Code composer essentials

Code composer essentials

TI recently launched Code Composer Essentials v3. This IDE’s latest version (version 3) supports all available MSP430 devices.

The new features of CCE v3 include:

- Free 16 kB code-limited version;

- Supports the large memory model (Place data>64k);

- Enhanced Compatibility with IAR C-code:

- #pragma (ISR declarations), most intrinsics.

- GDB Debugger replaced by TI proprietary debugger that allows faster single stepping;

- Hardware Multiplier libraries (16-bit and 32-bit multiplies);

- CCE v2 project support (auto convert);

- Breakpoints:

- Extended Emulation Module (EEM) support via unified breakpoint manager;

- Using of EEM (predefined Use Cases);

- Unlimited Breakpoints

Eclipse is a software development platform, developed in Java, which allows it to be used on different operating systems. One of its main features is that it is fully based on plug-ins, which gives it great versatility. Code Composer Essentials (CCE) version 3 is based on Eclipse release 3.2 (Callisto). On the market there are hundreds of plug-ins that can be added in order to enhance or optimize a particular aspect of CCE. One of the available repositories for plug-ins developed for the Eclipse is the Eclipse Plugin Central located at http://www.eclipseplugincentral.com/. This development tool has advanced capabilities to support the development of applications for the MSP430 family. Among them are the support for the use of breakpoints, either hardware or software. CCE supports code debugging activities, with support for features such as code step-by-step execution, or fast and efficient access to registers and memory locations. There is complete compatibility between the C programming language syntax used and the great diversity of code examples available.

In addition, others plug-ins are also part of the default version, the important ones being:

- Concurrent Version System (CVS): For control of code versions in production.

- Plug-in Development Environment (PDE): Relevant for those who want to expand the functionality of IDE through plug-ins.

- JUnit: Framework for code validation and test

Cce installation

Most of the installation of CCE is automated. It is only necessary to provide some user indications as to how the program installation should continue.

Request the MSP430 Teaching ROM Materials here (External Link)