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Our ES437 evaluation system for the MSP430 allows you to experiment with the features of the MSP430F437 and our SBLCDA4. It features: MSP430F437 flash processor Our custom SBLCDA4 LCD Texas Instruments RS232 interface using the MAX3221 Adjustable TPS7201 LDO for benchtop use One-cell power supply based on the TPS60310 (3.3v from one AA or AAA battery) 4 green user LEDs CR2032 coin cell supply and 3.3v capacitive charge pump JTAG header, perfect for use with our FETP or USBP (not included) Bootload header, perfect for use with our UBSL or BLMSPF (not included) 2 user switches Every MSP port pin exposed at IDC headers Large prototyping area Roomy 2Mbit SST serial flash for data logging applications DAC7512 12-bit low-power serial DAC 32kHz watch crystal

To order any of our products, you may order directly from us (Net 30 or credit card) by phone, fax or e-mail, or here via our e-store:

Part Number	Price	Description	Order
ES437-N-N-N	199.00	ES437 only	Add to Cart
ES437-UC-P-N	299.00	ES437, USBP programmer, USB cable, and SB6V	Add to Cart

• Get the FETP for parallel port JTAG programming.
• Get the USBP for USB port JTAG programming
• Get the SB6V for 6v DC lab power use.
• Get the ISOFETP for parallel port JTAG programming with 1000v isolation for power-mains projects.
• Our PWIRE prototyping wires assist with making fast, easily changed port pin connections
• Need a second RS232 interface? Use our BRS232.
• This board features our SBLCDA4 LCD.

ES437 Jenny LCD Demo (C)

ES437 UART0 Loopback Demo (C)

ES437 Serial Flash and DAC Demo (C)

ES437 Block Diagram

Q1: I accidentally loaded F13x/F14x/F15x/F16x code onto my F41x/F42x/F43x/F44x MSP430 and now it won't work. What is going on?
A1: Here is the official answer from TI:

Register address 0x56 is used for different functions on F149 and F449:

F149: DCO clock frequency control
F449: SVS/Brownout control

This means, (depending) on the value loaded to 0x56, the SVS might be set to a lower level then the actual supply voltage is, causing (periodic) Resets. This would prevent access through JTAG.

So, if this happens to you, try to max the operating voltage, hold reset, make a JTAG access and perform a mass erase to get the F1xx code out of your F4xx.

Q2: The board works fine with your sample code, but when I write my own app why does the LCD fade out?
A2: All the F4xx family need to have the OSCCAPs set correctly, but the F43x is particularly sensitive in this regard. Check out the following excerpts from the sample code:

;------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Init_Sys ;Configure modules and control registers
;------------------------------------------------------------------------------
StopWDT
mov #WDTPW+WDTHOLD,&WDTCTL ;stop Watchdog Timer

SetupFLL2
bis.b #XCAP18PF,&FLL_CTL0 ;set load capacitance for xtal
mov #10000,R15

FLL_Wait
dec R15 ;delay for FLL to lock
jnz FLL_Wait

... other code

The OSCCAPs ensures that the ACLK doesn't die, and then the delay allows the oscillator to stabilize prior to any low-power mode being entered. If you don't do both of these things, then the LF clock can die, and the MCLK will then become sourced from the DCO without the FLL working. The processor will still run code, but the LCD will no longer get clocking and will be in a static DC condition. The symptom is that the LCD will start to fade, usually from the center. This can damage the LCD over time.

Interestingly, if you touch the crystal, the LCD will darken and start to fade again. This is because you jump-start the ACLK a little by touching it, and the LCD gets a few more pulses.

As another tip, you may not experience this behavior with a particular board by leaving out the OSCCAP and delay. This DOES NOT mean that you dodged the bullet, it just means you don't have the 10% or 20% sample of ICs/PCBs that WILL be affected (ours OR yours).

As SoftBaugh continues efforts to increase features, along with ease of use, we find and consider feedback and suggestions essential to creating a better product for the customer.

Please note that if your intent is to receive technical support, or you if have general questions regarding this item, it is best to contact SoftBaugh directly, by phone or e-mail.

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