
- -40°C ~ 85°C (TA)
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
MSP430F2121IPWR FAQ
1.How can I place an order for MSP430F2121IPWR through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for MSP430F2121IPWR on Aetrix. Our sales agent will provide a competitive quotation and guide you through the order confirmation once you accept the terms.
2.Are the price and stock information for MSP430F2121IPWR reliable?
The price and inventory of MSP430F2121IPWR are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for MSP430F2121IPWR is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for MSP430F2121IPWR?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for MSP430F2121IPWR transactions.
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4.How is shipping managed for MSP430F2121IPWR?
MSP430F2121IPWR orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your MSP430F2121IPWR order is processed, you will receive an email with the shipment details and tracking number.
Note: Tracking information may take up to 24 hours to appear. Express delivery typically takes 3–5 business days.
5.How can I obtain technical support or documentation for MSP430F2121IPWR?
For technical support, including MSP430F2121IPWR datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your MSP430F2121IPWR requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that MSP430F2121IPWR is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All MSP430F2121IPWR products on Aetrix are procured from qualified distributors and authorized channels. Our dedicated quality assurance team conducts strict verification, including traceability checks and, if necessary, third-party testing. This ensures that MSP430F2121IPWR meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of MSP430F2121IPWR?
All MSP430F2121IPWR units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with MSP430F2121IPWR, returns or replacements are accepted under the following conditions:
1.Quantity discrepancies, incorrect items, or visible external defects (such as breakage or corrosion), acknowledged by Aetrix.
2.The issue is reported within 90 days of delivery.
3.The MSP430F2121IPWR part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for MSP430F2121IPWR:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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