CCS + eZ430 + Chronos

The eZ430-RF Debug Interface works very well with both versions of CCSv6, free and full-licensed.
The Chronos software examples comes with two configurations, the code-size limited configuration contains precompiled libraries which reduces the code size, but still contains a lot of code and (all) Chronos functions to explore.

I would like to write my complete own software. Thus reprogramming without usage of the RF-Interface could/will be necessary.

The term ‘eZ430-RF Debug Interface’ is a little bit misleading, it is just a USB to JTAG interface necessary to program the MCU, hardwired and not over the air.

Ahh, thank you.

When I try to make a new CCS project there is nothing like eZ430. I find my Launchpad and a few things else but nothing sounds like eZ430-RF Debug Interface.

Also here (processors.wiki.ti.com/.../Licensing_-_CCS) it is said that the free license does not support eZ430. I am a little bit confused.

This may also seem somewhat confusing.

When you create a new project and select the MCU, CCS creates a (new) Target configuration which refers to the default connection "TI MSP430 USB1", this is for CCS enough to recognize your eZ430 emulator.

The Licensing page described under 'Free License' use of it; Or 90 days, Or 16KB limit, Or using the 'XDS1xx Debug Probe' but not for the eZ430. In your case you can choose between or 90 days, or 16KB limit and the XDS1xx option does not apply.

The XDSxxx Debug Probes' contain certain hardware and software components which provide you additional 'Debug' opportunities over programming the Flash memory. An overview of the various ‘Debug Probes’ can be found here: http://www.ti.com/lsds/ti/tools-software/emulators.page.

The eZ430 is like a “MSP-FET Debug Interface” but On-Board of a LaunchPad (or USB stick) and contains a certain debug probe, at least if I am correct, how it really is, I cannot find this on the TI site but perhaps Katie Pier can provide here some clarity.

Hi Katie,

Thanks for taking the time to look into this issue.

A second reason I asked your attention was that it is not entirely clear what is doing the eZ430, and certainly the eZ430-RF appears to be a debug interface via radio. Search the website does not provide clarity.

The page www.ti.com/.../emulators.page which is directly accessible from the TI main page could, in my opinion, also explain something about the eZ430(-RF) interface then you can find here all interfaces in a row.

Leo.

Hi Leo,

Thanks for pointing out that Emulators page, as this clearly needs to be updated for a few reasons (e.g. it's still pointing to MSP-FET430UIF instead of MSP-FET).

Are you aware of this new "MSP Debuggers" user's guide we just released, that explains which things have "eZ-430" and which things have "eZ-FET", among many other topics? www.ti.com/.../slau647
-Katie

Katie Pier said:

Are you aware of this new "MSP Debuggers" user's guide

Yes I am, and had it stored in a place where I can reach it directly if necessary, but ... forget it! I think this is second (specific) information, but good to have a link on the Emulators page to this. 

A tiny remark; This document contains a list of Terms and Abbreviations herein I can find the meaning eg FET or MSP-FET but not eZ or eZ430.

Leo Bosch said:

A tiny remark; This document contains a list of Terms and Abbreviations herein I can find the meaning eg FET or MSP-FET but not eZ or eZ430.

I'll send a note about this. Thanks again!

-Katie