Texas Instruments MSP-EXPCC430RF Series User manual

MSP-EXPCC430RFx Experimenter Kit
ECCN 5A002A1A
User's Guide
Literature Number: SLAU460
November 2012

Contents
1 MSP-EXPCC430RFx Experimenter Kit Overview ...................................................................... 4
1.1 Overview .................................................................................................................. 4
1.2 Kit Contents .............................................................................................................. 8
2 Getting Started With the MSP-EXPCC430RFx Experimenter Kit ................................................ 8
2.1 Hardware Preparation .................................................................................................. 8
2.2 Software Preparation ................................................................................................... 9
2.3 MSP-EXPCC430RFx User Experience ............................................................................. 10
2.4 MSP-EXPCC430RFx Firmware Applications ...................................................................... 10
2.5 CC430 Wireless Network GUI ........................................................................................ 11
3 MSP-EXPCC430RFx Experimenter Kit Hardware .................................................................... 12
3.1 MSP-EXP430F6137Rx Hardware Description ..................................................................... 12
3.2 MSP-EXP430F5137Rx Hardware Description ..................................................................... 12
3.3 Schematics ............................................................................................................. 13
3.4 PCB Layout ............................................................................................................. 17
4 MSP-EXPCC430RFx Experimenter Kit Firmware .................................................................... 19
4.1 Import Project in Code Composer Studio ........................................................................... 19
4.2 Open Project in IAR Embedded Workbench ....................................................................... 19
4.3 SimpliciTI™ RF Protocol .............................................................................................. 19
4.4 SimpliciTI Configuration for the MSP-EXPCC430RFx User Experience ....................................... 19
4.5 5xx/6xx Core Libraries ................................................................................................ 20
5 MSP-EXPCC430RFx Experimenter Kit Software ..................................................................... 20
5.1 Requirements ........................................................................................................... 20
6 References ....................................................................................................................... 20
7 Bills of Materials (BOM) ...................................................................................................... 21
2Table of Contents SLAU460–November 2012
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List of Figures
1 MSP-EXPCC430RFx Experimenter Kit – MSP-EXP430F6137Rx Base Board (Front)............................ 5
2 MSP-EXPCC430RFx Experimenter Kit – MSP-EXP430F6137Rx Base Board (Back)............................ 6
3 MSP-EXPCC430RFx Experimenter Kit – MSP-EXP430F5137Rx Satellite Board (Front) ........................ 7
4 MSP-EXPCC430RFx Experimenter Kit – MSP-EXP430F5137Rx Satellite Board (Back) ........................ 7
5 MSP-EXP430F6137Rx Base Board Hardware........................................................................ 12
6 MSP-EXP430F5137Rx Satellite Board Hardware .................................................................... 12
7 MSP-EXP430F6137Rx Base Board Schematic – Page 1 ........................................................... 13
8 MSP-EXP430F6137Rx Base Board Schematic – Page 2 ........................................................... 14
9 MSP-EXP430F6137Rx Base Board Schematic – Page 3 ........................................................... 15
10 MSP-EXP430F5137Rx Satellite Board Schematic.................................................................... 16
11 MSP-EXP430F6137Rx Base Board Layout ........................................................................... 17
12 MSP-EXP430F5137Rx Satellite Board Layout........................................................................ 18
List of Tables
1 MSP-EXP430F6137R9 Base Board (HW-V2.1) BOM................................................................ 21
2 MSP-EXP430F5137R9T Satellite Board (HW-V2.0) BOM........................................................... 25
3 MSP-EXP430F6137R4 Base Board (HW-V2.1) BOM................................................................ 26
4 MSP-EXP430F5137R4T Satellite Board (HW-V2.0) BOM........................................................... 30
3
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User's Guide
SLAU460–November 2012
MSP-EXPCC430RFx Experimenter Kit User’s Guide
1 MSP-EXPCC430RFx Experimenter Kit Overview
1.1 Overview
The MSP-EXPCC430RFx Experimenter Kit is the complete sub-GHz development platform for the CC430
devices from the MSP430™ family. The kit provides two sub-GHz wireless modules: the MSP-
EXP430F6137Rx Base Board with the CC430F6137, and the MSP-EXP430F5137Rx Satellite Board with
the CC430F5137. Out of the box, the two modules enable demonstration of a SimpliciTI™ wireless sensor
network and take full advantage of a highly-integrated LCD and PC connection. Additionally, the kit also
enables a complete development and prototyping environment to design a wireless application.
MSP430, SimpliciTI are trademarks of Texas Instruments.
All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
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Figure 1. MSP-EXPCC430RFx Experimenter Kit – MSP-EXP430F6137Rx Base Board (Front)
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Figure 2. MSP-EXPCC430RFx Experimenter Kit – MSP-EXP430F6137Rx Base Board (Back)
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Figure 3. MSP-EXPCC430RFx Experimenter Kit – MSP-EXP430F5137Rx Satellite Board (Front)
Figure 4. MSP-EXPCC430RFx Experimenter Kit – MSP-EXP430F5137Rx Satellite Board (Back)
The MSP-EXPCC430RFx Experimenter Kit is available for purchase from the TI eStore.
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Getting Started With the MSP-EXPCC430RFx Experimenter Kit www.ti.com
The MSP-EXPCC430RFx Experimenter Kit features the RF System-on-Chip CC430 devices,
CC430F6137 with LCD driver and CC430F5137. This combination of devices enables sub-GHz RF
communication on the ultra-low-power MCU platform. The CC430 devices allow for high-performance
radio with high sensitivity and excellent blocking, while minimizing the number of external components by
integrating the solution into a single-chip MCU platform.
1.2 Kit Contents
The MSP-EXPCC430RFx Experimenter Kit includes two components:
• One MSP-EXP430F6137Rx Based Board with CC430F6137, RF front end with sub-GHz chip antenna
and options for wire antenna and SMA connector, 96-segment alphanumeric LCD, on-board integrated
debugging and programming emulator, four push buttons, four LEDs, and a light sensor.
• One MSP-EXP430F5137Rx Satellite Board with CC430F5137, RF front end with sub-GHz chip
antenna, one push button, and one LED.
The CC430 devices feature an ultralow-power 16-bit microcontroller with an integrated radio core, an
optional 96-segment LCD controller, 12-bit ADC, comparator, universal serial interface (supports UART,
SPI and I2C), 32KB flash memory, and 4KB RAM memory.
2 Getting Started With the MSP-EXPCC430RFx Experimenter Kit
The following sections describe the preparation necessary to run the user experience application demo
and to start developing applications with the MSP-EXPCC430RFx Experimenter Kit
2.1 Hardware Preparation
The MSP-EXPCC430RF9 (868 MHz or 915 MHz) version of the kit is preprogrammed with firmware
operating at the 868-MHz frequency band. To comply with local regulations, ensure that the 915-MHz
version of the firmware images are programmed onto both the MSP-EXP430F6137 Base Board and the
MSP-EXP430F5137 Satellite Board before using the kits in North America (USA or Canada).
Programming of the firmware can be done using the firmware loader or the IAR or CCS software projects
included in the MSP-EXPCC430RFx User Experience Software Package (MSP-EXPCC430RFx Software
Download).
2.1.1 Program the MSP-EXP430F6137RFx Base Board
1. Set the "Debug (SBW)" switch and the "UART" switch to the "Base Board" position.
2. Set the"SW PWR" (power selector) switch to the "USB" position.
3. Connect the USB cord from the PC to the MSP-EXP430F6137RFx.
4. On the PC, browse to the folder that contains the firmware:
C:\ti\msp430\MSP-EXPCC430_UE_1_00_00_01\bin\firmware
5. Double click on the appropriate .bat file for the version of the firmware that is required (433, 868, or
915 MHz). The MSP430 Flasher tool programs the device with this firmware.
2.1.2 Program the MSP-EXP430F5137RFx Satellite Board
1. Make sure that the MSP-EXP430F5137RFx Satellite Board is connected to the Base Board.
2. Set the "Debug (SBW)" switch and the "UART" switch to the "Satellite" position.
3. Set the"SW PWR" (power selector) switch to the "USB" position.
4. Connect the USB cord from the PC to the MSP-EXP430F6137RFx.
5. On the PC, browse to the folder that contains the firmware:
C:\ti\msp430\MSP-EXPCC430_UE_1_00_00_01\bin\firmware
6. Double click on the appropriate .bat file for the version of the firmware that is required (433, 868, or
915 MHz). The MSP430 Flasher tool programs the device with this firmware.
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2.1.3 Prepare the MSP-EXPCC430RFx Experimenter Kit for Operation
2.1.3.1 Base Board MSP-EXP430F6137Rx
1. Select the power switch configuration to match the power supply in use (an external DC power supply,
batteries, or the USB connector).
2. If the batteries option is selected, insert the two AA batteries provided with the kit into the sockets on
the back on the MSP-EXP430F6137Rx base board. Observe the correct polarity (see the markings
inside the battery compartment).
3. If the USB power option is selected, connect the board to a PC using the included USB to mini-USB
cable. The USB connection also enables the PC GUI functionality.
2.1.3.2 Satellite Board MSP-EXP430F5137Rx
1. Insert the two AAA batteries that are provided with the kit into the provided battery pack. Observe the
correct polarity (see the markings inside the battery holder).
NOTE: If the board is powered by batteries or through the DC connector, the emulator is not
powered and keeps the connected target device in RESET. Therefore, the Debug (SBW)
selector must be set to the "Satellite" board for the User Experience software to operate.
2. Connect the included battery pack to the MSP-EXP430F5137Rx via the 3-pin connector CON3.
2.2 Software Preparation
The steps described in the following sections are not required for the MSP-EXPCC430RFx Experimenter
Kit stand-alone demo. For all other purposes that require PC software interaction, proper installation of the
hardware driver and the software is required. To develop applications, it is also necessary to install one of
the IDEs shown in the Tools and Software section of the MSP430 landing page www.ti.com/msp430. More
information on how to start developing applications on the MSP-EXPCC430RFx platform or with the
CC430 RF SoC devices can be found on the www.ti.com/msp-expcc430rfx.
All of the MSP-EXPCC430RFx User Experience firmware and software that is described in the following
sections is provided in both binary (executable) and source code forms, along with drivers and supporting
documentation. An installation package can be downloaded from MSP-EXPCC430RFx Software
Download. The same software package link and updates can also be found in the MSP-EXPCC430RFx
tool folder, http://www.ti.com/tool/msp-expcc430rfx. When this package is installed, all user experience
application demos are stored in the Software folder in the selected installation directory (the default
directory is C:\ti\msp430\), and the source code for the projects is installed to the src folder.
2.2.1 USB Driver
The USB driver must be installed for the PC to communicate with the MSP-EXP430F6137Rx based board
through USB. If this is the first time the MSP-EXP430F6137Rx based board is connected to the PC, install
the USB serial COM port driver located at [INSTALL_PATH]\USB_Driver\USB_Driver.exe.
NOTE: The USB drivers are integrated into the installer packages for the Code Composer Studio
IDE (version 5+) or IAR Embedded Workbench IDE (version 5.20+) and do not require a
second installation if one of these IDEs has already been installed.
2.2.2 Software Package Installation
Open the MSP-EXPCC430RFx Software Package to start the installation (MSP-EXPCC430RFx Software
Download). Accept the license agreement and specify the install path (the default path is C:\ti\msp430).
The installer populates the folder with the source code and binaries for the kit's User Experience firmware
and the PC GUI, the hardware design files, and the USB driver files.
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2.3 MSP-EXPCC430RFx User Experience
The MSP-EXPCC430RFx User Experience includes two projects:
1. Firmware applications that are pre-loaded on the MSP-EXP430F6137Rx Base Board and the MSP-
EXP430F5137Rx Satellite Board to demonstrate a stand-alone wireless network using the SimpliciTI
protocol.
2. When the Base Board is connected to the PC, the CC430 Wireless Network GUI program can be used
to enable visualization of the wireless sensor network.
2.4 MSP-EXPCC430RFx Firmware Applications
The MSP-EXPCC430RFx User Experience application forms a star network using the SimpliciTI protocol.
The Satellite Board acts as the End Device, and the Base Board acts as the Access Point. The Base
Board can connect to a PC via the USB cable and transmit information back to the CC430 Wireless
Network GUI running on the PC.
2.4.1 Access Point (AP or Hub)
The MSP-EXP430F6137Rx Base Board functions as the Access Point (also called the Hub), to create and
broadcast the star network using the SimpliciTI protocol. It allows compatible End Devices (EDs) to join
the network. The Base Board displays the status and sensor information of the devices on the network on
its LCD. The Base Board also provides its own status and sensor (temperature and light sensors)
information to the display. The Base Board captures more detailed network and device information and
provides that information to the PC GUI through the UART-USB bridge if the USB connection is enabled
between the board and the PC.
To start and operate the MSP-EXP430F6137Rx Base Board:
1. The MSP-EXP430F6137Rx Base Board displays "Access Point Up" on the LCD and starts accepting
connections from the Satellite Boards.
2. When a new ED successfully joins the network, the LCD briefly displays "Added New Device" and
resumes displaying network information.
3. When the network is active, the LCD displays the information of the AP and connected EDs. The first
digit on the LCD indicates the address of the device (a number for an ED, 'H' for the Hub or AP).
Subsequent digits show the temperature or RSSI value of the device.
4. The UP and DOWN buttons on the Base Board can be used to cycle through the device list.
5. The LEFT and DOWN buttons on the Base Board can be used to toggle the LCD to show the
temperature or the received signal strength indicator (RSSI) value from the EDs. If the AP (Hub) is
currently selected, the LCD switches between the temperature of the AP and the analog reading of the
light sensor.
2.4.2 End Device (ED)
The MSP-EXP430F5137Rx Satellite Board functions as an End Device on the star network that is created
using the SimpliciTI protocol.
1. When supplied with power, the Satellite Board seeks out compatible network broadcasts from an AP
and attempts to join the network. During this phase, the on-board LED slowly toggles on and off to
indicate each attempt.
2. After it successfully joins the network, the Satellite Board periodically measures its temperature and
transmits its heartbeat message to the AP. Each transmission is indicated by the brief pulse of the
LED.
3. Additionally, the push button can be used to transmit an Alert message, which causes the AP to show
this ED's information on the LCD. The exclamation mark (!) on the LCD also briefly turns on, further
highlighting the Alert message to the user.
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