Texas Instruments MSP430G2303IPW28

Overview

MSP430G2303IPW28 from Texas Instruments is an ultra-low-power 16-bit RISC microcontroller in 28-pin TSSOP packaging, featuring 4 KB Flash, 256 B RAM, two 16-bit Timer_A modules with three capture/compare registers each, USCI for UART/IrDA/SPI/I²C, and 24 capacitive-touch-capable I/O pins. It operates from 1.8 V to 3.6 V and targets battery-powered sensor nodes and touch interfaces.

For engineers reviewing the MSP430G2303IPW28 datasheet, MSP430G2303IPW28 pinout, MSP430G2303IPW28 application, or MSP430G2303IPW28 equivalent, key selection criteria include active-mode current (230 µA @ 1 MHz, 2.2 V), wake-up time (<1 µs from standby), Spy-Bi-Wire debug interface, and absence of integrated ADC-distinguishing it from the G2x33 series.

Technical Context

The MSP430G2303IPW28 implements a 16-bit CPU with constant generators and six 16-bit registers, executing instructions at 62.5-ns cycle time. Its clock system integrates a digitally controlled oscillator (DCO) with four factory-calibrated frequencies up to 16 MHz, plus support for 32-kHz crystal (XT1), internal VLO, and external digital clock sources.

Power management includes five low-power modes (LPM0–LPM4), enabling sub-µA standby (0.5 µA) and 0.1 µA off-mode with RAM retention. The USCI peripheral supports LIN-compliant UART with automatic baud-rate detection, IrDA encoding/decoding, synchronous SPI, and I²C master/slave operation-without integrated ADC functionality.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

TSSOP-28 package (9.7 mm × 4.4 mm), lead pitch 0.65 mm, RoHS-compliant, surface-mount compatible.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with MSP430G2203IPW28 and MSP430G2403IPW28, the MSP430G2303IPW28 delivers balanced memory (4 KB Flash/256 B RAM) for mid-complexity sensor firmware while maintaining identical ultra-low-power behavior, pin compatibility, and peripheral feature set across the G2x03 family.

Availability

MSP430G2303IPW28 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for smart sensor nodes, capacitive touch interfaces, and industrial serial bridges requiring stable component supply and long-term manufacturability.

Supply support for MSP430G2303IPW28 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 power efficiency and system integration.

The MSP430G2x03 product line delivers cost-optimized, ultra-low-power mixed-signal MCUs targeting battery-operated sensor systems, touch interfaces, and simple industrial control where ADC is unnecessary.

FAQ

Does the MSP430G2303IPW28 include an integrated analog-to-digital converter (ADC)?

No, the MSP430G2303IPW28 does not include an ADC. It belongs to the G2x03 family, which omits the 10-bit ADC present in the G2x33 variants (e.g., MSP430G2333). All analog input references (VREF+/VREF−) and ADC-related pins on the MSP430G2303IPW28 are unused or repurposed as general I/O. Designers requiring analog sensing must add an external ADC or select a G2x33-series part.

What debug interface does the MSP430G2303IPW28 support?

The MSP430G2303IPW28 supports Spy-Bi-Wire (SBW), a 2-wire variant of JTAG, using pins RST/NMI/SBWTDIO (Pin 24) and TEST/SBWTCK (Pin 25). This interface enables full flash programming, breakpoint debugging, and real-time register inspection without requiring a 4-pin JTAG header, reducing PCB space and BOM cost.

Can the MSP430G2303IPW28 operate without an external crystal?

Yes, the MSP430G2303IPW28 can operate without an external crystal. Its digitally controlled oscillator (DCO) provides four factory-calibrated frequencies (1/8/12/16 MHz) usable as MCLK, SMCLK, or ACLK sources. External crystals (e.g., 32 kHz) are optional and only required for applications needing precise low-frequency timing or higher accuracy than DCO drift permits.

How many I/O pins on the MSP430G2303IPW28 support capacitive touch sensing?

All 24 GPIO pins across Ports P1, P2, and P3 on the MSP430G2303IPW28 support capacitive touch sensing via software-based CapTIvate™ or legacy CSD (Capacitive Sigma-Delta) methods. No dedicated hardware accelerator is required-touch measurement uses timer-controlled charge-transfer and comparator sampling, fully implemented in firmware.

What is the maximum system clock frequency supported by the MSP430G2303IPW28?

The MSP430G2303IPW28 supports a maximum system clock (MCLK) frequency of 16 MHz, achievable when VCC ≥ 2.7 V and using the calibrated DCO. At 1.8 V, the maximum safe MCLK is 6 MHz per TI's recommended operating conditions. Exceeding these limits risks timing violations and functional failure, especially in flash-intensive operations.