C2000 DSP on TI-RSLK MAX

Unlock the power of Digital Signal Processing (DSP) with the C2000 LaunchPad. While the MSP432 LaunchPad associated with the base TI-RSLK MAX is a very capable Arm Cortex M4 microcontroller, we can add a lot of additional performance by introducing the F278379D LaunchPad to the robot. This proprietary DSP core is very capable and open up new possibilities including advanced signal processing and compatibility with MATLAB programming.

The LaunchPad development board replacing the MSP432P401R is the C2000 TMS320F28379D (part number LAUNCHXL-F28379D) LaunchPad. The C2000 is a completely different architecture from the MSP432, and is much more specialized for certain applications, however as a standalone microcontroller is extremely capable. 200 MHz dual C28xCPUs and dual CLAs, 1 MB Flash, 16-bit/12-bit ADCs, comparators, 12-bit DACs, delta-sigma sinc filters, HRPWMs, eCAPs, eQEPs, CANs, and more. This LaunchPad also has two sets of BoosterPack connectors, giving more flexibility for attaching custom peripherals or plug-in modules.

In order to be attached the LAUNCHXL-F28379D board to the TI-RSLK MAX, an adapter board must be connected between the LaunchPad and the Chassis.

The adapter board is pinned out to accessible pins on the new microcontroller. For this application, the user will assemble the TI-RSLK MAX as normal but simply replace the included LaunchPad board with the Adapter board and new LaunchPad.

Summary of Solution

Texas Instruments has developed a robotics system learning kit called the TI-RSLK MAX, whose objective is to teach a wide variety of hands-on lab scenarios. The scenarios include embedded systems, first-year engineering design, intro to robotics, mechatronics, controls, IoT and connectivity, and machine learning. The goal of this design is to expand the learning kit's capabilities to address the area of Digital Signal Processing (DSP). DSP topics require hardware additions to the existing kit and the development of custom learning materials for students and faculty using the platform.

The solution is to connect a DSP board (LAUNCHXL-F28379D LaunchPad) directly to the TI-RSLK MAX's chassis and run targeted learning modules with the DSP board as well as additional plug-in modules. These modules include an obstacle avoidance demo, an obstacle avoidance + TI Audio BoosterPack demo, and an obstacle avoidance + TI Audio BoosterPack + optional Text-To-Speech demo. The final design includes a custom PCB board to adapt to the robot's size and shape, the target board's pinouts, and any additional connections that it may need.

The Audio BoosterPack adds microphone and speaker to the robot.

• To demonstrate DSP-related capabilities of the robot, audio processing was selected
• This Booster Pack adds audio input functionality from a microphone and audio output through an onboard speaker.
• Drivers are provided to ensure compatibility between the DSP LaunchPad and the Audio Booster Pack.

An optional text to speech module was also selected to demonstrate the robot can output verbal statements through the speaker.

System Block Diagram

Design considerations were around cost and size optimization.

Credits + Poster + Demo

This project is based off of a student design from the University of Florida IPPD program. In the project, the team demonstrated the use of an Adapter Board to effectively add the LAUNCHXL-F28379D to the TI-RSLK MAX. Prototype was manufactured by JLCPCB and parts sourced from Digi-Key Electronics.