Texas Instruments MSP430G2253IN20

Overview

MSP430G2253IN20 from Texas Instruments is an ultra-low-power 16-bit mixed-signal microcontroller in 20-pin PDIP packaging, featuring 16 KB flash, 256 B RAM, a 10-bit 200-ksps ADC with internal reference, two 16-bit Timer_A modules, USCI_A0/USCI_B0 serial interfaces (UART/IrDA/SPI/I²C), and an on-chip analog comparator. It targets battery-powered sensor nodes and portable instrumentation requiring precise analog capture and low-active-power processing.

For engineers reviewing the MSP430G2253IN20 datasheet, MSP430G2253IN20 pinout, MSP430G2253IN20 application, or MSP430G2253IN20 equivalent, key selection criteria include its 20-pin PDIP package compatibility, 1.8–3.6 V supply range, sub-1 µs wake-up from standby mode, integrated ADC10 with autoscan, and Spy-Bi-Wire debug interface - all critical for legacy through-hole prototyping and low-cost industrial sensing designs.

Technical Context

The MSP430G2253IN20 implements a 16-bit RISC CPU with constant generators and seven addressing modes, executing instructions in 62.5 ns at 16 MHz. Its clock system integrates a digitally controlled oscillator (DCO), 32-kHz crystal support, and LF internal oscillator - enabling dynamic frequency scaling across five low-power modes.

Peripherals are memory-mapped and fully accessible via standard instructions: ADC10 supports up to eight input channels with sample-and-hold and internal VREF±; USCI_A0 provides UART with auto-baud detection (LIN), IrDA encoding/decoding, and synchronous SPI; USCI_B0 supports both SPI and I²C protocols; Comparator_A+ offers eight selectable inputs and slope A/D conversion capability.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: 20-pin Plastic Dual In-line Package (PDIP), 0.3 inch body width, through-hole mounting. Pin pitch = 0.1 inch (2.54 mm). RoHS-compliant lead finish.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with MSP430G2253IN20, MSP430G2553IN20 delivers double RAM for complex buffering without layout change, while MSP430G2231IN20 sacrifices ADC and I²C to reduce cost - making the G2253 the optimal balance of analog capability, communication flexibility, and through-hole compatibility.

Availability

MSP430G2253IN20 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial sensor nodes, portable medical monitors, legacy equipment upgrades, and low-cost energy meters requiring stable component supply and long-term manufacturability.

Supply support for MSP430G2253IN20 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 for industrial, automotive, and consumer markets.

The MSP430G2xx family is designed for ultra-low-power mixed-signal applications including battery-operated sensors, portable instrumentation, and energy harvesting systems - emphasizing sub-µA standby current and fast wake-up performance.

FAQ

What is the maximum operating frequency of the MSP430G2253IN20?

The MSP430G2253IN20 supports a maximum CPU clock frequency of 16 MHz via its digitally controlled oscillator (DCO), with calibrated frequencies stored in information memory segment A. This allows deterministic timing for real-time tasks such as ADC sampling control and UART bit-banging, while maintaining ultra-low power consumption in active mode (230 µA at 1 MHz, 2.2 V).

Does the MSP430G2253IN20 support I²C communication?

Yes, the MSP430G2253IN20 supports I²C communication through its USCI_B0 module, which operates in both master and slave modes. Pin P1.6/UCB0SCL and P1.7/UCB0SDA provide dedicated I²C clock and data lines. The module includes automatic clock stretching, NACK detection, and status flags - enabling robust interfacing with temperature sensors, EEPROMs, and other I²C peripherals without software bit-banging.

Can the MSP430G2253IN20 perform analog-to-digital conversion without external components?

Yes, the MSP430G2253IN20 includes a fully integrated 10-bit ADC10 module with internal voltage reference (VREF±), sample-and-hold, and autoscan capability. It supports up to eight analog inputs (A0–A7) directly from port pins, eliminating the need for external reference ICs or op-amp signal conditioning in basic applications like thermistor reading or battery voltage monitoring.

What debug interface does the MSP430G2253IN20 use?

The MSP430G2253IN20 uses the Spy-Bi-Wire (SBW) interface for debugging and programming, implemented on pins RST/NMI/SBWTDIO (Pin 16) and TEST/SBWTCK (Pin 17). This 2-wire interface provides full JTAG-equivalent functionality - including flash programming, breakpoint setting, and register inspection - without requiring a 4-pin JTAG header, simplifying prototype and production test fixtures.

Is the MSP430G2253IN20 pin-compatible with other MSP430G2xx devices in PDIP packages?

Yes, the MSP430G2253IN20 shares identical 20-pin PDIP pinout and electrical characteristics with other IN20-package variants in the G2xx family, including MSP430G2153IN20, MSP430G2353IN20, MSP430G2453IN20, and MSP430G2553IN20. This enables direct substitution within the same footprint when upgrading flash size, RAM, or peripheral configuration without PCB modification.