Texas Instruments announces a new series of MCU products with enhanced edge AI capabilities.

Texas Instruments recently announced a new series of microcontrollers that significantly enhance AI capabilities at the edge. The newly released MSPM0G5187 and AM13Ex microcontrollers feature a compact AI chip called “TinyEngine Neural Network Processor.” This chip improves AI processing speed, reduces latency, and lowers power consumption.

The two latest microcontroller series are designed specifically to support AI functions on embedded device platforms. They are expected to expand the application of embedded AI across smartwatches, sensors, and other connected devices. This adds new options to Texas Instruments’ existing AI hardware and software toolset.

Ami Kai Long, Senior Vice President of TI’s Embedded Processing and DLP Products Group, said, “Texas Instruments, which invented the digital signal processor forty years ago, laid the foundation for edge AI processing,” and, “With these new products, we can easily provide edge AI capabilities for all customers and applications.”

Currently, this technology is focused on edge data processing in industrial fields, as well as real-time AI applications on sensors and machinery. In daily life, from fitness wearables, smartphones, and home appliances to automotive technology, the level of innovation continues to grow. The technology is also expanding into industrial machinery, traffic signals, drones, and agricultural equipment.

However, the high power consumption of AI remains a challenge for engineers. Many experts believe that when AI needs to process large amounts of data, it still relies on high-performance hardware or cloud computing. TI emphasizes that microprocessors based on the latest Arm Cortex technology will enable small, cost-effective edge AI applications.

The TinyEngine Neural Network Processor works in collaboration with the main processor running application code, performing local computations to minimize memory use, reduce AI inference latency by up to 90 times, and cut energy consumption by over 120 times.

The new microcontroller series supports TI’s free development environment, CCStudio Edge AI Studio, making it easier for developers to select and deploy AI and machine learning models. Currently, the MSPM0G5187 has entered mass production, while the AM13E23019 is in pre-production. Both products will be available in multiple package types and memory configurations, with full market availability expected by the end of the year.