32-bit microcontrollers simplify software design: their computing performance enables the use of advanced languages such as C++. With the MSPM0C1104, Texas Instruments provides a new 32-bit ARM-based MCU in a tiny package sized 2x2 mm.

From a computing point of view, the MSPM0C1104 is a classic 8-bit-replacement microcontroller. Its M0+ core can run up to 24 MHz, while up to 16 kB of flash and up to one kilobyte of random-access memory provide ample room for simple MSR tasks.

Incidentally, the 24-MHz clock can be generated by the oscillator on the chip. It achieves a 1% accuracy and helps the designer avoid external components for the clock generator part of the circuit. This leads to an even smaller overall footprint on the printed circuit board.

Regarding system design, the flowchart shown in the figure provides an overview of the various components provided by Texas Instruments.

The MSPM0C1104 provides a wide variety of hardware-accelerated peripheral devices.

One piece of hardware deserving special attention is the ADC. In the datasheet, Texas Instruments provides the following specifications. They ensure suitability for most measure and control tasks:

– One analog-to-digital converter (ADC) with up
to 10 total external channels, 1.7Msps at 10-bit
or 1.5Msps at 12-bit with VDD as the voltage
reference
– Configurable 1.4V or 2.5V internal ADC voltage
reference (VREF)

Microcontroller designers always have to balance housing size and the number of GPIO pins. On the MSPM0C1104, Texas Instruments provides several housing options, as shown in the figure below.

Texas Instruments uses advanced case designs to achieve higher integration density on the PCB.

Designers opting to use the smaller casing still have access to various GPIO functionalities, as shown in the packaging overview diagram.

Up to 6 GPIO pins remain available on the most miniature housings. Due to the family's commonality, developers seeking to get started with the MSPM0C1104 can use the LP-MSPM0C1104 development board. It houses the largest member of the family, however designs can be shifted down to smaller controllers with minimal effort.

After the Embedded World 2024 tradeshow in Nuremberg, Texas Instruments began rolling out the chip to its distributors including DigiKey. Multiple part numbers are available including LP-MSPM0C1104, corresponding to the amount of memory and the housing used. 

With the MSPM0C1104, Texas Instruments makes a solid offer to developers on 8-bit architectures. The part’s high-performance ARM core means that advanced algorithms can be implemented with reduced effort, so it’s a component that can always be recommended.