MSP430-based Robot Applications

This book provides a careful explanation of the basic areas of electronics and computer architecture, along with lots of examples, to demonstrate the interface, sensor design, programming and microcontroller peripheral setup necessary for embedded systems development. With no need for mechanical knowledge of robots, the book starts by demonstrating how to modify a simple radio-controlled car to create a basic robot. The fundamental electronics of the MSP430 are described, along with programming details in both C and assembly language, and full explanations of ports, timing, and data acquisition. Further chapters cover inexpensive ways to perform circuit simulation and prototyping.

Key features include: 

• Thorough treatment of the MSP430’s architecture and functionality along with detailed application-specific guidance
• Programming and the use of sensor technology to build an embedded system
• A learn-by-doing experience

With this book you will learn:

• The basic theory for electronics design
• Analog circuits
• Digital logic
• Computer arithmetic
• Microcontroller programming
• How to design and build a working robot
• Assembly language and C programming
• How to develop your own high-performance embedded systems application using an on-going robotics application
• Teaches how to develop your own high-performance embedded systems application using an on-going robotics application
• Thorough treatment of the MSP430’s architecture and functionality along with detailed application-specific guidance.
• Focuses on electronics, programming and the use of sensor technology to build an embedded system
• Covers assembly language and C programming

Table of Contents

Chapter 1 Introduction
Chapter 2 Mechanical and Electrical Disassembly of the RC Car
Chapter 3 Beginning Electronics – Resistors, Capacitors, and Inductors
Chapter 4 Basic Electronics – Semiconductors
Chapter 5 DC Motors
Chapter 6 Inexpensive Ways to Perform Circuit Simulation
Chapter 7 Computer Logic
Chapter 8 Computer Arithmetic
Chapter 9 Introducing the MSP430 Microcontroller
Chapter 10 Getting Started with MSP430 Assembler
Chapter 11 Running Assembly Language Programs
Chapter 12 Programming the MSP430 in C
Chapter 13 System Clocking for the MSP430
Chapter 14 Parallel and Serial Input/Output Ports
Chapter 15 Timers and Counters
Chapter 16 Data Acquisition
Chapter 17 Circuit Building
Chapter 18 Using Sensors to Avoid Collisions
Chapter 19 Measuring Speed
Chapter 20 Creating High Voltage
Chapter 21 Remote Controls
Chapter 22 Troubleshooting
Chapter 23 Creating a Real-Time Operating System
Chapter 24 Putting it all Together
Appendix – Program Listing