Support for MSP-EXP432E401Y with Simulink Embedded Coder – Code Generation and Driver Blocks

Hi all,

I’m planning to work with the MSP-EXP432E401Y LaunchPad (based on the MSP432E401Y, ARM Cortex-M4F), and I’m currently exploring the possibility of developing my embedded application using MATLAB/Simulink with Embedded Coder.

I’d appreciate some clarification on the following points:

1. Code Generation Support

• Is the MSP-EXP432E401Y officially supported for code generation in Simulink using Embedded Coder?
• I’ve installed Embedded Coder and the Simulink Support Packages for TI C2000 and ARM Cortex-based processors, but I haven’t found a specific hardware target or reference examples for this board.
• Could you suggest the recommended Embedded Coder configuration (e.g., system target file, toolchain, etc.) to generate code for this board?
• Additionally, since MathWorks typically doesn’t generate Code Composer Studio (CCS) projects for ARM processors, what is the suggested workflow for building and debugging the generated code on the MSP432 platform?

1. Peripheral Support and Drivers

• Are there any Simulink driver blocks available for peripherals like GPIO, UART, ADC, or Timers for the MSP432E401Y?
• Or is the recommended approach to implement low-level drivers manually in C, and then interface with them using C Caller blocks, S-Functions, or the Legacy Code Tool?

Any guidance or best practices for integrating Simulink-generated code into a CCS-based development workflow would be very helpful.

Thanks in advance for your support,

Pasquale

Answer 1

[Snehal]

Hi @Pasquale,

I understand that you are planning to work with the MSP-EXP432E401Y LaunchPad, and using this together with Embedded Coder and Simulink.

Please find answers to your queries below:

Code Generation Support :

• MSP-EXP432E401Y is not officially supported by MathWorks as a Simulink hardware target as of now
• As you mentioned rightly, the Simulink Support Packages for TI C2000 and ARM Cortex-based processors do not include a specific hardware target or reference examples for this board.
• You can use the Embedded Coder’s generic ARM Cortex-M system target file (ert.tlc) for this board
• To import the generated code on MSP432 platform, you can refer the following workflow:

1. Generate C code from Simulink

2. Manually import the generated source files (.c/.h) into a CCS project for the MSP432

3. Add any necessary startup files, linker scripts, and peripheral drivers

4. Build and debug the application using CCS as normal

Peripheral Support and Drivers :

While there are no Simulink driver blocks available for MSP432E401Y specifically, you can still interface with these peripherals by writing custom driver code in C and integrating it with Simulink using ‘C Caller blocks’, ‘S-Functions’ or ‘Legacy Code Tool’.

You may refer to the following documentation links for more information:

• https://www.mathworks.com/hardware-support/home.html
• https://www.mathworks.com/hardware-support.html?q=&page=1
• https://www.mathworks.com/help/simulink/sfg/what-is-an-s-function.html
• https://www.mathworks.com/help/simulink/ug/integrate-ccode-ccaller.html
• https://www.mathworks.com/help/simulink/sfg/integrating-existing-c-functions-into-simulink-models-with-the-legacy-code-tool.html

Hope this helps!