External Clock usage on a msp430 dev tool kit

[vky]

Hi,

I'm currently working with a MSP430F417x micro controller development kit. I need to drive the microcontroller with an external clock with a frequency of 10Mhz, the datasheets and other manuals don't exactly specify how I can go about with this, although there is a connextion on the board which says XTCLK.

The 10Mhz signal is generated from an external frequency sysnthesiser which has a coax output.

I grealy appreciate any thoughts on this one especially if anyone has done something similar.

Regards,
v

 

[Topher925]

This is usually done with an external crystal and two capacitors attached to the two XTCLK pins of a microcontroller.

http://www.micahcarrick.com/files/atmega8/tutorial_2/crystal.png

http://www.micahcarrick.com/05-12-2006/avr-tutorial-clock-source.html

 

[oswaler]

ivek

Hello Vivek,

Thank you for reaching out with your question regarding using an external clock on a MSP430 development kit. I can understand your frustration with the lack of specific instructions in the datasheets and manuals.

Firstly, it is important to note that the MSP430F417x microcontroller has multiple clock sources, including an internal oscillator and external clock options. The XTCLK pin on the development kit is specifically designed for connecting an external clock source.

To use an external clock with a frequency of 10Mhz, you will need to connect the XTCLK pin to the output of your frequency synthesizer using a coaxial cable. It is important to ensure that the voltage levels of the external clock are compatible with the input requirements of the XTCLK pin.

Once the external clock is connected, you will need to configure the microcontroller to use the external clock as the source for its system clock. This can be done by setting the appropriate bits in the clock control registers.

I recommend consulting the MSP430F417x datasheet and the development kit user manual for specific instructions on configuring the microcontroller for an external clock source. Additionally, you may find it helpful to reach out to the manufacturer or other users who have experience using external clocks with this development kit.

I wish you the best of luck with your project and I hope this information helps. If you have any further questions, please don't hesitate to reach out.

Best regards,