Texas Instruments MSP430G2955IDA38

Overview

MSP430G2955IDA38 from Texas Instruments is a 16-bit ultra-low-power mixed-signal microcontroller featuring 56 kB flash, 4 kB RAM, dual 16-bit Timer_A modules (TA0/TA1), one 16-bit Timer_B (TB0), 12-channel 10-bit 200-ksps ADC with internal reference and autoscan, USCI_A0 (UART/LIN/IrDA/SPI) and USCI_B0 (SPI/I²C), and up to 32 touch-sense-capable I/O pins in a 38-pin TSSOP package. It targets battery-powered sensor nodes and portable measurement systems requiring fast wake-up (<1 µs), LIN bus support, and analog signal acquisition.

For engineers reviewing the MSP430G2955IDA38 datasheet, MSP430G2955IDA38 pinout, MSP430G2955IDA38 application, or MSP430G2955IDA38 equivalent, key selection criteria include its 56 kB flash capacity, 12-channel ADC with VREF+/VREF− inputs, dual Timer_A with three capture/compare registers each, 38-pin TSSOP (DA) package compatibility, and integrated brownout detector with programmable code protection via security fuse.

Technical Context

The MSP430G2955IDA38 implements a 16-bit RISC CPU with 62.5-ns instruction cycle time, constant generators, and seven addressing modes. Its basic clock system integrates DCO (calibrated at 1/8/12/16 MHz), 32-kHz crystal oscillator, internal LF oscillator, and external HF crystal support up to 16 MHz - enabling flexible low-power timing across five software-selectable LPM modes.

Peripherals are memory-mapped and fully accessible via all CPU instructions. The USCI_A0 module supports enhanced UART with auto-baudrate detection for LIN, IrDA encoding/decoding, and synchronous SPI; USCI_B0 provides full-duplex SPI and I²C master/slave operation. The on-chip comparator (COMP_A+) supports slope A/D conversion and analog signal compare functions.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: 38-pin Thin Shrink Small Outline Package (TSSOP), DA suffix, body size 12.5 mm × 6.1 mm, 0.65 mm pitch.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with MSP430G2855IDA38 and MSP430G2755IDA38, the MSP430G2955IDA38 delivers highest flash capacity (56 kB) and maximum I/O count (56) within the DA38 package, making it optimal for feature-rich firmware with multiple communication stacks and extensive analog monitoring - without requiring PCB redesign.

Availability

MSP430G2955IDA38 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for smart sensor nodes, industrial data loggers, portable medical devices, and home automation controllers requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle assurance, and TI-authorized traceability.

Supply support for MSP430G2955IDA38 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 energy efficiency, reliability, and system-level integration.

The MSP430G2x55 series was designed specifically for ultra-low-power portable measurement and sensor applications, combining high analog integration, fast wake-up, and robust firmware security in a cost-effective mixed-signal MCU platform.

FAQ

What is the maximum operating frequency of the MSP430G2955IDA38?

The MSP430G2955IDA38 supports an internal digitally controlled oscillator (DCO) calibrated at 1 MHz, 8 MHz, 12 MHz, and 16 MHz - with the 16 MHz setting usable as the main clock (MCLK) for CPU and peripheral operation. External crystal sources up to 16 MHz are also supported, enabling deterministic timing for high-speed ADC sampling and UART communication at up to 1 Mbps.

Does the MSP430G2955IDA38 support hardware UART with LIN protocol compliance?

Yes, the MSP430G2955IDA38's USCI_A0 module includes enhanced UART functionality with auto-baudrate detection - a mandatory requirement for LIN 2.x slave node implementation. This allows the MSP430G2955IDA38 to synchronize to incoming LIN header frames without external timing components, meeting ISO 17987-4 physical layer timing tolerances.

How many analog input channels does the ADC10 in the MSP430G2955IDA38 support?

The ADC10 in the MSP430G2955IDA38 supports 12 analog input channels (A0–A7, A12–A15), with dedicated VREF+/VREF− terminals enabling precise ratiometric measurements. Channel selection, sample-and-hold timing, and autoscan sequencing are fully configurable in hardware, allowing continuous acquisition across all 12 channels at 200 ksps aggregate rate.

Can the MSP430G2955IDA38 perform capacitive touch sensing without external components?

Yes, the MSP430G2955IDA38 integrates pin-oscillator circuitry on up to 32 I/O pins, enabling self-capacitance or mutual-capacitance touch sensing using only firmware and standard PCB traces - no external RC networks or dedicated touch controller ICs required. This is implemented via the built-in Timer_A and comparator modules working in concert.

What debug interface does the MSP430G2955IDA38 use, and is external hardware needed?

The MSP430G2955IDA38 uses the 2-wire Spy-Bi-Wire (SBW) interface via pins TEST/SBWTCK (Pin 1) and RST/NMI/SBWTDIO (Pin 6), eliminating the need for a full 4-wire JTAG adapter. TI's MSP-FET430UIF or compatible SBW programmers provide full flash programming, real-time debugging, and breakpoint support without additional level-shifting circuitry.