The MSP430’s peripherals have been Intelligently designed to be ultra-low power (1/3 of the current power consumption of previous technology implementations). Many of the MSP430’s intelligent peripherals can operate without CPU intervention, reducing power consumption significantly.
A/D converters
- MSP430’s ADC can work autonomously even when the CPU is turned off (LPM0 mode)
- Data Transfer Converters and DMA controllers allow the MSP430 to store samples without CPU intervention.
- With Auto Power down, the ADC automatically disables when it’s not converting, drawing no current.
Zero Power Brown Out Reset (BOR)
- The MSP430’s Zero Power BOR is always enabled, detecting low supply voltages and protecting your device from runaway code.
- BOR is essential in any application since brown out is completely unpredictable.
DAC12
- Programmable settling time for optimized power consumption – configurable to 8 or 12 bit mode
DMA
- Direct Memory Access allows data transfers from one address to another, without CPU intervention.
- Increases peripheral module throughput and reduces system power consumption.
- In particular, the DMA can move ADC data to RAM, all while the CPU remains asleep during ADC conversions.
MPY
- Hardware Multiplication does not interfere with CPU activities, and can be accessed by the DMA
- Interrupts possible through DMA at end of computation
OpAmp
- Programmable for optimized gain and bandwidth to optimize for low power applications
Timer A/Timer B
- Timer_A or Timer_B can provide accurate control over peripherals without the need for the CPU.
- Timers may be used in place of CPU during Low Power modes.
I2C module
- The MSP430 I2C module has direct control over the system clock, eliminating the requirement for the CPU.
- Thus, the CPU can remain asleep longer, while the I2C module enables the clock on its own.
USB
- Power supply systems, enable bus powered and self powered devices.
- Configurable with DMA for low power communication between devices.
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