Texas Instruments' ultra-low-power automotive microcontrollers improve fuel efficiency and battery life

Low-cost MSP430™ microcontrollers are now AEC-Q100 certified for automotive applications, enabling developers to reduce system cost and time-to-market

News provided by

Texas Instruments Incorporated

Nov 29, 2011, 09:55 ET

DALLAS, Nov. 29, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Fulfilling the need for ultra-low-power microcontrollers (MCUs) in the automotive market, Texas Instruments Incorporated (TI) (NYSE: TXN) today announced the qualification of MSP430™ 16-bit microcontrollers for automotive applications. The AEC-Q100 certification allows developers to integrate higher performance, power efficiency and scalability into their designs without sacrificing on price. Automotive systems designers now have access to more than 50 MSP430 Value Line microcontrollers for use in applications including interior cabin motors, capacitive touch, infotainment systems and remote keyless entry. For more information on MSP430 automotive qualified microcontrollers, visit www.ti.com/430auto-pr-lp.

MSP430 automotive qualified microcontrollers include the same support and software that developers have come to expect from all MSP430 devices. The inclusion of easy-to-use, scalable and code-compatible software, including the Grace™ software plug-in for Code Composer Studio™ IDE, helps developers speed designs and migrate to a roadmap of devices that offer more performance, memory options, greater connectivity and a higher temperature range.

Features and benefits of MSP430 automotive qualified microcontrollers:

16-bit microcontrollers priced as low as $0.30 reduce system costs and extend a vehicle's battery life and fuel efficiency
LIN software drivers allow developers to easily design LIN-based applications and products
Devices are qualified for environments up to 105 degrees Celsius ambient temperature (Grade 2 & Grade 3) allowing developers to design systems that perform in extreme conditions
MSP430G2xx and MSP430F2xx microcontroller series offer up to 16 MHz, 32 KB flash and 1024 Bytes SRAM, allowing developers to choose the best performance and memory options for their solution
Optimized efficiency with ultra-low standby power of 0.4 uA and <1 uS wake-up time as well as integrated intelligent peripherals, such as 10-bit ADCs, UART, comparator and serial communication

Tools and support for MSP430 automotive microcontrollers

TI offers robust design support for the MSP430 MCU platform along with technical documents, training, tools and software to help designers develop products and release them to market faster. Developers can get started with the MSP430 microcontroller Value Line LaunchPad development kit (MSP-EXP430G2) for $4.30 USD. It can be ordered at www.ti.com/launchpad.

Pricing and availability

MSP430 automotive microcontrollers start at $0.30 USD for 50K units and are available for sampling. Additional information on tool options and pricing can be found at www.ti.com/430auto-pr-es.

Find out more about TI's microcontrollers, tools and software:

MSP430 automotive qualified microcontrollers: www.ti.com/430auto-pr-lp
MSP430 extended temperature microcontrollers: www.ti.com/430auto-pr-et
Hercules microcontrollers for safety-critical applications: www.ti.com/hercules
Make the Switch to TI microcontrollers: www.ti.com/make-the-switch-pr-lp
TI eStore: www.ti.com/430auto-pr-es

About Texas Instruments

Texas Instruments semiconductor innovations help 80,000 customers unlock the possibilities of the world as it could be – smarter, safer, greener, healthier and more fun. Our commitment to building a better future is ingrained in everything we do – from the responsible manufacturing of our semiconductors, to caring for our employees, to giving back inside our communities. This is just the beginning of our story. Learn more at www.ti.com.

Trademarks

MSP430, C2000, Hercules, Grace and Code Composer Studio are trademarks and Stellaris is a registered trademark of Texas Instruments Incorporated. All registered trademarks and other trademarks belong to their respective owners.

SOURCE Texas Instruments Incorporated