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MSP430 generations:
There are six general generations of MSP430 processors. In order of development, they were the '3xx generation, the '1xx
generation, the '4xx generation, the '2xx generation, the '5xx generation, and the '6xx generation. The digit after the generation
identifies the model (generally higher model numbers are larger and more capable), the third digit identifies the amount of
memory on board, and the fourth, if present, identifies a minor model variant. The most common variation is a different onchip analog-to-digital converter.
The 3xx and 1xx generations were limited to a 16-bit address space. In the later generations this was expanded to include
'430X' instructions that allow a 20-bit address space. As happened with other processor architectures (e.g. the processor of
the PDP-11), extending the addressing range beyond the 16-bit word size introduced some peculiarities and inefficiencies for
programs larger than 64 kBytes.
In the following list, it helps to think of the typical 200 mAHr capacity of a CR2032 lithium coin cell as 200,000 AHr, or
22.8 Ayear. Thus, considering only the CPU draw, such a battery could supply a 0.7 A current draw for 32 years. (In reality,
battery self-discharge would reduce this number.)
The significance of the 'RAM retention' vs the 'real-time clock mode' is that in real time clock mode the CPU can go to sleep
with a clock running which will wake it up at a specific future time. In RAM retention mode, some external signal is required
to wake it, e.g. I/O pin signal or SPI slave receive interrupt.
MSP430x1xx series[edit]
The MSP430x1xx Series is the basic generation without an embedded LCD controller. They are generally smaller than the '3xx
generation. These flash- or ROM-based ultra-low-power MCUs offer 8 MIPS, 1.83.6 V operation, up to 60 KB flash, and a
wide range of analog and digital peripherals.
Device parameters
Other integrated peripherals: 12-bit DAC, up to 2 16-bit timers, watchdog timer, brown-out reset, SVS,
USART module (UART, SPI), DMA, 1616 multiplier, Comparator_A, temperature sensor
MSP430F2xx series:
The MSP430F2xx Series are similar to the '1xx generation, but operate at even lower power, support up to 16 MHz
operation, and have a more accurate (2%) on-chip clock that makes it easier to operate without an external crystal.
These flash-based ultra-low power devices offer 1.83.6 V operation. Includes the very-low power oscillator (VLO),
internal pull-up/pull-down resistors, and low-pin count options.
Device parameters
ADC options: Slope, 10 & 12-bit SAR, 16 & 24-bit Sigma Delta
Other integrated peripherals: operational amplifiers, 12-bit DAC, up to 2 16-bit timers, watchdog timer,
brown-out reset, SVS, USI module (IC, SPI), USCI module, DMA, 1616 multiplier, Comparator_A+,
temperature sensor
MSP430G2xx series[edit]
The MSP430G2xx Value Series features flash-based Ultra-Low Power MCUs up to 16 MIPS with 1.83.6 V operation.
Includes the Very-Low power Oscillator (VLO), internal pull-up/pull-down resistors, and low-pin count options, at lower
prices than the MSP430F2xx series.
Device parameters
Other integrated peripherals: Capacitive Touch I/O, up to 3 16-bit timers, watchdog timer, brown-out reset,
USI module (IC, SPI), USCI module, Comparator_A+, Temp sensor
MSP430x3xx series[edit]
The MSP430x3xx Series is the oldest generation, designed for portable instrumentation with an embedded LCD controller.
This also includes a frequency-locked loop oscillator that can automatically synchronize to a low-speed (32 kHz) crystal. This
generation does not support EEPROM memory, only mask ROM and UV-eraseable and one-time programmable EPROM.
Later generations provide only flash memory and mask ROM options. These devices offer 2.55.5 V operation, up to 32 KB
ROM.
Device parameters:
MSP430x4xx series[edit]
The MSP430x4xx Series are similar to the '3xx generation, but include an integrated LCD controller, and are larger and more
capable. These flash or ROM based devices offers 816 MIPS at 1.83.6 V operation, with FLL, and SVS. Ideal for low power
metering and medical applications.
Device parameters:
Other integrated peripherals: SCAN_IF, ESP430, 12-bit DAC, Op Amps, RTC, up to 2 16-bit timers,
watchdog timer, basic timer, brown-out reset, SVS, USART module (UART, SPI), USCI module, LCD
Controller, DMA, 1616 & 32x32 multiplier, Comparator_A, temperature sensor, 8 MIPS CPU Speed
MSP430x5xx series[edit]
The MSP430x5xx Series are able to run up to 25 MHz, have up to 512 KB flash memory and up to 66 KB RAM. This flashbased family features low active power consumption with up to 25 MIPS at 1.83.6 V operation (165 uA/MIPS). Includes an
innovative power management module for optimal power consumption and integrated USB. [3]
Device parameters:
RAM options: up to 66 KB
GPIO options: 29, 31, 47, 48, 63, 67, 74, 87 pins
Other integrated peripherals: High resolution PWM, 5 V I/O's, USB, backup battery switch, up to 4 16-bit
timers, watchdog timer, Real-Time Clock, brown-out reset, SVS, USCI module, DMA, 32x32 multiplier,
Comp B, temperature sensor
MSP430x6xx series[edit]
The MSP430x6xx Series are able to run up to 25 MHz, have up to 512 KB flash memory and up to 66 KB RAM. This flashbased family features low active power consumption with up to 25 MIPS at 1.83.6 V operation (165 uA/MIPS). Includes an
innovative power management module for optimal power consumption and integrated USB.
Device parameters:
RAM options: up to 66 KB
Other integrated peripherals: USB, LCD, DAC, Comparator_B, DMA, 32x32 multiplier, power management
module (BOR, SVS, SVM, LDO), watchdog timer, RTC, Temp sensor
1 A RAM retention
Device parameters:
Flash options: up to 32 KB
RAM options: up to 4 KB
Other integrated peripherals: LCD Controller, up to 2 16-bit timers, watchdog timer, RTC, power
management module (BOR, SVS, SVM, LDO), USCI module, DMA, 32x32 multiplier, Comp B,
temperature sensor
FRAM series[edit]
The FRAM Series from Texas Instruments provides unified memory with dynamic partitioning and memory access
speeds 100 times faster than flash. FRAM is also capable of zero power state retention in all power modes, which
means that writes are guaranteed, even in the event of a power loss. With a write endurance of over 100 trillion
cycles, EEPROM is no longer required. Active power consumption at less than 100A/MHz.
82 A / MIPS active
Device parameters:
Other possible integrated peripherals: MPU, up to 6 16-bit timers, watchdog timer, RTC, power
management module (BOR, SVS, SVM, LDO), USCI module, DMA, multiplier, Comp B,
temperature sensor, LCD driver, I2C and UART BSL, Extended Scan Interface, AES, IR modulation
1 A RAM retention
Device parameters:
ROM options: 12 kB
SRAM options: 2 kB
Other integrated peripherals: up to 2 16-bit timers, watchdog timer, brown-out reset, SVS,
comparator, temperature sensor
Device Definitions:
Note that when the flash size is over 64K words (128 KBytes), instruction addresses can no longer be encoded in
just two bytes. This change in pointer size causes some incompatibilities with previous parts.