Texas
Instruments has been working in manufacturing of discrete electronics since a
very long time. It manufactures almost all electronic components from
comparators to microcontrollers.
A
few years back Texas Instruments(TI) launched a new 8-bit microcontroller
development platform for hobbyists and new learners. This platform was very low
cost and came with basic set of tools to start developing small embedded
projects. It was called "The LaunchPad".
Initially
an MSP-430 based development board was launched which was priced at $2.99!!
Recently
TI has expanded the "Launchpad" line to include boards with C2000 and
ARM Cortex Series processors. There are also some new development boards with
special interface like USB and Wifi.
There
are also a number of plug-in modules available to extend the functionality of
your LaunchPad. TI calls these plug-in modules "Booster Packs". There
are Booster Packs available for Alphanumeric LCDs, capacitive touch, motors
drives and a number of different sensors.
The
Launchpad products come with an open-source code editing tool called
"Energia" and also TI's own "Code Composer Studio".
Here is an overview of the LaunchPad product line.
MSP LaunchPads
These
ultra low power LaunchPads feature the MSP430 miconcontroller and are designed
to be battery operated.
C2000 LaunchPads
The
C2000 LaunchPads are designed for real-time processing applications. They can
be used for 3-phase motor control.
Connected
LaunchPads
These
LaunchPads are for designs that require connectivity like Ethernet, USB and
Wifi. They can be used for Internet-Of-Things (IoT) applications like home
automation and smart energy.
Hercules
LaunchPads
This
series of LaunchPads is for use in development of safety critical equipments
like industrial, automotive and medical devices. They feature ARM Cortex
processors with lock-step cores and other safety features.
Here
is a link to TI's LaunchPad brochure and website.
Happy
hacking!!
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