MSP430 Microcontroller Basics

The MSP430 is a simple 16-bit microcontroller with a compact and economical CPU containing only 27 instructions and 16 registers. It offers other advantages which make it suitable for low power applications: a rich variety of peripherals for analog input and output; rapid processing wake up time; the treatment of data and address on equal footing. Introduction to the MSP430 combines a tutorial approach with a description of the CPU and main peripherals. The tutorial builds from a basic program for lighting LEDs to the use of a timer. It uses the C programming language from the start but programs are also developed in assembly language to show how a program interacts with the hardware. To demonstrate the special features of the MSP430 full coverage is given to the instruction set, sigma-delta analog-digital converters and timers. Finally, the book gives an introduction to the MSP430 which extends the architecture to address more memory and which provides a bridge to the ARM 7 processor. Contents: 1. Embedded electronic systems and microcontrollers; 2. Texas MSP430; 3. Development; 4. A simple tour of the MSP430; 5. Architecture of the MSP430; 6. Functions, interrupts and low-power modes; 7. Digital input, output and displays; 8. Timers; 9. Mixed-signal systems: Analog input and output; 10. Communication; 11. The future: MSP430X; Appendices. *The only tutorial book on the MSP430 *Uses both C and assembly language *A CDROM containing a development kit to help the engineer and hobbyist program the MSP430. I just bought this book and almost immediately read through the first 3 chapters. The first 3 chapters are mainly an overview of the entire MSP430 family, how to read datasheets and find the information you want, and a brief history of microcontrollers in general. These first 3 chapters alone are almost invaluable when starting embedded electronics! I have skimmed through the rest of the book (and plan to read through it as soon as my homebrew programming board actually works). I found one error while reading the first section of the book, and emailed the author who promptly replied, and immediately updated the errata sheet (within about a day). This is a good sign as the author definitely cares about the book, the topic, and that the information he is providing is correct. I will definitely buy the 2nd edition if it is created! While the book tends to talk about commercially available demo-boards (though is in NO way locked into using them) the companion website is extremely useful. There, you can find the errata sheet, and a pdf with instructions on building your own demo-boards. I would highly recommend this book as it is up-to-date, extremely well written, and useful to both the beginner and the advanced embedded developer!

The MSP430 microcontroller family offers ultra-low power mixed signal, 16-bit architecture that is perfect for wireless low-power industrial and portable medical applications. This book begins with an overview of embedded systems and microcontrollers followed by a comprehensive in-depth look at the MSP430. The coverage included a tour of the microcontroller's architecture and functionality along with a review of the development environment. Start using the MSP430 armed with a complete understanding of the microcontroller and what you need to get the microcontroller up and running!

Contents: 1.Embedded Electronic Systems and Microcontrollers; 2. The Texas Instruments MSP430; 3. Development; 4. A Simple Tour of the MSP430; 5. Architecture of the MSP430 Processor; 6.Functions, Interrupts and Low-Power Modes; 7.Digital Input, Output and Displays; 8. Timers; 9. Mixed-Signal Systems: Analog Input and Output; 10. Communication; 11. The Future: MSP430X; Appendices.

*Details C and assembly language for the MSP430 *Companion Web site contains a development kit *Full coverage is given to the MSP430 instruction set, and sigma-delta analog-digital converters and timers