Texas Instruments unveils world's smallest microcontroller, smaller than a pepper flake

Texas Instruments launches the world's smallest microcontroller, MSPM0C1104, perfect for compact gadgets.

: Texas Instruments has introduced the MSPM0C1104, measuring just 1.38 mm², which is 38% smaller than competitors' products. This microcontroller is ideal for medical devices and wearables due to its small size and impressive computing power. Featuring advanced Arm Cortex-M0+ architecture, it supports multiple communication interfaces and robust peripheral options. The device operates efficiently, consuming only 87μA/MHz when active, perfect for extending battery life in compact gadgets.

Texas Instruments announced the release of the MSPM0C1104, the world's smallest microcontroller as of 2025. At merely 1.38 mm², it parallels the size of a black pepper flake and is 38% smaller than its closest competitors. The chip is part of TI's extensive Arm Cortex-M0+ MSPM0 series. This significantly compact design matches the increasing demand for smaller and more powerful components in the tech industry, especially in wearable technology and compact consumer electronics. As noted by Skye Jacobs, the innovative device is perfect for modern design challenges.

The MSPM0C1104 employs wafer-level chip-scale package (WLCSP) technology, contributing to its unprecedentedly small size without compromising performance. This microcontroller includes a 12-bit ADC with three channels, six GPIO pins, and compatibility with communication interfaces such as UART, SPI, and I2C. Its architecture provides a maximum frequency of 24 MHz with up to 16 KB of flash memory and 1 KB of SRAM, along with an on-chip oscillator for precise operation.

The inclusion of high-performance analog peripherals stands out in this release: users benefit from a single-channel DMA, CRC-16 accelerator, and advanced temperature sensing. Digital peripherals such as a 16-bit advanced timer, two general-purpose timers, and a watchdog timer are also integrated. The microcontroller operates across a wide thermal spectrum from -40°C to 125°C and supports supply voltages between 1.62V and 3.6V.

Its power efficiency is remarkable, consuming just 87μA/MHz in active mode and 5μA in standby mode with SRAM retention, ideal for battery-powered devices demanding extended uptime. Texas Instruments provides a comprehensive ecosystem for developers, including a software development kit and tools like Zero Code Studio, facilitating the development of MCU applications without deep programming expertise.

TI also supports the MSPM0C1104 with online collateral, training programs, and forums, providing a LaunchPad development kit for practical application and development testing. The unit's price point begins at $0.16 per unit for large quantity orders, highlighting its cost-effectiveness coupled with advanced technology for widespread adoption in up-and-coming tech industries.

Sources: TechSpot, Texas Instruments

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