Texas Instruments MSP430F2481TRGCR

Overview

MSP430F2481TRGCR from Texas Instruments is an ultra-low-power 16-bit RISC microcontroller with 48 KB+256 B flash memory, 4 KB RAM, and a 12-bit ADC (not implemented on F24x1 variants), designed for battery-powered sensor nodes and portable instrumentation requiring sub-1 µs wake-up and <0.1 µA off-mode retention.

For engineers reviewing the MSP430F2481TRGCR datasheet, MSP430F2481TRGCR pinout, MSP430F2481TRGCR application, or MSP430F2481TRGCR equivalent, key selection criteria include its 64-pin QFN (RGC) package, dual USCI modules supporting UART/IrDA/SPI/I²C, Timer_B with seven capture/compare registers, and absence of ADC12 - confirmed per SLAS547I Rev. December 2012 for F24x1 family members.

Technical Context

The MSP430F2481TRGCR implements the MSP430x2xx architecture with five low-power modes, a calibrated DCO enabling 16 MHz operation without external crystal, and integrated peripherals including two 16-bit timers (Timer_A with three CC registers, Timer_B with seven CC registers and shadow registers), comparator, and supply voltage supervisor.

It supports JTAG debugging via TCK/TMS/TDI/TDO pins and features four USCI modules (USCI_A0/A1/B0/B1) for flexible serial communication, while omitting the ADC12 module entirely - a defining functional distinction versus non-"1" variants like MSP430F248 - as explicitly stated in the device family documentation.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: 64-pin QFN (RGC), 9 mm × 9 mm, 0.5 mm pitch, exposed thermal pad connected to DVSS.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with MSP430F248TRGCR, the MSP430F2481TRGCR removes ADC12 to reduce cost and power, while MSP430F2491TRGCR expands flash for larger code without adding analog circuitry - both maintain identical QFN-64 packaging, USCI count, and ultra-low-power profile.

Availability

MSP430F2481TRGCR is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for smart metering, industrial sensor nodes, portable gas detectors, and energy-harvesting remote switches requiring stable component supply across long-lifecycle deployments.

Supply support for MSP430F2481TRGCR 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 reliability and energy efficiency.

The MSP430™ ultra-low-power microcontroller product line targets battery-operated and energy-constrained applications such as portable instrumentation, sensor networks, and metering systems where nanowatt-scale operation is essential.

FAQ

Does the MSP430F2481TRGCR include an ADC12 module?

No, the MSP430F2481TRGCR does not implement the ADC12 module. As documented in SLAS547I (Rev. December 2012), all MSP430F24x1 devices - including MSP430F2481TRGCR - are functionally identical to their non-"1" counterparts except for the complete omission of ADC12. This is a deliberate silicon-level distinction, not a configuration option.

What is the package type and pin count of the MSP430F2481TRGCR?

The MSP430F2481TRGCR uses a 64-pin QFN package (RGC suffix), measuring 9 mm × 9 mm with 0.5 mm pitch and an exposed thermal pad. Pinout matches the MSP430F24x family, with full compatibility across RGC-packaged variants including P1–P6 ports, USCI, timers, and JTAG signals as defined in Tables 3 and 4 of SLAS547I.

Can the MSP430F2481TRGCR operate without an external crystal?

Yes, the MSP430F2481TRGCR can operate fully without external crystals. Its calibrated DCO provides stable internal frequencies up to 16 MHz with ±1% accuracy at four factory-trimmed points (1/2/4/8 MHz), eliminating need for XT1 or XT2 crystals in most timing-critical applications.

How many USCI modules does the MSP430F2481TRGCR support?

The MSP430F2481TRGCR integrates four USCI modules: USCI_A0, USCI_A1, USCI_B0, and USCI_B1. Each supports multiple protocols - USCI_An handles UART, IrDA, and SPI; USCI_Bn handles SPI and I²C - enabling concurrent use of UART + I²C or dual SPI interfaces without resource conflict.

What is the minimum supply voltage for reliable operation of the MSP430F2481TRGCR?

The MSP430F2481TRGCR operates reliably from 1.8 V to 3.6 V. At 1.8 V, it supports up to 1 MHz CPU speed; higher frequencies require proportionally higher voltage (e.g., 8 MHz at ≥2.2 V). Brownout detector and supply voltage supervisor ensure safe reset behavior down to the 1.8 V threshold.