Texas Instruments MSP430F5255IRGCT

Overview

MSP430F5255IRGCT 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 devices. It features dual-supply operation (DVCC up to 3.6 V, DVIO at 1.62–1.98 V), 128 KB flash, 32 KB RAM, four USCI_A modules (UART/IrDA/SPI), and four USCI_B modules (I²C/SPI), enabling concurrent sensor hub communication in power-constrained applications like Bluetooth controllers and data loggers.

For engineers reviewing the MSP430F5255IRGCT datasheet, MSP430F5255IRGCT pinout, MSP430F5255IRGCT application, or MSP430F5255IRGCT equivalent, key selection criteria include its 1.8-V I/O rail compatibility with application processors, 3.5-µs LPM3 wake-up time, 290 µA/MHz active-mode current at 8 MHz/3.0 V, and support for RTC, hardware multiplier, and 3-channel DMA - all critical for low-power sensor fusion and system-level power management.

Technical Context

The MSP430F5255IRGCT implements a split-rail I/O architecture with dedicated DVIO (1.62–1.98 V) and DVCC (1.8–3.6 V) supplies, enabling direct interface to 1.8-V peripherals without level shifters. Its unified clock system integrates FLL, VLO, REFO, XT1 (32-kHz), and XT2 (up to 32-MHz) sources, supporting precise timing across low-power and high-performance modes.

It integrates four independent 16-bit timers (TA0/TA1/TA2/TB0), a 10-bit ADC with 12 channels (10 external + 2 internal), comparator_B, and a real-time clock module with alarm capability - all operating under flexible power-management control including programmable LDO core regulation and brownout supervision.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

VQFN-64 (RGC) package, 9 mm × 9 mm, thermally enhanced, with exposed thermal pad. Dual-supply I/O pins are explicitly assigned to DVIO (1.62–1.98 V) or DVCC (1.8–3.6 V) domains per TI SLAS903D pin diagram.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with MSP430F5259IRGCT, the MSP430F5255IRGCT offers identical analog and timing peripherals but is configured for UART-based BSL - making it optimal for designs where serial debug infrastructure already exists. Against MSP430F5254IRGCT, it shares BSL type but delivers full ADC channel support, enabling broader analog sensor integration without layout change.

Availability

MSP430F5255IRGCT is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for Bluetooth® controllers, power-management hubs, and data loggers requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle assurance, and consistent parametric performance across production batches.

Supply support for MSP430F5255IRGCT 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 for industrial, automotive, and consumer markets.

The MSP430F525x product line was engineered specifically for ultra-low-power "always-on" system controller applications, emphasizing dual-rail I/O interoperability, rapid wake-up, and integrated sensor interface capability - extending the MSP430 legacy into modern battery-constrained edge devices.

FAQ

What is the primary supply voltage range for MSP430F5255IRGCT?

The MSP430F5255IRGCT operates with a primary digital supply (DVCC) from 1.8 V to 3.6 V. Its separate low-voltage I/O rail (DVIO) must be supplied between 1.62 V and 1.98 V to power P1–P4, P7, and PJ I/O banks. This dual-supply architecture enables direct interfacing with 1.8-V application processors and sensors without external level translation circuitry.

Does MSP430F5255IRGCT support real-time clock functionality with alarm capability?

Yes, the MSP430F5255IRGCT integrates RTC_A - a real-time clock module with calendar mode, alarm interrupt, and battery-backup capability when connected to a 32-kHz crystal (XT1). The RTC remains fully operational in LPM3 standby mode at 2.3 µA, retaining timekeeping and triggering wake-up on alarm match without CPU intervention.

How many hardware serial interfaces does MSP430F5255IRGCT provide, and what protocols do they support?

The MSP430F5255IRGCT provides eight hardware serial interfaces: four USCI_A modules (each supporting UART, IrDA, and SPI) and four USCI_B modules (each supporting I²C and SPI). This allows concurrent, dedicated communication with multiple sensors and peripherals - for example, four I²C sensors and four SPI devices - without software multiplexing or CPU overhead.

What is the wake-up time from LPM3 standby mode for MSP430F5255IRGCT?

The MSP430F5255IRGCT wakes up from LPM3 standby mode in 3.5 µs (typical) with full register and RAM retention. This rapid transition supports event-driven operation in battery-sensitive applications such as motion-triggered wake-up in wearables or fault-responsive shutdown in power-management systems.

Is MSP430F5255IRGCT pin-compatible with other members of the MSP430F525x family in the RGC package?

Yes, all MSP430F525x devices in the 64-pin VQFN (RGC) package - including MSP430F5252IRGCT, MSP430F5254IRGCT, and MSP430F5259IRGCT - share identical pinouts and package dimensions. Functional differences (e.g., ADC channel count, BSL type) do not affect mechanical or electrical footprint compatibility, enabling drop-in replacement during design iteration or qualification.