Embedded Systems: Introduction to the MSP432 Microcontroller
This book is the first in a series of two books that teach the fundamentals of embedded systems as applied to the MSP432 of microcontroller. This first book is an introduction to computers and interfacing focusing on assembly language and C programming. The second book Embedded Systems: Real-Time Interfacing to the MSP432 Microcontroller focuses on hardware/software interfacing and the design of embedded systems. This first book is an introductory book that could be used at the college level with little or no prerequisites. An embedded system is a system that performs a specific task and has a computer embedded inside. A system is comprised of components and interfaces connected together for a common purpose. This book is an introduction to embedded systems. Specific topics include microcontrollers, fixed-point numbers, the design of software in assembly language and C, elementary data structures, programming input/output including interrupts, analog to digital conversion, digital to analog conversion. This book employs many approaches to learning. It will not include an exhaustive recapitulation of the information in data sheets. First, it begins with basic fundamentals, which allows the reader to solve new problems with new technology. Second, the book presents many detailed design examples. These examples illustrate the process of design. There are multiple structural components that assist learning. Checkpoints, with answers in the back, are short easy to answer questions providing immediate feedback while reading. Simple homework, with answers to the odd questions on the web, provides more detailed learning opportunities. The book includes an index and a glossary so that information can be searched. The most important learning experiences in a class like this are of course the laboratories. Each chapter has suggested lab assignments. More detailed lab descriptions are available on the web. Specifically for this volume, look at the lab assignments for EE319K. For Volume 2, refer to the EE445L labs. There is a web site accompanying this book http://users.ece.utexas.edu/~valvano/arm. Posted here are ARM Keil uVision and Texas Instruments Code Composer Studio projects for each of the example programs in the book. You will also find data sheets and Excel spreadsheets relevant to the material in this book. The book will cover embedded systems for ARM Cortex-M microcontrollers with specific details on the MSP432.
Why Read This Book
You should read this book if you want a hands-on, classroom-proven introduction to embedded systems using TI's MSP432: you will learn the core low-level concepts by writing C and ARM assembly, exercising timers, interrupts, ADCs and serial peripherals on real hardware.
Who Will Benefit
Students, hobbyists, or firmware engineers new to ARM Cortex-M microcontrollers who want a practical, lab-focused grounding in embedded programming and peripheral interfacing.
Level: Beginner — Prerequisites: Basic high-school math and general programming concepts are helpful; prior C exposure accelerates learning but is not strictly required.
Key Takeaways
- Write and debug ARM Cortex-M assembly and C programs targeted to the MSP432.
- Configure and use GPIO, timers, interrupts, and hardware timers for real-time tasks.
- Interface analog peripherals using the ADC and perform basic signal measurements.
- Implement UART, SPI and I2C communications for sensors and serial devices.
- Apply debugging and testing techniques using the MSP432 LaunchPad and TI toolchains.
- Understand microcontroller architecture essentials: memory map, data representation, and exception/interrupt handling.
Topics Covered
- Introduction to Embedded Systems and the MSP432 Platform
- Data Representation, Number Systems, and Basic Digital Concepts
- ARM Cortex-M Architecture and MSP432 Memory Map
- Getting Started: MSP432 LaunchPad and Development Tools (Code Composer Studio / GCC)
- ARM Assembly Language Basics for MSP432
- C Programming for Embedded Systems and Linking with Assembly
- GPIO: Digital Input and Output
- Interrupts, NVIC, and Exception Handling
- Timers, Delays, and Real-Time Event Timing
- Analog Interfacing: ADC and Data Acquisition
- Serial Communication: UART, SPI, and I2C Basics
- Simple Peripherals: PWM, Servos, and Motor Control
- Introductory System Design and Debugging Techniques
- Laboratory Exercises and Example Projects
Languages, Platforms & Tools
How It Compares
More lab-focused and pedagogical than architecture-first references like Joseph Yiu's "The Definitive Guide to ARM Cortex-M3/M4"; pairs naturally with Valvano's Volume 2, which digs deeper into real-time interfacing and system design.
