TI launches ultra low-power FRAM-based 16-bit micro

A 16-bit microcontroller with embedded FRAM which uses 250 times less power than flash or EPROM-based microcontrollers has been put on the market by Texas Instruments.

Called the MSP430FR57xx FRAM microcontroller series, it writes up to 100x times faster than flash and has a trillion write/erase cycles compared to the 10,000 cycles of flash. It is made on a 0.13 micron process and comes in a 4mm x 4mm package.

Developers can partition data and programming memory with changes in software and offers more cost-efficient data logging, remote sensing and wireless update capabilities in new products that do more and last longer.

The core operates at up to 24MHz. TI reckons the family reduces the industry’s best active power by up to 50% when executing code from FRAM, operating at 100µA/MHz in active mode and 3 µA in real-time clock mode. Programming voltage is 1.5V.

With more than 100 trillion write cycle endurance, it supports continuous data logging, eliminating need for costly external EEPROM and battery-backed SRAM.

Unified memory allows developers to easily change memory partitioning between program, data and cache in software, providing inventory management and system cost savings.

Guaranteed write and data retention in all power modes ensure code safety to simplify the development process, reduce memory test costs and increase end-product reliability.

It enables reliable remote software upgrades – especially over the air – to provide cheaper, easier software upgrade paths for device manufacturers.

Integrated FRAM densities go up to 16kB as well as analogue and connectivity peripheral options, including 10-bit ADC, 32-bit hardware multiplier, up to five 16-bit timers and multiple enhanced SPI/I2C/UART buses.

TI offers an ‘Experimenter’s Kit’ for $29 and a Development Kit for $99. The parts cost $1.20 in 10K quantities.