TI supports developers in realizing a smarter world

Launch of Industry's First Ultra-Low Power FRAM Microcontroller

Generate more data in a new space with the MSP430FR57xx FRAM microcontroller, which enables developers to write data up to 100 times faster while saving up to 250 times power.

TI Korea (CEO Jaejin Kim, www.ti.com/ww/kr ) May 4, 2011 – TI has ushered in a new era of reliable data recording and RF communication performance by announcing the industry's first ultra-low-power 16-bit Ferroelectric Random Access Memory (FRAM) microcontroller. The new MSP430FR57xx FRAM series once again demonstrates TI's leading position in embedded processing by enabling data writing 100 times faster and up to 250 times lower power consumption compared to Flash and EEPROM-based microcontrollers. Furthermore, on-chip FRAM provides a new level of flexibility by retaining data in all power modes, supporting over 100 trillion write cycles, and allowing developers to partition data and programming memory with just software changes. The FR57xx series eliminates the limitations of power consumption and write endurance of existing products, enabling developers to do more while providing longer-lasting, cost-effective data logging, remote sensing, and wireless update capabilities, thereby supporting the realization of a smarter world. (For more information on TI's new FR57xx microcontrollers and verified FRAM memory, please refer to www.ti.com/fr57xx-pr-lp )

Key Features and Advantages of the MSP430FR57xx FRAM Microcontroller
• Achieves industry-leading active power with up to 50% savings during FRAM code execution, operating at 100µA/MHz in active mode and 3µA in real-time clock mode.
• Over 100 trillion write cycle endurance supports continuous data recording, eliminating the need for high-cost external EEROM and battery-backed SRAM.
• Integrated memory allows developers to easily change memory partitioning for programs, data, caches, etc. via software, reducing inventory management and system costs.
• By guaranteeing write and data retention capabilities in all power modes to ensure code safety, it is possible to simplify the development process, reduce memory testing costs, and increase the reliability of the finished product.
• Supports reliable remote software upgrades wirelessly, providing device manufacturers with a more affordable and convenient software upgrade path.
• Provides up to 16kB of integrated FRAM density, as well as analog and connectivity peripheral options including a 10-bit ADC, a 32-bit hardware multiplier, up to five 16-bit timers, and various enhanced SPI/I2C/UART buses.
• In addition to code compatibility across the entire MSP platform, developers can immediately start development through easy-to-use, affordable tools, comprehensive documentation, user guides, code examples, etc.Support for the exhibition
• Simplify system development with TI's vast array of compatible RF tools
• Supports intelligent battery-free RF connectivity solutions
• FR57XX MCU based on TI's advanced low-power 130nm embedded FRAM process

Supply timing and price
The MSP430FR57xx microcontroller starts at $1.20 for quantities of 10,000, and samples and tools are currently available. The MSP-EXP430FR5739 experimenter kit is priced at $29 and can be ordered at www.ti.com/fr57xx-pr-ek-es . The MSP-TS430RHA40A developer kit is priced at $99 and can be ordered at www.ti.com/fr57xx-pr-dk-es .

New MSP platform including MSP430™ microcontroller
TI is committed to providing new and innovative solutions to support the dynamic requirements of its customers, and the MSP430FR57xx FRAM microcontroller is one of the best examples of this effort. To create room for numerous future innovations, TI is developing the MSP430 family as part of the new MSP platform.

TI's diverse MCU and software portfolio
TI, starting from the general-purpose ultra-low power MSP430 MCU,