How to Use MSP432P4111 Breakout Board: Examples, Pinouts, and Specs

The MSP432P4111 Breakout Board is a development platform built around the MSP432P4111 microcontroller. This microcontroller is known for its low power consumption, high performance, and advanced features, making it ideal for a wide range of embedded systems applications. The breakout board provides easy access to the microcontroller's pins and peripherals, simplifying prototyping and testing.

• Low-power IoT devices
• Sensor interfacing and data acquisition
• Real-time control systems
• Wearable technology
• Educational and research projects in embedded systems

• Microcontroller: MSP432P4111 (ARM Cortex-M4F core)
• Operating Voltage: 1.62V to 3.7V
• Clock Speed: Up to 48 MHz
• Flash Memory: 256 KB
• SRAM: 64 KB
• GPIO Pins: 84 (configurable as digital I/O, PWM, or peripheral functions)
• Communication Interfaces:
  • 4x UART
  • 4x SPI
  • 4x I2C
• ADC: 14-bit, up to 24 channels
• Timers: 8x 16-bit timers
• Power Modes: Active, Low-Power, and Deep Sleep modes
• Debugging: Onboard JTAG/SWD interface
• Dimensions: 2.5 x 2.0 inches

The MSP432P4111 Breakout Board provides access to all the microcontroller's pins via headers. Below is a summary of the key pin functions:

1. Powering the Board:

   • Connect the VCC pin to a regulated power supply (1.62V–3.7V).
   • Ensure the GND pin is connected to the common ground of your circuit.

2. Programming the Microcontroller:

   • Use the onboard JTAG/SWD interface to program the MSP432P4111.
   • Compatible IDEs include Code Composer Studio (CCS) and Keil µVision.

3. Connecting Peripherals:

   • Use the GPIO pins to interface with sensors, actuators, or other devices.
   • Configure the pins in software for the desired function (e.g., digital I/O, ADC, PWM).

4. Using Communication Interfaces:

   • Connect UART, SPI, or I2C devices to the corresponding pins (e.g., P3.0–P3.7).
   • Configure the communication protocol in software.

5. Debugging:

   • Connect a debugger to the SWDIO and SWCLK pins for real-time debugging and monitoring.

• Voltage Levels: Ensure all connected devices operate within the MSP432P4111's voltage range (1.62V–3.7V).
• Pin Configuration: Configure each pin in software before use to avoid conflicts or damage.
• Power Consumption: Utilize the microcontroller's low-power modes to optimize energy efficiency in battery-powered applications.
• External Oscillator: For precise timing, connect an external crystal oscillator to the XTAL_IN and XTAL_OUT pins.

The MSP432P4111 Breakout Board can communicate with an Arduino UNO via UART. Below is an example of how to send data from the MSP432P4111 to the Arduino UNO:

#include "msp.h"

void UART_Init(void) {
    // Configure UART on P3.2 (TX) and P3.3 (RX)
    P3->SEL0 |= BIT2 | BIT3;  // Set P3.2 and P3.3 to UART mode
    P3->SEL1 &= ~(BIT2 | BIT3);

    EUSCI_A2->CTLW0 = EUSCI_A_CTLW0_SWRST;  // Put UART in reset state
    EUSCI_A2->CTLW0 = EUSCI_A_CTLW0_SSEL__SMCLK;  // Use SMCLK as clock source
    EUSCI_A2->BRW = 26;  // Set baud rate to 9600 (assuming 3 MHz clock)
    EUSCI_A2->MCTLW = (0 << EUSCI_A_MCTLW_OS16_OFS);  // Disable oversampling
    EUSCI_A2->CTLW0 &= ~EUSCI_A_CTLW0_SWRST;  // Release UART from reset
}

void UART_SendChar(char c) {
    while (!(EUSCI_A2->IFG & EUSCI_A_IFG_TXIFG));  // Wait for TX buffer to be ready
    EUSCI_A2->TXBUF = c;  // Send character
}

void main(void) {
    WDT_A->CTL = WDT_A_CTL_PW | WDT_A_CTL_HOLD;  // Stop watchdog timer
    UART_Init();  // Initialize UART

    while (1) {
        UART_SendChar('H');  // Send 'H' to Arduino
        UART_SendChar('i');  // Send 'i' to Arduino
        UART_SendChar('\n');  // Send newline character
        for (volatile int i = 0; i < 100000; i++);  // Delay
    }
}

void setup() {
    Serial.begin(9600);  // Initialize serial communication at 9600 baud
}

void loop() {
    if (Serial.available() > 0) {
        char received = Serial.read();  // Read data from MSP432P4111
        Serial.print("Received: ");
        Serial.println(received);  // Print received data to the Serial Monitor
    }
}

1. Microcontroller Not Responding:

   • Ensure the board is powered correctly (1.62V–3.7V).
   • Check the RESET pin to ensure it is not held low.

2. Communication Issues:

   • Verify the baud rate and communication settings match between devices.
   • Check the wiring of UART, SPI, or I2C connections.

3. Debugging Not Working:

   • Ensure the SWDIO and SWCLK pins are connected to the debugger.
   • Verify the debugger is configured for the MSP432P4111.

4. Incorrect Pin Behavior:

   • Double-check the pin configuration in your code.
   • Ensure no conflicting peripherals are assigned to the same pin.

• Can I power the board with a 5V supply? No, the MSP432P4111 operates at a maximum voltage of 3.7V. Use a voltage regulator if needed.

• What IDEs are supported? The MSP432P4111 is compatible with Code Composer Studio (CCS), Keil µVision, and IAR Embedded Workbench.

• How do I reduce power consumption? Use the microcontroller's low-power modes and disable unused peripherals in software.