Non-volatile FRAM MCUs jump-start LCD-based designs
The introduction of the MSP430 MCU product family signals an expansion of Texas Instrument's portfolio of ultra-low-power MCUs with integrated LCD support on-chip. The MSP430 MCU family has been announced alongside the MSP-EXP430FR4133 LaunchPad rapid prototyping kit, providing all the advantages of non-volatile FRAM in a small memory footprint.
Designers can create flexible ultra-low-power products thanks to the 60 capacitive-touch-enabled GPIO pins included in the MSP430FR4x/FR2x MCUs. Enabling quick and easy hardware layout, the MCU featured on the MSP-EXP430FR4133 LaunchPad kit includes a segmented LCD driver with software-configurable LCD pins. An ntegrated charge pump allows the LCD contrast level to be maintained even when the MCU is in low-power modes. The LCD controller can drive up to 256 segments to support large displays used in panel meters and portable health and fitness equipment.
"The unique flexibility of TI's FRAM MCUs allowed us to partition between RAM-type memory and program memory anywhere within the FRAM and create a unique, low-cost e-ink display solution within a compact footprint,” said Don Powrie, CEO of DLP Design. “Normally, in order to get this amount of RAM, we would require a much larger MCU, thereby driving up the overall product cost."
The MSP-EXP430FR4133 LaunchPad is immediately for $13.99. MSP430FR4x MCUs with LCD support are available for immediate sampling. Production quantities of MSP430FR4x/FR2x families will be available in November starting at $1.65.
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