Texas Instruments MSP430F4250IDLR

Overview

MSP430F4250IDLR from Texas Instruments is an ultralow-power 16-bit mixed-signal microcontroller featuring 16 KB Flash, 256 B RAM, a 16-bit sigma-delta ADC with five differential analog inputs, a 12-bit DAC, Timer_A3 with three capture/compare registers, and integrated LCD driver supporting up to 56 segments. It operates from 1.8 V to 3.6 V and targets battery-powered sensor systems and portable meters.

For engineers reviewing the MSP430F4250IDLR datasheet, MSP430F4250IDLR pinout, MSP430F4250IDLR application, or MSP430F4250IDLR equivalent, key selection considerations include its 48-pin SSOP (DL) package, 6 µs wake-up from standby, 250 µA active current at 1 MHz/2.2 V, and integrated LCD voltage regulation - all critical for low-power embedded measurement designs.

Technical Context

The MSP430F4250IDLR implements a 16-bit RISC CPU with constant generators and seven addressing modes, enabling single-cycle register operations. Its FLL+ clock system supports ACLK (32.768 kHz crystal), MCLK (up to 8 MHz at 3.6 V), and SMCLK, with DCO stabilization in under 6 µs.

Peripherals are memory-mapped and accessible via full instruction set support. The SD16_A module provides 16-bit sigma-delta conversion with internal reference and temperature sensing; DAC12 delivers 12-bit voltage output; LCD_A drives static–4MUX displays with software-controllable contrast via regulated charge pump.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: 48-pin Plastic SSOP (DL), 0.635 mm pitch, JEDEC MO-153 compliant. Pinout validated per SLAS455D Rev. April 2007 (DL top-view layout).

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with MSP430F4250IDLR, the MSP430F4260IDLR and MSP430F4270IDLR offer increased Flash capacity (24 KB and 32 KB) with identical pinout, peripheral set, power profile, and LCD capabilities - making them drop-in upgrades where firmware size exceeds 16 KB.

Availability

MSP430F4250IDLR is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for hand-held meters, portable gas detectors, smart thermostat displays, and industrial panel meters requiring stable component supply and long-term manufacturability.

Supply support for MSP430F4250IDLR 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 focused on analog and embedded processing technologies, serving industrial, automotive, and consumer markets with energy-efficient, reliable silicon solutions.

The MSP430F4250IDLR belongs to TI's MSP430F42x0 ultralow-power mixed-signal MCU family, designed specifically for battery-operated measurement applications requiring high-precision analog integration, LCD support, and sub-µA sleep currents.

FAQ

What is the maximum operating frequency of the MSP430F4250IDLR at 3.6 V?

The MSP430F4250IDLR supports a maximum system clock (MCLK) frequency of 8 MHz when supplied at 3.6 V, as specified in the recommended operating conditions table of SLAS455D. This limit ensures stable operation of the FLL+ module and internal peripherals. At lower supply voltages, the maximum frequency decreases - e.g., 4.15 MHz at 1.8 V. The MSP430F4250IDLR's CPU executes instructions at this clock rate with deterministic 125-ns cycle time.

Does the MSP430F4250IDLR support JTAG debugging and programming?

Yes, the MSP430F4250IDLR fully supports IEEE 1149.1 JTAG boundary-scan via dedicated TCK, TMS, TDI, and TDO pins (DL package pins 4–1). It enables in-circuit emulation, flash programming, and real-time debugging using standard TI tools like MSP-FET or third-party JTAG adapters. The JTAG interface remains functional even after security fuse programming, though code read-out is blocked.

How many LCD segments can the MSP430F4250IDLR drive, and what multiplexing configurations are supported?

The MSP430F4250IDLR integrates the LCD_A peripheral capable of driving up to 56 segments using static, 2-MUX, 3-MUX, or 4-MUX configurations. With its four COM lines (COM0–COM3) and 14 segment lines (S0–S13 plus S5 and additional P2.x outputs), it supports common display formats such as 14-digit 4-MUX or 20-digit 3-MUX layouts. Contrast is software-adjustable via internal charge pump regulation.

What analog inputs are available on the MSP430F4250IDLR, and are they differential?

The MSP430F4250IDLR provides five differential analog input channels for its 16-bit sigma-delta SD16_A ADC: A0+ / A0−, A1+ / A1−, A2+ / A2−, A3+ / A3−, and A4+ / A4−. These are mapped to dedicated pins (e.g., P6.0/P6.1 for A0±) and support true differential measurement with programmable gain and offset calibration. An internal temperature sensor and VCC monitor are also accessible as auxiliary inputs.

Is the MSP430F4250IDLR compatible with the MSP430F4260IDLR and MSP430F4270IDLR at the hardware level?

Yes, the MSP430F4250IDLR is pin-compatible and electrically identical to the MSP430F4260IDLR and MSP430F4270IDLR in the DL package - sharing the same 48-pin SSOP footprint, peripheral register map, I/O functionality, power specifications, and timing characteristics. The only difference is Flash size (16 KB vs. 24 KB vs. 32 KB), making them direct hardware replacements when firmware size requirements change.