Texas Instruments MSP430F2481TPM

Overview

MSP430F2481TPM from Texas Instruments is an ultra-low-power 16-bit RISC microcontroller with 48KB+256B flash memory, 4KB RAM, and a 16-bit Timer_B with seven capture/compare registers. It features two USCI modules (UART/I²C/SPI), on-chip comparator, supply voltage supervisor, and operates from 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 MSP430F2481TPM datasheet, MSP430F2481TPM pinout, MSP430F2481TPM application, or MSP430F2481TPM equivalent, key selection criteria include ADC12 absence, 64-pin QFP package compatibility, Timer_B shadow register support, and USCI_A1/USCI_B1 interface availability for dual-protocol communication systems.

Technical Context

The MSP430F2481TPM belongs to the MSP430F24x1 family - identical to MSP430F24x except that the ADC12 module is omitted. It retains full Timer_B7 with shadow registers, dual USCI_A and USCI_B modules supporting UART, IrDA, SPI, and I²C, and the calibrated DCO enabling sub-1-µs wake-up from standby mode.

Its clock system integrates internal LF oscillator, 32-kHz crystal support (XT1), optional high-frequency crystal (XT2 up to 16 MHz), and programmable SVS with adjustable threshold. Power management leverages five low-power modes, with off-mode current at 0.1 µA (RAM retention) and active-mode current of 270 µA at 1 MHz/2.2 V.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: 64-pin plastic quad flat pack (QFP), PM suffix. RoHS-compliant, surface-mount, 10 mm × 10 mm body, 0.5 mm pitch.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar microcontroller applications.

Compared with MSP430F248TPM and MSP430F2491TPM, the MSP430F2481TPM offers optimal balance of flash capacity (48KB), full dual-USCI/dual-Timer_B capability, and zero ADC overhead - making it the most cost- and power-efficient choice for digital-control-dominant designs.

Availability

MSP430F2481TPM is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for smart metering, industrial gateways, portable diagnostics, and wireless sensor networks requiring stable component supply across multi-year production cycles.

Supply support for MSP430F2481TPM 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 reliability.

The MSP430F2481TPM belongs to the MSP430F2xx ultra-low-power microcontroller product line, designed specifically for battery-constrained, precision-timed applications in metering, sensing, and portable instrumentation.

FAQ

Does the MSP430F2481TPM include an integrated ADC?

No, the MSP430F2481TPM does not include the ADC12 module. It is part of the MSP430F24x1 family, explicitly defined as identical to the MSP430F24x series except for the omission of the 12-bit analog-to-digital converter. The MSP430F2481TPM retains all other peripherals including dual USCI modules, Timer_B7 with shadow registers, comparator, and SVS. For designs requiring on-chip analog conversion, the pin-compatible MSP430F248TPM is the direct alternative.

What is the package type and pin count of the MSP430F2481TPM?

The MSP430F2481TPM uses a 64-pin plastic quad flat pack (QFP) package, designated by the "PM" suffix. It measures 10 mm × 10 mm with 0.5 mm lead pitch and is RoHS-compliant. This package is mechanically and electrically identical to the RGC (64-pin QFN) variant, enabling drop-in substitution where board layout permits - though thermal and soldering requirements differ between QFP and QFN.

Which communication interfaces are supported by the MSP430F2481TPM?

The MSP430F2481TPM supports four universal serial communication interfaces: USCI_A0, USCI_A1, USCI_B0, and USCI_B1. Each USCI_A block supports UART, IrDA, and SPI; each USCI_B block supports SPI and I²C. This allows concurrent operation - for example, USCI_A0 as a UART debug port, USCI_A1 as a Modbus RTU interface, USCI_B0 as an I²C sensor bus, and USCI_B1 as an SPI flash memory interface - all without CPU overhead.

What is the minimum supply voltage for reliable operation of the MSP430F2481TPM?

The MSP430F2481TPM operates reliably from 1.8 V to 3.6 V. At 1.8 V, it supports maximum frequencies up to 1 MHz in active mode; higher frequencies require proportionally higher voltage (e.g., 8 MHz requires ≥2.2 V). The supply voltage supervisor (SVS) can be programmed to assert reset below user-defined thresholds, ensuring deterministic behavior during battery discharge - for instance, setting SVS to 1.9 V prevents operation below safe logic margin.

How does the MSP430F2481TPM achieve ultra-low power consumption?

The MSP430F2481TPM achieves ultra-low power through five configurable low-power modes, a digitally controlled oscillator (DCO) with calibrated frequencies, and intelligent peripheral gating. In off mode with RAM retention, it draws just 0.1 µA; in standby mode with VLO active, it consumes 0.3 µA. Its sub-1-µs wake-up time minimizes active-mode duration, and peripheral modules (e.g., USCI, Timer_B) can operate autonomously in LPM3/LPM4, reducing CPU involvement and total energy per task.