TI Introduces the Smallest MCU

[bsder]

These MSPM0 chips are so cheap that they are starting to displace bespoke chips for things like EEPROM/ADC/DAC/etc.

The PocketBeagle 2, for example, uses an MSPM0 chip for both ADC as well as EEPROM emulation.

[cantrecallmypwd]

Arduinos (ATmega/AVR) have been steadily declining in the hobby scene because ESP32's are just about the same price but include BT and WiFi. ATmega/AVR are still fine for PIC or STM32 minimalism, but it's clear that this sort of thing is the future with immense functionality included even in the simplest, cheapest devices because of the economies-of-scale of churning out 10B-100B's.

[jasonthorsness]

It's hard to believe the tiny microprocessors can be fast and flexible enough to effectively emulate or replace application-specific chips on something modern - is this some hack unlikely to be seen outside the PocketBeagle or do you think this will become more common elsewhere?

[smarx007]

Impressive! Silly question, perhaps, but will such packages be available for PCB assembly by "retail" companies like PBCway, JLCPCB etc?

Also, is it even safe/practical to use WCSP on a PCB if the bare die is exposed to the environment? Or do they require conformal coating (or even epoxy potting?) after assembly to avoid premature faults?

[mitthrowaway2]

I'm wondering about this too. Wouldn't they end up sensitive to light?

[dragontamer]

I have liked the MSPM0 line in theory. OpAmps, Events, Arm32-bit Cortex M0+, a lot to love here.

[armx40]

How to hand solder it?

[rbanffy]

Microsurgical manipulators.