Using LaunchPad as a MSP-FET430UIF JTAG Programmer

Not only is the MSP-EXP430G2 LaunchPad a great development board for value-line MSP-430 microcontrollers. It is also a $4.30 JTAG programming tool, and USB Virtual COM port. Here's how to use your MSP-EXP430G2 LaunchPad instead of a MSP-FET430UIF JTAG Programmer. There are a couple of gotchas:


 * The MSP-FET430UIF JTAG Programmer implements a four-wire JTAG interface.
 * The MSP-EXP430G2 LaunchPad implements a two-wire Spy-by-Wire interface.
 * So as a result, programming speeds are slower using the MSP-EXP430G2 LaunchPad.
 * Plus, the MSP-430 on the target board must have the Spy-by-Wire capability. Some of the very old MSP-430's do not include this.  Look for the two pins SBWTCK and SBWTDIO in the chip's datasheet to be sure.

Many TI MSP-430 target boards and experimenter boards include a 14-pin connector for JTAG programming and debugging. Normally a MSP-FET430UIF JTAG Programmer would be connected to the 14-pin connector on the MSP-430 target board. Here's how to use the MSP-EXP430G2 LaunchPad instead.


 * 1) Remove the five jumpers on the MSP-EXP430G2 LaunchPad J3 connector.  This disconnects the Spy-by-Wire programmer and the USB Virtual COM port from the value-line MSP-430 on the MSP-EXP430G2 LaunchPad board.
 * 2) Connect relatively short jumper wires between the following four pins on the MSP-EXP430G2 LaunchPad, and the 14-pin Connector on the target board.



Now for a bonus: The MSP-EXP430G2 LaunchPad also includes a USB Virtual COM Port (VCP) that can be used in addition to the programming capability. The only caveat here is that it can run at a maximum of 9600 baud. To use the VCP, connect the following two additional wires.