Not only do they sell us the LaunchPad for a rediculous $4.30 but they also have a free samples program. Naturally the higher value products are either not available as a free sample or must be ordered through a sales rep. Presumably to confirm your likleyhood to return their cost in a future order but the MSP430 chips are cheap enough to be included in the program.
As I mentioned in my first post, I am a software guy. I have no experience with electronics, no training, nothing. I highly expect to break things all along the learning curve. So the first thing I added to my basket was a spare of each chip (MSP430G2211, MSP43G2231).
While poking around I also came across the MSP430F2013. The primary difference appears to be a higher resolution ADC which could be useful for an advanced feature of my next project. I stuck a pair of these into my basket for good measure. I don't know if the GPIO pins in the F series have a higher current rating than those in the G series but if they do this will definately be of use to me too. My dodgy theory behind this idea is that the G series is specifically designed to be cheap and might have more delicate internals than the F. I really need to dig through the data sheets to find out if there's any truth to this.
...or should I just plug them in and see what happens!?
You might have noticed the teensy chip in the photo above. This is the G2211, apparently I chose the wrong package variety. Look how tiny it is by comparison, there must be so much dead space inside the larger packages. Anyway, if you know of a handy resource clarifying the package codes/types please let me know. In the mean time my mistake has given me a new challenge; to program and build the smallest (physically speaking) version of Time Lord, my first project.
To get in on the free samples goodness head over to my.ti.com and create an account. It only takes a few minutes but please don't take advantage of their goodwill, as a new-to-the-scene hobbyist I would not be doing any of this without the LaunchPad and samples program.
I also got the wrong package... I figured out that when you order samples it has to say "PDIP" which is the 14-pin DIP socket type of microcontrollers...
ReplyDeleteWhat chip did you end up with instead?
ReplyDeleteI can't seem to find a PDIP package for the 2211 on TI's site. I've just added a couple of 2201 chips instead. Oddly there seems to be no difference in their specs.
Gareth,
ReplyDeleteI doubt you will blow too many chips. In the last 4 years, I've only blown 1, and it was my own fault for using a blown external power supply. :-P
And just plug them in and see what happens! I don't think that the value chips are a "cheaper" version of the F chips, but just a new version. I could be wrong though. I'm glad you discovered the F2013, it is the foundation of my projects! I love it! I just wish it had a hardware UART >.<
As far as power output from the GPIO, if you are trying to drive some higher powered stuff I would recommend using a BJT or MOSFET to drive things. Beretta has a post on this I think in his blog.
So the packages; you got a SMD chip, its a TSSOP. The other SMD package you can get is the QFN and these are very hard to solder, trust me on that. The PDIP is the standard chip you want to use, it is the only through hole package. When you get to the larger processors, just as the 55xx series, you can only use QFN or a ball grid array (BGA) which are literally impossible to hand solder (the balls are underneath the chip. It's possible though to use all of these in a hobby setting with the right tools, such as a toaster oven or a stove-top, lol.
To order the chips I recommend going to the actual product page instead of the samples store. The same packages are represented differently for different chips. For example the PDIP is represented as P when looking at the INA333, but it is represented as an N for the F2013. The only difference in specs between packages are in temperature (and sometimes power). The actual silicon used is VERY small, most of the package is used to dissipate heat and protect the silicon chip. Use sample chips carefully though, TI mentions that they specifically should not be used in actual products. Though for hobby stuff it should suffice.
I'm real happy to see the new interest in hardware! It's all real cool stuff. Keep up the good work. :-)
-NJC
NJC,
ReplyDeleteI think you're spot on with regards to the Value chips merely being a newer iteration of the F, rather than 'cheaper'. As you probably know though, they are both capable of driving an LED (with just a series resistor for good measure) so I'm good for the time being.
I've been reading and learning like a madman over the last couple of weeks. I now know what a transistor actually is and why to use it! :o) Silly I know but this is a whole new world to me.
The UART stuff is over my head at the moment but it's on the 'to do' list and your post on the subject will be one I'll be referring to when the time comes.
Somebody sent me a great link to SMD soldering (TSSOP stuff obviously, not BGA) and it looks do-able. But I have no board etching equipment so I'm limited to through hole components for the time being. I definitely want to give it a bash though.
as for the TI pin codes you will be looking for N type packages, it took me awhile to figure it out, but N or Nx will be DIP size chips.
ReplyDelete