TI Launches Low-Power MCU With Complete Signal Chain November 15, 2007
Predicting more affordable handheld measurement and monitoring systems, the MSP430FG4270 system-on-chip (SoC) microcontroller (MCU) integrates a complete signal chain for handheld medical applications. The chain includes amplification, filtering, and digital conversion. The SoC MCU also packs a comprehensive range of functions needed to design low-cost portable diagnostic equipment, i.e., personal blood pressure monitors, spirometers, pulsoximeters, and heart rate monitors. Exploiting a 16-bit RISC architecture, it provides five low-power modes with a standby power consumption of 1.1 µA, and a wake-up from standby to active mode time of less than 6 µs. Other on-chip functions include a 16-bit sigma-delta ADC with internal reference and five differential analog inputs, 12-bit DAC, two configurable op amps, a 16-bit timer, 16-bit registers, 32 I/O pins, zero-power brown-out reset, and a LCD driver with contrast control for up to 56 segments. Available in either a 48-pin SSOP or 48-pin QFN package, price is $3.78 each/10,000. TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INC., Dallas, TX. (800) 477-8924.
