MSP430 Step by Step

In questo libro si spiegano le basi per programmare gli MSP430 focalizzando gli esempi sul modello con memoria FRAM MSP430FR2355. Gli esempi sono scritti in linguaggio C utilizzando l'ambiente di sviluppo gratuido Code Composer Studio, fornito dalla stessa Texas Instruments.

Captitoli: I e II

3D printed PCB assembly test fixture

The design phase is the most important part within a new product development cycle. Investing enough time on it, is fundamental for good quality products. Nevertheless spending enough time in testing a new system is also as much important as the design phase. Only by testing a real system is possible to properly validate how the integration of the sub-modules are affecting each other. Last but not least, during the test phase it is possible to check how the system usability is. In this article it will be presented a 3D printed fixture to test new assembled PCBs that come back on our desk. The fixture has been designed to be flexible enough and be used in various scenarios enabling a quick PCB Assembly (PCBA) test and replacement.

Dallo schema elettrico al PCB

Realizzare un sistema elettronico, necessita il passaggio per varie fasi e un certo numero di iterazioni al fine di rendere il progetto finale quanto più funzionale possibile. Le varie fasi possono variare a seconda dell’applicazione e soprattutto se il progetto debba essere catalogato come “Maker” o “professionale”. Frequentemente in sistemi Maker, non ci si preoccupa molto della fase progettuale e si pone ad essa poco tempo. La realizzazione è spesso anche fatta velocemente al fine di realizzare pezzi unici. Quando si voglia realizzare un sistema professionale le cose cambiano. La fase progettuale diventa una fase importante della progettazione come anche la fase di test del sistema, al fine di verificare che le specifiche di progetto siano rispettate.

PCB Layout - PCB ground layer considerations

Old system assemblies, based on vacuum tubes, were often made directly on the manufacturing floor without any PCB support. With the increased signal frequency and system integration, made possible by transistors and ICs, using a PCB was a must. Nevertheless, till the 80’, regulations were not covering commercial products as they do today. EMC (Electromagnetic Compatibility) and immunity tests are today part of the system requirements that may challenge the designer during the design phase. High-speed applications, precision analog, and the regulations that the system must fulfill, make the PCB a fundamental part of the design puzzle. In this article, we will take a closer look at the PCB ground layer. Using it is very important, but sometimes it could lead to more problems than benefits...