Texas Instruments MSP430FR2512IRHLR

Overview

MSP430FR2512IRHLR from Texas Instruments is an ultra-low-power mixed-signal microcontroller with integrated CapTIvate™ capacitive touch sensing, designed for cost-sensitive industrial and consumer HMI applications. It features 4 capacitive touch channels (self- or mutual-capacitance), 7.25 KB program FRAM + 256 B information FRAM, 2 KB RAM, and operates from 1.8 V to 3.6 V. Its wake-on-touch capability draws <4 µA while scanning two sensors, enabling battery-powered keypads and smart locks.

For engineers reviewing the MSP430FR2512IRHLR datasheet, MSP430FR2512IRHLR pinout, MSP430FR2512IRHLR application, or MSP430FR2512IRHLR equivalent, this page delivers verified technical context, package-specific pin functions, real-world use cases, and validated alternative options - all grounded in TI's SLASEE4C production datasheet and device-specific RHL package documentation.

Technical Context

The MSP430FR2512IRHLR implements a dedicated hardware-accelerated CapTIvate module supporting up to four independent touch electrodes with built-in spread spectrum, automatic tuning, and noise filtering algorithms. Its 16-bit RISC CPU runs at up to 16 MHz using an on-chip DCO with ±1% accuracy at room temperature and supports multiple clock sources including REFO (32 kHz), VLO (10 kHz), MODOSC, and external LFXT.

It integrates two 16-bit Timer_A3 peripherals (each with three capture/compare registers), one RTC counter, CRC16 engine, eUSCI_A (UART/IrDA/SPI) and eUSCI_B (SPI/I²C), and an 8-channel 10-bit ADC sampling at 200 ksps with internal 1.5-V reference. All I/Os are LVCMOS-compatible, with 15 GPIOs on the VQFN-20 package, and P1/P2 pins support wake-from-LPM interrupts.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

VQFN-20 (RHL) package, 4.5 mm × 3.5 mm body, 0.5 mm pitch, wettable flank terminations, thermally enhanced exposed pad (DVSS-connected).

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar capacitive touch microcontroller applications.

Compared with MSP430FR2512IRHLR, the MSP430FR2522IRHLR offers double the touch channel count in identical packaging - ideal for design scalability - while the MSP430FR2632IRHLR trades raw channel count for certified robustness and precision, making it preferable for safety-adjacent or high-reliability edge nodes.

Availability

MSP430FR2512IRHLR is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for smart lock keypads, garage door control panels, and elevator call buttons requiring stable component supply across long-lifecycle industrial programs.

Supply support for MSP430FR2512IRHLR 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 over 50 years of innovation in low-power microcontrollers and precision analog.

The MSP430FR25x2 product line was engineered specifically for cost-sensitive, battery-operated capacitive touch interfaces - integrating CapTIvate technology, FRAM, and ultra-low-power modes into a single-chip solution for industrial HMI and consumer electronics.

FAQ

What is the maximum number of capacitive touch electrodes supported by the MSP430FR2512IRHLR?

The MSP430FR2512IRHLR supports up to four capacitive touch electrodes - configurable as either self-capacitance (CAP0.0–CAP0.3) or mutual-capacitance pairs. Unlike the MSP430FR2522IRHLR, it does not include CAP1.x channels. This 4-electrode limit is fixed in silicon and confirmed in TI's SLASEE4C datasheet Section 1.1 and Table 3-1.

Does the MSP430FR2512IRHLR require an external crystal oscillator?

No, the MSP430FR2512IRHLR operates without an external crystal. It includes an on-chip 32-kHz REFO and 16-MHz DCO with FLL, both meeting ±1% accuracy at room temperature. An external 32-kHz crystal (LFXT) is optional and only needed if higher RTC accuracy is required - the default configuration uses internal oscillators exclusively.

What is the function of the VREG pin on the MSP430FR2512IRHLR?

The VREG pin on the MSP430FR2512IRHLR supplies regulated voltage to the CapTIvate analog front-end. It must be decoupled with a 1-µF capacitor (≤200 mΩ ESR) to ensure stable touch performance. VREG is not a general-purpose power rail - connecting loads to it will degrade CapTIvate sensitivity and noise immunity, as specified in Section 1.4 and Figure 1-1 of the SLASEE4C datasheet.

Can the MSP430FR2512IRHLR operate from a 1.8-V supply?

Yes, the MSP430FR2512IRHLR is fully specified down to 1.8 V, as confirmed in Section 5.3 (Recommended Operating Conditions) of SLASEE4C. At 1.8 V, it maintains full functionality including CapTIvate scanning, FRAM read/write, and 16-MHz DCO operation - enabling direct integration with single-cell Li-ion or LiFePO₄ batteries without regulators.

Is the MSP430FR2512IRHLR pin-compatible with other devices in the MSP430FR25x2 family?

The MSP430FR2512IRHLR shares identical pinout and package (VQFN-20 RHL) with the MSP430FR2522IRHLR, enabling drop-in replacement when only four touch channels are used. However, CAP1.x pins (P1.0–P1.3, P1.9–P1.10) are unconnected on the MSP430FR2512IRHLR - unused pins must be configured as inputs with pull-downs per Section 4.6 of the datasheet.