MSP430G2231IRSA16R 16-bit Low-Power Microcontroller, IRSA16R Package

MSP430G2231IRSA16R Overview

The MSP430G2231IRSA16R is a 16-bit ultra-low-power microcontroller optimized for simple sensing, control and battery-powered designs. It combines a compact 16-pin package with a small flash footprint and basic peripherals to reduce BOM cost and board area. The device offers a 16-bit CPU, on-chip flash and SRAM, a 16-bit Timer_A, a serial interface and a comparator, making it suitable for simpler embedded tasks where power and price matter more than feature density. Learn more from IC Manufacturer.

MSP430G2231IRSA16R Technical Specifications

MSP430G2231IRSA16R Key Features

• Single 16-bit core with deterministic instruction timing for compact code and faster integer math.
• Low-voltage operation from 1.8 V to 3.6 V, which extends battery life and enables single-cell Li-ion or multi-cell alkaline use.
• On-chip 2 KB flash and 128 B SRAM for program and data storage in small embedded applications.
• 16-bit Timer_A offering precise timing and PWM generation for control and timing tasks.
• Integrated USI for simple UART or SPI connections, reducing external component count compared with discrete UART bridges.
• Built-in Comparator_A+ for analog threshold detection without a full ADC, saving power and pin count.
• Compact package with tape-and-reel availability supports automated assembly for volume production.
• Multiple low-power modes to minimize standby current and extend battery runtime in duty-cycled designs.

Typical Applications

• Battery-powered sensor nodes where low quiescent consumption and a small code footprint enable multi-year battery life in simple telemetry tasks.
• Small home appliance controls that need reliable timing and PWM control but not a high peripheral count or large memory footprint.
• Access controls and simple security tokens that require basic serial communication and comparator-based analog monitoring in a low-cost package.
• Industrial monitoring endpoints with simple threshold detection and periodic reporting, where temperature range and low-voltage operation are important.

MSP430G2231IRSA16R Advantages vs Typical Alternatives

The part delivers a smaller memory footprint and a lower pin count compared with larger MSP430 variants. It trades rich peripheral sets for a compact, cost-effective mix of CPU, timer and serial capability. For designs that need simple control, comparator logic and basic serial interfaces, it is cheaper and less complex to integrate than multi-channel, high-memory microcontrollers. Its 1.8?C3.6 V range and industrial temperature rating make it more robust than many consumer-only alternatives in equivalent price brackets.

MSP430G2231IRSA16R Brand Info

The MSP430G2231IRSA16R is produced by Texas Instruments, a global semiconductor supplier known for analog and embedded processing solutions. TI positions this device within its MSP430 Value Line portfolio, focused on cost-sensitive, low-power embedded designs that require a small footprint and proven ecosystem support.

FAQ

What is the memory size?

This device provides 2 KB of on-chip flash memory for program code and 128 bytes of SRAM for runtime data and stack. The small flash size targets compact firmware and minimal feature sets.

Which serial interfaces are available?

It includes the Universal Serial Interface (USI), which supports simple UART and SPI modes. The USI reduces external logic and simplifies connections to serial peripherals and sensors.

Does it include an ADC?

The device offers an on-chip comparator (Comparator_A+) for analog threshold detection. For full ADC functionality, other MSP430 family members with integrated ADC modules are more appropriate.

What voltage and temperature ranges apply?

Rated for operation from 1.8 V to 3.6 V, the device supports single-cell battery systems and typical embedded rails. The specified operating range extends from -40 ??C to +85 ??C for industrial-grade deployments.

Is this part suitable for low-power battery designs?

Yes. The architecture supports multiple low-power modes and ultra-low active and standby consumption. The small memory and limited peripheral set help minimize active and leakage currents for long-term battery operation.