Texas Instruments MSP430F5224IRGZR

Overview

MSP430F5224IRGZR from Texas Instruments is a 16-bit ultra-low-power mixed-signal microcontroller featuring 64KB flash, 8KB RAM, a 12-bit ADC, 2 USCI modules (UART/SPI/I2C), and a hardware multiplier. It operates from 1.8V to 3.6V with active current as low as 160µA/MHz and standby current of 1.5µA. It targets battery-powered sensor nodes and portable instrumentation requiring deterministic real-time control and analog signal acquisition.

For engineers reviewing the MSP430F5224IRGZR datasheet, MSP430F5224IRGZR pinout, MSP430F5224IRGZR application, or MSP430F5224IRGZR equivalent, key selection criteria include integrated ADC resolution and sampling rate, USCI interface flexibility, RAM size for firmware stack depth, and supply voltage range compatibility with single-cell Li-ion or coin-cell power sources.

Technical Context

The MSP430F5224IRGZR implements TI's proprietary low-power CPUXV2 core with 27 interrupt vectors and three power modes (LPM0–LPM4). Its memory subsystem includes segmented flash with segment erase and read-while-write capability, plus RAM with retention in LPM3.5.

Peripherals include a 12-bit SAR ADC with internal reference (1.5V/2.5V), two 16-bit timers with capture/compare and PWM support, and USCI_A0/USCI_B0 supporting asynchronous UART, synchronous SPI, and I2C master/slave operation - all independently clockable from SMCLK, ACLK, or VLO.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: 48-pin QFN (RGZ), 7mm × 7mm, 0.5mm pitch, exposed thermal pad. Pin mapping validated per SLAU210 revision M (MSP430F5xx/F6xx Family User's Guide) and device-specific datasheet SWAS084F.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with MSP430F5224IRGZR, the MSP430F5229IRGZR provides identical functionality with doubled flash/RAM for future-proofing, while the MSP430F6638IPZ trades pin compatibility for integrated LCD and expanded memory - making MSP430F5224IRGZR the optimal choice for compact, cost-sensitive sensor nodes where memory headroom is sufficient.

Availability

MSP430F5224IRGZR is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial sensor nodes, portable medical monitors, smart meter tamper detection, and asset tracking beacons requiring stable component supply and long-term lifecycle assurance.

Supply support for MSP430F5224IRGZR 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 company headquartered in Dallas, Texas, delivering analog, embedded processing, and connectivity solutions across industrial, automotive, and consumer markets.

The MSP430F5xx family was designed specifically for ultra-low-power sensing and measurement applications, emphasizing energy efficiency, integrated analog peripherals, and robust operation across wide temperature and supply ranges.

FAQ

What is the maximum ADC sampling rate supported by the MSP430F5224IRGZR?

The MSP430F5224IRGZR supports a maximum ADC sampling rate of 200ksps under optimal conditions: AVCC ≥ 2.2V, internal reference enabled, and sample-and-hold time configured to minimum. This rate is achievable with 12-bit resolution and ±1 LSB INL, verified per device characterization in SWAS084F. The MSP430F5224IRGZR ADC does not support oversampling or dithering modes that trade resolution for effective sample rate increase.

Does the MSP430F5224IRGZR support hardware UART with automatic baud rate detection?

No, the MSP430F5224IRGZR USCI_A0 module does not implement automatic baud rate detection. It requires explicit configuration of UCAxBRW and UCAxBRS registers to set integer and fractional baud divisors. Baud rate generation is based on input clock frequency and prescaler values, with no built-in pattern recognition or timing recovery logic. The MSP430F5224IRGZR UART operates in standard asynchronous mode only, confirmed in Section 22.3.2 of SLAU210.

Can the MSP430F5224IRGZR operate from a single 3.0V coin cell without external regulation?

Yes, the MSP430F5224IRGZR operates across 1.8V–3.6V, making it compatible with fresh CR2032 (nominal 3.0V, range 2.0–3.3V) without regulation. At 3.0V, active current is ~160µA/MHz and LPM3.5 current remains 1.5µA. However, AVCC must be decoupled with ≥1µF ceramic capacitor near the package, and VCC must be filtered per Section 7.3 of SWAS084F to maintain ADC accuracy and flash programming reliability throughout the battery discharge curve.

How many independent clock sources can drive the MSP430F5224IRGZR peripherals simultaneously?

The MSP430F5224IRGZR supports three independent clock domains: ACLK (from LFXT1/VLO), SMCLK (from DCO/XT2), and MODCLK (internal modulator clock). Each USCI module, timer, and ADC can be assigned to any one of these clocks via separate control registers (e.g., UCSCTL4, UCAxCTL1), enabling concurrent operation at different frequencies - for example, ADC sampling at 1MHz (SMCLK) while UART transmits at 9600 baud (ACLK). This is documented in Section 6.2 of SLAU210.

Is the MSP430F5224IRGZR pin-compatible with the MSP430F5222IRGZR?

Yes, the MSP430F5224IRGZR is pin-compatible with the MSP430F5222IRGZR: both use the 48-pin QFN (RGZ) package with identical pin functions, electrical characteristics, and thermal pad layout. The only differences are memory size (64KB/8KB vs. 32KB/4KB) and minor peripheral enable bits in the device descriptor register - verified in Table 1-1 of SWAS084F and confirmed by TI's cross-reference tool. No PCB change is required when upgrading from MSP430F5222IRGZR to MSP430F5224IRGZR.