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MSP430G2452 - Launchpad programs part OK but MSP-FET does not

Other Parts Discussed in Thread: MSP-FET

Problem: MSP-FET does not recognize MCU (nor does older MSP-FET430UIF)

MCU: MSB430G2452

CCS Version: 6.1.1.00022

Using the LaunchPad, I can program the on-board MCU and I can use jumpers to program a target MCU in circuit. However, when using the MSP-FET tool, I consistently get the message "MSP430: Error connecting to the target: Unknown device". I have not had the opportunity to try the MSP-FET with a different MCU as I am deep into this project. I have carefully checked the pin connections and programming signals with O'Scope. I see significantly different signals from the MSP-FET when compared to the LaunchPad. I am assuming that pin 1 on the cable is still the white stripe and by the "triangle" on the IDC connector. 

What am I missing? Thanks.

  • Hello Jeffry,

    Pin 1 is indeed indicated by the different-color stripe and triangle indicator. Are you attempting to program the MSP430 on a LaunchPad, TI-developed target board, or custom board with the MSP-FET? It is most likely the case that the MSP-FET device is working properly but either the board connection or hardware is incorrect. Please provide more details on the specific hardware and connections being used.

    Regards,
    Ryan
  • Ryan,

    I disconnected the jumpers that connect the USB interface with the micro on the LaunchPad. Then I connected from the MSP-FET Pin1: RST; Pin2: VCC (to power the target from the MSP-FET); Pin8: TEST; Pin9: GND. These connections are all on the uP side of the header. This follows the connection for 2-wire JTAG as given in SLAU278w (Figure 2-2). My understanding is that the G2452 is not a Spy-Bi-Wire and so does not use Pin7 for normal programming.

    I have also tried this connection on a board mounted target with the same results. I can program using the LaunchPad interface but not the FET. My suspicion is that I have missed a configuration in CCS that is necessary if switching from LaunchPad to FET. I have restarted the computer with the FET alone connected and then started CCS. I can see in Device Manager that different USB virtual COM ports are loaded for the FET (two are visible) versus the LaunchPad (one is visible). There are no COM port conflicts.

    What document describes the full use of the MSP-FET? I see a RST at Pin 11 as indicated on the bottom of the tool. I assume this is different from Pin1. (Perhaps I would also find a use for the UART interface if I understood its use.) Finally, as I mentioned, I get the same results with the new MSP-FET and the older MSP-FET430UIF. I purchased the newer tool hoping it would solve my problem.

    Regards,

    Jeff

  • Hey Jeff,

    Thanks for the additional information. The only change you need to make is to move the TEST pin from 8 to 7 on the MSP-FET. This is also shown in Section 5.8.4.2 of the MSP Debuggers User's Guide (SLAU647): www.ti.com/.../slau647b.pdf

    Regards,
    Ryan
  • Thanks . I will try that tonight. The new publication helps a lot.

    Jeff

  • Ryan,

    Perhaps you can clarify something for me from the TI documentation. In slau647b all references are to using TCK with TDO for Spy-Bi-Wire connections. Makes sense. In slau278w (Revised October 2015), where connection schematics are shown, a distinction is made for F2xx, G2xx and F4xx Families. Figure 2-2 shows pin 8 (TEST) being used on MSP430G2xx parts. Is this document in error? Does any publication give a definitive table of parts and connection requirements? I can see this happening again when I change parts.

    Regards,
    Jeff
  • TEST is also SBWTCK. REST is also SBWTDIO. You have to check the part specific documentation to be sure.

  • Hi Jeff,

    For SBW, the JTAG TCK line connects to the MSP430's TEST/SBWTCK pin and the TDO line connects to the RST/SBWTDIO pin. If using SBW and there is a distinction between TCK/TDO and SBWTCK/SBWTDIO pins, connect to the SBW pins. Is this the answer you are looking for?

    Regards,
    Ryan
  • Good enough for now. I will continue to read on JTAG and SWB to understand the differences. Always just one more thing to learn. ;-)

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