MSP430 FRAM

The MSP430 FRAM is a new family of FRAM embedded 16 bit Microcontrollers from Texas Instruments.

FRAM or FeRam is a non volatile memory that is one of a growing number of alternative technologies to flash.

Compared to flash, FRAM is a lower power more robust technology that is more resistant to data corruption as the ferroelectric material used to build it is highly resistant to magnetic fields and radiation, so it’s ideal for harsh environments. It also has longer data retention, faster write time and an infinite number of write-erase cycles.

Key features and benefits of the MSP430FR57xx FRAM microcontrollers

• Reduces the industry’s best active power by up to 50 percent when executing code from FRAM, operating at 100µA/MHz in active mode and 3 µA in real-time clock mode
• More than 100 trillion write cycle endurance supports continuous data logging, eliminating need for costly external EEPROM and battery-backed SRAM
• Unified memory allows developers to easily change memory partitioning between program, data and cache in software, providing inventory management and system cost savings
• Guaranteed write and data retention in all power modes ensure code safety to simplify the development process, reduce memory test costs and increase end-product reliability
• Enables reliable remote software upgrades – especially over the air – to provide cheaper, easier software upgrade paths for device manufacturers
• Integrated FRAM densities up to 16kB as well as analog and connectivity peripheral options, including 10-bit ADC, 32-bit hardware multiplier, up to five 16-bit timers and multiple enhanced SPI/I2C/UART buses
• Code compatibility across MSP platform as well as low-cost, easy-to-use tools, comprehensive documentation, user guide and code examples allow developers to get started immediately
• Simplify system development with broad compatible RF tools from TI
• Enables intelligent batteryless RF connectivity solutions

FR57XX MCUs are built on TI's advanced low power, 130nm embedded FRAM process

Devices and evaluation boards will be availible shortly from the RS website.

Links

MSP430 Family Datasheet