Introduction to Finite State Machines

[Fmilburn 446]

I recently became interested in Finite State Machines and ended up writing a tutorial which has been posted on the 43oh blog:  http://43oh.com/2017/02/how-to-implement-finite-state-machines-using-energia/

 

The example uses Energia but adapting it to C / C++ for use with Code Composer Studio or other IDEs would be simple.  While conceptually easy, working through the details and applying the concepts in a more structured manner were instructive for me.  The tutorial is just an introduction but there are additional references at the bottom.  If you are aware of other good resources feel free to post them below.

[NurseBob 111]

I've often referred to Tom Baugh's MSP430 State Machine Programming ISBN 978-0-9754759-2-8. Through a series of code examples he builds a structured app on a F2274 using IAR.  While it's instructive, there are issues - the index is virtually useless, and the style choices regarding code examples, building progressively "better" apps, at times obscures the end goal.  However, there are some very instructive and in-depth analysis of code, cpu cycles, timing and power consumption.

 

@Fmilburn: Thanks for your tutorial.  As you note, the concepts are generally straight-forward, but the actual implementation can be significantly more challenging.

[Fmilburn 446]

Hi @@NurseBob,

 

I did a search for "MSP430 State Machine" after seeing your post and it turned up a lot more links than I would have guessed.  One that I found interesting is this from TI:  http://www.ti.com/general/docs/litabsmultiplefilelist.tsp?literatureNumber=slaa402a

 

It describes, and contains, an Excel spreadsheet for generating state machine code.  I am going to have to try that out....

[NurseBob 111]

Hi @@Fmilburn,

 

Great link!  Thanks!!!  Something to vaporize what's left of my "free" time.

 

BTW - Today has been full of intermittent power outtages and local flooding (I live near the Napa river in St. Helena) and multiple road closures.  Interesting winter; reminds me of my younger days...

And, as a further time-suck, I'm determined to finish hand-routing a project in Eagle with some 300 connections (Ok, half are gnd connections...).  A challenge for my arthritic brain.

 

Bob