The Texas Instruments MSP430 family of ultra-low-power microcontrollers consists of several devices featuring different sets of peripherals targeted for various applications. The architecture, combined with extensive low-power modes, is optimized to achieve extended battery life in portable measurement applications. The device features a powerful 16-bit RISC CPU, 16-bit registers, and constant generators that contribute to maximum code efficiency. The digitally controlled oscillator (DCO) allows wake-up from low-power modes to active mode in 3.5 µs (typical).

The MSP430F522x series are microcontroller configurations with four 16-bit timers, a high-performance 10-bit analog-to-digital converter (ADC), two universal serial communication interfaces (USCI), hardware multiplier, DMA, comparator, and real-time clock module with alarm capabilities. They include all the peripherals of the MSP430F522x series with the exception of the ADC. All devices have a split I/O supply system that allows for a seamless interface to other devices that have a nominal 1.8 V I/O interface without the need for external level translation.