Day 3 of sampling the ultra-low-power MSP430FR6972 FRAM microcontroller and we have another use-case to explain the value of the scalable FRAM MCU portfolio.
Yesterday, we talked about the ability to use FRAM-based microcontrollers for data-logging and decision making as a part of a larger system, but there is still a need for wireless connectivity. Texas Instruments offers a number of solutions for adding connectivity to a system including:
RF430CL330H dynamic NFC transponder enables static tag emulation
CC3100 SimpleLink Wi-Fi networking solution
CC1101 low-power sub-1GHz RF transceiver
The solutions available within the TI portfolio may require stacks to reside on the MSP430 microcontroller, but some devices like the CC3100 Wi-Fi solution, handle the wireless stack within the device itself. Depending on stack requirements on the MCU, having a range of memory options become critical. Bluetooth, for instance, can often require 100 kB of Flash for standard connection profiles alone, while when a stack is handled on a device external to the MCU, memory can be reduced for program and data as required by the application.
FRAM microcontrollers can add value in a number of other ways that are relevant to wireless systems as well. The MSP430FR6972 MCU and other parts in the FRAM family offer more reliable firmware updates, for instance. This can be beneficial in applications where systems are located in remote or dangerous locations. With FRAM MCUs, data can be written on the fly without pre-erase, buffering, or the power consumption of typical microcontrollers. This means that software development is simpler, data is secure on power loss and battery life can be extended by limiting active time of the radio.
Once you have the required connectivity setup for your system, different peripherals are available across the FRAM microcontroller family. Depending on the needs of an application this MCU family offers multiple segment LCD driver options, ADCs of different resolution, security peripherals and more!
Example code is available for connecting the MSP430FRx microcontrollers using the protocols discussed above. To continue learning about how our scalable FRAM portfolio can simplify your development, check out the new whitepaper!