Texas Instruments MSP430F5256IRGCR

Overview

MSP430F5256IRGCR 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 128 KB flash, 16 KB RAM, dual-supply operation (DVCC up to 3.6 V, DVIO at 1.62–1.98 V), 35 general-purpose I/Os with 16 external interrupts, and four USCI_A + four USCI_B modules supporting UART, IrDA, SPI, and I²C. It targets sensor hub and power-management applications in handsets and tablets.

For engineers reviewing the MSP430F5256IRGCR datasheet, MSP430F5256IRGCR pinout, MSP430F5256IRGCR application, or MSP430F5256IRGCR equivalent, key selection considerations include split-rail I/O voltage support (1.8-V DVIO rail), LPM3 standby current of 2.3 µA at 3.0 V, 3.5-µs wake-up time, RTC integration, and compatibility with TI's MSP430F5xx toolchain and development ecosystem.

Technical Context

The MSP430F5256IRGCR implements a unified clock system with FLL stabilization, VLO and REFO internal sources, XT1 (32-kHz crystal), and XT2 (up to 32-MHz HF crystal). Its power architecture includes a fully integrated LDO with programmable core voltage, supply supervision, brownout detection, and four low-power modes (LPM0–LPM4.5) with sub-µA retention.

Peripherals include three Timer_A modules (TA0: 5 CC, TA1/TA2: 3 CC each), one Timer_B (TB0: 7 CC), a 10-bit ADC10_A with 12 channels (10 external, 2 internal), comparator_B (8 channels), hardware multiplier (MPY32), 3-channel DMA, and basic timer with RTC capability - all operating under dual-voltage domain control (DVCC/DVIO).

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

VQFN-64 package (9 mm × 9 mm, 0.5-mm pitch), thermally enhanced with exposed thermal pad. Pin functions assigned across two voltage domains: DVCC (pins 11, 15, 16, 14, 39) and DVIO (pins 40, 18–25, 26–38, 41–48, 49–56, 57–64).

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with MSP430F5254IRGCR, the MSP430F5256IRGCR enables I²C-based secure bootloader access and shares identical power/performance specs; versus MSP430F5252IRGCR, it adds critical RTC and built-in voltage reference - essential for autonomous, time-aware, and self-calibrating designs.

Availability

MSP430F5256IRGCR is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for smartphone sensor hubs, industrial power monitors, Bluetooth LE peripheral controllers, and environmental data loggers requiring stable component supply and long-term manufacturability.

Supply support for MSP430F5256IRGCR 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 decades of expertise in ultra-low-power microcontrollers and precision analog signal chains.

The MSP430F525x product line was engineered specifically for "always-on" system controller roles - emphasizing split-rail I/O, sub-µA retention, fast wake-up, and integrated RTC to extend battery life in portable and IoT edge devices.

FAQ

What is the maximum operating frequency of the MSP430F5256IRGCR?

The MSP430F5256IRGCR supports a maximum system clock frequency of 25 MHz, enabled by its integrated FLL-controlled DCO and optional external XT2 crystal up to 32 MHz. This frequency is achievable under recommended operating conditions (DVCC ≥ 2.2 V), and the device maintains full peripheral functionality including USCI, ADC, and timers at this rate.

Does the MSP430F5256IRGCR support both 1.8-V and 3.3-V I/O simultaneously?

Yes - the MSP430F5256IRGCR implements true dual-supply I/O: DVIO pins operate at 1.62–1.98 V (typically 1.8 V) for low-voltage interface, while DVCC pins run at 1.8–3.6 V for core logic. This eliminates external level shifters when connecting to 1.8-V sensors or APs while maintaining robust noise margins for internal logic.

How many hardware serial interfaces does the MSP430F5256IRGCR provide?

The MSP430F5256IRGCR integrates eight dedicated hardware serial interfaces: four USCI_A modules (each configurable for UART, IrDA, or SPI) and four USCI_B modules (each configurable for I²C or SPI). All eight operate concurrently and independently, enabling simultaneous communication with multiple sensors, radios, and peripherals without CPU overhead.

What is the wake-up time from LPM3 standby mode for the MSP430F5256IRGCR?

The MSP430F5256IRGCR wakes from LPM3 (standby mode with RTC, watchdog, and full RAM retention) in 3.5 µs typical - measured from interrupt assertion to first instruction fetch. This rapid response enables precise timing-critical event handling, such as immediate sensor readout upon motion detection or fault-triggered system recovery.

Is the MSP430F5256IRGCR pin-compatible with other devices in the MSP430F525x family?

Yes - the MSP430F5256IRGCR in the VQFN-64 (RGC) package shares identical pinout, electrical characteristics, and package dimensions with all other RGC-packaged MSP430F525x variants (e.g., MSP430F5259IRGCR, MSP430F5252IRGCR). Firmware and PCB layouts are interchangeable across this package group, differing only in flash/RAM size and peripheral enablement.