MCUs Set Ultra Low Power Standard

Operating from 1.8V to 3.6V and software-compatible with existing MSP430 devices, the MSP430F2xx family is described as ultra-low power, 16-bit RISC microcontrollers that provide twice the processing performance and half the stand-by power consumption compared to earlier family members. The devices feature a real-time clock standby mode of less than 1 µA with the ability to switch in less than 1 µs to a fully synchronized 16 MIPS active mode. Additional features include an integrated ±2.5% on-chip oscillator, pull-up/pull-down resistors, and an increased number of analog inputs. The in-system programmable flash employs 64-byte segments and provides programming times as fast as 17 µs per byte and a 2.2-V programming voltage, allowing the elimination of external EEPROMs in most systems. Available in the first half of 2005, prices start at $0.89 each/10,000. TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INC., Dallas, TX. (800) 477-8924.