What is new in the new value line?

[asgard20032 9]

I saw that post: http://forum.43oh.com/topic/3594-msp430g2955-launchpad-development/

So i understand that there is a new value line, and if people put lot of work to develop a new board around it, maybe there is some difference from the current launchpad value line.

 

I would like to know what are those difference.

 

Someone on that thread even said its the "pinnacle of value line" or something like this.

[spirilis 1,265]

Value Line is a specific lineup of chips.  Most of the Value Line chips come in different packages; DIP being the popular one that works with MSP430G2 LaunchPad.  All those same chips available in DIP are available in a TSSOP (surface mount 0.65mm pin pitch) and QFN variations.

 

My understanding is of course the Value Line isn't just for hobbyists, it's meant to be an affordable option for TI's professional customers too, and many probably do use them in small gadgets & toys and such.  Last year TI released an expansion of the Value Line, but only offers the chips in surface mount (TSSOP, QFN) variations of the package, no DIP so they won't work with the MSP430G2 LaunchPad without installing the chip on a separate carrier board.  These chips have notably expanded memory (flash & SRAM) and are much more comfortable to code for since you're far less constrained--the chips' resources are closer to what Arduino has been using for years (and exceeds it, in the case of the MSP430G2955).  But TI doesn't have any easy LaunchPad-style boards for them, so a couple of us have built our own.  That said, it all became a somewhat moot point when TI released the MSP430F5529 LaunchPad, whose resources far exceed even the highest of the new Value Line chips.  So enthusiasm for the higher-end Value Line chips (e.g. MSP430G2955) has waned a bit.  I personally feel there's a place for them in my projects though.

[rockets4kids 204]

The problem with the MSP430 line is that there is nothing between DIP and fine pitch SMD.  Sure, a few of the parts can be had in 0.65mm pitch but most are .5mm.  Sadly there are no 0.8mm pitch parts which are much more easy to solder.

 

There was talk a while back of a DIP-40 part in the value line,  and I even saw a picture of one, but I have not heard anything about that since.