Microcontrollers suit use in energy-saving systems
Texas Instruments
MSP430AFE2xx series
Texas Instruments (TI) has announced the low-cost MSP430AFE2xx series of metrology analogue front end (AFE) ultra-low-power 16-bit microcontrollers, which allow partitioning in metering applications.
Possible metering applications include electricity meters, home automation, sub-metering and energy-saving systems, which allows flexible stand-alone measurement.
The MSP430AFE series is based on a 16-bit RISC architecture with a system frequency of 12MHz, offering three times the system speed over competing parts to drive increased functionality.
The microcontroller achieves less than 0.1 per cent error in energy accuracy over a wide dynamic range of 2400:1, enabled by three independent 24-bit sigma-delta converters supporting anti-tamper.
The MSP430AFE2xx series is also supported by multiple tools, demos and EVMs to provide several options for developers to begin evaluation and move quickly to production.
Allowing users to manage energy usage and begin saving money, the RF-capable MSP430 Energy Watchdog demo displays the electricity consumption of any plug-in appliance on an LCD display.
The programmable MSP430AFE EVM can be used to test the new MSP430AFE2xx as a calibrated electricity meter.
Additionally, the MSP-TS430PW24 target board and MSP-FET430U24 flash emulation tool can be used to program and debug the MSP430AFE devices.
The MSP430AFE2xx microcontrollers are priced from USD0.80 for 1,000 units and are immediately available.
The MSP-TS430PW24 stand-alone target board is priced at $75.
The MSP-FET430U24 flash emulation tool including software and target board is priced at $149.
The MSP430 Energy Watchdog demo and MSP430AFE EVM are available in limited quantities.
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