Texas Instruments MSP430G2131IRSA16R

Overview

MSP430G2131IRSA16R from Texas Instruments is an ultra-low-power 16-bit RISC mixed-signal microcontroller with 2 kB flash, 128 B RAM, 10-bit 200-ksps ADC, Timer_A2 with two capture/compare registers, and USI supporting SPI/I²C-designed for battery-powered sensor nodes requiring analog acquisition, digital processing, and serial communication.

For engineers reviewing the MSP430G2131IRSA16R datasheet, MSP430G2131IRSA16R pinout, MSP430G2131IRSA16R application, or MSP430G2131IRSA16R equivalent, key selection criteria include its 1.8–3.6 V supply range, sub-1 µs wake-up from LPM4, 0.1 µA off-mode current with RAM retention, and QFN-16 package suitability for space-constrained PCB layouts.

Technical Context

The MSP430G2131IRSA16R implements a 16-bit CPU with constant generators and seven addressing modes, executing register-to-register instructions in one MCLK cycle. Its clock system integrates DCO (calibrated up to 16 MHz), LF oscillator, and 32-kHz crystal support-enabling flexible low-power timing across active and five software-selectable LPMs.

Peripherals include a 10-bit SAR ADC with internal reference, sample-and-hold, autoscan, and eight analog inputs; USI configured for synchronous SPI or I²C; and Timer_A2 providing PWM, interval timing, and input capture-all accessible via memory-mapped registers with interrupt vectors at fixed addresses (e.g., TAIV at 0x012E, ADC10IFG at 0x0001).

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: 16-pin QFN (RSA), 3 mm × 3 mm, 0.4 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 ultra-low-power mixed-signal microcontroller applications.

Compared with MSP430G2131IRSA16R, the MSP430G2231IRSA16 offers marginally improved DCO calibration for timing-sensitive sampling, while the MSP430FR2132IPW14 trades QFN-16 compactness for FRAM-based data logging robustness-neither is pin-compatible, requiring PCB redesign for substitution.

Availability

MSP430G2131IRSA16R is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for wireless sensor nodes, portable medical monitors, and smart meter endpoints requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and RoHS-compliant QFN packaging.

Supply support for MSP430G2131IRSA16R 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 ultra-low-power design.

The MSP430G2xx family targets cost-sensitive, battery-operated applications demanding extended runtime, integrated analog peripherals, and simple development-exemplified by the MSP430G2131IRSA16R's balance of flash, ADC, and communication capability in a minimal footprint.

FAQ

What is the maximum ADC sampling rate supported by the MSP430G2131IRSA16R?

The MSP430G2131IRSA16R supports a maximum ADC10 sampling rate of 200 ksps under optimal conditions (VCC ≥ 2.2 V, internal reference enabled, and autoscan disabled). This allows acquisition of high-frequency analog signals such as audio pre-processing or vibration analysis, with each 10-bit conversion completing in 5 µs. The ADC10 module includes sample-and-hold and internal reference-no external components needed for basic operation. MSP430G2131IRSA16R achieves this performance while maintaining ultra-low power consumption in active mode.

Does the MSP430G2131IRSA16R support I²C master mode?

Yes, the MSP430G2131IRSA16R's USI module supports I²C master mode using P1.6 (SCL) and P1.7 (SDA) pins. It does not support I²C slave mode. The USI hardware handles clock stretching and ACK/NACK generation, reducing CPU load during communication with sensors or EEPROMs. Configuration requires setting USICTL0 and USICKCTL registers per SLAS694J Section 9. MSP430G2131IRSA16R's I²C implementation is fully documented and validated in TI's MSP430x2xx Family User's Guide (SLAU144).

What debug interface does the MSP430G2131IRSA16R use, and what hardware is required?

The MSP430G2131IRSA16R uses the two-wire Spy-Bi-Wire (SBW) interface for debugging and programming, accessed via RST/NMI/SBWTDIO and TEST/SBWTCK pins. No external voltage is needed-programming operates from the target VCC rail. Compatible tools include TI's MSP-FET programmer or low-cost LaunchPad development kits. SBW enables full-speed debugging, flash erase/write, and security fuse configuration. MSP430G2131IRSA16R does not require JTAG cabling or additional level-shifting circuitry.

Can the MSP430G2131IRSA16R operate from a 1.8 V supply while running at 16 MHz?

No. Per the SLAS694J datasheet, the MSP430G2131IRSA16R supports a maximum MCLK frequency of 16 MHz only at VCC ≥ 3.3 V. At 1.8 V, the maximum safe MCLK is 6 MHz. Attempting 16 MHz operation at 1.8 V violates recommended operating conditions and may cause instruction corruption or peripheral malfunction. MSP430G2131IRSA16R's DCO calibration tables (CALBC1_1MHZ/CALDCO_1MHZ) are optimized for stable operation within specified VCC–frequency boundaries.

How many analog input channels does the ADC10 module support on the MSP430G2131IRSA16R?

The ADC10 module on the MSP430G2131IRSA16R supports eight analog input channels (A0–A7), mapped to P1.0 through P1.7 respectively. All eight channels are accessible in autoscan mode for sequential conversion without CPU intervention. Channel selection is controlled via ADC10INCHx bits in ADC10CTL1. MSP430G2131IRSA16R's ADC10 also supports external reference inputs (VREF+/VREF−) and internal 1.5 V reference-enabling flexible analog front-end configurations.