The conflicting demands of increased functionality, performance & energy efficiency are some of the biggest challenges facing the designer today. TI's (Texas Instruments) answer to this MSP430F5xx.

Boasting in increase in processing performance of over 50% & a doubling of the available Flash & RAM memory sizes of previous 1xx, 2xx or 4xx generations, the F5xx devices are equipped to perform demanding tasks while operating from limited power sources.

The MSP430F5xx series offers a peak execution performance of up to 25MHz from its 16-bit RISC CPU core, while consuming as little as 160uA/MHz (microamp per megahertz). Reaction to events, like external interrupts, can wake the MCU up within less than 5 microseconds & with full status retention from standby &/or sleep modes, application requiring near full performance on demand can be catered for.

Other aspects such as multi-channel DMA (Direct Memory Access), allowing data exchange with peripherals while the core remains in low-power modes, a new PMM (Power Management Module) offering the flexibility to choose optimum core voltage dynamically for lowest power vs. performance requirements & integrated intelligent peripherals that consume no power when not in operation all help to minimise help the micro's power demands.

Indeed TI claims that a true 32-bit RTC (Real-time Clock) with an alarm requires just 1.5uA of standby current. Interestingly, the new devices offer read/erase/write capability down to 1.8V; for applications based on two AAA batteries, Flash write is possible down to the battery end of life voltage of 0.9 V for each battery.

Future F5xx devices are anticipated to include RF, USB, encryption & LCD interface peripherals in addition to a new high resolution timer, offering advance processing capabilities required for application such as voice-activated home security systems. The increase in memory also allows for robust user interfaces, in addition to applications for Zigbee & other low-power RF sensor network to be considered.

100% instruction set compatible with earlier MSP430 devices, & supported by range of tools, resources & training, the new MSP430F5xx really could help reduce the power consumed by existing applications while enabling new designs requiring very low power - essentially allowing the designer to do more with less.

For more information please visit Texas Instruments.