Texas Instruments MSP430F5521IPN

Overview

MSP430F5521IPN from Texas Instruments is an ultra-low-power 16-bit mixed-signal microcontroller with integrated USB 2.0 PHY, 32 KB Flash, 6 KB + 2 KB RAM, 12-bit ADC (14 external + 2 internal channels), four 16-bit timers, two USCI modules (UART/IrDA/SPI/I²C), and RTC. It operates from 1.8 V to 3.6 V and targets battery-powered sensor systems requiring USB connectivity.

For engineers reviewing the MSP430F5521IPN datasheet, MSP430F5521IPN pinout, MSP430F5521IPN application, or MSP430F5521IPN equivalent, key selection criteria include USB PHY integration, 63 I/O pin count in LQFP-80, low-power LPM3/LPM4 operation at ≤1.9 µA/1.1 µA, ADC channel count, and timer_A/B register depth for timing-critical firmware.

Technical Context

The MSP430F5521IPN implements a unified clock system with FLL stabilization, dual crystal support (XT1 for 32 kHz RTC, XT2 up to 32 MHz), and internal VLO/REFO sources. Its power management includes an integrated LDO with programmable core voltage and supply supervision with brownout reset.

Peripherals are organized around three-channel DMA, hardware multiplier (MPY32), and full-speed USB with eight endpoints, integrated USB-LDO (3.3 V/1.8 V), and USB-PLL - all operating without external components. The ADC12_A module supports autoscan, sample-and-hold, and internal reference.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

LQFP-80 (PN) package, 12 mm × 12 mm body size, exposed thermal pad not present (confirmed PN variant per TI SLAS590N Figure 4-1).

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with MSP430F5529IPN and MSP430F5525IPN, the MSP430F5521IPN provides the minimal Flash/RAM configuration within the 63-I/O USB-capable family - ideal for deeply embedded applications where code footprint is tightly constrained and USB serves only basic data export.

Availability

MSP430F5521IPN is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for USB-connected sensor systems, portable data loggers, and low-power industrial monitoring requiring stable component supply and long-term manufacturability.

Supply support for MSP430F5521IPN 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, embedded processing, and connectivity solutions with emphasis on energy efficiency and system integration.

The MSP430F552x product line targets ultra-low-power mixed-signal applications demanding integrated USB, precision analog, and real-time control - optimized for battery-operated sensing, metering, and human-interface devices.

FAQ

What is the maximum system clock frequency supported by the MSP430F5521IPN?

The MSP430F5521IPN supports a maximum system clock (MCLK) frequency of 25 MHz, achieved using the FLL control loop with XT2 crystal input up to 32 MHz. This frequency is validated across the full operating voltage range (1.8 V to 3.6 V) and ambient temperature (–40°C to 85°C), enabling high-throughput USB transfers and fast ADC sampling without overclocking risk. The MSP430F5521IPN datasheet specifies timing parameters for all peripherals at this rate.

Does the MSP430F5521IPN include an integrated USB physical layer?

Yes, the MSP430F5521IPN integrates a full-speed USB 2.0 PHY compliant with USB specification revision 2.0. It includes differential DP/DM transceivers, USB-PLL for precise 48-MHz clock generation, and dedicated USB-LDO providing regulated 3.3-V and 1.8-V supplies - eliminating need for external USB transceivers or power regulators. This is confirmed in the functional block diagram and Section 1.1 Features of the MSP430F5521IPN datasheet.

How many analog input channels does the 12-bit ADC in the MSP430F5521IPN support?

The MSP430F5521IPN features the ADC12_A module with 14 external analog input channels (A0–A13) plus 2 internal channels (temperature sensor and VREF+/VeREF−), totaling 16 selectable inputs. This configuration is explicitly listed in Table 3-1 (Device Comparison) and Section 1.1 Features of the MSP430F5521IPN datasheet, distinguishing it from lower-channel variants like MSP430F5528.

What low-power modes are available on the MSP430F5521IPN and their typical current consumption?

The MSP430F5521IPN offers five low-power modes: LPM0–LPM4 and LPM4.5. Key values include LPM3 (RTC active, full RAM retention): 1.9 µA @ 3.0 V; LPM4 (full RAM retention, supply supervisor active): 1.1 µA @ 3.0 V; and LPM4.5 (RAM retention off): 0.18 µA @ 3.0 V. These values are measured under specified conditions in Section 5.5 of the MSP430F5521IPN datasheet and enable multi-year operation on primary batteries.

Is the MSP430F5521IPN pin-compatible with other devices in the MSP430F552x family?

Yes, the MSP430F5521IPN in the LQFP-80 (PN) package shares identical pinout with MSP430F5529IPN, MSP430F5527IPN, and MSP430F5525IPN - confirmed by Figure 4-1 in the MSP430F5521IPN datasheet. All four devices use the same 80-pin mapping, enabling hardware reuse across memory variants without PCB redesign.