Texas Instruments MSP430F235TPM

Overview

MSP430F235TPM from Texas Instruments is an ultra-low-power 16-bit RISC microcontroller featuring 16KB+256B flash memory, 2KB RAM, a 12-bit ADC with 8 channels, two 16-bit timers (Timer_A with three capture/compare registers and Timer_B with three registers), on-chip comparator, four USCI modules (two UART/IrDA/SPI and two SPI/I²C), and operation across 1.8 V to 3.6 V. It targets battery-powered sensor nodes and portable instrumentation requiring fast wake-up (<1 µs) and precise analog measurement.

For engineers reviewing the MSP430F235TPM datasheet, MSP430F235TPM pinout, MSP430F235TPM application, or MSP430F235TPM equivalent, key selection criteria include its 64-pin QFP package, dual USCI_A/B support for simultaneous UART and I²C, integrated SVS/SVM, and calibrated DCO enabling crystal-free operation in low-cost designs.

Technical Context

The MSP430F235TPM implements a 16-bit CPU with constant generators and hardware multiplier for optimized code efficiency in embedded control. Its basic clock system integrates a digitally controlled oscillator (DCO) calibrated to ±1% at four frequencies up to 16 MHz, plus support for external crystals (XT1 for 32 kHz watch crystals, XT2 for high-frequency crystals).

It features two independent universal serial communication interfaces: USCI_A0/A1 supporting enhanced UART with auto-baud detection and IrDA encoding/decoding, and USCI_B0/B1 supporting synchronous SPI and I²C master/slave modes - enabling concurrent wired communication protocols without software overhead.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: 64-pin Plastic Quad Flat Package (QFP), PM suffix, 10 mm × 10 mm, 0.5 mm pitch, RoHS-compliant.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with MSP430F235TPM, MSP430F247TPM offers double flash/RAM and expanded Timer_B for advanced control, while MSP430F233TPM trades resources for lower BOM cost - choice depends on firmware footprint and peripheral concurrency needs.

Availability

MSP430F235TPM is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for smart sensor nodes, portable data loggers, and industrial control panels requiring stable component supply, long-term manufacturability, and TI's extended product lifecycle support.

Supply support for MSP430F235TPM 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 with emphasis on power efficiency and reliability.

The MSP430F235TPM belongs to the MSP430F2xx ultra-low-power MCU family, designed specifically for battery-operated measurement and sensing applications where nanowatt-level standby power and fast wake-up are critical.

FAQ

What is the maximum operating frequency of the MSP430F235TPM?

The MSP430F235TPM supports internal DCO frequencies up to 16 MHz with factory calibration to ±1% accuracy across temperature and voltage. It also accepts external clock sources including 32-kHz watch crystals (XT1) and high-frequency crystals (XT2) for precision timing applications. The core executes instructions at 62.5-ns cycle time at 16 MHz, and the MSP430F235TPM maintains full functionality across its 1.8–3.6 V supply range at this speed.

Does the MSP430F235TPM include a hardware multiplier?

Yes, the MSP430F235TPM integrates a 16-bit hardware multiplier (MPY, MPYS, MAC, MACS) capable of completing 16×16-bit multiply operations in one CPU cycle. This accelerator significantly improves performance in digital filtering, PID control, and sensor linearization tasks - reducing execution time versus software-based multiplication and lowering active-mode energy consumption in compute-intensive firmware.

Can the MSP430F235TPM operate without an external crystal?

Yes, the MSP430F235TPM can operate entirely from its internal digitally controlled oscillator (DCO), which is factory-calibrated at four frequencies (including 1 MHz and 8 MHz) with ±1% accuracy. This eliminates the need for external crystals in cost-sensitive or space-constrained designs. However, for applications requiring precise real-time clocking (e.g., timestamping) or strict frequency stability, a 32-kHz crystal on XT1 or high-frequency crystal on XT2 is recommended.

How many ADC channels does the MSP430F235TPM support?

The MSP430F235TPM integrates a 12-bit successive-approximation ADC (ADC12) with eight external input channels (A0–A7) accessible via P6.0–P6.7. It supports sample-and-hold, internal reference (1.5 V or 2.5 V), external reference (VeREF+), autoscan mode for sequential conversion, and configurable conversion timing - enabling robust analog signal acquisition in sensor and metering applications.

Is the MSP430F235TPM pin-compatible with other MSP430F2xx devices in the same package?

The MSP430F235TPM shares the same 64-pin QFP (PM) package and pinout with MSP430F233TPM and MSP430F247TPM, as confirmed by TI's SLAS547I datasheet Table 1 and Terminal Functions tables. All three devices maintain identical signal assignments on each pin, allowing direct PCB reuse across these variants - though firmware must be validated for peripheral differences (e.g., USCI count, Timer_B register depth, flash/RAM size).