Texas Instruments MSP430FG4250IDL

Overview

MSP430FG4250IDL from Texas Instruments is an ultralow-power 16-bit mixed-signal microcontroller featuring 16KB+256B flash, 256B RAM, a 16-bit sigma-delta ADC with internal reference and five differential analog inputs, a 12-bit DAC, two configurable op-amps, Timer_A3 with three capture/compare registers, and integrated LCD driver supporting up to 56 segments. It operates from 1.8 V to 3.6 V and targets battery-powered sensor and metering applications.

For engineers reviewing the MSP430FG4250IDL datasheet, MSP430FG4250IDL pinout, MSP430FG4250IDL application, or MSP430FG4250IDL equivalent, key selection criteria include its 48-pin SSOP (DL) package, 16-bit RISC CPU with 125-ns instruction cycle, wake-up from standby in <6 μs, five power-saving modes, and integrated analog front-end for precision measurement systems.

Technical Context

The MSP430FG4250IDL implements a FLL+-based clock system with digitally controlled oscillator (DCO), supporting ACLK (32.768 kHz crystal or high-frequency source), MCLK (CPU clock), and SMCLK (peripheral clock). Its SD16_A module provides 16-bit sigma-delta conversion with programmable gain and internal temperature sensor/VCC sense.

It integrates two software-configurable operational amplifiers with selectable input multiplexing (OA0I0–OA0I2, OA1I0–OA1I2) and feedback paths (OA0FB, OA1FB), enabling flexible analog signal conditioning prior to ADC sampling. The LCD_A peripheral delivers regulated charge-pump voltage with contrast control via software-adjustable LCD voltage registers.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: 48-pin plastic SSOP (DL), 0.635 mm pitch, JEDEC MO-153 compliant. Dimensions: 15.4 mm × 7.5 mm × 2.3 mm (max height).

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with MSP430FG4260IDL, the MSP430FG4250IDL offers identical analog performance and power profile but 8KB less flash-ideal for optimized firmware deployments. Against MSP430F2274IRHAT, it provides superior analog integration and display capability at the cost of larger footprint and higher pin count.

Availability

MSP430FG4250IDL is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for hand-held meters, thermostats, digital timers, and remote sensor nodes requiring stable component supply and long-term industrial availability.

Supply support for MSP430FG4250IDL 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 specializing in analog, embedded processing, and connectivity technologies, with decades of expertise in ultralow-power design.

The MSP430FG42x0 product line was engineered for portable, battery-powered measurement systems requiring high-precision analog integration, extended runtime, and integrated display capability-targeting metering, sensing, and human-interface applications.

FAQ

What is the maximum operating frequency of the MSP430FG4250IDL CPU?

The MSP430FG4250IDL features a 16-bit RISC CPU with a 125-ns instruction cycle time, corresponding to a maximum effective clock frequency of 8 MHz. This is achieved via the FLL+ module's DCO, which can be stabilized to multiples of the 32.768-kHz watch crystal or driven by an external high-frequency source. The MSP430FG4250IDL does not specify a hard upper limit beyond the FLL+ tuning range, but 8 MHz represents the typical maximum sustained core speed under rated conditions.

Does the MSP430FG4250IDL support JTAG debugging and in-circuit programming?

Yes, the MSP430FG4250IDL fully supports JTAG debugging and in-circuit programming via its dedicated TCK, TMS, TDI, and TDO pins (DL package pins 4–7). These pins implement IEEE 1149.1-compliant boundary-scan and allow full-speed emulation, flash programming, and security fuse management using standard TI tools like MSP-FET430UIF or compatible third-party debuggers. The MSP430FG4250IDL requires no external programming voltage.

Can the integrated op-amps in the MSP430FG4250IDL be configured as instrumentation amplifiers?

Yes, the two configurable op-amps (OA0 and OA1) in the MSP430FG4250IDL support instrumentation amplifier topologies. Each op-amp offers software-selectable inputs (e.g., OA0I0, OA0I1, OA0I2) and feedback paths (OA0FB), allowing implementation of 2-op-amp or 3-op-amp IA configurations. The MSP430FG4250IDL datasheet confirms use cases including front-end signal conditioning for the SD16_A ADC, and pin-level routing (e.g., P6.0/OA0O, P6.1/OA0FB) enables direct differential gain stages before digitization.

What LCD types and sizes are supported by the MSP430FG4250IDL's LCD_A module?

The MSP430FG4250IDL's LCD_A module supports static, 2-MUX, 3-MUX, and 4-MUX LCDs, driving up to 56 segments using four commons (COM0–COM3) and 14 segment lines (S0–S13 plus P2.0–P2.7, P5.0–P5.7). It includes a regulated charge pump for LCD bias voltage generation independent of VCC, and contrast is software-adjustable via LCDAVCTL0/1 registers. The MSP430FG4250IDL does not support dot-matrix or graphic LCDs - only character/segment-based displays.

Is the MSP430FG4250IDL pin-compatible with other members of the MSP430FG42x0 family?

Yes, the MSP430FG4250IDL is pin-compatible with the MSP430FG4260IDL and MSP430FG4270IDL in the DL (48-pin SSOP) package. All three share identical pin functions, electrical characteristics, and peripheral mappings. Differences are limited to flash size (16KB/24KB/32KB) and are transparent at the hardware level - no PCB redesign is needed when upgrading within the DL-package FG42x0 series.