MSP430 CrossConnect Questions and Answers
How much does CrossConnect cost?
The retail price is 150 plus VAT (if applicable).
What software is supported by CrossConnect? Can I use it with my IAR compiler?
CrossConnect supports only our own CrossWorks for MSP430 product. We have no plans to support any other vendor's compiler, so please don't ask!
Is CrossConnect a USB 1.1 or USB 2 device?
CrossConnect is a Full Speed USB 1.1 device that is compatible with USB 2 High Speed hubs.
If CrossConnect is USB 1.1, doesn't that make it slow?
No. CrossConnect is limited by the speed at which it can communicate with the target MSP430 using JTAG, especially when programming flash, not by the speed of the USB connection.
Which operating systems are supported?
CrossConnect is currently supported on the following operating systems:
- Windows XP
- Windows 2000
Which MSP430 devices does CrossConnect support?
All flash-based MSP430s using a JTAG interface. It can not support Spy-Bi-Wire debugging, for which you will need an FET430UIF.
Just how fast is CrossConnect?
CrossConnect programs the MSP430 flash at a rate of 25 kilobytes per second. However, in use you'll find that the USB device is much faster than a parallel port FET even when programming very small programs into the MSP430. The parallel port FET programmer is slow because of the method it uses to program the MSP430--it runs programs on the MSP430 to self-program the flash, but to do that it needs to calibrate the DCO, which takes time. CrossConnect does not use this method as it can reliably program the flash over JTAG and it uses a high-precision crystal to provide accurate timing.
My parallel port FET is unreliable; is CrossConnect equally unreliable?
Absolutely not! CrossConnect has been designed from the outset as a reliable means to connect to an MSP430, program, and debug it. As CrossConnect has its own high-performance microcontroller, it can provide accurate timing and signal capture, rather than relying on a jittery PC.
What are the two LEDs on the device used for?
So, what are the target power options with CrossConnect?
CrossConnect can optionally supply up to 40mA to the target board; it measures the overall power consumption of CrossConnect and the (powered) MSP430 and will shut down the onboard regulator if this exceeds 100mA to ensure that the USB is not overloaded. CrossConnect supports MSP430 powered from the USB connection (at 3.3V and up to 40mA) and also MSP430's powered locally. CrossConnect matches the JTAG signals to the voltage that the target is using. CrossConnect will warn if you try to program a device with a local power supply at less than 2.7V as this may lead to unreliable flash programming. CrossConnect can debug devices that are self-powered down to 1.8V.
Can I blow JTAG fuses with CrossConnect?
No. CrossConnect is a develoment tool, not a production tool. To blow the fuses, use a SoftBaugh Replicator or a Texas Instruments PRGS430 or GANG430.
I have some more questions that aren't answered here...
Then please contact us at techies@rowley.co.uk!