Texas Instruments (TI) has introduced what it claims to be “the world’s smallest microcontroller (MCU)” at Embedded World 2025, a conference held this week in Nuremberg, Germany.
The newly unveiled MSPM0C1104 measures only 1.38 mm²—about the size of a black pepper flake. TI is positioning this tiny MCU for applications in medical wearables and personal electronics, emphasizing its compact size, which is 38% smaller than its closest competitors. Additionally, the MCU will cost only 20 cents per unit in bulk orders.
Key features of the MSPM0C1104
Despite its tiny size, the MSPM0C1104 is a fully functional microcontroller. It integrates all the core components necessary for a standalone computing system, including:
Processor: A 32-bit Arm Cortex-M0+ CPU, running at up to 24 MHz.
Memory: 1KB of SRAM and up to 16KB of flash storage.
Analog and digital I/O: A 12-bit analog-to-digital converter (ADC) with three channels and six general-purpose input/output (GPIO) pins.
Communication interfaces: Support for UART, SPI, and I2C protocols, making it compatible with standard embedded system designs.
TI highlights that the accurate and high-speed on-chip analog peripherals will benefit devices requiring sensing and control capabilities, such as medical probes and compact consumer electronics.
According to TI, consumers are increasingly demanding electronic products with more features at a lower cost. “To innovate within these shrinking products, engineers are increasingly seeking compact, integrated components that enable them to add functionality while preserving board space,” the company stated in a press release.
Designed for compact, power-efficient applications
As the smallest member of TI’s MSPM0 MCU family, the MSPM0C1104 is particularly well-suited for applications where space is a critical factor, such as earbuds and medical sensors. TI states that this tiny MCU will enable smarter and more connected experiences for ultra-compact devices.
Vinay Agarwal, vice president and general manager of MSP Microcontrollers at TI, emphasized the significance of this development: “In tiny systems such as earbuds and medical probes, board space is a scarce and valuable resource. With the addition of the world’s smallest MCU, our MSPM0 MCU portfolio provides unlimited possibilities to enable smarter, more connected experiences in our day-to-day lives.”
Additionally, the MSPM0C1104 is built to operate in extreme conditions, with an operational temperature range of -40°C to 125°C. It is also designed for power efficiency, consuming just 87μA per MHz when active and as little as 5μA in standby mode while retaining SRAM data. A built-in beeper adds further versatility to its functionality.
Enabling advancements in wearables and embedded technology
The development of the MSPM0C1104 represents a significant reduction in microcontroller size, potentially impacting the design and functionality of future small electronic devices. Its specifications, including low power consumption and wide operating temperature range, suggest practical applications across various sectors, particularly in areas where space constraints are critical.
In practical terms, this new MCU will support increasingly advanced wearables and electronics, with potential applications in both the medical industry and home appliances.
Availability and comparisons with other MCUs
For developers and hobbyists interested in experimenting with this microcontroller, TI offers the MSPM0C1104 LaunchPad development kit for $5.99 via its website. While the MSPM0C1104 is currently the smallest microcontroller, it is worth noting that more powerful options are available.
For example, the Raspberry Pi RP2040, priced at $1, is significantly larger and more powerful. Supporting over 100 third-party boards, the RP2040 and its variant RP2350 offer more robust processing capabilities for developers who do not require an ultra-compact MCU.
