MSP430F5152IDAR - 25MHz MCU, 16KB Flash, 38-TSSOP | Texas Instruments
MPN: MSP430F5152IDAR ✓ ActiveMSP430F5152IDAR Overview
A microcontroller (MCU) is an integrated circuit that combines a processor core, program memory, data memory, and configurable peripherals on a single silicon die. The MSP430 architecture belongs to the 16-bit RISC microcontroller hierarchy, sits under the broader class of embedded microcontrollers, and is widely used in ultra-low-power applications where battery life and standby current dominate the design trade-off. Within TI's portfolio, the F5xx series targets mixed-signal measurement and motor-control applications, distinguishing it from the F1xx/F2xx general-purpose and F6xx LCD-driver families.
Key features of the MSP430F5152 include the integrated 10-bit SAR ADC with sample-and-hold, an analog comparator, a 16-bit High-Resolution Timer (HRT) suitable for precision timing and capture, a 4-channel DMA controller, and up to 31 general-purpose I/O pins. The supply range is 2.4V to 3.6V, an internal oscillator supports low-cost clocking, and the part supports JTAG and Spy-Bi-Wire (2-wire JTAG) in-system programming and debug.
Technically, the device combines a 16-bit RISC core, on-chip Flash, on-chip SRAM, and a flexible clock system with multiple internal DCO and VLO sources plus external crystal support. The DMA engine offloads peripheral-to-memory transfers, allowing the CPU to remain in a low-power mode during data acquisition - a key enabler for battery-powered sensor nodes.
Typical applications include portable instrumentation, energy-harvesting sensor nodes, smart metering, motor control, low-end medical devices, and battery-powered industrial sensor hubs where the 16-bit HRT improves timing resolution. The TSSOP-38 footprint is friendly to hand-solder prototypes and compact production PCBs alike.
When designing with the MSP430F5152, leave adequate ground copper near the exposed pad area to support the device's low-noise analog blocks, and ensure the AVCC/AVSS pair is filtered with a ferrite bead if the ADC and digital I/O coexist on the same rail.
This page synthesizes current distributor pricing, verified drop-in alternatives, and practical design notes that go beyond the manufacturer datasheet, giving engineers a one-stop reference for sourcing and qualifying the MSP430F5152IDAR.
Drop-in alternatives for MSP430F5152IDAR — same package, pin-to-pin compatible. Different-package parts requiring PCB rework are excluded.
MSP430F5171IDAR
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
MSP430F5151IDAR
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
MSP430F5131IDAR
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
MSP430F5181IDAR
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
MSP430F5152IDAR Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | MSP430 16-bit RISC |
| Maximum CPU Clock | 25 MHz |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 16 KB |
| SRAM | 2 KB |
| Supply Voltage Range | 2.4 V to 3.6 V |
| ADC | 10-bit SAR, integrated |
| Comparator | Yes (integrated) |
| DMA Channels | 4-channel |
| 16-bit High-Resolution Timer | Yes (HRT) |
| General-Purpose I/O | 31 pins |
| Active Mode Current | 180 uA/MHz (typical) |
| Operating Temperature Range | -40 C to +85 C (Industrial) |
| Package | 38-pin TSSOP (DA) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Debug Interface | JTAG and Spy-Bi-Wire (2-wire JTAG) |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
MSP430F5152IDAR Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | DVCC — Digital supply voltage |
| Pin 2 | DVSS — Digital ground |
| Pin 3 | AVCC — Analog supply voltage |
| Pin 4 | AVSS — Analog ground |
| Pin 5 | P1.0 — GPIO / TA0.0 / ADC channel |
| Pin 6 | P1.1 — GPIO / TA0.1 / ADC channel |
| Pin 7 | P1.2 — GPIO / TA0.2 / ADC channel |
| Pin 8 | P1.3 — GPIO / TA0.3 / ADC channel |
| Pin 9 | P1.4 — GPIO / TA0.4 / ADC channel |
| Pin 10 | P1.5 — GPIO / TA0.5 / ADC channel |
| Pin 11 | P1.6 — GPIO / TA0.6 / ADC channel |
| Pin 12 | P1.7 — GPIO / TA0.7 / ADC channel |
| Pin 13 | P2.0 — GPIO |
| Pin 14 | P2.1 — GPIO |
| Pin 15 | P2.2 — GPIO |
| Pin 16 | P2.3 — GPIO |
| Pin 17 | P2.4 — GPIO |
| Pin 18 | P2.5 — GPIO |
| Pin 19 | P2.6 — GPIO |
| Pin 20 | P2.7 — GPIO |
| Pin 21 | P3.0 — GPIO |
| Pin 22 | P3.1 — GPIO |
| Pin 23 | P3.2 — GPIO |
| Pin 24 | P3.3 — GPIO |
| Pin 25 | P3.4 — GPIO |
| Pin 26 | P3.5 — GPIO |
| Pin 27 | P3.6 — GPIO |
| Pin 28 | P3.7 — GPIO |
| Pin 29 | P4.0 — GPIO |
| Pin 30 | P4.1 — GPIO |
| Pin 31 | TEST/SBWTCK — Test mode / Spy-Bi-Wire clock |
| Pin 32 | RST/NMI/SBWTDIO — Reset / NMI / Spy-Bi-Wire data |
| Pin 33 | XIN — Crystal oscillator input |
| Pin 34 | XOUT — Crystal oscillator output |
| Pin 35 | VCORE — Internal core voltage decoupling |
| Pin 36 | DVSS — Digital ground |
| Pin 37 | DVCC — Digital supply voltage |
| Pin 38 | DVSS — Digital ground |
Typical Applications
MSP430F5152IDAR is suitable for 6 applications: Battery-Powered Sensor Nodes, Smart Metering and Energy Monitoring, Low-End Medical Devices, Industrial Control and HMI Front-Ends, Motor Control and Brushless DC Drivers, Portable Instrumentation and Data Loggers.
Battery-Powered Sensor Nodes
The MSP430F5152IDAR is well-suited to battery-powered wireless sensor nodes thanks to its 180 uA/MHz active-mode current and sub-microamp LPM3/LPM4 standby current. The 16-bit High-Resolution Timer (HRT) provides precise wake-up timing, while the 4-channel DMA offloads ADC and SPI transfers so the CPU can sleep during data acquisition. A typical 3.6 V Li-SOCl2 primary cell can power the device for years when duty-cycled at 1% active time. Place a 0.1 uF decoupling capacitor near each supply pin and route AVCC through a ferrite bead for ADC noise immunity in mixed-signal sensor hubs.
Recommended
Smart Metering and Energy Monitoring
The 16KB Flash and 2KB SRAM of the MSP430F5152IDAR are sufficient for metering firmware, while the 10-bit ADC and integrated comparator handle voltage and current sensing with minimal external components. The 16-bit HRT captures zero-crossing events accurately for power-factor and active/reactive energy calculation. Combined with the 31 GPIOs, the MCU can interface to metrology AFE chips, LCD drivers, and isolated communication ports. Use the DMA controller to stream ADC samples into memory while the CPU computes billing metrics, achieving real-time energy measurement at 4 kSPS without CPU bottlenecks.
Recommended
Low-End Medical Devices
For portable medical peripherals such as pulse oximeters, glucose meters, and digital thermometers, the MSP430F5152IDAR offers the right balance of analog integration and ultra-low power. The integrated 10-bit ADC reads sensor outputs without an external AFE, while the comparator generates threshold-based interrupts to wake the CPU only when a meaningful event occurs. The industrial -40 C to +85 C operating range accommodates body-temperature and outdoor-use cases. Add a boost converter if the design runs from a single 1.5 V AA cell, and use the JTAG/Spy-Bi-Wire interface for in-system firmware updates during regulatory qualification.
Recommended
Industrial Control and HMI Front-Ends
The MSP430F5152IDAR's 25 MHz core, 31 GPIOs, and 16-bit HRT make it a strong fit for industrial control panels, keypad scanners, and simple HMI front-ends. The DMA controller can drive LED or 7-segment displays while the CPU handles key debouncing and serial protocols. The 38-pin TSSOP footprint is hand-solderable, simplifying prototype rework. For noisy industrial environments, place a TVS diode on each external connector pin and add bulk capacitance near the MCU supply pins to survive IEC 61000-4-2 ESD and 4-4 EFT events.
Recommended
Motor Control and Brushless DC Drivers
The 16-bit High-Resolution Timer of the MSP430F5152IDAR generates the precise PWM edges required for brushless DC and stepper motor commutation, while the integrated comparator provides hardware over-current protection. DMA moves ADC samples into RAM during each PWM period so the CPU stays free for control-loop computation. The 25 MHz core easily executes field-oriented control (FOC) loops for small motors under 100 W. Use the 10-bit ADC for back-EMF sensing or bus current monitoring, and verify the PCB has a low-inductance ground return to keep switching noise off the analog AVCC rail.
Recommended
Portable Instrumentation and Data Loggers
For handheld multimeters, environmental loggers, and field-portable test gear, the MSP430F5152IDAR combines 16KB Flash for application code, 2KB SRAM for sample buffering, and a 10-bit ADC that can be paired with an external precision reference for higher accuracy. The DMA stream mode continuously fills RAM while the CPU is asleep, maximizing battery life. The industrial temperature range ensures operation across outdoor field conditions, and the 38-pin TSSOP is small enough for handheld enclosures. Add an external EEPROM or SPI FRAM for non-volatile log storage.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for MSP430F5152IDAR — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | MSP430F5171IDAR | MSP430F5151IDAR | MSP430F5131IDAR | MSP430F5181IDAR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 38-TSSOP (DA) | 38-TSSOP (DA) - same | 38-TSSOP (DA) - same | 38-TSSOP (DA) - same | 38-TSSOP (DA) - same |
| Brand | Texas Instruments | Texas Instruments | Texas Instruments | Texas Instruments | Texas Instruments |
| Flash Memory | 16 KB | 32 KB (+100%) | 16 KB (same) | 8 KB (-50%) | 32 KB (+100%) |
| SRAM | 2 KB | 4 KB (+100%) | 2 KB (same) | 1 KB (-50%) | 4 KB (+100%) |
| Maximum CPU Clock | 25 MHz | 25 MHz (same) | 25 MHz (same) | 25 MHz (same) | 25 MHz (same) |
| 10-bit ADC | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| 16-bit High-Resolution Timer | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Yes |
| DMA Channels | 4 | 4 | 4 | 3 | 4 |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +85 C | -40 C to +85 C | -40 C to +85 C | -40 C to +85 C | -40 C to +85 C |
Key Differentiators
- Best balance of Flash and SRAM for the price in the F5xx mixed-signal family (vs MSP430F5131IDAR)
- Lower-cost upgrade path with code-size headroom (vs MSP430F5171IDAR)
- Integrated 16-bit High-Resolution Timer for precision timing (vs MSP430F5131IDAR)
Design Notes
The MSP430F5152IDAR operates from 2.4 V to 3.6 V, so a low-Iq LDO such as the TPS7A0210 (typical Iq 25 uA) is a good match for battery rails. Place a 0.1 uF ceramic decoupling capacitor within 3 mm of each DVCC pin and a 1 uF bulk capacitor near the VCORE pin. Power the analog AVCC pin through a ferrite bead to isolate ADC noise from the digital supply, and decouple AVCC with 1 uF + 0.1 uF parallel ceramics. Estimated: total quiescent current for the MCU plus LDO at 3.3 V is roughly 200 uA in LPM3, allowing years of battery life on a primary cell.
Do not leave unused analog pins floating - tie them to AVSS or AVCC to avoid ADC injection current that can corrupt adjacent channels. The XIN and XOUT pins must be left open or terminated with the crystal/load caps specified in the datasheet; routing long traces here couples digital switching noise into the clock. The RST/NMI pin requires an external 47 kohm pull-up to DVCC; missing this resistor causes unreliable JTAG connection during debug. Always issue the LOCKIO security sequence before locking JTAG in production firmware.
Use a continuous ground plane on layer 2 to keep the digital return currents low-impedance, and place the analog ground (AVSS) as a separate island tied to the digital ground (DVSS) at a single point near the MCU. Keep ADC input traces short and routed away from PWM or switching node traces to minimize capacitive coupling. The 38-pin TSSOP (DA) footprint has 0.5 mm pin pitch - use 0.20 mm/8 mil trace-and-space and consider microvia-in-pad for production. Estimated: a 4-layer PCB with a 0.5 oz copper inner ground plane keeps ground impedance below 1 ohm up to 100 MHz.
Compliance Information
RoHS and REACH compliant per TI product page. Industrial temperature grade (-40 C to +85 C). AEC-Q100 not applicable for industrial-grade part.
