The MSP430’s 16-bit architecture reduces code size (by 50%), thus allowing for less memory use, resulting in cost savings or additional head room for more functionality to the developer. The graph on the right illustrates the advantage of the MSP430 vs. three other popular low end 8-bit architectures by looking at code size for a series of simple math functions such as add, multiply, matrix math, etc. The example on the left shows how powerful a modern instruction set is in a real-world application. The MSP430 architecture not only reduces code size and execution time, but also reduces the lines of code required for a given function. Looking at a 7-segment LED display as an example, indirect addressing with the MSP430 can display a character by writing directly to a port to illuminate the LED display with only a single line of code. In the example, data is in any CPU register, while registers R4 through R12 hold the value to be displayed. A byte look-up table decodes the character map directly, which is written directly to the port in a single instruction. Comparing the MSP430 to another 8-bit MCU, the power of a modern instruction set is seen. The MSP430 requires only 128 bits of total program and lookup table memory for the function in the example. The other 8-bit MCU requires 280 bits for the same function. Improved code density not only saves memory, but, as seen, also means less instruction cycles for a given task. What does this all mean in terms of power consumption? It is lower power than 8-bit MCUs because improved code density typically means less instruction cycles. This means the 16-bit MSP430 Value Line based solutions are inherently lower power than the low end 8-bit devices because software can complete tasks faster and more efficiently. This results in lower active currents, lower standby currents and faster wakeup times. Additionally, the faster software enables the MSP430 to stay in the Low Power Modes for longer periods, minimizing time spent in Active Mode.