Texas Instruments MSP430FG4250IRGZR

Overview

MSP430FG4250IRGZR from Texas Instruments is an ultralow-power 16-bit mixed-signal microcontroller featuring 16 KB flash, 256 B RAM, a 16-bit sigma-delta ADC with internal reference and five differential analog inputs, a 12-bit DAC, two configurable operational amplifiers, and integrated LCD driver supporting up to 56 segments - deployed in battery-powered sensor systems and handheld meters.

For engineers reviewing the MSP430FG4250IRGZR datasheet, MSP430FG4250IRGZR pinout, MSP430FG4250IRGZR application, or MSP430FG4250IRGZR equivalent, key selection criteria include active-mode current (250 μA @ 1 MHz, 2.2 V), wake-up time (<6 μs from standby), LCD segment drive capability (56 seg), sigma-delta ADC resolution (16-bit), and QFN-48 package compatibility with space-constrained designs.

Technical Context

The MSP430FG4250IRGZR implements a 16-bit RISC CPU with constant generators and seven addressing modes, enabling single-cycle register operations and high code efficiency. Its FLL+ clock system integrates a digitally controlled oscillator (DCO) and supports ACLK (32.768 kHz crystal), MCLK, and SMCLK - all configurable across six operating modes including LPM4 (0.1 μA off-mode with RAM retention).

Peripherals are memory-mapped and accessible via standard instructions: SD16_A provides 16-bit sigma-delta conversion with internal VREF and temperature sensing; DAC12 delivers 12-bit voltage output; OA0/OA1 support programmable gain and feedback configurations for analog front-end signal conditioning prior to ADC sampling.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: 48-pin QFN (RGZ), 7 mm × 7 mm, 0.5 mm pitch, exposed thermal pad recommended to be connected to DVSS.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with MSP430FG4260IRGZR and MSP430FG4270IRGZR, the MSP430FG4250IRGZR offers optimal balance of cost, power, and peripheral integration for fixed-function metering and display applications where 16 KB flash is sufficient and BOM cost sensitivity is high.

Availability

MSP430FG4250IRGZR is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for hand-held meters, digital thermostats, and remote sensor nodes requiring stable component supply, long-lifecycle support, and consistent QFN-48 packaging.

Supply support for MSP430FG4250IRGZR 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 microcontrollers.

The MSP430FG42x0 product line was designed specifically for battery-operated measurement and display applications requiring integrated analog peripherals, LCD support, and sub-μA power management - targeting portable instrumentation and building automation.

FAQ

What is the maximum operating frequency of the MSP430FG4250IRGZR?

The MSP430FG4250IRGZR features a digitally controlled oscillator (DCO) that supports system clock frequencies up to approximately 8 MHz under typical conditions. The FLL+ module stabilizes the DCO to multiples of the 32.768-kHz watch crystal, and actual achievable frequency depends on supply voltage and temperature. At 2.2 V, the device reliably operates at 1 MHz in active mode with 250 μA current draw - the datasheet specifies timing parameters up to 8 MHz, but design margin and power optimization typically constrain sustained use to ≤4 MHz in most battery-powered applications. The MSP430FG4250IRGZR does not require external crystals for basic operation due to its integrated DCO.

Does the MSP430FG4250IRGZR support JTAG debugging?

Yes, the MSP430FG4250IRGZR supports full JTAG debugging via dedicated TCK, TMS, TDI, and TDO pins (RGZ package pins 46, 45, 44, and 43). These pins enable connection to TI's MSP-FET430UIF or compatible JTAG emulators for real-time debugging, flash programming, and boundary scan testing. The JTAG interface remains functional across all operating modes except full reset state, and security fuse programming is handled through this interface. The MSP430FG4250IRGZR does not require additional voltage rails or level shifters for standard JTAG operation.

How many LCD segments can the MSP430FG4250IRGZR drive?

The MSP430FG4250IRGZR integrates the LCD_A peripheral capable of driving up to 56 segments in static, 2-MUX, 3-MUX, or 4-MUX configurations. This is achieved using eight segment outputs (P5.0–P5.7), eight more (P2.0–P2.7), and eight additional (S5, P2.7–P2.2 mapped as S6–S11), plus four common outputs (COM0–COM3). The hardware LCD controller manages timing, charge-pump regulation, and contrast control independently of the CPU - freeing the MSP430FG4250IRGZR core for sensor processing while maintaining flicker-free display updates.

What analog inputs are supported by the 16-bit sigma-delta ADC in the MSP430FG4250IRGZR?

The SD16_A module in the MSP430FG4250IRGZR supports five differential analog input channels: A0±, A1±, A2±, A3±, and A4± - mapped to pins P6.0/P6.1, P6.2/P6.3, P1.7/P1.6, P1.5/P1.4, and P1.3/P1.2 respectively. It also includes internal sources: VCC/2 and die temperature sensor. All inputs are selectable via SD16INCTL0 register, and the internal 1.2-V reference is used by default. The MSP430FG4250IRGZR's ADC achieves 16-bit effective resolution at 16-sample oversampling, making it suitable for precision measurements such as strain gauges or RTDs without external signal conditioning.

Is the MSP430FG4250IRGZR pin-compatible with other devices in the FG42x0 family?

Yes, the MSP430FG4250IRGZR is fully pin-compatible with the MSP430FG4260IRGZR and MSP430FG4270IRGZR in the RGZ (48-pin QFN) package - sharing identical pin functions, electrical characteristics, and footprint. This allows direct substitution within the same PCB layout when upgrading flash size for firmware expansion or feature enhancement. All three variants use the same peripheral register map, interrupt vectors, and instruction set, ensuring binary compatibility at the object-code level when recompiling for increased memory. The MSP430FG4250IRGZR's pinout matches the RGZ package diagram in SLAS556A Rev. August 2007.