Understanding MSP430 Microcontroller Architecture and Applications

Posted on Jun 4, 2024 in Electronics

Architecture of MSP430 Microcontroller

Important Sections of MSP430 Microcontroller

CPU and Memory

Clock System

Peripherals of MSP430 Microcontroller

The MSP430 includes various integrated peripherals designed to handle different tasks, enhancing its functionality and application range:

Serial Communication Interfaces

Single Phase Full Bridge Inverter

A full bridge single-phase inverter is a switching device that generates a square wave AC output voltage from a DC input. It achieves this by adjusting the switching sequence of its components. The output voltage generated is of the form +Vdc, -Vdc, or 0.

Construction

The full-bridge inverter consists of four choppers, each comprising a transistor or thyristor paired with a diode. These pairs are connected in parallel: T1 with D1, T4 with D2, T3 with D3, and T2 with D4. A load (V0) is connected between the chopper pairs at points ‘AB.’ The end terminals of T1 and T4 are connected to the DC voltage source (VDC).

Working

The inverter’s operation can be understood through overdamping and underdamping concepts. When DC excitation is applied to an RLC load, the output load current takes a sinusoidal form. The reactance of the RLC load is represented in two conditions: XL and XC.

• Condition 1: Overdamped System (XL > XC): The load acts like a lagging load.
• Condition 2: Underdamped System (XL < XC): The load acts like a leading load.

Conduction Angle

The conduction angle of each switch and diode can be determined from the waveforms of V0 and I0.

At Lagging Load Condition

• Case 1: From φ to π, V0 > 0 and I0 > 0, switches S1 and S2 conduct.
• Case 2: From 0 to φ, V0 > 0 and I0 < 0, diodes D1 and D2 conduct.
• Case 3: From π + φ to 2π, V0 < 0 and I0 < 0, switches S3 and S4 conduct.
• Case 4: From π to π + φ, V0 < 0 and I0 > 0, diodes D3 and D4 conduct.

At Leading Load Condition

• Case 1: From 0 to π – φ, V0 > 0 and I0 > 0, switches S1 and S2 conduct.
• Case 2: From π – φ to π, V0 > 0 and I0 < 0, diodes D1 and D2 conduct.
• Case 3: From π to 2π – φ, V0 < 0 and I0 < 0, switches S3 and S4 conduct.
• Case 4: From 2π – φ to 2π, V0 < 0 and I0 > 0, diodes D3 and D4 conduct.
• Case 5: Prior to φ to 0, D3 and D4 conduct.

Therefore, the conduction angle of each diode is ‘φ,’ and the conduction angle of each thyristor or transistor is ‘π – φ.’

Applications

• High power applications using distorted sinusoidal waves as input.
• AC variable motor drives.
• Heating induction devices.
• Standby power supplies.

single phase full bridge

Three Phase Bridge Inverter

A basic three-phase inverter, known as a six-step bridge inverter, utilizes a minimum of six thyristors. In inverter terminology, a ‘step’ refers to the change in firing from one thyristor to the next in a specific sequence. To achieve a complete 360° cycle, each step has a 60° interval. This means the thyristors are gated at regular 60° intervals in a sequence to synthesize a three-phase AC output voltage.

Working

There are two primary gating patterns for the thyristors. In one pattern, each thyristor conducts for 180°, while in the other, each conducts for 120°. However, both patterns maintain a 60° interval between gating signals, ensuring a balanced three-phase output.

180° Conduction Mode

• Step-I: Thyristors T1, T6, and T5 conduct.
• Step-II: T1, T2, and T6 conduct (T5 turns off).
• Step-III: T1, T2, and T3 conduct (T6 turns off).
• Step-IV: T2, T3, and T4 conduct (T1 turns off).
• Step-V: T4, T3, and T5 conduct (T2 turns off).
• Step-VI: T4, T6, and T5 conduct (T3 turns off).

Conclusion

In the 180° conduction mode, each switch conducts for 180° with three switches on at any given time. This results in a smoother, more sinusoidal AC output, suitable for applications requiring high-quality waveforms. The sequence repeats every 360°, ensuring a balanced three-phase output.

120° Conduction Mode

• Step-I: T1 and T6 conduct (T2, T3, T4, T5 off).
• Step-II: T3 and T2 conduct (T1, T4, T5, T6 off).
• Step-III: T5 and T4 conduct (T1, T2, T3, T6 off).
• Step-IV: T1 and T6 conduct (T2, T3, T4, T5 off).
• Step-V: T3 and T2 conduct (T1, T4, T5, T6 off).
• Step-VI: T5 and T4 conduct (T1, T2, T3, T6 off).

Conclusion

In the 120° conduction mode, each switch conducts for 120° with two switches on at any time: one upper and one lower from different phases. This provides a balanced three-phase AC output, ideal for driving three-phase loads. The sequence repeats every 360°, ensuring continuous and efficient operation.

Set Reset Flip Flop

A set-reset flip-flop (SR flip-flop or bistable multivibrator) is an electronic device that stores binary information (0 or 1). It has two inputs: set (S) and reset (R), which control the flip-flop’s state when a clock pulse transitions from low to high.

Trigger Flip Flop

A trigger (T) flip-flop, or toggle flip-flop, is a single-input logic circuit that changes its output based on the input state. The ‘T’ stands for toggle, meaning the bit flips from 1 to 0 or 0 to 1. A clock pulse is required for operation.

Clocked Flip Flop

A clocked flip-flop is a fundamental building block in digital electronics. It acts as a single-bit memory element, storing one bit of data (0 or 1).

IC 555 as Astable Multivibrator

Working

When powered on, assuming the flip-flop is initially cleared, the inverter’s output is high. The capacitor charges through resistors R1 and R2. When the capacitor voltage exceeds 2/3 Vcc, the higher comparator’s output goes high, changing the control flip-flop’s state. Consequently, the control flip-flop’s Q output becomes low, and Q’ becomes high, making the inverter’s final output low. Simultaneously, transistor Q1 switches on, and the capacitor (C1) discharges through resistor R2. This cycle repeats, creating continuous oscillations.

Advantages

• No external triggering required.
• Simple circuit design.
• Inexpensive.
• Continuous operation.

Disadvantages

• Higher energy absorption within the circuit.
• Low energy output signal.
• Duty cycle limited to 50% or less.

Applications

• Amateur radio equipment.
• Morse code generators.
• Timer circuits.
• Analog circuits.
• TV systems.

BLDC Motor

A Brushless DC (BLDC) motor is an electric motor powered by direct current (DC) and electronically controlled without brushes.

Construction

• Stator: The stationary part, typically made of laminated steel and wound with multiple coils.
• Rotor: The rotating part, usually containing permanent magnets.
• Hall Sensors: Positioned on the stator to detect the rotor’s position for electronic commutation.

Working

The BLDC motor operates on the principle of Lorentz force, where the interaction between a magnetic field and electric current generates motion.

1. Initial Position Detection: Hall sensors detect the rotor’s position (or estimated in sensorless designs).
2. Electronic Commutation: Based on the rotor position, the controller energizes specific stator windings to create a rotating magnetic field.
3. Magnetic Interaction: The rotor magnets follow the rotating magnetic field, causing rotation.
4. Continuous Rotation: The controller continuously switches the stator windings to maintain rotation, adjusting the commutation timing based on feedback for smooth and efficient operation.

Advantages

• Efficiency: High efficiency due to the absence of brush friction and precise electronic control.
• Durability: Longer lifespan and lower maintenance as there are no brushes to wear out.
• Performance: Better speed-torque characteristics and higher power density compared to brushed DC motors.

Types

• Inrunner: Rotor is inside the stator, common in high RPM applications.
• Outrunner: Rotor is outside the stator, often used for higher torque applications.

Applications

• Automotive: Electric vehicles, power steering, HVAC systems.
• Consumer Electronics: Computer cooling fans, DVD players, drones.
• Industrial: CNC machines, robotics, conveyor systems.

BLDC motors are versatile, efficient, and offer advantages in performance, reliability, and control.

Linear Actuator Motor vs. Servo Motor