Texas Instruments MSP430G2444IDA38

Overview

MSP430G2444IDA38 from Texas Instruments is an ultra-low-power 16-bit RISC microcontroller in a 38-pin TSSOP package, featuring 8KB flash, 512B RAM, 10-bit 200-ksps ADC with internal reference and DTC, dual 16-bit timers (Timer_A3/Timer_B3), USCI_A0/USCI_B0 (UART/LIN/IrDA/SPI/I²C), and operation from 1.8 V to 3.6 V. It targets battery-powered sensor nodes requiring fast wake-up (<1 µs), analog signal acquisition, and serial communication.

For engineers reviewing the MSP430G2444IDA38 datasheet, MSP430G2444IDA38 pinout, MSP430G2444IDA38 application, or MSP430G2444IDA38 equivalent, key selection criteria include its 32 I/O pins with analog input capability (A0–A7, A12–A15), calibrated DCO up to 16 MHz, brownout detection, and Spy-Bi-Wire debug interface - all critical for low-energy embedded control and data acquisition designs.

Technical Context

The MSP430G2444IDA38 implements a digitally controlled oscillator (DCO) with four factory-calibrated frequencies (1/8/12/16 MHz), supports multiple clock sources (LFXT1 crystal, VLO, external resistor, digital clock), and integrates a data transfer controller (DTC) that autonomously moves ADC results to memory without CPU intervention. Its USCI modules support enhanced UART with automatic baud-rate detection (LIN), IrDA encoding/decoding, and synchronous SPI/I²C master/slave modes.

Power management leverages five low-power modes (LPM0–LPM4), achieving 1 µA standby current (LPM3 with LFXT1) and 0.1 µA off-mode retention. The device uses Schmitt-trigger inputs on all I/O ports with programmable pullup/pulldown resistors (20–50 kΩ) and supports simultaneous analog input sampling across 12 ADC channels via autoscan mode.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: 38-pin TSSOP (DA), body size 12.5 mm × 6.2 mm, surface-mount, lead-free, RoHS-compliant.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with MSP430G2544IDA38, the MSP430G2444IDA38 trades flash capacity for cost-sensitive deployments, while MSP430FR2443IPW20 replaces flash endurance limitations with FRAM but sacrifices analog channel count, USCI flexibility, and package I/O density - making MSP430G2444IDA38 optimal for balanced sensor-node complexity and BOM cost.

Availability

MSP430G2444IDA38 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for wireless sensor nodes, industrial data loggers, smart meter interface modules, and portable medical monitors requiring stable component supply, long-term manufacturability, and TI's qualified production flow.

Supply support for MSP430G2444IDA38 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, reliability, and system-level integration.

The MSP430G2x44 product line was designed specifically for ultra-low-power sensing and measurement applications - prioritizing sub-µA sleep currents, fast wake-up, integrated analog peripherals, and minimal external components to extend battery life in portable instrumentation.

FAQ

What is the maximum operating frequency of the MSP430G2444IDA38?

The MSP430G2444IDA38 supports a maximum MCLK frequency of 16 MHz when VCC ≥ 3.3 V and duty cycle is 50% ±10%. This is achieved using the factory-calibrated DCO. At lower supply voltages (e.g., 2.2 V), the maximum supported frequency drops to 4.15 MHz per the operating area specification in the datasheet. The MSP430G2444IDA38 does not require an external crystal to reach 16 MHz, as the DCO is internally trimmed.

Does the MSP430G2444IDA38 support hardware UART auto-baud detection?

Yes, the MSP430G2444IDA38's USCI_A0 module includes enhanced UART mode with automatic baud-rate detection (LIN-compatible). This feature allows the MSP430G2444IDA38 to detect incoming bit rates without prior knowledge of the transmitter's clock, making it suitable for interoperability with variable-speed hosts or legacy LIN networks. Configuration requires enabling the UCBRFx and UCBRSx registers and setting the UCOS16 bit.

How many analog input channels does the ADC10 in the MSP430G2444IDA38 support?

The ADC10 in the MSP430G2444IDA38 supports 12 analog input channels: A0 through A7 (on P2.x and P3.x pins), plus A12 through A15 (on P4.x pins). All channels are accessible in autoscan mode, and the DTC can automatically store results in sequence without CPU involvement. Channel selection is configured via the ADC10CTL1 register's INCHx bits and the ADC10MEM address pointer.

Can the MSP430G2444IDA38 operate from a single 3.0-V coin cell battery?

Yes, the MSP430G2444IDA38 operates across 1.8 V to 3.6 V, making it fully compatible with standard 3.0-V coin cells (e.g., CR2032). At 3.0 V, typical active current is 390 µA at 1 MHz, and LPM3 current remains at 1 µA. Its brownout detector prevents unreliable operation below 1.8 V, and the device retains RAM contents down to 1.8 V - ensuring safe shutdown and data preservation during battery depletion.

Is the MSP430G2444IDA38 pin-compatible with other devices in the MSP430G2x44 family?

Yes, the MSP430G2444IDA38 is pin-compatible with MSP430G2544IDA38 and MSP430G2744IDA38 in the 38-pin TSSOP (DA) package. All share identical pin functions, electrical characteristics, and footprint. Firmware written for MSP430G2444IDA38 will run unmodified on MSP430G2544IDA38 or MSP430G2744IDA38, though flash/RAM size differences must be accounted for in linker scripts and memory allocation.