EE/CE 6302 Homework #3: Interrupts and IO

Name:_____________________

Student Number:_______________

1. Why is RET is an emulated instruction but RETI is not?

2. Describe shared data problem in the context of interrupts. Provide a solution for
example 6.10 in the MSP430 Text book. How could you prevent issues of this sort?

3. a) You are asked to create a capacitive touch sensor using GPIO on MPS430. For
capacitive touch sensors, you are to measure the capacitance of a sensor. Note you are
asked to do this using digital peripherals NO ADC or DAC. Describe your solution
and include schematic, programs, any information that you feel will be useful to
understand and replicate your design.

b) Describe the fundamental limits of your proposed solution. We are mostly

interested to evaluate your analytical skills.
Does your solution measure the amount of pressure applied to the sensor? How
quickly can you take the readings, i.e., from the time the sensor is touched, how long
does it take to determine the touch event? How frequently can you read from the
sensor? Can you discuss your answer in the context of both high-end and low-end
array of touch sensors? Remember, an array of touch sensors can be composed of
hundreds or thousands of sensors.