Request: Tiva Launchpad Development Motherboard

Vito Casa

Other Parts Discussed in Thread: LM3S8962

I have a request for Texas Instruments that I think others will find useful. The Tiva Launchpad is a great board (and will be just right when Ethernet is added in due course :-) ).

For small quantities the Tiva Launchpad could be plugged directly into a product. What I miss is the sort of Development Board that the LM3S9D96 or LM3S8962 gives us. Something with a display, some buttons, some LEDs, communications connectors (Ethernet, USB, etc). Of course, depending on which Launchpad is plugged in, not all features would be applicable.

We would then have an inexpensive board that could be used by hobbyists and plugged into a small volume/prototype product and a no-nonsense developboard board, which you only have to buy once per developer. This is the same concept as used by the others such as the GHI Electronics EMX Development System ( http://www.ghielectronics.com/downloads/EMX/EMX_Broch_Pinout.pdf - first page has module, second page has development board).

over 12 years ago

Jill Bensen over 12 years ago

Prodigy 160 points

I agree, and this could easily be provided by offering a booster with the nice add-ons mentioned.

Vito Casa over 12 years ago in reply to Jill Bensen

Expert 1830 points

True Jill. Either a development motherboard could be introduced or the Tiva Launchpad is effectively the motherboard and a booster board can be installed. Both achieve the aim.

Actually, this should have probably been done for the just introduced TM4C129x Development Kit. The Development Kit is already out and there are indications that a smaller board (TM4C129x Launchpad?) is coming soon. Had the smaller board plugged into a motherboard (or a booster board made) then we would have this idea implemented with better outcomes for customers (and TI).

Now that I think about it, a booster board probably is not the best idea since you want a QVGA touchscreen, several buttons and LEDs, etc. A prototyping area may be nice.

Jill Bensen over 12 years ago in reply to Vito Casa

Prodigy 160 points

Vito Casa said:

The Development Kit is already out and there are indications that a smaller board (TM4C129x Launchpad?) is coming soon.

A TM4C129x Launchpad with on-board Ethernet connector? Soon? How soon?

Jayprakash-Shet over 12 years ago in reply to Jill Bensen

Prodigy 120 points

Hi,

We do have Experimental board which fits on TI Launchpad. This board can help you to do many experiments with your Launchpads. You can have more information here - http://shoppee.iknowvations.in/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=5&products_id=6#.UoMHYOJFNOw.

Jill Bensen over 12 years ago in reply to Jayprakash-Shet

Prodigy 160 points

Like Vito I am interested in the microcontroller with built-in Ethernet, so I've ordered the DK-TM4C129X. I'd definitely like a prototyping add-on such as the above board! Thanks for the info.

I have a few questions:

Will this experimental board fit on the DK-TM4C129X at its "BOOSTER PACK 2" location? Will there be mechanical interference with parts such as the barrel connector and Speaker? If it does fit, it looks as though the board will cover up part of the J19 connector. I haven't looked into the use of J19 yet, but wonder if losing the use of it is a big drawback? What capability is lost?

Will this experimental board fit on the DK-TM4C129X at its "BOOSTER PACK 1" location? If so, which rows of pins on the DK-TM4C129X would it be fitted to? In what orientation? Would there be mechanical interference with on-board parts? If it does fit, it looks as though the board will cover up parts of the EM connector and J28. Maybe even J27. Again I haven't looked into the use of these connectors and wonder if loss of them is a big drawback, and what capability would be lost?

Thanks again for the info. Even if this booster board doesn't make sense to mate with the DK-TM4C129X, it's good to know that it's available for use with the launch pads.

Seems like an ideal situation would be a TM4C129X Launchpad which has an Ethernet connection on board and located such that it does not interfere with most existing booster packs.