Texas Instruments has released a new Launchpad that uses the 16-bit MSP430F5529 MCU. This is the fastest and most capable MSP430 processor yet with a clock speed of 25 Mhz, 8KB of RAM and 128KB of Flash. The USB Launchpad supports many USB modes including CDC (communications), HID (keyboard and mouse), and MSC (mass storage).
Coupled with the CC3000 this Launchpad is a quick and easy way to start creating your own Internet of Things. I’ve already got a sample web server up and running on the Launchpad that can turn lights off and on. With just 128KB there isn’t room for a lot of html code, but with a liberal application of minify it should be possible to serve up some useful web apps straight from the Launchpad.
The latest release of Energia offers support for the MSP430F5529. It even includes a simple web server to be used with the CC3000, a couple USB examples, and more. If you’re not familiar with Energia, it’s a port of the Wiring IDE (Arduino). Aside from a few AVR specific Arduino programs, I haven’t had any trouble using Arduino libraries with Energia.
I’ll have both the USB Launchpad and the CC3000 Boosterpack in the GeekDad booth at the World Maker Faire this weekend in NYC. If you’re attending stop by for a demo and discuss some ideas of what can be done with a Launchpad with both WiFi and USB connectivity.
The USB Launchpad can be bought directly from TI for $13 when it’s back in stock. The CC3000 Boosterpack is also available (and in stock) from TI and costs $35. For a full list of capabilities and pin functions check out the MSP430F5529 Launchpad page on the TI Wiki.
GeekDad was given a USB Launchpad and a CC3000 Boosterpack for review.
There us a great comment thread about the new Launchpad over at 43oh, probably give you a few ideas
http://forum.43oh.com/topic/4349-msp430f5529-usb-launchpad/: