Texas Instruments Launches 46 Power-Saving Microcontrollers

Texas Instruments (TXN) recently expanded its lowest power consuming microcontroller portfolio with the launch of 46 new ultra-low-power MSP430 FRAM microcontrollers (MCUs), namely MSP430FR69x MCUs. These MCUs are now available in production quantities for USD $4.50 per 1,000 units.

MSP430FR69x MCUs integrate a combination of FRAM technology and ultra-low-power system architecture, which will enable developers to increase performance with lesser power consumption. These consist of smart analog integration, LCD controller, extended scan interface ("ESI"), a differential input analog-to-digital converter ("ADC") and expandable memory.

This perfect mix of integrated peripherals will help in the reduction of overall power consumption along with minimization of product size by removing unnecessary components in systems.

Texas Instruments’ FRAM technology offers integrated memory with dynamic separation enabling faster speeds is than flash and consumes less energy. It is a combination of speed, adjustability, and endurance of SRAM with the steadiness and dependability of flash at much lower power.

Of late, Texas Instruments is focusing on the emerging Internet of Things (IoT) and wearables market. The scope of IoT, which connects every possible electronic device, and wearables is huge for semiconductor companies. Research firms Gartner and IDC project stable growth in IoT-related spending through 2020. The scope of success depends on the ability to lower energy consumption and budgets.

Therefore, TI is in the process of invigorating its product line and most of the recent growth in the embedded business is attributable to microcontrollers, which are some of the growth facilitating products.

Leveraging the latest MCUs will enable high performance in applications with smarter solutions in metering, health and fitness wearables. Moreover, the latest products will enhance Texas Instruments’ differentiated product pipeline, thereby boosting revenue. However, Texas Instruments operates in an intensely competitive industry and companies such as Broadcom (BRCM) and Analog Devices (ADI) can pose stiff competition.

Texas Instruments reported strong second-quarter earnings that grew 37.4% sequentially and 52.6% year over year. Revenues of $3.29 billion were down 10.4% sequentially but up 8% year over year.

Texas Instruments currently holds a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). A better-ranked stock in the space is Silicon Motion Technology Corp. (SIMO) with a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy).

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