Not long ago, we brought you a post on The Invisible Technology, describing multiple routes to enabling the Internet of Things in your applications, no matter what architecture you employ. One type of architecture that helps you keep things simple is utilizing a System on Chip (SoC) solution that runs the network stack and host application in one chip. A perfect example of this architecture is the CC430 series.
Before I go over what makes CC430 great, let's get into the best part, A TOOLS SALE! We're offering a sweet new discount on these Experimenter Boards and Wireless Development Tools!
- EM430F5137RF900: Regularly $150, $50 off (SUB1A)
- EM430F6137RF900: Regularly $150, $50 off (SUB1A)
- EZ430-CHRONOS-868: Regularly $58, $30 off (SUB1B)
- EZ430-CHRONOS-915. Regularly $58, $30 off (SUB1B)
- MSP-EXPCC430RF4: Regularly $175, $15 off (SUB1C)
- MSP-EXPCC430RF9: Regularly $175, $15 off (SUB1C)
- Sub-1 GHz RF Spectrum Analyzer Tool: Regularly $249, $100 off (SUB1D)
You’re familiar with the CC430 – the 16-Bit Ultra-Low-Power MCU and CC1101 combo solution with up to 32KB Flash and 4KB RAM, AES-128, 12Bit ADC, and USCI/serial ports. Now, CC430 is joining the SimpleLink™ family of wireless products.
New to SimpleLink? SimpleLink contains a broad family of RF transceivers (compatible with MSP430), SmartRF solutions (self-contained networking devices), Range Extenders, and Wireless MCUs (like CC430). SimpleLink devices are designed to ease RF integration in your system. Let’s take a closer look at how CC430 delivers.
CC430 provides tight integration between the MCU core, peripherals, software, and Sub-1 GHz RF transceiver, which allows for highly optimized code and performance for transactions between physical & protocol layers. This configuration is ideal for small to medium RF protocol stacks where memory space can be evenly allocated for RF physical layer, RF protocol, and top-layer application.
On the hardware side, this configuration is an ideal fit for applications where physical layout size is a key priority, as it eliminates several external components. In addition, the number of components required by both the MCU and the radio in two-chip solutions can be further reduced since the components can be shared in the SoC configuration. This helps simplify PCB routing and layout considerations, providing more freedom to optimize the RF layout and the placement of the components or sensors that actually matter in applications. Ultimately, these advantages all contribute to minimizing the BOM and physical board space to fit size-constrained and cost-optimized wireless applications.
In addition to the tools listed above (for sale!!), other helpful tools to get started with CC430, include:
- SmartRF Studio: GUI for all of your wireless configuration needs
- CC430 software support for SimpliciTI, wM-Bus, DASH 7, 6LoWPAN
Want even more motivation to purchase a development tool? CC430 is going to space! Check out what these guys at KickSat are creating with CC430F5137!
Images from: http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/zacinaction/kicksat-your-personal-spacecraft-in-space
