Texas Instruments introduces the 32-bit MSP432 microcontroller

TI has announced the launch of its industry's lowest-power 32-bit ARM Cortex-M4F MCU, the MSP432TM microcontroller (MCU) platform. These new 48MHz MCUS leverage TI's expertise in ultra-low power MCUS to optimize performance while avoiding power loss, with effective and standby power consumption of only 95µA/MHz and 850nA, respectively. Industry-leading integrated simulators such as high-speed 14-bit 1MSPS analog-to-digital converters (ADCs) further optimize power and performance. The MSP432 MCU helps designers develop ultra-low-power embedded applications such as industrial and building automation, industrial sensing, industrial security panels, asset tracking, and consumer electronics, where efficient data processing and enhanced low-power operation are critical.

The world's lowest power Cortex-M4F MCU

The new MSP432 MCU is TI's latest step in ultra-low power innovation, achieving a ULPBench™ score of 167.4, outperforming all other Cortex-M3 and M4F MCUS on the market. The Embedded Microprocessor Benchmarking Association's (EEMBC) Ultra-Low Power Benchmarking (ULPBench) provides a standard way to compare the power performance of any MCU regardless of architecture. The integrated DC/DC optimizes efficiency during high-speed operation, while the integrated low voltage drop regulator (LDO) reduces overall system cost and design complexity. In addition, the 14-bit ADC has a flow consumption of only 375µA at 1MSPS. The MSP432 MCU includes a unique optional RAM retention feature that provides dedicated power to each of the eight RAM segments required for operation, thereby reducing the power consumption of each segment by 30nA, thereby reducing overall system power. To reduce overall system power consumption, the MSP432 MCU can also operate at full speed in a voltage range from as low as 1.62V to as high as 3.7V. As the flagship in TI's ongoing portfolio of 32-bit ultra-low power MSP MCUS, the MSP432 MCU will continue to increase the level of analog integration and flash memory up to 2MB as the future direction, while extending the MSP430TM's leadership in ultra-low power consumption.

TI's first 32-bit MSP MCU delivers even higher performance

The MSP432 MCU gives more performance to the device without increasing the power budget. The integrated digital signal processing (DSP) engine and floating-point core (FPU) in the ARM Cortex-M4F core are suitable for numerous high-performance applications such as signal conditioning and sensor processing, while leaving performance room for product differentiation development. The MSP432 MCU includes up to 256KB of flash memory. It also uses dual-segment flash memory that supports simultaneous read and write functions to improve performance. The Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) 256 hardware encryption accelerator enables developers to secure devices and data, while the IP protection feature on the MSP432 MCU also ensures data and code security. These features will lead to higher data throughput, more complete advanced algorithms and wired or wireless Internet of Things (IoT) stacks, and higher resolution display images, all within existing power budgets.

Get started quickly with easy-to-use tools

Start evaluating the MSP432 MCU now with the target board (MSP-TS432PZ100) or the low-cost LaunchPad Rapid Prototyping Kit (MSP-EXP432P401R) that supports on-board simulation. Developers can extend the evaluation capabilities of the MSP432 LaunchPad suite with a full suite of stackable BoosterPacks, including the low-power SimpleLink™ Wi-FiCC3100BoosterPack. In addition, TI's cloud development ecosystem gives developers easy online access to products, documentation, software, and an integrated development environment (IDE) to help them get started faster. The MSP432 MCU supports several real-time operating system (RTOS) options, including TI-RTOS, FreeRTOS, and Micrium µC/OS.

Additional features and benefits of TI's new 32-bit MSP432 MCU platform

Compatibility between code, registers, and low-power peripherals between the MSP430 and MSP432 product portfolios allows developers to take full advantage of existing code and port codes between 16-bit and 32-bit devices. EnergyTrace+™ technology and ULP Advisor software monitor power consumption in real time with ±2% accuracy. The extensive and power-optimized MSPWare™ software suite includes libraries, Code examples, documentation, and hardware tools for 16-bit and 32-bit MSP MCUS, and is accessible online through TI's Resource Explorer or Code Composer Studio™ (CCS) IDE. In addition, the IAR Embedded WorkBench and ARM Keil MDK IDEs provide additional support. The open source Energia supports rapid prototyping on the MSP432 LaunchPad suite. Take direct advantage of a rich code base for rapid firmware development by easily importing libraries for cloud connectivity, sensors, displays, and more. Developers can create IoT-connected designs with greater flexibility and memory, as well as higher performance and integrated simulation, compatible with Wi-Fi, Bluetooth®Smart, and Sub-1 GHz wireless connectivity solutions.