Introduction

5.1 Introduction

The MSP50C6xx development tools gain access to the core controller via a serial scan interface called the Scanport. The basic elements needed to do de- velopment with the MSP50C6xx devices are listed below in Section 5.3. The MSP50C6xx software development tool is included with the MSP scanport in- terface (TI part #MSPSCANPORTI/F) or MSPSI.

The mask programmed MSP50C6xx devices are available in die form to sup- port large volume production quantities. The MSP50C614/605 devices are available in a 100-pin 1420 mm quad-flat pack (QFP) and the MSP50C604 is available in a 64 pin 1010 QFP for medium volume application. The MSP50P614 is an EPROM based version of the MSP50C614, and is available in a 120-pin windowed ceramic pin grid array package. This EPROM based version of the device is only available in limited quantities to support software development. Since the MSP50P614 program memory is EPROM, each per- son doing software development should have several of these PGA packaged devices.

The MSP50C6xx software development tool supports non-real-time debugging by scanning the code sequence through the MSP50C6xx scanport without programming the EPROM. However, the rate of code execution is limited by the speed of the PC parallel port. Any MSP50C6xx device can be used in this debugging mode.

The MSP50P614 EPROM must be programmed to debug the code in real time. The MSP50C6xx software development tool is used to program the EPROM, set a breakpoint, and evaluate the internal registers after the breakpoint is reached. If a change is made to the code, the code will need to be updated and programmed into another device while erasing previous devices. This cycle of programming, debugging and erasing typically requires 10±15 devices to be in the eraser at any one time, so 15±20 devices may be required to operate efficiently. The windowed PGA version of the MSP50P614 is required for this debugging mode.

It is necessary to build preproduction application boards with a zero insertion force PGA socket that allows the device to be easily changed during software development. Use the PGA package pin assignment shown in Figure 1±7. These preproduction boards also have the following requirements for the development tools to function properly. (1) a 10 pin IDC header that connects the MSP50P614 to the MSP Scanport Interface should be provided. (2) the VPP pin of the MSP50P614 must be pulled up to +5V with a diode, so the development tool can apply 12V to this pin. (3) The development tool must be allowed to toggle the reset pin without being loaded by any low impedance reset circuit. This can be accomplished by inserting a 1K ohm resister between

5-2

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Texas Instruments MSP50C614 manual Introduction

MSP50C614 specifications

The Texas Instruments MSP50C614 is a microcontroller that belongs to the MSP430 family, renowned for its low power consumption and versatile functionality. Primarily designed for embedded applications, this microcontroller is favored in various industries, including consumer electronics, industrial automation, and healthcare devices.

One of the standout features of the MSP50C614 is its ultra-low power technology, which enables it to operate in various power modes. This makes it ideal for battery-powered applications, where energy efficiency is crucial. The MSP430 architecture allows for a flexible power management system, ensuring that energy is conserved while providing robust performance.

The MSP50C614 is equipped with a 16-bit RISC CPU that delivers high performance while maintaining low power usage. With a maximum clock frequency of 16 MHz, it can execute most instructions in a single cycle, resulting in swift operation and responsive performance. This microcontroller also comes with a generous flash memory capacity, allowing developers to store large amounts of code and data conveniently.

In terms of peripherals, the MSP50C614 is highly versatile. It features a range of digital and analog input/output options, including multiple timers, GPIO ports, and various communication interfaces like UART, SPI, and I2C. This extensive set of peripherals allows for seamless integration with other components and simplifies the design of complex systems.

The integrated 12-bit Analog-to-Digital Converter (ADC) stands out as a valuable characteristic of the MSP50C614. This feature enables the microcontroller to convert physical analog signals into digital data, making it particularly useful for sensing applications and real-time monitoring.

Another noteworthy technology employed in the MSP50C614 is its support for low-voltage operations. With a broad supply voltage range, this microcontroller can function efficiently in diverse environments and is suitable for low-power applications, enhancing its practicality.

Moreover, Texas Instruments provides software support in the form of Code Composer Studio and various libraries that make it easier for developers to program and utilize the MSP50C614 effectively.

In summary, the Texas Instruments MSP50C614 microcontroller is a powerful, low-power solution equipped with the features and technologies necessary for efficient operation in a wide array of applications. Its blend of performance, flexibility, and energy efficiency makes it a popular choice among engineers and designers looking to create innovative, sustainable designs in the rapidly evolving tech landscape.