Texas Instruments MSP430F5524IRGCR

Overview

MSP430F5524IRGCR from Texas Instruments is an ultra-low-power 16-bit mixed-signal microcontroller with integrated USB 2.0 PHY, 64 KB flash, 4 KB + 2 KB RAM, 47 GPIO pins, and a 12-bit ADC with 12 input channels (10 external, 2 internal). It operates from 1.8 V to 3.6 V and targets battery-powered sensor nodes requiring USB connectivity and RTC-based data logging.

For engineers reviewing the MSP430F5524IRGCR datasheet, MSP430F5524IRGCR pinout, MSP430F5524IRGCR application, or MSP430F5524IRGCR equivalent, key selection criteria include its 47-pin VQFN package, USB-capable USCI modules, LPM3 standby current of 1.9 µA at 3.0 V, 12-bit ADC sampling up to 200 ksps, and support for crystal oscillators up to 32 MHz.

Technical Context

The MSP430F5524IRGCR implements a 16-bit RISC CPU with constant generators and a digitally controlled oscillator (DCO), enabling wake-up from LPM3 in 3.5 µs (typical). Its unified clock system integrates FLL stabilization, low-frequency VLO and REFO sources, XT1 (32-kHz crystal), and XT2 (up to 32-MHz crystal).

Peripherals include three 16-bit timers (TA0 with 5 capture/compare registers, TA1/TA2 with 3 each, TB0 with 7), two USCI modules (USCI_Ax supporting UART/IrDA/SPI; USCI_Bx supporting I²C/SPI), full-speed USB 2.0 with integrated PHY/LDO/PLL, hardware multiplier, 3-channel DMA, RTC_A module, and COMP_B with 8 channels.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: 64-pin VQFN (RGC), 9 mm × 9 mm body, 0.5-mm pitch, exposed thermal pad.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar ultra-low-power USB MCU applications.

Compared with MSP430F5528IRGC and MSP430F5522IRGC, the MSP430F5524IRGCR delivers optimal balance of USB capability, 12-bit ADC performance, and memory resources in the 64-pin VQFN form factor - making it the most cost-effective choice for USB-connected sensor endpoints requiring precision analog front-end integration.

Availability

MSP430F5524IRGCR is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for USB-connected sensor nodes, portable data loggers, and low-power HID interfaces requiring stable component supply across long-lifecycle industrial and medical programs.

Supply support for MSP430F5524IRGCR 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 specializing in analog, embedded processing, and connectivity technologies, with leadership in ultra-low-power microcontrollers since the MSP430 launch in 1998.

The MSP430F55xx product line was designed for battery-operated measurement and communication systems requiring USB integration, precise timing, and extended runtime - targeting environmental monitoring, portable instrumentation, and secure human-interface devices.

FAQ

What is the maximum operating frequency of the MSP430F5524IRGCR?

The MSP430F5524IRGCR supports a maximum system clock (MCLK) frequency of 25 MHz, achieved using the integrated FLL with XT2 crystal input up to 32 MHz. This frequency governs CPU execution speed, timer resolution, and USB clock derivation. The device maintains full functionality across its 1.8 V to 3.6 V supply range at this rate, with active-mode current scaling linearly at 290 µA/MHz (flash execution, 3.0 V, 8 MHz typical).

Does the MSP430F5524IRGCR support crystal oscillators for both low- and high-frequency operation?

Yes, the MSP430F5524IRGCR supports dual crystal oscillators: XT1 accepts a 32.768-kHz watch crystal for RTC and ACLK generation, while XT2 supports crystals up to 32 MHz for MCLK and SMCLK. Both are fully integrated with the unified clock system's FLL and automatic fault detection. The MSP430F5524IRGCR does not require external load capacitors for XT1 when using standard 12.5-pF crystals.

How many analog input channels does the 12-bit ADC in the MSP430F5524IRGCR support?

The MSP430F5524IRGCR features a 12-bit ADC (ADC12_A) with 12 total input channels: 10 external analog inputs (A0–A9) and 2 internal sources (temperature sensor and V_REF/2). Channel selection is managed via ADC12MCTLx registers, and autoscan mode allows sequential conversion across up to 16 channels without CPU intervention - a capability confirmed for the MSP430F5524IRGCR in the family datasheet Section 4.2.

What USB device classes are natively supported by the MSP430F5524IRGCR?

The MSP430F5524IRGCR USB module supports CDC (Communications Device Class), HID (Human Interface Device), and MSC (Mass Storage Class) through TI-provided USB stack libraries in MSP430Ware. Its integrated USB-PLL and endpoint architecture (eight IN/OUT endpoints) enable concurrent descriptor handling and buffer management required for these classes. No external USB controller or PHY is needed - all signaling, power regulation (3.3 V/1.8 V), and protocol timing are handled internally by the MSP430F5524IRGCR.

What is the pin-compatible alternative to the MSP430F5524IRGCR in the same VQFN-64 package?

The MSP430F5528IRGC is pin-compatible with the MSP430F5524IRGCR in the 64-pin VQFN (RGC) package and shares identical peripheral sets, including USB, ADC, timers, and USCI modules. The primary difference is increased memory: 96 KB flash and 6 KB + 2 KB RAM versus 64 KB flash and 4 KB + 2 KB RAM in the MSP430F5524IRGCR. All GPIO, power, clock, and USB pins map identically between the two devices.