Texas Instruments Unveils the World's Smallest Microcontroller (MCU), 38% Smaller Than current Smallest One

Texas Instruments has introduced the MSPM0C1104, the world's smallest microcontroller, measuring just 1.38 mm² —about the size of a black pepper flake. This innovation is 38% smaller than the current smallest microcontrollers, making it ideal for compact applications like medical wearables and personal electronics.

 

Size comparison between an MSPM0C1104 and a wireless earbud

Despite its tiny size, the MSPM0C1104 is packed with features, including:

• A 24 MHz Arm Cortex-M0+ processor.
• 16 KB of flash memory and 1 KB of SRAM.
• A 12-bit analog-to-digital converter (ADC) with three channels.
• Compatibility with communication interfaces like UART, SPI, and I2C.
• Remarkable power efficiency, consuming only 87 μA/MHz when active.

This microcontroller is part of Texas Instruments' MSPM0 MCU portfolio, designed to optimize performance while minimizing board space. It’s priced competitively, starting at $0.16 per unit for bulk orders.

"In tiny systems such as earbuds and medical probes, board space is a scarce and valuable resource," said Vinay Agarwal, vice president and general manager of MSP Microcontrollers at TI. "With the addition of the world's smallest MCU, our MSPM0 MCU portfolio provides unlimited possibilities to enable smarter, more connected experiences in our day-to-day lives."

Applications

The MSPM0C1104 microcontroller, with its ultra-compact size and efficient features, is ideal for a variety of space-constrained and low-power applications. Here are some potential uses:

1. Medical Wearables: Devices like fitness trackers, glucose monitors, and hearing aids can benefit from its small size and low power consumption.
2. Personal Electronics: Compact gadgets such as earbuds, stylus pens, and electric toothbrushes can integrate this microcontroller to enhance functionality without increasing size.
3. Industrial Devices: Specialized tools requiring precise sensing and control, like portable diagnostic equipment or compact sensors, can leverage its capabilities.
4. IoT Devices: Internet of Things (IoT) applications, including smart home devices and environmental sensors, can utilize its efficient processing and communication interfaces.
5. Embedded Systems: Systems requiring minimal board space, such as drones or robotics, can incorporate this MCU for optimized performance.

Its affordability and robust feature set make it a versatile choice for engineers and developers working on innovative, space-saving designs.