MCU Development Tool comes in USB stick form factor.
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Press Release Summary:
Self-powered eZ430-F2013 lets users evaluate MSP430 MCU architecture in minutes and provides developers with necessary resources to complete entire MSP430F20xx project. Using Spy bi-wire debug interface, only power and ground signal are needed to connect emulation interface and target. Product contains emulation interface board and removable MSP430F2013 target board in addition to IAR Kick Start Embedded Workbench IDE with debugger, assembler, and C compiler.
Original Press Release:
TI Redefines Ease-Of-Use with Complete $20 MCU Development Tool
HOUSTON (February 14, 2006) - Texas Instruments Incorporated (TI) (NYSE: TXN) announced today availability of the eZ430-F2013 development tool that allows both new users to evaluate the MSP430 MCU architecture in minutes and, for the first time, also gives experienced developers all the resources they need to complete an entire MSP430F20xx project from start to finish. In a compact Universal Serial Bus (USB) stick form factor, the eZ430 tool is the world's smallest complete microcontroller (MCU) development and evaluation tool available for just $20. For more information on the new eZ430-F2013 tool, see www.ti.com/ez430.
"We take our customers' time and development costs very seriously," said Mark Buccini, TI's advanced embedded controls director of marketing. "The eZ430 is not only great for fast MCU evaluation, but it is also the only full MCU development tool contained in a USB stick available today. With the eZ430, developing embedded design projects with MSP430F20xx MCUs is a snap."
eZ Development
The eZ430-F2013 tool connects to a standard PC USB port and is self-powered, requiring no extra cables or power supplies. Contained within the USB stick is an emulation interface board and an easily removable MSP430F2013 target board, which differentiates the eZ430 from other fixed-function evaluation systems. Using TI's innovative Spy bi-wire debug interface, only two signals - power and ground - are needed to connect the emulation interface and target, enabling very compact, high-performance MCU development in a low-cost environment.
The emulation board communicates with the MSP430 MCU target devices' emulation logic non-obtrusively, in-system and subject to the same electrical characteristics as the final application, which eliminates costly, time consuming intermediate steps. This board uses a TI TUSB3410 for the USB interface and a TPS77301 to provide 3V regulation to the system. The target board makes all 14 MSP430F2013 pins available on an industry standard 0.1 inch though-hole header and includes an LED for immediate development feedback.
The eZ430 tool includes a free IAR Kick Start Embedded Workbench IDE containing a debugger, assembler and C compiler. This is the same IDE currently used for all MSP430 MCUs, meaning designers can leverage existing code and expertise. To jump-start new projects, users can tap into more than 100 free C and assembler source code examples that are available from TI's website at www.ti.com/ez430.
"No Compromises" Ultra-low Power Architecture
The MSP430F2013 MCU is part of the recently introduced MSP430F20xx series, operating up to 16 MIPS in a robust failsafe environment with no external components. The MSP430F20xx series' fully programmable clock system is stable over temperature and voltage, providing wake-up from an industry-leading 500 nano-amp standby to full-speed operation in less than one micro-second. Ultra-low power combined with on-demand high-performance lets designers tune their systems to stay in standby longer so their applications conserve more power and use smaller, lower cost batteries.
Operating from 1.8 to 3.6V, MSP430F20xx MCUs allow direct battery operation and are available in a 14-pin footprint as small as 4x4mm. A choice of converters includes an analog comparator for very cost sensitive applications, a 200 kilosamples per second (KSPS), 10-bit analog to digital converter (ADC) for real-time signal processing or a 16-bit sigma-delta ADC for high-precision systems. All devices include an enhanced watchdog timer for extreme reliability, a multi-function 16-bit timer and in-system programmable flash for greater design flexibility and field upgrade capability. With 128B of RAM, a full-featured 16-bit RISC CPU and complete development in C, developers can reuse existing MSP430 instruction set architecture (ISA) libraries for faster time-to-market.
TI's MSP430 broad platform of MCUs answers market demands for ultra-low power applications including metering, portable instrumentation and intelligent sensing and enables new forms of embedded power supplies including solar, motion and heat.
eZ430 Available Today - Free at 430 Day
Order entries are open for the eZ430-F2013 tool, available for $20 from the TI e-store at www.ti.com/ez430. The new tool will be showcased at TI booth at Embedded World Nurnberg, Germany. Free eZ430-F2013 tools will be provided to attendees at the fourth annual 430 Day, to be held at more than 100 locations worldwide beginning in May 2006. This free, three-hour lunch-and-learn event provides a detailed overview of MSP430 ultra-low power architecture and application solutions, new product updates and live eZ430 demonstrations. To register and learn more about 430 Day, see www.ti.com/ez430 .
TI Enables Innovation with Broad Range of Controllers
From ultra low power MSP430 devices and 32-bit general purpose TMS470 ARM7-based MCUs to high performance TMS320C2000(TM) digital signal controllers, TI offers designers the broadest range of embedded control solutions. Designers can also accelerate their design to market by tapping into TI's complete software and hardware tools, extensive third party offerings and technical support. For more information on the broad range of TI's controllers, see www.ti.com/mcu.
About TI
Texas Instruments Incorporated provides innovative DSP and analog technologies to meet our customers' real world signal processing requirements. In addition to Semiconductor, the company's businesses include Sensors & Controls, and Educational & Productivity Solutions. TI is headquartered in Dallas, Texas, and has manufacturing, design or sales operations in more than 25 countries.
Texas Instruments is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol TXN. More information is located on the World Wide Web at www.ti.com.
TRADEMARKS
TMS320C2000 is a trademark of Texas Instruments. All other trademarks and registered trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
