Texas Instruments MSP430F235TPMR

Overview

MSP430F235TPMR 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–3.6 V for battery-powered sensor and metering applications.

For engineers reviewing the MSP430F235TPMR datasheet, MSP430F235TPMR pinout, MSP430F235TPMR application, or MSP430F235TPMR equivalent, key selection criteria include its 64-pin QFP (PM) package, integrated ADC12 with internal reference and autoscan, sub-1µs wake-up from standby mode, and dual-USCI support for simultaneous UART and I²C communication in compact embedded systems.

Technical Context

The MSP430F235TPMR implements a 16-bit CPU with constant generators and hardware multiplier for optimized code efficiency in low-power firmware. Its basic clock system includes a calibrated DCO (±1% accuracy at 1 MHz, 8 MHz, 12 MHz, 16 MHz), internal VLO (12 kHz), and support for external crystals (XT1: 32 kHz watch crystal; XT2: up to 16 MHz).

It integrates two independent universal serial communication interfaces-USCI_A0/A1 supporting enhanced UART with auto-baud detection and IrDA, and USCI_B0/B1 supporting synchronous SPI and I²C-with separate clock domains and independent control logic for concurrent multi-protocol operation.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: 64-pin QFP (PM), 10 mm × 10 mm, 0.5 mm pitch, RoHS-compliant, surface-mount.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with MSP430F235TPMR, MSP430F247TPMR offers double flash/RAM and enhanced Timer_B for scalable firmware, while MSP430F233TPMR reduces cost and complexity for minimal-feature implementations-both share identical 64-pin QFP packaging and core ultra-low-power architecture.

Availability

MSP430F235TPMR is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for smart metering, wireless sensor networks, industrial process monitors, and portable handheld testers requiring stable component supply and long-term production continuity.

Supply support for MSP430F235TPMR 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 energy efficiency and system integration.

The MSP430F235TPMR belongs to the MSP430F2xx ultra-low-power microcontroller product line, designed specifically for battery-operated measurement and sensing applications demanding nanowatt-level standby power and fast wake-up responsiveness.

FAQ

What is the maximum operating frequency of the MSP430F235TPMR?

The MSP430F235TPMR supports a maximum CPU clock frequency of 16 MHz using the internal calibrated DCO or external XT2 oscillator. Its 62.5-ns instruction cycle time enables deterministic real-time execution. The device achieves this speed across its full 1.8 V–3.6 V supply range, with performance validated in the SLAS547I datasheet revision December 2012. MSP430F235TPMR maintains timing compliance without derating at elevated temperatures within its –40°C to 105°C operating range.

Does the MSP430F235TPMR include an integrated hardware multiplier?

Yes, the MSP430F235TPMR includes a dedicated 16-bit hardware multiplier supporting MPY, MPYS, MAC, and MACS instructions. This unit accelerates fixed-point arithmetic essential for digital filtering, sensor linearization, and PID control loops. Unlike software emulation, it executes multiply-accumulate operations in a single cycle, reducing CPU load and power consumption. The hardware multiplier is fully integrated into the CPU's instruction set and accessible via standard C compiler intrinsics in MSP430 GCC or TI Code Generation Tools. MSP430F235TPMR leverages this feature to achieve high computational throughput within ultra-low-power constraints.

Can the MSP430F235TPMR operate without an external crystal?

Yes, the MSP430F235TPMR can operate without any external crystal. Its digitally controlled oscillator (DCO) is factory-calibrated to four frequencies (1 MHz, 8 MHz, 12 MHz, 16 MHz) with ±1% accuracy at 25°C and 3 V, enabling full functionality-including ADC conversions, USCI communication, and timer operations-using only the internal clock source. The device also includes a very-low-power internal oscillator (VLO) at ~12 kHz for standby-mode timing. External crystals (XT1 for 32 kHz, XT2 for up to 16 MHz) are optional for higher precision or specific frequency requirements. MSP430F235TPMR thus supports crystal-free designs in cost- and space-constrained applications.

How many analog input channels does the ADC12 module support on the MSP430F235TPMR?

The ADC12 module on the MSP430F235TPMR supports eight analog input channels (A0–A7), accessible via P6.0 through P6.7. All channels are configurable for single-ended or differential acquisition, with programmable sample-and-hold timing and selectable internal reference (2.5 V or 1.5 V) or external reference (VeREF+). The autoscan feature allows sequential conversion of multiple channels without CPU intervention, and results are stored in dedicated memory buffer registers. This 8-channel capability is confirmed in the functional block diagram and terminal function tables of the SLAS547I datasheet. MSP430F235TPMR uses these inputs for simultaneous multi-sensor monitoring in metering and industrial applications.

Is the MSP430F235TPMR pin-compatible with other devices in the MSP430F2xx family?

The MSP430F235TPMR shares the same 64-pin QFP (PM) package and identical pinout with MSP430F233TPMR, MSP430F247TPMR, MSP430F248TPMR, and MSP430F249TPMR, as documented in Table 1 of SLAS547I. All these devices map identical signals (e.g., P1.x, USCI_A0, ADC12 inputs, JTAG) to the same physical pins. However, peripheral availability differs: MSP430F235TPMR lacks the second USCI_A1 and USCI_B1 modules present in F24x devices, and its Timer_B has only three capture/compare registers versus seven in F247/F248. Thus, while PCB layout is reusable, firmware must be adapted to match the specific peripheral set of MSP430F235TPMR.