Hey there! If you’re into tech, especially the kind that fits into the tiniest of spaces, you’ll be thrilled by what Texas Instruments (TI) just announced. At the Embedded World 2025 in Nuremberg, Germany, TI introduced the MSPM0C1104, which they’re proudly calling the world’s smallest microcontroller. Imagine something as tiny as a black pepper flake—at just 1.38 mm², that’s what we’re talking about!
Microcontrollers are like compact computers that help manage small electronic devices, like wearables. TI’s latest innovation is pretty impressive. It’s powered by an Armv32-bit Cortex-M0+ CPU, running up to 24 MHz, and comes with 1KB of SRAM and 16KB of flash memory. The kicker? It’s 38% smaller than any other microcontroller out there right now.
And here’s some good news for those in the business of building electronics: this microcontroller is priced at just 20 cents per unit if you’re buying in bulk. That could really cut down costs in consumer electronics. Plus, if you’re eager to test it out, TI offers a development kit for only $5.99. Not a bad deal, right?
As consumers, we’re always looking for electronics that are packed with features but don’t break the bank. TI gets that, emphasizing the need for compact, integrated components that boost functionality without taking up more space on the circuit board. Vinay Agarwal, TI’s vice president and general manager of MSP Microcontrollers, says this new MCU opens up “unlimited possibilities to enable smarter, more connected experiences in our day-to-day lives.”
What makes the MSPM0C1104 stand out is its ability to offer seamless connectivity and intelligence. It has a 12-bit analog-to-digital converter, six general-purpose input/output pins, and works with standard communication interfaces like UART, SPI, and I2C.
Another great feature is its versatility. This microcontroller operates efficiently across a wide temperature range, from -40°C to 125°C, and it’s energy-efficient too, using only 87μA/MHz during operation and just 5μA on standby with SRAM retention. These qualities make it perfect for advanced wearable tech and other small electronic applications where space is a premium.
All in all, the MSPM0C1104’s tiny size and smart design could really shake things up in wearable tech and embedded systems. It’s exciting to think about how this might influence the next generation of devices we use every day.
