migration to 16-bit uC - need your help for newbie

[semiconductor]

I'm so familiar with 8-bit uC such as 8051 family, PIC16F
And now, I want to migrate to 16-bit uC.

I found that, MSP430 is one of this 16-bit uC family and maybe it's good for begineer. But I don't know where to begin.

- There's so many type of MSP430xxx, which is is suit for begineer?
- Which tool (compiler) that begineer must use, I want to use Assembly language first but please recommmand me also the C tool
- What about programmer? How can I construct it on my own? I mean schematics of the programmer

Any other recommendations is welcome!

by the way, is there any others uC suppliers of 16 bit family?

Thank you in advance

 

[instruite]

Hi,

The selection of mcirocontroller is basically depending on your application
like
1) power supply voltage
2) no. of inputs and outputs (digital)
3) no. of Analog inputs
4) timers requirement
5) Memory reuirements (type, size, etc.)
6) any special requirements like PWM outputs or CAN communication

So depending on what you want choose one of the MSP series micrcontroller

The compiler and tool is availabel on TI's website
Also they have one application note which gives the circuit of programmer
try searchin on TI's website for bootstrap loader or BSL

there are many manufacturers who make 16 bit micrcontrollers like freescale, Renesas, ST, Infineon ....
and just for your information 32 bits micrcontroller are also available

 

[kieennx]

Hi semiconductor,
I think you should try dsPIC from Microchip Inc. This is a powerful 16bit microcontroller with an integrated DSP engine inside.
These MCUs is almost new because they are in mass production late of 2004 but you will be familiar with them if you had experience with PICmicro. In addition, it's much easy to get tools:
- programmer: ICD2 and some other types that you can use for PICmicro.
- compiler: MPLAB C30 is available in full-feature demo version but you can adjust time and date in your PC to use this efficien compiler longer. You can also look for compiler of Hi-Tech.

Have fun.
Kieennx.

 

[vdaniel]

I recommend you, according to my own experience and Moor's law, directly jump from 8 tov 32 bit microcontrollers.
Look, the newest members of the Philips LPC2100 family have the same prices as
their 8-bit competitors, but being much more powerful.

Varuzhan

 

[bobcat1]

Hi

Do it the easy way :

1) Goto Olimex site and purchase Msp430 development board and Jtag adaptor
use the msp430F169 board or MSP430f437 board with LCD - less the $ 50

2) Download IAR EW430 and install it

3) Go to TI site www.ti.com download some examples and run them on the board

p.s : the msp430 is easy to work with then the DSpic.

Olimex site : www.olimex.com

All the best

Bobi

 

[semiconductor]

Dear all,

I have been spend for 3 months on exploring MSP430 family of TI and dsPIC of MicroChip. Now, I decide to start my 16-bit core uC with MSP430. I found that it suits to mobile application of upper mid-range.

I also decide to do the boards from Olimex's designs by my own, it's just for hobby. But now, I'm wondering about the software for my development application. You recommend me IAR Kickstart but it limits my application's codes to 4KB (as you said above).

Is there any software over the internet that support C with unlimited codes? I've heard about GNU project which is open to all users but I'm not familiar with it.

By the way, where can I download IAR EW430?

All of your advices are warmly welcome ...

 

[bobcat1]

Hi Semi...

You decided well !

You can d\L the kik start compiler from TI site look for MSP430 KIK-START

You can also D\L 4K limited complier from IAR site WWW.IAR.COM

All the best

Bobi