The new MSP43FG461x series of devices is the first to incorporate the MSP430x architecture with an extended 1-MB memory model, allowing access to 16 times more memory compared to the 64 KB available today. New extended addressing modes allow optimal high-level code density with full backward compatibility, making it possible to develop sophisticated real-time applications completely in modular C libraries. Using the extended addressing modes, higher C code density and faster execution is achieved. This reduces the number of cycles by up to 25% when addressing peripherals, flash memory, or RAM and by more than 50% for a full context store.

As the first MSP430X device, the MSP430FG461x MCU series includes up to 120 KB of flash memory and up to 8-KB RAM. The FG461x devices are the most highly integrated MSP430 MCUs to date. These devices include a 12-channel, 200-ksps SAR, a 12-bit ADC with internal voltage reference, two 12-bit DACs with 1 µs code-to-code settling time, and three op-amps with 5-nA input leakage current consumption. Also included is a DMA controller for ultra-low-power operation with no CPU intervention, an LCD driver with a regulated charge pump, a hardware real-time clock featuring calendar and time registers, a 32-bit counter, and a universal serial communications interface including UART, IrDA, SPI, and I2C. 

The MSP430FG461x series will be available for sampling in mid-2006. In volume, the devices start at $9.45 in 1,000-piece quantities.

Texas Instruments, Inc.
www.ti.com