It carries 2 KB of program Flash memory and 128 bytes of RAM — a memory footprint that constrains firmware to lean, single-purpose control loops, sensor readout, or simple state machines.
Memory sizing — the BOM-fit gate
The 2 KB Flash and 128-byte RAM are the tightest constraint on this part. The 256-byte information memory block (included in the 2 KB total) stores calibration constants or bootloader parameters without eating into the main program space. For a design that fits a 1.5 KB firmware image and a handful of global variables, this part avoids the cost jump to the 4 KB or 8 KB MSP430 siblings. If your firmware needs a USB stack, a real-time OS, or any significant data buffer, you will overflow the RAM before the Flash — step up to the MSP430F21x2 or F22xx series.
Temperature grade and supply — where it runs
The 1.8 V minimum is the key number for battery-life budgeting — the core draws less current at lower Vcc, and the Flash read path remains operational down to that floor.
20-SOIC wide-body — footprint and layout
The 20-SOIC package with 0.295-inch (7.50 mm) body width is the wide-body variant. Verify your PCB footprint library has the 7.50 mm body width before routing.
The ROHS3 compliance covers EU regulatory requirements through the current production cycle.