Texas Instruments MSP430I2021TPW

Overview

MSP430I2021TPW from Texas Instruments is a 16-bit ultra-low-power mixed-signal microcontroller designed for precision energy metering and sensor signal acquisition. It integrates two 24-bit sigma-delta ADCs with differential PGA inputs, operates from 2.2 V to 3.6 V, delivers 16.384-MHz system clock via internal DCO, and supports active-mode current of 275 µA/MHz at 3.0 V - enabling battery-powered submetering and industrial power monitoring applications.

For engineers reviewing the MSP430I2021TPW datasheet, MSP430I2021TPW pinout, MSP430I2021TPW application, or MSP430I2021TPW equivalent, key selection criteria include its dual 24-bit SD24 ADC capability, TSSOP-28 package footprint, integrated LDO core regulator, eUSCI_A0/eUSCI_B0 serial interfaces (UART/IrDA/SPI/I²C), and verified low-power modes down to 75 nA in LPM4.5.

Technical Context

The MSP430I2021TPW implements a RISC CPU with constant generators and 16-bit registers optimized for code efficiency in metrology firmware. Its analog subsystem centers on two independent SD24 modules, each supporting differential PGA inputs, programmable gain, and oversampling - directly targeting high-resolution AC/DC current and voltage sensing in single-phase meters.

Digital peripherals include two 16-bit Timer_A modules (each with three capture/compare registers), hardware multiplier for fast DSP operations, and dual eUSCI modules: eUSCI_A0 supports UART with auto-baud detection and IrDA, while eUSCI_B0 supports both SPI and I²C - enabling communication with external sensors, displays, or host controllers without external level-shifting.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: 28-pin TSSOP (PW), 9.7 mm × 4.4 mm body size, surface-mount compatible with standard reflow profiles. Thermal pad not present in PW variant.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar metrology microcontroller applications.

Compared with MSP430I2021TPW, MSP430I2031TPW adds a third SD24 channel for expanded sensing flexibility without layout changes, while MSP430I2020TPW offers identical metrology capability at lower memory cost - making both viable alternatives depending on firmware scale and channel count needs.

Availability

MSP430I2021TPW is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for smart plug energy monitoring, industrial DC power analyzers, and single-phase electronic meters requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and traceable sourcing.

Supply support for MSP430I2021TPW 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 specializing in analog, embedded processing, and connectivity technologies, with decades of expertise in precision metrology and ultra-low-power design.

The MSP430I2021TPW belongs to TI's MSP430™ Metrology and Monitoring portfolio, engineered specifically for high-accuracy, battery-efficient energy measurement in utility, industrial, and medical applications.

FAQ

What is the maximum system clock frequency supported by the MSP430I2021TPW?

The MSP430I2021TPW supports a maximum system clock frequency of 16.384 MHz, delivered by its internal digitally controlled oscillator (DCO). This frequency is factory-trimmed and stable across voltage and temperature ranges, eliminating the need for an external crystal in most metering applications. The DCO can operate using either internal or external resistor tuning, and the MSP430I2021TPW achieves full active-mode operation at this rate with 275 µA/MHz typical current consumption at 3.0 V.

Does the MSP430I2021TPW support I²C communication?

Yes, the MSP430I2021TPW supports I²C communication through its eUSCI_B0 module, which implements full I²C master and slave functionality with programmable clock speed, address matching, and automatic ACK/NACK handling. Pins P1.6 (UCB0SCL) and P1.7 (UCB0SDA) are dedicated to this interface and share multiplexing with SPI and Timer_A functions. The MSP430I2021TPW uses standard I²C signaling levels referenced to VCC and is compatible with common sensor and EEPROM devices operating at 3.3 V.

How many analog input channels does the MSP430I2021TPW provide?

The MSP430I2021TPW provides two independent 24-bit sigma-delta analog-to-digital converter (SD24) modules, each with differential PGA inputs - totaling four analog input terminals (A0.0+, A0.0−, A1.0+, A1.0−). These support simultaneous sampling, programmable gain (1× to 32×), and internal/external reference selection. Channels A2.0+/A2.0− and A3.0+/A3.0− are not implemented in the MSP430I2021TPW variant, distinguishing it from the i203x/i204x family members.

What low-power modes are available on the MSP430I2021TPW?

The MSP430I2021TPW supports five low-power modes: LPM0–LPM4. Key operational states include LPM3 (210 µA at 3.0 V, WDT active, full RAM retention), LPM4 (70 µA, full RAM retention, all clocks off), and LPM4.5 (75 nA, RAM retention, supply monitor disabled). Wake-up from LPM4 to active mode occurs in ≤1 µs. These modes are managed via SRAM register writes and are integral to extending battery life in portable metering and sensor logging applications using the MSP430I2021TPW.

Is the MSP430I2021TPW pin-compatible with other devices in the MSP430i20xx family?

Yes, the MSP430I2021TPW is pin-compatible with all 28-pin TSSOP (PW) variants in the MSP430i20xx family - including MSP430I2020TPW, MSP430I2030TPW, MSP430I2031TPW, MSP430I2040TPW, and MSP430I2041TPW. All share identical pin numbering, signal mapping, and package dimensions. Differences lie in internal resources (e.g., SD24 count, Flash/RAM size), but PCB layout, power delivery, and peripheral routing remain unchanged across these variants.