1. MSP430 Ultra-Low-Power MCUs
MSP430 Senior Design
MSP430 Ultra-Low-Power MCUs
William Goh University of Florida

2. Agenda MSP430 Overview Tools Getting Started with IAR Workbench
eZ430-RF2500
Resources
Agenda

3. Ultra-low Power + High-Performance
0.1µA power down
0.8µA standby mode
250µA / 1MIPS
<1µs clock start-up
Zero-power BOR
<50nA pin leakage
Modern 16-bit RISC CPU
1K to 128KB+ ISP Flash
14- to 100-pin options
Intelligent peripherals boost performance
Embedded emulation
MSP430 - Mixed Signal Processor. The features of the MSP430 make it ideal for battery-powered measurement applications.
Ultra-low Power; The MSP430 architecture is designed specifically for ultra-low power applications. Specific operating modes are implemented to reduce power consumption and extend battery life. The real-time clock mode uses as little as 0.8µA and can transition to industry leading 250mA / MIPS full-speed active mode in less than 1µs.
Other important low-power feature such as zero-power brown-out reset (BOR) and extremely low pin leakage have enabled MSP430 customers to develop battery-based products that will last for over 10-years from the original battery!
Over 100+ MSP430 devices are available integrating from 1KB to 128KB of Flash with 14 to 100 pins that allow a perfect fit for many applications.
The MSP430 modern 16-bit RISC architecture reduces code size and allows advanced signal processing features not possible using conventional 8-bit MCUs.
Intelligent mixed-signal peripherals including bit ADC’s, comparators, DAC’s, LCD drivers and supply voltage supervisors support precision measurement. This allows applications to get implemented faster, using less code and power at lower cost.
Applications operating at lower power, with smaller packaging and higher-precision analog benefit greatly from the MSP430’s embedded emulation. No external emulator is required as the device emulates itself. JTAG is used to communicate unobtrusively with the MSP430 in application. This means that all development is done under the same condition that will be seen in the final product. Using embedded emulation projects are developed faster, with few errors and at a lower cost.

4. MSP430 vs. Microchip PIC MSP430 Ultra-low power MCU
Less code space needed
Real-time debugger
Embedded emulation
Highly integrated
Microchip PIC
Low-power but stripped down
Less integrated

5. MSP430 Roadmap 5xx-Next Gen 2xx-Catalog 1xx-Catalog 4xx-LCD
Future
Development
Sampling
Production
Device
5xx-Next Gen
25 MIPS KB
USB-RF
F5xx
F563x
USB
F5xx RF
F261x
F241x
F543x
F23x-F24x
2xx-Catalog
16 MIPS
1-120KB
500nA Stand By
F23x0
F22xx
Performance
F21x1
F21x2
F20xx
F15x-F16x
F13x-F14x
F471x7
CG461x
F12xx
1xx-Catalog
8 MIPS
1-60KB
4xx-LCD
8/16 MIPS
4-120KB
LCD Driver
Fx43x
F/C11xx
FG461x
The MSP430 is world’s most popular low-power MCU architecture with 100 compatible devices in production today.
The MSP430x1xx family was introduced in 2000 to address requirements for catalog low-power MCU applications. The F1xx family spans from the entry-level C1101 ROM device starting at $0.49, to highly integrated F16xx devices with up to 60kB of Flash / 10K RAM, 12-bit ADC, 12-bit DAC and a DMA controller. The F1xx family introduced the world’s ultra-low power Flash and is specified for operation at up to 8-MIPS from 1.8V to 3.6V. All F1xx family members are in high-volume production. Existing F1xx devices are encouraged for new designs, though no new F1xx devices are planned. Future catalog MSP430’s will be developed in the F2xx family.
The MSP430F4xx offers application specific standard products (ASSP) solutions targeted to metering and measurement equipments. The F4xx complements the F1xx family adding an LCD driver, zero power BOR on all devices and an enhanced Frequency Locked Loop (FLL) clock system. The F4xx family has the same operating characteristics as the F1xx including ultra-low power Flash operation at up to 8-MIPS from 1.8V to 3.6V. The F4xx offers a high-resolution 16-bit sigma-delta A-D converter, operational amplifiers, and other mixed-signal intelligent peripherals ideal for single-chip metering and measurement applications. Additional F4xx derivatives are planned and the family is encouraged for new designs.
The MSP430F2xx family provides twice the processing performance at half the stand-by power consumption compared to MSP430F1xx devices. The F2xx family offers enhancements that reduce overall system cost and improve reliability making these new devices an ideal roadmap solution for existing low power F1xx designs or as a launch point for new applications. The F2xx family began introduction in 2005 and will continue for the next several years.
The MSP430x5xx is planned to be previewed 1H08 and go into production 2H08. The F5xx family will be fully compatible with existing MSP430’s offering expanded memory, more speed and a variety of new peripherals.
F44x
F47x4
Fx42x
Fx42x0
F/C41x
F = Flash
C = Custom ROM
Integration

6. Most Common MSP430 in Schools…
MSP430F16x
Complete Signal Chain on Chip
Coming Soon: MSP430F26x
2xx Upgrade to F16x
The MSP430F16x/15x are 100% pin compatible and are functional extensions of the popular ‘F14x/13x series. The 64-pin footprint these device share is the most popular throughout the entire MSP430 portfolio. A complete peripheral mix provides maximum flexibility.
The F16x introduces a Direct Memory Access controller (DMA) controller that allows programmable and automatic data handling from any memory location to any memory location. The DMA frees the CPU from basic data handling improving performance in many applications by up to 10X. When combined with the integrated 12-bit ADC and two independent 12-bit DACs, a complete, very-high performance, signal chain on-chip can be implemented.
The zero-power brown out reset (BOR) provides protection against supply voltage disruptions. A programmable supply voltage supervisor is also added for very accurate supply voltage monitoring. If the supply falls below a programmed level, the device can be configured to completely reset, preventing errant operation.
The USART0 is enhanced to support full master/slave I2C operation in addition to the UART and SPI modes.

7. Ultra-low Power Activity Profile
Extended Ultra-low Power standby mode
Minimum active duty cycle
Interrupt driven performance on-demand
The MSP430 is designed specifically for battery-powered measurement applications.
The average system power consumption is the absolute lowest, without compromise in performance. The system enters and remains as long as possible in an ultra-low power standby mode and is awoke only to service interrupts as fast as possible.
Multiple oscillators are utilized to provide both an ultra-low power standby mode, and “on-demand” high-performance processing. The clock system is very flexible and allows the MSP430 to operate optimally from a single 32KHz crystal – with the internal digitally controlled oscillator (DCO) used for the CPU and high-speed peripherals.
A low frequency Auxiliary Clock (ACLK) is driven directly from a common 32KHz watch crystal with no additional external components. The ACLK enables the MSP430’s ultra-low-power standby mode (LPM3) and an embedded real-time clock function. In LPM3, the MSP430 typically consumes in the 1uA range.
The integrated high-speed DCO can source the master clock (MCLK) used by the CPU and high-speed peripherals. By design, the DCO is active and fully stable in less than 6 µs with no intermediate steps. This enables “instant on” high-performance processing – no long start-up for a second crystal or 2-speed start-up required. Because the DCO is digitally adjustable with software and hardware, stability over time and temperature are assured.
To service interrupt driven events, the software efficiently uses the 16-bit RISC CPU’s performance in very short, “burst” intervals. Transition from standby to full active is less than 6us. This results in a combination of ultra-low power consumption and very high-performance immediately when needed.
To support non-low power applications, a high-speed crystal up to 16Mhz can also be used. The device can also operate with no external crystal using only the internal DCO

8. Why Ultra-low Power Is Important
Longer battery life
Smaller products
Simpler power supplies
Less EMI simplifies PCB
Permanent battery
Reduced liability
So why is ultra-low power so important?
The most apparent benefit for low-power is realized in battery powered applications allowing the use of smaller, lower cost batteries.
Power supplies are simpler and lower cost, and in many applications direct battery supply can be used.
Generated EMI is very low because the MSP430 is so low power and can operate effectively at low-frequencies.
A benefit in battery powered applications is the idea of permanently installed batteries. By installing sealed batteries at the factory in an application such as meters, sports equipment of portable medical devices, the liability of replacement is eliminated.
With the ability to operate <1µA, products can operate from a single lithium battery for over 10-years.

9. Agenda MSP430 Learning Platform Tools
Getting Started with IAR Workbench
eZ430-RF2500
Resources
Agenda

10. IAR Embedded Workbench V3.41A
Kickstart Version – Free
4KB Limit on C code size
Unlimited assembler code size
Available from MSP430 web page
Supported by TI PIC
Baseline Version ~$795
12KB Limit on C code size
Available and supported by IAR
Full Version ~$2695
Unlimited code size
All versions support all available MSP430 devices

11. Code Composer Essentials v2.0
Professional Version – $250 University Price
Kickstart Version – FREE
8kB limit on C code
Available online
Supported by TI PIC
Supports all MSP430 devices including eZ430-F2013
Based on the Eclipse open-source platform
Free upgrade to V2.0 for existing V1.0 users
Available Today!

12. Embedded Emulation Real-time in-system debug Easy to use tools
No application resources used
Full speed execution
H/W breakpoints
Single stepping
Complex triggering
Trace capability
Easy to use tools
Spy Bi-Wire
2-wire debug interface
No pin function impact
Embedded Emulation with the MSP430
Development is in-system and subject to the exact same characteristics of the final application
Non-obtrusive especially in portable and high-pin count situations
Common user software and physical interface
Today’s applications operating at lower voltages, with tighter packaging and higher-precision analog, benefit greatly from the MSP430’s in-system emulation approach. The MSP430’s dedicated embedded emulation logic resides on the actual device itself and is accessed via industry standard JTAG using no additional system resources.
From the first day of development, firmware engineers can now unobtrusively develop and debug their embedded code with full-speed execution, breakpoints, and single steps in an application.
Embedded emulation becomes even more important with high performance mixed-signal systems that must maintain the integrity of microvolt analog signals. Signal integrity is virtually impossible with cumbersome in-circuit emulators that are sensitive to cabling crosstalk. And unlike abstract background debuggers, no time-sharing of system serial communication resources is required with embedded emulation on the MSP430.
By combining the flexibility of in-system programmable Flash memory, unobtrusive embedded emulation, and a common user interface, development time is reduced. And, should the situation arise, last minute code updates as well as remote scheduled and unscheduled upgrades can also be made.
Access to the JTAG port can be permanently disabled using a non-erasable fuse.
Spy Bi-Wire which is only available on new small pin count devices, such as the F20xx and F22xx, give you the same real time embedded emulation support but only uses two wires instead of the usual four. This allows for more pins to be used for other functioning instead of being dedicated for debugging support.
JTAG

13. USB Flash Emulation Tool (FET)
MSP430 FET: real-time debug and programming tool
Supports ALL MSP430 devices
4-wire JTAG
2-wire Spy Bi-Wire
Available with socketed target board
Example: MSP-FET430U14 = FET Interface + 14-pin target board
Supported by all MSP430 IDEs
University Pricing: $75 with board $49 interface alone

14. eZ430-F2013 Development Tool
Complete development tool that fits in your pocket
Supports MSP430F20xx devices only
MSP430F20xx devices available in DIP
Unrestricted programming and debugging
Fast, easy to use operation
Includes IAR Kickstart IDE
Supported by CCE V2
$20

15. Agenda MSP430 Day 2007 MSP430 Learning Platform Tools
Getting Started with IAR Workbench
eZ430-RF2500
Resources

16. IAR Workbench Startup screen Create new project
Click Create new project in current workspace
Create new project

17. IAR Workbench
Save Project
Add files to your project

18. IAR Workbench
Right Click on Project  Options

19. IAR Workbench
Set the appropriate settings

20. IAR Workbench Right click on project  Rebuilt All
This will compile your project

21. IAR Workbench Project  Debug
This will automatically save your project and compile and download code through JTAG.

22. IAR Workbench: Debug Mode
Click on Run

23. Agenda MSP430 Day 2007 MSP430 Learning Platform Tools
Getting Started with IAR Workbench
eZ430-RF2500
Resources

24. eZ430-RF2500. Wireless Made Easy.
Star network stack included
Includes 2 RF targets & battery expansion board
$49
Coming October ‘07
We are very proud to introduce the next generation in easy to use development tools, the eZ430-RF Following on the success of the original eZ430-F2013, TI’s best selling development tool in history, the eZ430-RF2500 is based on the high-end MSP430F2274 featuring 32k Flash, 1k RAM, 200ksps 12-bit ADC12, USCI (SPI, UART/LIN, IrDA, I2C), and 3x OpAmps and a CC2500, a 2.4 GHz, 4th Generation Low Power wireless transceiver.
18-pins selected pins on the F2274 are available on the target, 2 LEDs for visual feedback, and a push-button for user interface. Just like the original eZ430, full in-system debug is possible through the 2-wire Spy Bi-Wire interface, however, this features a next generation emulator which features a driverless installation. The entire system ready to go within seconds of being plugged into your PC without the need to install any software. Also, the emulator has been enhanced to allow communication from the F2274 target through USB to a virtual COM port. So it will be possible to have a wireless system collecting data which can transmit it back to your PC which can be displayed in a real application with your debugger closed.
SimpliciTI, a full, low power, star network stack will be available for the tool and will support various low power modes, network coordinators, range extenders and end devices. A temperature sensor network demonstration application will come with the tool showing the capability and provide a starting point for you to being your wireless applications.
At $49 USD, the eZ430-RF2500 will include one emulator and target board with an enclosure and an additional target board with a battery expansion board for immediate deployment. This is the lowest priced RF development tool on the market and standalone target boards (eZ430-RF2500T) will also be available by launch time.
Note: Pictured above are early prototypes. Final hardware will vary in color and include an enclosure.

25. eZ430-RF2500 Battery Board

26. Agenda MSP430 Learning Platform Tools
Getting Started with IAR Workbench
eZ430-RF2500
Resources
Agenda

28. Important Documents Datasheets User Guide 1xx 2xx 4xx Code Example
Technical Documents for every device
User Guide
How to use MSP430 guide
Divided into families
1xx
2xx
4xx
Code Example
Code examples by family products.
Application Notes
Sample applications on interfacing an MSP430
Use it!

29. Tools Link

30. Obtaining Samples? www.ti.com/msp430
Type “msp430fxxxx” in “Part Number”

31. designmsp430.com Website for 2006 MSP430 Design Contest
~100 complete designs available online to review and download
Repository for student projects or research topics
Project Submission will reopen shortly for MSP430 community development
Eligible for ’07 Design Contest
Several student design projects submitted

32. Summary I hear, I forget; I see, I remember;
I do, I understand. Confucius
MSP430 – easy to use tools and intuitive architecture turns academic theory into real world practice