TI's MSP430 microcontroller portfolio delivers industry's first programmable instrumentation devices with low-cost analog front-end solutions

Enhanced functionality and flexibility in metering applications;
MSP430AFE series providing high-precision measurement functions

DALLAS, April 7, 2011 – Texas Instruments Incorporated (TI), a leading innovator in metering and smart grid applications, today introduced the MSP430AFE2xx series of ultra-low-power 16-bit microcontrollers (MCUs) for instrumentation analog front ends (AFEs). Part of TI’s leading embedded processing portfolio, the low-power MSP430AFE provides the industry’s first programmable single-phase instrumentation device with multiple communication interfaces. The MSP430AFE series enables system partitioning in metering applications such as electric meters, home automation, unit-meters and energy-saving systems, enabling flexible, independent and precise measurements. The MSP430AFE series is based on a 16-bit RISC architecture with a system frequency of 12 MHz and extends its performance at speeds three times faster than competitors. This microcontroller has an energy accuracy error of less than 0.1% over a wide dynamic range of 2400:1. This is possible due to three independent 24-bit sigma-delta converters that support tamper protection. (For more information, see www.ti.com/430afe-430metering-pr-lp )

Also supported by a number of tools, demos and EVMs, the MSP430AFE2xx series offers developers a variety of options to get started evaluating and quickly moving into production. The MSP430 Energy Watchdog demo, featuring RF capabilities that help users manage their energy usage and save money, shows the power consumption of plug-in appliances on an LCD display. The programmable MSP430AFE EVM can be used to test the new MSP430AFE2xx as a calibrated electricity meter. Additionally, the MSP-TS430PW24 target board and the MSP-FET430U24 flash emulation tool can be used to program and debug the MSP430AFE devices.

Key features and benefits of the MSP430AFE2xx series
• Single-phase instrumentation analog front end supporting excellent 0.1% error accuracy over 2400:1 operating range
• Three 24-bit sigma-delta analog-to-digital converters (ADCs) with simultaneous sampling for single-phase measurement and tamper resistance in an optimally space-saving, compact 24-pin TSSOP package
• Programmable MSP430AFE devices provide flexibility in system design and performance
• Implement fast, powerful single-phase instrumentation with a comprehensive TI library of measurement tools for energy, power, voltage, current, and many other key metering criteria
• Provides design flexibility with up to 16KB of programmable Flash and 512B of RAM memory via SPI and UART interfaces
• Integrated peripherals such as 16-bit timer, watchdog, and hardware multiplier allow customers to control tasks and perform math-intensive calculations in ultra-low power modes
• Save time from development to production with a variety of development tools, EVMs, demos, and free downloadable software debuggers and compilers, including Code Composer Studio™ IDE and IAR Embedded Workbench

Availability and pricing
Pricing for the MSP430AFE2xx microcontrollers starts at $0.80 in 1,000-unit quantities and is available immediately. The MSP-TS430PW24 standalone target board is priced at $75 and can be ordered at www.ti.com/430afe-pr-es . The MSP-FET430U24 Flash Evaluation Tool, including software and target board, is priced at $149 and can be ordered at www.ti.com/430afe-fet-pr-es . The MSP430 Energy Watchdog Demo and MSP430AFE EVM are available in limited quantities. Contact your distributor for more information.

TI's diverse portfolio of MCUs and software
TI offers the broadest range of embedded control solutions, from general-purpose, ultra-low-power MSP430 MCUs to Stellaris® Cortex™-M3-based 32-bit MCUs and high-performance, real-time control TMS320C2000™ MCUs. Designers can accelerate time-to-market by leveraging TI's complete software and hardware tools, comprehensive third-party offerings and technical support.