Re: MSP430 Compilers and Tool question

From: Mike Page (mike_at_SCRUBeclectic-CAPSweb.BLAMEco.SWENuk)
Date: 11/06/04 

Date: Sat, 06 Nov 2004 00:47:42 +0000

John wrote:
> I am looking into the MSP430 series of microcontrollers for a project.
>
> I have surveyed the tools and I found the following companies make C
> compilers for it:
>
> 1. Quadravox
> 2. IAR
> 3. Rowley & Associates
> 4. HiTech
> 5. ICC430
> 6. MSPGCC (free)
>
> Hardware/JTAG debugging toolwise I see:
>
> 1. Softbaugh (USBP(E), USBPPRO)
> 2. Elprotronic (http://www.elprotronic.com/Products.asp)
>
> What did you think of the compiler? The hardware JTAG debugging
> interfaces? Cost for the tools? (I need just one seat). IAR seems to
> expensive and overhyped.

When I started MSP430 IAR/ICC430 was the only choice. It's very good.
Little niggles (like low power mode from C) are really only due to me
not having paid for support. The version I use remains very applicable
and produces compact code. Integration with Texas's FET modules are
fine, and all I need. They provide rapid JTAG programming with a
breakpoint or two. Look them up. If you want to do anything more serious
like tracing you'll need something more expensive.

However, I seriously hope you can find a better value for money toolset.
The Texas rep suggested I look at Rowley (make of that what you will);
he didn't seem to know about mspgcc. I have used Hitech PIC compilers
and they're the best, worth a look for any target.

Best Regards,
Mike. 

-- 
Mike Page BEng(Hons) MIEE                 www.eclectic-web.co.uk
    "Ask a Liberal Democrat, while he still knows everything"

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