RAM Usage, Adding Another Module | Texas Instruments MSP50C614

Texas Instruments C614 Synthesis Code

RAM Usage

The file MAIN.LST contains the variable RAM assignments. Do a search for BEGIN_RAM to find the start of the RAM locations.

Adding Another Module

There are three steps to adding a new module to a project. First, the project file (.RPJ) must be updated to include the ASM file (click on File ± Insert to add files to a project). Second, the RAM overlay file MAIN_RAM.IRX should be updated with the RAM required by the new module. And finally, any functions which are called from MAIN.ASM should be declared as external at the top of MAIN.ASM.

Here, the self-extracting zipfile MELP2.ZIP contains the necessary extra files to implement the N factorial (N!) function, normally referred to as N shriek. This function is called do_shriek and is in SHRIEK.ASM under the MODULES\SHRIEK directory.

Under the MELP2 directory the file MAIN.ASM should now contain the following two extra lines of code, just below the shriek4 label:

shriek4

movb a0,4 call do_shriek

To test this code, build the MELP2 project and program another P614. Set a breakpoint at shriek4 and then do a Run Internal (yellow lightning/black centipede icon). Step over (press F8) and the accumulator 00 will be 0004 after the movb instruction. Step over once more and the accumulator 00 will be 0018 after calling the do_shriek function.

Understanding the RAM Map

In the above code, the value of 4 is stored in the variable shriekvar. The list file MAIN.LST shows the location of this variable to be 0x448, which is an offset of 0x448 bytes from the beginning of the RAM at 0x000. Since the RAM window displays words of RAM the shriekvar variable is shown at (0x448/2) which is 0x224. To verify this, step over the do_shriek function and watch RAM location 0x224 change from 0000 (blue) to 0018 (red).

Modifying Files and Projects

The 614 code contains certain files which may be edited, some files which should only be edited with good reason, and a few files which should never be edited. In general:

These files may be edited

MAIN.ASM, MAIN.IRX, MAIN_RAM.IRX and FLAGS.IRX

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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.

Texas Instruments MSP50C614 manual RAM Usage, Adding Another Module, Understanding the RAM Map

Models: MSP50C614