Through-hole 20-DIP — board-level fit for prototyping and low-volume builds
The 20-pin PDIP (0.300" wide, 7.62 mm pitch) is the same footprint used across the MSP430G2xx DIP variants, so a single PCB layout can accommodate multiple Flash/RAM density options without a board respin. Through-hole mounting simplifies hand-assembly and rework, which is why this package shows up in evaluation kits, education boards, and low- to mid-volume industrial controllers. The 16 I/O lines are enough to drive a small keypad, a character LCD, and a few sensors over I²C or SPI.
Supply voltage 1.8V to 3.6V — single-cell battery or 3.3V rail
The 1.8V to 3.6V supply range lets the MSP430G2402IN20 run directly from two alkaline cells (down to 1.8V at end of life) or from a regulated 3.3V rail. The internal oscillator removes an external crystal for the core clock, saving two pins and board space.