MSP430 Flash Emulation Tool

Product Overview

MSP430 Flash Emulation Tool is a powerful emulation development tool – often called a debug probe – which allows users to quickly begin development on MSP low-power microcontrollers (MCU).

It supports programming and real-time debugging over both JTAG and SBW interfaces. Furthermore, the MSP-FET also provides a Backchannel UART connection between the computer’s USB interface and the MSP UART. This affords the MSP programmer a convenient method for communicating serially between the MSP and a terminal running on the computer. It also supports loading programs (often called firmware) to the MSP target using the BSL (bootstrap loader) via UART and I2C communication protocols.

The USB interface connects the MSP-FET to the computer, while the 14-pin connector provides access to the MSP debug emulation port – which consists of either a standard JTAG interface or by using the pin-saving Spy-Bi-Wire (2-wire JTAG) protocol.

Connection between the 14-pin cable and the MSP debug port is commonly handled by placing a standardized 14-pin header connector on the target board and routing the necessary emulation signals to their respective debug pins. This method provides software developers with a simple, in-system debug model.

For convenience early in the software development cycle, the MSP-FET can be used in conjunction with the MSP Target Socket boards. Along with the 14-pin debug connector, these kits provide access to pins on your MSP device, making it easy to begin software development right away, even before designing and building your own target board.

Specifications of MSP430 Flash Emulation Tool

• Software configurable supply voltage between 1.8 V and 3.6 V at 100 mA
• Supports JTAG Security Fuse blown to protect code
• Supports JTAG and SWD lock on MSP432 devices to protect code
• Supports all MSP430 boards with JTAG header
• Supports JTAG and Spy-Bi-Wire (2-wire JTAG) debug protocols
• Supports ARM JTAG and ARM SWD debug protocols

Features of MSP430 Flash Emulation Tool

• USB debugging interface to connect any MSP430 MCU to a computer for real-time, in-system programming and debugging
• Enables EnergyTrace™ technology for energy measurement and debugging on all MSP430 and MSP432 devices in the Code Composer Studio and IAR Embedded Workbench development environments
• Supports tri-state mode to show “accurate” EnergyTrace power numbers
• Includes Backchannel UART for bi-directional communication between the MSP430 and a PC.
  • This could enable simulation of inputs from sensors as well as logging of debug data while an application is running
  • MSP BootStrapLoader (BSL) interface
• Up to 4x faster read/write speeds than the previous version of the FET programmer, MSP-FET430UIF

Applications of MSP430 Flash Emulation Tool

• System-level Testing: The FET allows you to interact with the MSP430 microcontroller and its peripherals, facilitating system-level testing. You can simulate inputs and monitor outputs to verify the behavior of your application and ensure its correctness.
• Firmware Updates: The FET enables in-system firmware updates, allowing you to remotely update the microcontroller’s firmware without physically accessing the device. This feature is particularly useful in applications where the microcontroller is deployed in remote or inaccessible locations.
• Production Programming: The FET supports high-volume production programming of MSP430 microcontrollers. It enables automated programming of multiple devices, streamlining the manufacturing process.

Package includes

• MSP-FET interface module
• 14-conductor cable
• Micro USB Cable