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ADS1232REF Programming

Other Parts Discussed in Thread: ADS1232REF, ADS1232, TUSB3410

Hi,

I've bought a ADS1232REF demoboard.
My goal is to display measurements made by ads1232 (expressed in kg) on a PC software.
So, I'm trying to change the firmware, and use UART (by USB) to send measurements to the PC.

What is the best way to program the micro?
Do I need  MSP430 Parallel Port Debugging Interface, or I can use the IAR via JTAG?

Thank you for your time and patience

  • Hi Andrea,

    You really don't need to change the firmware to communicate to the device.  The ADS1232REF board uses a TUSB3410 that converts RS232 protocol to USB and acts as a virtual COM port.  You can command all the functions through a terminal program (like hyperterminal for example) and can even stream data to your computer.  This is how the current LabView GUI works. Read section 5 of the user's guide to learn about using serial commands.

    Changing the firmware can be a daunting task as the firmware is complied with GCC for MSP430 and also uses freeRTOS.  A Real Time Operating System (RTOS) has some great benefits, but can be a steep learning curve and a bit complicated.  If you are going to change the firmware, it may be easier to rewrite it  from scratch and use IAR, CCS, etc.  for programming and debugging.  To use a debugger you will need a JTAG interface module such as the MSP-FET430UIF or similar device.

    Best regards,

    Bob B

     

  • Hi Bob,


    thank you so much for your answer. Now I'm able to collect raw data with my software.
    Today, I've another simple question: How can I activate the "Configuration Mode"?
    If I press the VALUE buttons simultaneously, I'm not able to enter this mode.
    Instead, if I press the PARM buttons, I enter in this mode.
    So, is there some mismatch in my manual (sbau120a.pdf) or my firmware version is not updated (v1.1.0d)?
    Thank you in advance and sorry for my "newbie" question.

    Andrea P.

  • another one:
    I'm converting my collected raw data to "weight data" using the formula described in 2.1.1 paragraph of "ADS1232REF User's Guide":

    w = m*c + wzs - wt

    where "wt = t are weight".

    What does it means?

    Thank you for your patience.
    Regards

    Andrea P.

  • Hi Andrea,

    The user guide was updated some time ago and currently is the B version.  It can be found at this link:

    http://www.ti.com/general/docs/lit/getliterature.tsp?literatureNumber=sbau120b&fileType=pdf

    Best regards,

    Bob B

  • Hi Andrea,

    The TARE weight is anything you add to the scale that you do not want to be a part of the actual measured weight.  If you do a two point calibration, one point is no weight applied (0 reading) and the second point with calibrated weight applied.  However the calibrated system may need a tray to hold a substance (for example) to be measured.  You don't want the weight of the tray included in the measurement, so the empty tray is placed on the scale and you TARE that weight so that the scale reading becomes 0 with the tray on the scale.  In other words you subtract the weight of the item not measured so that only the substance placed in the tray shows up in the scale reading.

    Best regards,

    Bob B

  • Thank you so much Bob.

    Your help is very appreciate.

    Regards

    Andrea

  • Is there other way to do it? I'm doing a scale weight but I don't know which weight I will have at the beginning and these weight wil be my "0 Kg".

    Thanks