Texas Instruments MSP430F5252IRGCT

Overview

MSP430F5252IRGCT from Texas Instruments is an ultra-low-power 16-bit RISC mixed-signal microcontroller designed as an "always-on" system controller for portable and battery-powered applications. It features 128 KB flash, 16 KB RAM, dual-supply operation (DVCC: 1.8–3.6 V; DVIO: 1.62–1.98 V), 35 general-purpose I/Os with up to 16 external interrupts, and four USCI_A and four USCI_B modules supporting UART, IrDA, SPI, and I²C. It targets sensor hub and power-management roles in handsets and tablets.

For engineers reviewing the MSP430F5252IRGCT datasheet, MSP430F5252IRGCT pinout, MSP430F5252IRGCT application, or MSP430F5252IRGCT equivalent, key selection criteria include split-rail I/O voltage support (1.8 V DVIO), LPM3 standby current of 2.3 µA at 3.0 V, 3.5 µs wake-up time, 10-bit ADC with 12-channel input, and RTC integration with alarm capability.

Technical Context

The MSP430F5252IRGCT implements a unified clock system with FLL stabilization, VLO and REFO internal sources, and support for both 32-kHz XT1 and up to 32-MHz XT2 crystals. Its power management includes a fully integrated programmable LDO, supply supervision, brownout detection, and multiple low-power modes (LPM0–LPM4.5).

It integrates four 16-bit timers (TA0/TA1/TA2/TB0), a hardware multiplier for 32-bit operations, 3-channel DMA, comparator_B with 8 channels, and a 10-bit ADC capable of 200 ksps with internal reference and sample-and-hold - all operating under split-rail voltage domains (DVCC/DVIO) to enable direct interfacing with 1.8-V application processors without level shifters.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

VQFN-64 (RGC) package, 9 mm × 9 mm, thermally enhanced, with exposed thermal pad. Dual-supply I/O structure: DVCC domain (P5/P6/PJ) and DVIO domain (P1–P4/P7) enabling independent 1.8-V logic interfacing.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with MSP430F5254IRGCT and MSP430F5253IRGCT, the MSP430F5252IRGCT offers identical low-power performance and I/O capability but excludes the ADC and uses I²C BSL - making it the most cost-effective choice for purely digital, 1.8-V interface-intensive applications like Bluetooth co-processors and power sequencers.

Availability

MSP430F5252IRGCT is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for sensor hub controllers, power-management hubs, and Bluetooth® system controllers requiring stable component supply and long-term industrial availability.

Supply support for MSP430F5252IRGCT 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 and embedded processing solutions with emphasis on energy efficiency, reliability, and system integration.

The MSP430F525x product line was engineered specifically for ultra-low-power "always-on" system control - prioritizing split-rail I/O, rapid wake-up, and robust serial connectivity to serve as sensor and power management co-processors in portable electronics.

FAQ

What is the maximum operating frequency of the MSP430F5252IRGCT?

The MSP430F5252IRGCT supports a maximum system clock frequency of 25 MHz, enabled by its integrated FLL control loop and compatibility with high-frequency crystals up to 32 MHz on the XT2 oscillator. This allows deterministic real-time execution of time-critical tasks such as BLE packet timing and sensor fusion loops while maintaining ultra-low active-mode current of 290 µA/MHz at 3.0 V.

Does the MSP430F5252IRGCT include an analog-to-digital converter (ADC)?

No, the MSP430F5252IRGCT does not include an ADC. According to the official device comparison table (Table 6-1), MSP430F5252IRGCT is designated as having "N/A" for ADC10_A channel count, distinguishing it from variants like MSP430F5253IRGCT and MSP430F5257IRGCT which feature 10 external + 2 internal ADC channels. This omission reduces cost and power for digital-only applications.

What is the purpose of the DVIO supply pin on the MSP430F5252IRGCT?

The DVIO supply pin powers the DVIO-domain I/O ports (P1–P4, P7) at 1.62–1.98 V, enabling native 1.8-V logic-level operation. This eliminates external level translators when interfacing with 1.8-V application processors or sensors. The MSP430F5252IRGCT uses this split-rail architecture to maintain full 35-I/O capability while ensuring signal integrity and power efficiency in mixed-voltage systems.

How many USCI modules does the MSP430F5252IRGCT support, and what protocols do they implement?

The MSP430F5252IRGCT supports eight USCI modules: four USCI_A (A0–A3) and four USCI_B (B0–B3). Each USCI_A implements UART with automatic baud-rate detection and IrDA, plus synchronous SPI. Each USCI_B implements I²C and synchronous SPI. This enables concurrent, hardware-accelerated communication with up to eight peripherals - critical for sensor-rich, multi-interface designs.

What low-power mode achieves the lowest current consumption in the MSP430F5252IRGCT?

The MSP430F5252IRGCT achieves its lowest current consumption in LPM4.5 (shutdown mode), drawing just 0.18 µA at 3.0 V. In this mode, the supply supervisor remains active, full RAM is retained, and wake-up is possible via RST/NMI or BSL entry. This makes MSP430F5252IRGCT suitable for applications requiring multi-year battery life in storage or deep-sleep states, such as asset trackers and emergency beacons.