Before a project can be created, a CPU or board support package suitable for the device you are targeting must be installed. A support package is a single compressed file that can contain project templates, system files, example projects and documentation for a particular target.

In this tutorial we are going to use CrossStudio's package manager window to download, install and use the Texas Instruments MSP430 CPU Support Package.

If you have already installed this support package then you can skip this page and move on to the next section.

Downloading and installing a support package

To download and install a support package:

• Click Tools > Package Manager to view the current set of support packages available.
• Select the Texas Instruments MSP430 CPU Support Package entry.

  

• Right click on the entry and select Install Selected Packages.

  

• Click Next and you will be presented with a list of actions that the package manager is going to carry out.
• Click Next to download and install the support package.

Viewing installed support packages

To view the installed support packages:

• Click Tools > Show Installed Packages to list the support packages you have installed on your system. You should see the Texas Instruments MSP430 CPU Support Package we've just installed listed.
• Click Texas Instruments MSP430 CPU Support Package to see the support package page. This page will provide more information on the support package and any links to documentation, example projects and system files included in the package.