Why do I want a 430 Adapter?
With the exception of the 430-JTAG, the 430 Adapters adapt the Surface Mount Device (SMD) package of a Texas Instruments MSP430 Flash memory microcontroller part to a solderless breadboard and wire-wrap prototyping friendly Dual Inline Package (DIP). The 430 Adapter can be used as an intermediate step from the Texas Instrument MSP-430 Flash Emulation Tool (FET) to the actual printed circuit board (PCB) layout of a MSP430 circuit.
The 430 Adapters allow the circuit designer to rapidly debug their prototype designs without the cost and turnaround time of PCB prototyping layout and assembly. The FETs do provide some of that ability but they are actually circuits -- not independent MSP430 parts -- that could interfere with the design in subtle ways. By isolating the MSP430 part using a 430 Adapter, the circuit designer can control all aspects of the MSP430 part in the prototype which in turn provides confidence in the design before it goes to PCB layout and production. The 430 Adapter also eliminates the long wires or ribbon cables from the FET to the prototype circuit.
The 430-JTAG Adapter allows the 14 pin plug from the MSP-PRGS430 Serial Programmer and the MSP-FET430P120, MSP-FET430P140, MSP-FET430P410 and MSP-FET430P440 FETs to be connected to a solderless breadboard or wire-wrap prototyping system via a 9 pin Single Inline Pin (SIP) connector.
Why do the 430 Adapters come in kit form?
The 430 Adapters come in kit form for user flexibility. Some users may not want to use the pins at all and just solder wires in the pin holes. Other users may want to replace the supplied pins with longer wire-wrap posts. Also, it is easier to mount the MSP430 part when the Adapter is flat, than when it is on pins. There are detailed tutorials that explain step-by-step on how to mount the part and assemble the 430 Adapters.
I have read the 430 Adapter online tutorials and feel I don't have the time, skills, or desire to assemble a 430 Adapter, is there a service available to do this for me?
Yes, Maramil does offer assembly services for the 430 Adapters.
Do I need the 430-JTAG Adapter to use the other Adapters?
Strictly speaking no. The 430-JTAG Adapter can be used with the MSP-PRGS430 Serial Programmer and the MSP-FET430P120, MSP-FET430P140, MSP-FET430P410 and MSP-FET430P440 FETs. The 430-JTAG Adapter is a companion to any of the other 430 Adapters; it makes in-circuit programming of the MSP430 part easy. Maramil offers bundle pricing for the 430-JTAG with the other 430 Adapters. If you have purchased any of the following FETs: MSP-FET430P120, MSP-FET430P140, MSP-FET430P410 or MSP-FET430P440, you can program any MSP430 Flash part mounted on a 430 Adapter.
The MSP-FET430X110 FET does not have the 14 pin plug needed for the 430-JTAG Adapter and will require modification to make it work with the 430-JTAG.
Why do the 430-64Q, 430-80Q and 430-100Q Adapter have the part offset towards one end of the board?
This is designed to reduce the length of the analog input pin connections for signal noise reduction. There is also a ground plane under the offset end of those 430 Adapters to also help reduce signal noise in the analog connections. On non-MSP430 parts, this configuration and the ground plane probably will not provide any additional benefits.
Can the 430 Adapters be used for non-MSP430 parts?
Yes. Any SMD device that has the same footprint can use an 430 Adapter (except the 430-JTAG Adapter). The 430-64Q, 430-80Q, 430-100Q Adapters have a ground plane under the power and analog input pins inputs and were specifically designed for the pin configuration of the respective MSP430 parts. The non-MSP430 part shouldn't be adversely affected by this ground plane, but probably wouldn't benefit from it either.
The following table shows the 430 Adapter number, SMD footprint and JEDEC footprint that each 430 Adapter supports.
The 430-JTAG Adapter has limited use outside of the MSP430 family of parts.
