Programming microcontrolers is my passion for many years. Started from old fashion 8051,then later moved to the popular AVR family. I have planned to move to some
different microcontroler family for a long time. In the previously used microcontrolers with a very small amount of pins I missed the possibility of debuging the program in real time. I was also looking for the energy-efficient solutions for use in battery-powered applications.

When the Launchpad appeared, I found that it is the perfect answer to my needs. I was surprised that TI decided to use the DIP housing for the microprocessor, that is very great convenience for the hobbyists. To broaden my knowledge in this field I bought a book "MSP430 Microcontroller Basics" written by John Davies which explained me a lot of doubts.
Then without hesitation, I bought another of the MSP430 Launchpad with FRAM memory. The new type of memory was very noticeable when compared to conventional flash memory. Thanks for additional ic's such as accelerometer mounted on the board it makes a great opportunity for interesting projects. Personally, I have done a custom shield for Launchpad with a graphic display from Nokia 3310 cellphone.

I decided to use Launchpad for my M. Sc. thesis in which it is used as BGA soldering station with infrared radiators controller.
In the microcontroler's program I have involved almost all of the available interrupts, as for the communication I used UART based on hardware timers, I also used communication via SPI with the external thermocouple temperature converter. The MSP430 microprocessor is well suited for such applications.

I still have many other projects in my head based on MSP430.

Thanks TI!