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MSP-EXP430F5438: Programming without MSP-FET

Part Number: MSP-EXP430F5438

I have recently purchased an MSP-EXP430F5438 Experimenter's Board, and am trying to set up my environment before the board arrives. Getting into the user manual mentioned the MSP-FET for programming. Code composer has an option for programming via UART over USB. To program this board, do I need the MSP-FET listed here, or can I program it using the on board USB?

MSP-EXP430F5438 user manual here, TI purchase page here.

The original part is obsolete, but the new version of the MSP-FET emulation tool is here.

  • Hello,

    The MSP430F5438A features a Bootstrap Loader (BSL), but looking at the MSP-EXP430F5438 Experimenter's Board's schematic, I see that the BSL data pins, P1.1 and P1.2, are used for other things. The on-board USB port is connected to a TUSB3410 USB-to-Serial Bridge. You could use this connection for UART communication but not for programming.

    To answer your question, I would recommend purchasing the MSP-FET to program the device.

    Regards,

    James
  • MSP430F5438 also can be debugged/flashed by SBW with any low cost LP with eZ-FET Lite on board. For example with 5529 LP (www.ti.com/.../MSP-EXP430F5529LP) that BTW has newer (than 5438) on board target device with hardwarw USB module that you will need maybe one day.

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