Texas Instruments MSP430F2131TRGER

Overview

MSP430F2131TRGER from Texas Instruments is an ultra-low-power 16-bit mixed-signal microcontroller featuring 8 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 MSP430F2131TRGER datasheet, MSP430F2131TRGER pinout, MSP430F2131TRGER application, or MSP430F2131TRGER equivalent, key selection criteria include its 20-pin TSSOP (PW) package, -40°C to 105°C extended temperature rating, integrated DCO with four factory-calibrated frequencies (1/8/12/16 MHz), and JTAG + BSL programming support without external voltage.

Technical Context

The MSP430F2131TRGER implements a 16-bit RISC CPU with 62.5-ns instruction cycle time, constant generators, and five low-power modes (LPM0–LPM4). Its basic clock module integrates a digitally controlled oscillator (DCO), 32-kHz crystal input (XIN/XOUT), and high-frequency crystal support up to 16 MHz - enabling sub-1-μs wake-up from standby mode.

Peripheral integration includes two 8-bit I/O ports (P1/P2) with individually configurable pullup/pulldown resistors and edge-selectable interrupts, a comparator_A+ with eight-channel analog input multiplexing (CA0–CA7), and a watchdog timer usable as interval timer. All peripherals are memory-mapped and accessible via standard instructions.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: 20-pin TSSOP (PW), RoHS-compliant, body size 6.5 mm × 4.4 mm, 0.65 mm pitch. Thermal pad not present - no exposed pad connection required.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with MSP430F2131TRGER, the MSP430F2132TRGER adds integrated ADC functionality at identical package and power profile, while the MSP430G2553IPW28 trades smaller footprint for expanded memory and communication peripherals - making it suitable for next-generation designs requiring protocol stack headroom.

Availability

MSP430F2131TRGER is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial sensor nodes, portable medical devices, and smart metering applications requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges and long production lifecycles.

Supply support for MSP430F2131TRGER 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 50 years of innovation in low-power microcontrollers and signal chain solutions.

The MSP430F21x1 product line targets ultra-low-power portable instrumentation and sensor systems, emphasizing minimal active/standby current, fast wake-up, and integrated analog peripherals to reduce system-level component count.

FAQ

What is the maximum operating frequency of the MSP430F2131TRGER?

The MSP430F2131TRGER supports a maximum MCLK frequency of 16 MHz when VCC ≥3.3 V, with factory-calibrated DCO settings at 1 MHz, 8 MHz, 12 MHz, and 16 MHz. At 2.7 V, the guaranteed maximum is 12 MHz, and at 1.8 V, it is 6 MHz - all specified under recommended operating conditions with 50% duty cycle.

Does the MSP430F2131TRGER include an analog-to-digital converter (ADC)?

No, the MSP430F2131TRGER does not integrate a dedicated ADC. Instead, it features the Comparator_A+ module, which supports slope-mode analog-to-digital conversion using the internal 16-bit Timer_A - enabling basic digitization of analog signals without external components, though with lower resolution than a SAR ADC.

What programming interfaces are supported by the MSP430F2131TRGER?

The MSP430F2131TRGER supports both JTAG (via P1.6/TDI, P1.7/TDO, P2.0/TMS, P1.4/TCK) and UART-based Bootstrap Loader (BSL) programming. The BSL uses P1.1 (TXD) and P2.2 (RXD) pins and requires no external voltage - enabling field firmware updates through simple serial connections.

What is the purpose of the TEST pin on the MSP430F2131TRGER?

The TEST pin (Pin 1) on the MSP430F2131TRGER selects JTAG test mode for programming and debugging. It connects internally to the JTAG fuse and must be held high during fuse-blowing operations. In normal operation, it is typically pulled high externally to enable JTAG functionality - critical for initial device programming and emulation.

How does the brownout detector function in the MSP430F2131TRGER?

The MSP430F2131TRGER includes an on-chip brownout detector that monitors VCC and asserts a reset when supply voltage drops below a threshold (~1.3 V typical). This prevents unreliable operation during power-up, power-down, or transient sags - ensuring deterministic startup and protecting flash memory from corruption during low-voltage write attempts.