User`s guide

System
1.8V
LDO
3.3V
LDO
+5V VBUS
VUSB
Transceiver
Transceiver & PLL
VBUS
USB Module
Other
MSP430
PMM
DVCC
3.3V
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MSP430 USB Hardware Design
The following sections comment on this reference design. They are not intended as a comprehensive
guide to good USB design, but rather they address issues specific to MSP430 MCUs. Many good industry
resources exist for USB layout and shielding recommendations.
4.2 Selecting a Power Configuration
The USB host provides 5-V power over the USB cable, called VBUS. A device can draw some or all of its
power from VBUS. For devices that will be permanently "tethered" to the host, this can eliminate the need
for a local power source.
For battery-powered devices those that must be able to operate when detached from the host VBUS
power is still very valuable, because USB attachment can keep a device active for long periods of time,
increasing the power requirements beyond what would be required otherwise. These devices can switch
their power to VBUS while attached, to avoid draining the battery.
USB-equipped MSP430 devices have an integrated LDO that reduces 5-V VBUS to a nominal 3.3 V. This
rail can be used to source:
the USB module
the MSP430 DVCC power rail (most MSP430 devices use a 1.8-V to 3.6-V DVCC rail)
the rest of the board
The connection between the LDO and the USB module is internal. The rail is also made available on the
VUSB pin. There is no internal connection between VUSB and DVCC; they are isolated from each other.
This preserves flexibility for the engineer designer to arrange power in a way that is best for a given
application.
The maximum current that can be drawn out of the VUSB pin, for use on DVCC and elsewhere on the
board, is approximately 12 mA (see the device data sheet for specific parametric values). In some
applications, this is sufficient for the entire system and can eliminate the need for any other LDO.
Figure 9. Powering the Entire System From the Internal LDO
Many other power arrangements are possible. For example:
VUSB might be used only for USB, using a different source for DVCC or the rest of the system. If more
than 12 mA is needed, this is a convenient approach.
The internal 3.3-V LDO might be disabled, and 3.3 V can be driven into VUSB from an external source.
Choosing an external LDO with ultralow quiescent current can reduce current drain on VBUS during
USB suspend.
A switched approach can be employed: source DVCC and the system from a battery when USB is not
attached but, upon attachment to a host, switch them to VBUS and VUSB
USB battery charging can be employed, using a device such as TI's BQ24030.
VSSU is the ground for the USB module, including the transceiver and LDOs. The capacitors on VUSB
and V18 should be kept as close as possible to VSSU, and VSSU should be tied to board ground.
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SLAA457ASeptember 2013Revised May 2014 Starting a USB Design Using MSP430™ MCUs
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