Texas Instruments MSP430G2252IRSA16T

Overview

MSP430G2252IRSA16T from Texas Instruments is an ultra-low-power 16-bit RISC mixed-signal microcontroller featuring a 10-bit 200-ksps ADC, Universal Serial Interface (USI) supporting SPI and I²C, and one 16-bit Timer_A with three capture/compare registers. It operates from 1.8 V to 3.6 V, consumes 220 µA in active mode at 1 MHz/2.2 V, and supports capacitive-touch I/O on up to 16 pins. It targets battery-powered sensor nodes and portable measurement systems.

For engineers reviewing the MSP430G2252IRSA16T datasheet, MSP430G2252IRSA16T pinout, MSP430G2252IRSA16T application, or MSP430G2252IRSA16T equivalent, key selection criteria include its QFN-16 package, integrated ADC10 with internal reference and autoscan, USI-based serial communication, low-power operating modes (down to 0.1 µA in LPM4), and Spy-Bi-Wire debug interface.

Technical Context

The MSP430G2252IRSA16T implements a 16-bit RISC CPU with 16 general-purpose registers and constant generators for high code efficiency. Its clock system integrates a digitally controlled oscillator (DCO) calibrated to four frequencies up to 16 MHz, plus LF and external crystal options - enabling sub-1-µs wake-up from standby mode.

It includes a dedicated 10-bit SAR ADC with sample-and-hold, internal voltage reference (1.5 V/2.5 V), autoscan across eight analog inputs (A0–A7), and DMA-capable data transfer. The USI module provides hardware-level SPI and I²C protocol support without CPU overhead, while Comparator_A+ offers eight-channel analog comparison with programmable hysteresis.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: 16-pin QFN (RSA), 3 mm × 3 mm, 0.5 mm pitch, exposed thermal pad connected to DVSS.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with MSP430G2452IRSA16, the MSP430G2252IRSA16 trades flash capacity for cost-sensitive deployment; versus MSP430FR2152IPW14, it retains integrated ADC10 and QFN-16 footprint but uses flash instead of FRAM - making it optimal for analog-intensive, space-constrained, battery-operated designs requiring minimal BOM count.

Availability

MSP430G2252IRSA16T is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for wireless sensor nodes, portable medical monitors, smart building occupancy sensors, and industrial condition monitors requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and consistent parametric performance across production batches.

Supply support for MSP430G2252IRSA16T 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 over 90 years of innovation in low-power electronics.

The MSP430G2xx family was designed specifically for ultra-low-power mixed-signal applications - emphasizing extended battery life, integrated analog peripherals, and minimal external component requirements in portable and energy-harvesting systems.

FAQ

What is the maximum ADC sampling rate supported by the MSP430G2252IRSA16T?

The MSP430G2252IRSA16T supports a maximum ADC sampling rate of 200 ksps (kilo-samples per second) using its 10-bit SAR ADC module. This rate is achievable with internal reference and optimized clock configuration. The ADC10 module includes sample-and-hold and autoscan functionality, allowing sequential conversion across up to eight analog inputs without CPU intervention - making the MSP430G2252IRSA16T well-suited for real-time signal acquisition in sensor applications.

Does the MSP430G2252IRSA16T support hardware I²C communication?

Yes, the MSP430G2252IRSA16T supports hardware I²C communication via its Universal Serial Interface (USI) module. When configured in I²C mode, USI provides dedicated SCL and SDA signal handling with automatic START/STOP/ACK generation. Pins P1.6 (SCL) and P1.7 (SDA) are assigned for this function, and the module operates independently of the CPU - reducing firmware overhead and improving timing reliability compared to bit-banged implementations.

What debug interface does the MSP430G2252IRSA16T use, and how many pins are required?

The MSP430G2252IRSA16T uses the Spy-Bi-Wire (SBW) debug interface, which requires only two physical pins: RST/NMI/SBWTDIO (Pin 10) and TEST/SBWTCK (Pin 11). This two-wire interface supports full in-system programming, real-time debugging, and breakpoint execution - enabling development and field updates without a full 4-pin JTAG connector. The SBW implementation is fully compatible with TI's MSP-FET and LaunchPad debug tools.

Can the MSP430G2252IRSA16T operate from a single 1.8-V supply, and what are the implications for analog performance?

Yes, the MSP430G2252IRSA16T operates across a supply range of 1.8 V to 3.6 V, including nominal 1.8-V operation. At 1.8 V, the ADC10 maintains full 10-bit resolution with specified INL/DNL performance, though the internal 1.5-V reference remains valid while the 2.5-V reference is disabled. System clock frequency is limited to ~8 MHz at 1.8 V, and active current drops to approximately 150 µA - making the MSP430G2252IRSA16T ideal for ultra-low-voltage energy harvesting or coin-cell applications.

How many capacitive-touch enabled I/O pins does the MSP430G2252IRSA16T support, and what is required to activate them?

The MSP430G2252IRSA16T supports up to 16 capacitive-touch enabled I/O pins - all P1.x and P2.x pins (P1.0–P1.7, P2.0–P2.5, P2.6–P2.7). Activation requires enabling the pin-oscillator function via the PxIES register and configuring the associated PxSEL bits. Each pin operates as an independent relaxation oscillator, with touch detection implemented in firmware using timing differences between baseline and finger-proximity states - eliminating need for external touch controller ICs.