LaunchPad MSP430FR2433
The MSP430FR2433 is a welcomed update of the LaunchPad MSP430G2553. The MSP430FR2433 MCU features 16 KB of FRAM and 4 KB of RAM.
The Ferroelectric Random Access Memory, or FRAM, is an interesting technology that combines fast read-write (up to 8 MHz) like RAM with data-retention like Flash. The LaunchPad comes in a redesigned box with a USB cable, a single-page leaflet and a warranty notice. |
Hardware
Software
A new release of Energia adds support for the MSP430FR2433. Similarly, embedXcode supports the MSP430FR2433, including external debugging.
More professional development relies on Code Composer Studio, based on Eclipse. Placing large arrays into FRAM instead of RAM is possible by using the specific macro PLACE_IN_FRAM. However, the FRAM is now write-protected by default, but this can be changed to write-enable with the following statement, as explained in this thread, in the MSP430FR4xx and MSP430FR2xx Family User's Guide (slau445g) data-sheet and in the msp430fr243x_framwrite_persistent.c example from slac700b. Code Editor
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Pins Map
The board features multiple SPI, I²C and Serial ports. The I²C port on pins 14 and 15 is emulated and only provides master mode.
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Conclusion
Priced at USD10, the LaunchPad MSP430FR2433 is available for a limited time at USD4.30 after redeeming a coupon.
This LaunchPad MSP430FR2433 is a welcomed update of the MSP430G2553 LaunchPad. The only limitation comes from the packages: either BGA or QFN, they feature no external legs, making really hard to solder or requiring specific tools and knowledge. Let's hope Texas Instruments or a third-party provider will release a DIP-adaptor with the MSP430FR2433 soldered on. |
Pros
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Cons
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Wrap-Up
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Links
Posted: November 18, 2017
Updated: April 10, 2018; May 09, 2018