TI inspires innovation with global ultra-low power MSP430™ MCU design contest

Bangalore (October 23, 2009) — Helping designers around the world showcase their talents, Texas Instruments Incorporated (TI) today launched the MSP430 microcontroller (MCU) Ultra-Low Power Design Challenge. Sponsored by electronic components distributor Avnet Electronics Marketing, the contest takes place October 19, 2009 to January 19, 2010. Contestants are encouraged to show “how low they can go” by submitting video demonstrations ranging from practical everyday solutions to application-specific design concepts using the world’s lowest-power MSP430 MCUs and development tools.

A panel of three judges will rate each entry on innovation and the best use of on-chip MSP430 MCU features to determine first, second and third place winners. Each will be judged equally on creativity, power efficiency and technical complexity.

More than $10,000 in cash and awards will be dispersed, and winners will be announced on or before January 29, 2010. For rules and instructions on how to enter the MSP430 Ultra-Low Power Design Challenge, and details on the design selection process, please visit www.designmsp430.com.

Contestants can get started today

Order free silicon samples at www.ti.com/msp430
Order discounted development tools and software at AvnetExpress.com, and save through January 19, 2010:

Get a 25% tool discount on any MSP430 development tool through Avnet
Get a 50% discount on the Code Composer Studio™ v4 software (a $500 value) through Avnet Electronics Marketing

TI’s broad portfolio of MCUs and software

From general purpose, ultra-low power MSP430 MCUs, to high-performance, real-time control TMS320C2000™ MCUs, and Stellaris® ARM® Cortex™-M3-based 32-bit MCUs, TI offers the broadest range of embedded control solutions. Designers can accelerate time to market by tapping into TI's complete software and hardware tools, extensive third-party offerings and technical support.

About Texas Instruments:

Texas Instruments (NYSE: TXN) helps customers solve problems and develop new electronics that make the world smarter, healthier, safer, greener and more fun. A global semiconductor company, TI innovates through design, sales and manufacturing operations in more than 30 countries. For more information, go to www.ti.com.

Trademarks

Stellaris is a registered trademark and Code Composer Studio, MSP430 and TMS320C2000 are trademarks of Texas Instruments Incorporated. ARM is a registered trademark and Cortex is a trademark of ARM Limited. All other brands or product names are the property of their respective holders