MSP430F5256IRGCT Ultra-Low-Power 16-Bit Microcontroller

MSP430F5256IRGCT Overview

The MSP430F5256IRGCT is a low-power 16-bit microcontroller that balances energy efficiency with integration for industrial and embedded designs. It combines a compact 16-bit CPU, mixed-signal peripherals, and on-chip connectivity to reduce board count and development time. The device supports multiple timers, a precision analog front end, and a USB interface for faster host communication. For sourcing and additional manufacturing data see IC Manufacturer.

MSP430F5256IRGCT Technical Specifications

MSP430F5256IRGCT Key Features

• 16-bit CPU with low power modes for extended battery life and efficient real-time control.
• On-chip USB full-speed interface for direct PC or host connectivity without external PHY, enabling faster data transfer and reduced BOM cost.
• 12-bit ADC that provides precise analog measurement and reduces the need for external converters in sensor systems.
• Multi-channel DMA to offload the CPU and accelerate data movement between peripherals and memory for higher throughput and lower latency.

Typical Applications

• Industrial sensor nodes that need low power draw and precise 12-bit analog conversion for accurate measurement and long field life.
• USB-connected instrumentation where a built-in full-speed USB interface reduces external components and simplifies host communication.
• Portable medical devices requiring compact 16-bit processing, low-voltage operation, and reliable timing for patient monitoring tasks.
• Building automation controllers that combine multiple GPIO, timers, and DMA to handle I/O, PWM, and communication with fewer external ICs.

MSP430F5256IRGCT Advantages vs Typical Alternatives

The device delivers a strong balance of integration and efficiency compared with typical 8-bit MCUs and separate USB solutions. It offers a 16-bit core that processes integer math faster and with fewer instructions than many 8-bit parts. The integrated USB and 12-bit ADC reduce board complexity versus designs that require external transceivers or converters. Lower active and standby currents make it more energy-compact for battery-powered or always-on applications.

MSP430F5256IRGCT Brand Info

The MSP430F5256IRGCT is part of the MSP430 family from Texas Instruments. Texas Instruments provides extensive documentation, development kits, and community support for MSP430 devices. The brand is known for long-term product support, detailed datasheets, and ecosystem tools for firmware development and debug.

FAQ

What is the core architecture?

The MCU uses a 16-bit RISC core optimized for low-power operation. This architecture reduces instruction count and is suited for control tasks, timing, and integer arithmetic in embedded systems.

Does it include USB support?

Yes, the device includes a full-speed USB 2.0 interface at 12 Mbps. This enables direct connection to hosts and simplifies firmware for USB device or basic host roles without external PHY chips.

What analog capabilities are available?

It provides a 12-bit analog-to-digital converter suitable for sensor interfaces. The ADC supports multi-channel sampling and adequate throughput for many industrial and portable measurement applications.

What power supply range is required?

The device operates from a low-voltage supply in the range of 1.8 V to 3.6 V. This range supports common single-cell battery systems and standard 3.3 V rails in embedded designs.

Which package and temperature range are offered?

This part ships in a 64-pin package (IRGCT) and is specified for commercial and industrial conditions, with operation from -40 ??C to +85 ??C for reliable field use.