April 10, 2025

Good morning, everyone!

Without further ado, let’s dive right into today’s lecture!

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For this project, we will be using the "MSP430" series microcontroller from Texas Instruments.

To ensure it can be exported to many countries around the world, we will choose a model with a clock frequency of 24MHz or lower.

If possible, it’s best to choose a model with a clock frequency of 16MHz or lower.

This would be a safer and more efficient choice overall.

We will also be using an LCD panel in this project.

To operate it, communication between the microcontroller and the panel is required.

For this purpose, we will be using a method called “SPI communication.”

It’s perfectly okay if you don’t understand “SPI communication” just yet.

We’ll learn about it step by step.

We connect sensors, displays, and other devices to the microcontroller.

By using communication methods, we can control and operate all of them.

In other words, communication is everything—it’s no exaggeration to say that!

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Let me say it again—

Once you understand how a microcontroller communicates, you’ll be able to control all kinds of sensors, displays, and switches.

That knowledge opens the door to everything!

The LCD panel mentioned earlier costs around one dollar.

As for the microcontroller, we believe it can be purchased for under one dollar as well.

The device we’ll be creating this time is a smartwatch.

It needs to be able to measure things like pulse rate and other vital signs.

To measure pulse rate, we’ll need a sensor called a photo interrupter.

Japanese-made ones can likely be purchased for around $0.30.

When it comes to photo interrupters, there’s not much difference in price or performance between American-made and Japanese-made ones.

Of course, it’s also possible to build this kind of sensor yourself if you want to!

This time, let’s try making the sensor ourselves too!

It’ll be a great hands-on learning experience!

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Changing the subject a bit—I believe American manufacturing will make a comeback.

However, it’s going to take some time.

What matters most in this process is the mindset of the American people.

To create things, learning is absolutely essential—there’s no way around it.

The United States is a global leader in every aspect of science and technology.

However, this progress is largely driven by the efforts of a small group of people.

I believe that most people haven’t yet gained the knowledge and experience needed to truly make use of these advancements.

This course was created with the hope of helping make that a reality, even if just a little.

That’s the reason behind launching this program.

I truly believe that American manufacturing will make a strong comeback.

However, I do have some concerns about the tax policies being pursued under the leadership of President Trump.

I agree—this is definitely a complex and challenging issue.

I sincerely hope that the economies of America, Japan, and the entire world will somehow come together and function smoothly.