Texas Instruments MSP430G2230QDEP

Overview

MSP430G2230QDEP from Texas Instruments is an ultra-low-power 16-bit mixed-signal microcontroller with 2 kB Flash, 128 B RAM, and integrated peripherals including a 10-bit 200-ksps ADC, Timer_A2 with two capture/compare registers, Universal Serial Interface (USI) for SPI/I²C, and brownout detection. It operates from 1.8 V to 3.6 V and supports five power-saving modes-ideal for battery-powered aerospace, defense, and medical sensor nodes requiring extended runtime and extended temperature operation (–40°C to 125°C).

For engineers reviewing the MSP430G2230QDEP datasheet, MSP430G2230QDEP pinout, MSP430G2230QDEP application, or MSP430G2230QDEP equivalent, key selection criteria include its 8-pin D package, Spy-Bi-Wire debug interface, calibrated DCO enabling sub-1 µs wake-up from LPM4, and radiation-tolerant EP-grade qualification for harsh-environment embedded control.

Technical Context

The MSP430G2230QDEP implements a 16-bit RISC CPU with constant generators and seven addressing modes, executing register-to-register instructions in one MCLK cycle. Its basic clock module integrates a digitally controlled oscillator (DCO) with factory-calibrated frequencies up to 16 MHz, internal VLO, and external 32-kHz crystal support (limited to ≤105°C).

Peripherals are memory-mapped and accessible via all CPU instructions: USI handles synchronous serial communication using shared pins P1.5–P1.7; ADC10 provides autoscan across four analog inputs (A2, A5–A7); Timer_A2 supports PWM, capture, and interval timing; and I/O port P1 offers four programmable pins with individually configurable pullup/pulldown resistors and edge-selectable interrupts.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: 8-pin plastic D package (SOIC narrow), 3.9 mm × 4.9 mm body, 1.27 mm pitch, JEDEC MS-012AC compliant.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with MSP430FR2111IPW, the MSP430G2230QDEP delivers guaranteed radiation-hardened operation and factory-trimmed DCO stability across –40°C to 125°C, while MSP430G2553IPW offers a pin-compatible upgrade with greater memory and peripheral headroom - both require separate evaluation for mission-critical deployment.

Availability

MSP430G2230QDEP is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for avionics sensor nodes, medical implant monitors, and defense-grade remote terminals requiring stable component supply across extended temperature and long-lifecycle programs.

Supply support for MSP430G2230QDEP 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 emphasis on reliability, longevity, and industrial-grade qualification.

The MSP430G2xx family targets ultra-low-power embedded control in resource-constrained environments - designed specifically for battery-operated instrumentation, sensor interfaces, and mission-critical systems where energy efficiency and extended temperature resilience are mandatory.

FAQ

What is the maximum operating frequency of the MSP430G2230QDEP at 2.2 V?

The MSP430G2230QDEP supports a maximum MCLK frequency of 6 MHz at 2.2 V supply voltage. This is specified in the Recommended Operating Conditions table of the SLAS863 datasheet. The DCO is factory-calibrated for 1/8/12/16 MHz operation, but those higher frequencies require ≥2.7 V (12 MHz) or ≥3.3 V (16 MHz) supply. At 2.2 V, the device remains fully functional at 6 MHz with guaranteed timing margins.

Does the MSP430G2230QDEP support hardware UART communication?

No, the MSP430G2230QDEP does not include a dedicated UART peripheral. It features a Universal Serial Interface (USI) module that supports only synchronous protocols: SPI and I²C. Asynchronous UART functionality must be implemented in firmware using timer-based bit-banging on GPIO pins, which increases CPU load and reduces timing precision compared to hardware UART.

Is the MSP430G2230QDEP pin-compatible with other MSP430G2xx devices in the 8-pin D package?

Yes, the MSP430G2230QDEP shares the same 8-pin D package pinout with other members of the MSP430G2xx family in that package, including MSP430G2101, MSP430G2111, MSP430G2121, MSP430G2131, MSP430G2211, MSP430G2212, MSP430G2213, MSP430G2231, MSP430G2252, and MSP430G2253. Pin functions are consistent across these variants, enabling drop-in replacement where memory and peripheral requirements align.

What debug interface does the MSP430G2230QDEP use, and what tools are required?

The MSP430G2230QDEP uses the Spy-Bi-Wire (SBW) interface - a two-wire variant of JTAG - for programming and debugging. Required tools include TI's MSP-FET programmer/debugger or compatible SBW-capable emulators (e.g., MSP430 LaunchPad with SBW header). No external voltage is needed for programming, as SBW operates from the target VCC supply.

How is flash memory protected against unauthorized access on the MSP430G2230QDEP?

Flash memory protection on the MSP430G2230QDEP is enforced by a security fuse that, once blown, disables further flash reads and erases. The fuse is programmed via the TEST pin during JTAG/Spy-Bi-Wire programming. Once set, the device prevents extraction of firmware and blocks reprogramming unless the entire flash is erased - which also clears the security lock. This mechanism meets defense-grade code protection requirements.