Issue 133 August 2001
MSP430 News Flash:

Recognizing the Flexibility of Reprogramming

When you think of microprocessors, does TI come to mind? If you’re open to learning something new, you can start experimenting with TI’s power flash MCUs this month.

Start • MSP430F1121 • Comparatively Speaking • Battery Monitor • Dynamic Inputs • RC To The Rescue • E(OR I)IN • It's Only The Beginning • Sources & PDF

I admire people of the multi-language persuasion. Although I, like most, took classes in an alternate language, today I speak only English. The old adage, “If you don’t use it, you lose it” seems to be true, at least with respect to linguistics. In the computer world things aren’t much different. However, I’d much rather spend my time learning a new processor as opposed to, say, Chinese. No offense intended here. Attempting to learn the language of any non-English speaking ethnic group would be equally tedious to me.

When I think of microprocessors, Texas Instruments does not come to mind. When I think of TI, I think of DSPs and analog. So, when I saw a TI ad touting “lowest-power flash MCUs,” I was surprised to say the least. Although I’ve been saying it for years, “bigger isn’t always better,” I thought no one was listening.

One of the first things I look at when I investigate a new processor is the availability of low-cost development tools. I’m much more likely to get serious about a product that has this level of support. TI’s MSP430 series of processors are available in some high pin count OTP packages. Although these may be fine for larger projects after you have the basics under your belt, I generally shy away from prototyping with OTP SMT devices. With flash memory devices, a stupid coding mistake doesn’t make the device (or a PCB) a candidate for the trash. Presently, TI has some of the smaller (20-pin) MSP430 devices available using flash memory technology. In addition, a flash memory emulation tool (~$50) can be purchased for these inexpensive devices (~$2). Do these numbers catch your attention?