Texas Instruments MSP430G2412IRSA16T

Overview

MSP430G2412IRSA16T from Texas Instruments is an ultra-low-power 16-bit RISC mixed-signal microcontroller featuring 8 KB flash, 256 B RAM, one 16-bit Timer_A with three capture/compare registers, Universal Serial Interface (USI) for SPI/I²C, on-chip comparator, and eight programmable I/O pins - used in battery-powered sensor nodes and portable instrumentation requiring sub-µA standby current.

For engineers reviewing the MSP430G2412IRSA16T datasheet, MSP430G2412IRSA16T pinout, MSP430G2412IRSA16T application, or MSP430G2412IRSA16T equivalent, key selection criteria include its 1.8–3.6 V supply range, <1 µs wake-up from LPM4, Spy-Bi-Wire debug interface, QFN-16 package footprint, and absence of integrated ADC10 (distinguishing it from MSP430G2x52 variants).

Technical Context

The MSP430G2412IRSA16T implements a 16-bit CPU with seven addressing modes and constant generators for high code efficiency. Its clock system integrates a digitally controlled oscillator (DCO) calibrated to 1 MHz, 8 MHz, 12 MHz, and 16 MHz, plus internal LF and external crystal options - enabling flexible low-power timing across active and five software-selectable low-power modes (LPM0–LPM4).

Peripheral integration includes USI supporting master/slave SPI and I²C protocols, Comparator_A+ with eight input channels and programmable hysteresis, and Timer_A3 configured for PWM generation, input capture, and interval timing - all accessible via memory-mapped registers and interrupt-driven operation without CPU intervention.

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 ultra-low-power MCU applications.

Compared with MSP430G2412IRSA16T, MSP430G2553IRHA4 adds essential ADC functionality at the cost of larger package and higher pin count, while MSP430FR2111IPW16 trades flash for FRAM and replaces USI with eUSCI - offering superior write endurance but requiring firmware adaptation for peripheral register access.

Availability

MSP430G2412IRSA16T is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for smart utility meters, portable medical devices, industrial transmitters, and capacitive-touch remotes requiring stable component supply and long-term production continuity.

Supply support for MSP430G2412IRSA16T 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 targets ultra-low-power embedded applications - designed specifically for battery-operated sensor systems, portable instrumentation, and energy-harvesting devices where microamp-level sleep current and sub-microsecond wake-up are mandatory.

FAQ

Does MSP430G2412IRSA16T include an integrated analog-to-digital converter (ADC)?

No, MSP430G2412IRSA16T does not include an ADC. It belongs to the MSP430G2x12 series, which omits the ADC10 module present in the G2x52 series. Designers requiring analog digitization must use external ADCs or select variants like MSP430G2452IRSA16T. The MSP430G2412IRSA16T retains the Comparator_A+ module for threshold detection and slope-based conversions, but lacks SAR conversion capability.

What is the maximum operating frequency of MSP430G2412IRSA16T?

The MSP430G2412IRSA16T supports a maximum DCO frequency of 16 MHz, calibrated and stored in information memory segment A. This allows full-speed execution of time-critical tasks such as real-time sensor fusion or high-rate USI communication. The device achieves this frequency with internal calibration data, eliminating need for external crystal in most timing applications - though XIN/XOUT pins remain available for optional 32.768 kHz or higher-frequency sources.

How many I/O pins are accessible on the MSP430G2412IRSA16T QFN package?

The MSP430G2412IRSA16T in 16-pin QFN (RSA) package provides 14 usable I/O pins: P1.0 through P1.7 (8 pins) and P2.0 through P2.5 (6 pins). Pins 1, 13, 14, 15, and 16 are dedicated to power (DVCC, AVCC, DVSS, AVSS) and debug (RST/NMI/SBWTDIO, TEST/SBWTCK), leaving no additional general-purpose I/O. All 14 pins support interrupt, pullup/pulldown, and capacitive-touch oscillator functions.

Can MSP430G2412IRSA16T be programmed in-system without external voltage?

Yes, MSP430G2412IRSA16T supports in-system programming via Spy-Bi-Wire using only the RST/NMI/SBWTDIO and TEST/SBWTCK pins - no external programming voltage (VPP) is required. The device's flash memory is writable by the CPU or debugger at standard supply voltage (1.8–3.6 V), enabling field firmware updates and secure code protection via fuse-based security lock. Programming is performed through TI's MSP-FET or compatible tools compliant with SBW protocol.

What low-power modes are supported by MSP430G2412IRSA16T, and what is the lowest current draw?

MSP430G2412IRSA16T supports six operating modes: Active Mode (AM) and five low-power modes (LPM0–LPM4). In LPM4 - the deepest sleep state - current consumption is 0.1 µA with RAM retention, achieved by disabling all clocks including ACLK and stopping the crystal oscillator. Wake-up is possible via any enabled interrupt source (e.g., port pin change, comparator output, timer expiry), with guaranteed latency under 1 µs. This makes MSP430G2412IRSA16T suitable for multi-year battery deployments.