Max source and sink currents for MSP430G2210 I/O pins

[kender]

Folks,

I've searched the datasheet for MSP430G2210, but I can't seem to find how much can its I/O pin source and sink. The only number I was able to find was 48mA max *combined* for a port. What I want to do is to drive an LED with 10mA. Either way would do: source or sink.

Does anyone know the numbers?

- Nick

 

[bigdogguru]

Reference: MSP430G22x0 Datasheet, Section: Outputs (Port P1), Page: 17



States the maximum total current per output port pin as I_(OHmax) = -6mA and I_(OLmax) = 6mA. Therefore, they can neither source nor sink 10mA, you will need to use a BJT or MOSFET switch.


BigDog

 

[doraemon]

Hello!

The above characteristics are for output voltage, and the current is the test condition.
Of course, the safest solution is to use some kind of buffering system, transistor or fet,
which will guarantee that the low and high levels of the ports are not significantly altered.
But depending on what you do, for instance for a very low cost applications, powering a
LED directly from one port is not a problem at all. I do it frequently and it works fine.
I did a development with 5 LEDs powered directly by a port and it worked fine. Note that
recent LEDs have a very high efficiency and even if you power them at 1 mA, they are
bright enough.

So basically it depends on what you want to do. If it's for a LED blinker on TI's launchpad,
don't hesitate, and use an LED directly with the proper resistor. If what you are building is
scheduled to be a product, then you have to be more careful.

Dora.

 

[bigdogguru]

As Dora alluded to, I should have more correctly stated as is indicated in the table previously provided, over recommended ranges of supply voltage and operating free-air temperature:

I_(OHmax) = -6mA, for the Voltage Output High range of V_CC - 0.6 ≦ V_OH ≦ V_CC

I_(OLmax) = 6mA, for the Voltage Output Low range of V_SS ≦ V_OL ≦ V_SS + 0.6

Of course, higher current levels can be sourced or sinked, if either V_OH or V_OL outside those ranges defined above are acceptable, in which case the following graphs are made available, on Page 18 of the datasheet, for V_CC of 2.2V and 3.0V:






BigDog