MSP430 intro

Development Boards MicroMod
1

I’d like to use a MSP430F147 in a project I’m working on, mainly because of the extremely low voltage/power features. Unfortunately, I have barely any experience with MSP430s (read: ‘lol noob’).

I’ve written code for, designed circuits for, and programmed Microchip PICs extensively, so MCUs are nothing foreign. The only things I’ve done with MSP430s though is extremely basic code and schematic work. So my question is: Where is a good place to start with MSP430s?

I’ve gone through a lot of stuff on TI’s website but it’s kinda overwhelming. I’d like to be able to program the MSP430 on-board at 1.8V. Are there schematics for the basic programming connections? Any recommendations for a low-cost-but-effective programmer? Anything other words of advice?

Thanks in advance.

2

It’s not worth making your own programmer/debugger with the low prices of the Olimex ones.

Leon

3

I’m not trying to make another programmer when there’s plenty out there, I’m just trying to find a programmer that’s low cost but still reliable and effective. I’m also trying to find a starting point for programming MSP430s in-circuit.

4

  1. TI’s MSP-FET430UIF is not that expensive either ($99)

  2. 1.8V is not enough for programming the FLASH. Anyway, the Programmer is capable of suppling the power too.

  3. If you provide a JTAG connector in your system, the Programmer can do in system programming as well. (Watch out for possible conflict in power supply.)

  4. Code you write in part of the FLASH can program the reset of the FLASH too. There are examples on TI web-site.

  5. You should take a closer look at MSP430F2xx devices. For example, MSP430F247 is a “new and improved” MSP430F147. Compare the specs!

  6. If you just want to try something simple, eZ430-F2013 is the way to start. For $20, you get everything you need. Programmer, MSP430F2013 with a LED on a tiny board, c-compiler/linker/debugger all included. (You need a Windows PC with USB port and CD reader.)