Boost battery life in "always on" smartphones, tablets and accessories with new ultra-low power microcontrollers from Texas Instruments

DALLAS, Oct. 17, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Enabling advanced contextual computing functionality in next-generation handheld consumer devices, Texas Instruments (TI) (NASDAQ: TXN) today announced new MSP430™ microcontrollers (MCUs) that reduce power consumption in "always on" applications like smart phones, tablets and accessories. Developers who transfer sensor hub, keyboard control and battery/power management functionalities to MSP430F525x MCUs can create portable consumer devices that put power-hungry application processors and touch screen controllers on standby instead of draining the system's battery.

MSP430F525x MCUs feature a 1.8V split-rail I/O architecture that allows seamless interface to the application processor without needing an external level shifting circuit. Customers can now create smartphones, tablets and accessories that maintain I/O at 1.8V while operating the MCU at maximum performance. With a fast wake-up time at 3.5us and as little as 1.6uA power consumption in standby mode, these microcontrollers can extend battery life in portable consumer products from hours to days, while simultaneously reducing board space and system cost.

All of the new MSP430F525x microcontrollers include easy-to-use software and support to help designers get started quickly. The new MCUs are compatible with MSP430Ware™ software so developers can access code examples to simplify development and speed time to market. Additionally, the new MCUs are code compatible with existing MSP430 devices, enabling a broader range of scalability across TI's ultra-low-power MCU portfolio.

The new 16-bit MCUs also include additional RAM, I/O and serial interfaces to handle complex sensor algorithms, aggregation and monitoring functionalities quicker. For more information about the MSP430F525x MCUs, visit www.ti.com/52xx-pr-lp.

Additional features and benefits of MSP430F525x microcontrollers:

• Include four USCI_A and four USCI_B interfaces so developers have up to eight serial interfaces (four I²C and four SPI) for fast and robust communication to sensors or peripheral devices
• Up to 35 general-purpose I/O can be used in the 1.8V voltage rail to conserve energy by switching off power supplies to components that are not in active use
• Low-power peripherals include four 16-bit timers, a high-performance 10-bit analog-to-digital converter (ADC), hardware multiplier, DMA, comparator, and real-time clock module with alarm capabilities
• Active power at 290uA/MHz in Flash and 150uA/MHz in RAM, standby mode at 1.6uA (3V) and ultra-fast wakeup at 3.5us allows developers to implement differentiated features while maintaining ultra-low power consumption

Eight additional single-voltage rail 128K Flash MSP430F524x and MSP430F523x variants are ideal for industrial applications requiring larger memory like wireless smoke detectors, industrial sensors and smart appliances. These devices also support other software-intensive wireless interfaces like ZigBee® and Wi-Fi.

Pricing and availability
Developers can immediately purchase the new MSP430F525x MCUs starting at $2.61 for 1K units and MSP430F524x/3x MCUs start at $1.70 for 1K units. The microcontrollers are priced from $2.05 for 1K units and samples are immediately available. The MSP-TS430RGC64C target socket is now available for $117 USD. The MSP-FET430U64C target socket and UIF emulator is also now available for $175 USD from TI's eStore.

Find out more about TI's ultra-low power MSP430 MCUs:

• TI's broad portfolio of MSP430 MCUs: www.ti.com/52xx-pr-hp
• Check out the MSP430 forum on the TI E2E™ Community: www.ti.com/52xx-pr-e2e
• Make the Switch to TI MCUs: www.ti.com/maketheswitch
• Follow TI MCUs on Facebook: www.facebook.com/timicrocontrollers

Innovation is at the core of TI MCUs
Beginning with the foundation of leading process technology and adding unique system architecture, intellectual property and real-world system expertise, TI continues its 20+ years of MCU innovation with ultra-low-power MSP MCUs, real-time control C2000™ MCUs, Tiva™ ARM® MCUs and Hercules™ safety MCUs.  Designers can accelerate time to market with TI's ecosystem of tools, software, wireless connectivity solutions, extensive Design Network offerings and technical support.

About Texas Instruments
Texas Instruments Incorporated (TI) is a global semiconductor design and manufacturing company that develops analog ICs and embedded processors. By employing the world's brightest minds, TI creates innovations that shape the future of technology. TI is helping more than 100,000 customers transform the future, today. Learn more at www.ti.com.

Trademarks
MSP430, C2000, Tiva, Hercules and TI E2E are trademarks of Texas Instruments Incorporated. All registered trademarks and other trademarks belong to their respective owners.

SOURCE Texas Instruments Incorporated