MSP-FET: MSP-FET Flash emulator tool

Hi Neel,

The external pull-up of the RST line is required for all MSP430 devices, regardless of programmer. Generally, you'll need to follow the RST line requirements of whichever MSP430 you're using. This can be found in the datasheet for your device. A lot of helpful information on MSP debug probes can be found in the link below.

MSP Debuggers User's Guide (Rev. O) (ti.com)

Neel,

The RST pin is actually a tri-state output, not open drain. In the schematic I pointed out in a previous response, in figures 19 through 24, you can see that the RST pin of the host MCU is actually connected to a level shifter. If you'd like to read more into this issue, I'd encourage you to review the figures mentioned above, and to look into the level shifter's datasheet, which I will link below. 

SN74LVC1T45 Single-Bit Dual-Supply Bus Transceiver With Configurable Voltage Translation and 3-State Outputs datasheet (Rev. L)