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Packet Sniffer question

Other Parts Discussed in Thread: CC2530EM, CC2531, CC2530

Hi all,

After click on the "start" button of the Packet Sniffer, what does the Packet Sniffer do to the board?

Thank you!

  • Depends on the hardware. If you're using a SmartRF05EB+CC2530EM, the Packet Sniffer tool will first program the sniffer firmware on the CC2530EM. Next, the sniffer will set the EB+EM in packet sniffer mode and send down all the required configuration parameters (e.g. frequency and some RF register values specific to the chip). Finally, the sniffer sends a start command and the capture hardware will start to receive and buffer packets. The only interaction between the sniffer and the capture device at this point is the sniffer reading buffered packets from the capture device.

    If you have a USB dongle, the main difference is that the sniffer tool will not program the dongle, i.e. it assumes the dongle has already been programmed with the packet sniffer firmware. 

  • My CC2530 board connect with PC through JTAG,  the board is powered on by DC voltage source(the Current limit was set to 200mA), and SmartRF Packet Sniffer is opened,  at this moment, I clicked the start button mistakenly( I have one CC2531 board, and I use it to capture the packet, I have programmed it with flash programmer, but I forget that I did not powered it on).  Suddenly the output current rose to the limit value.

    So, the board did not work  normally.

    Can you help me?

    Thank you!

  • The CC2530 device on your board was reprogrammed when you started the sniffer. Some of the GPIO pins on the CC2530 are reconfigured by the sniffer firmware to set up an SPI and handshake interface between CC2530 and EB/debugger. If these signals are connected to some other hardware or peripherals on your board, that could cause the increased current consumption you're observing.

  • But the JTAG could not identify my board now, I do not know what should I do.

    Thank you!

  • A bit difficult to help without knowing more about the board. Have you tried to remove/disable some of the peripherals that are likely to draw all the current? Does the board start at all (does the CC2530 get any power)? Can you try with another (external) power supply?

  • I don't know which peripheral will be the most likely to draw all the current.

    I don't know whether the CC2530 has running.

    I have not try with another power supply. I will try right now.

    Thank you!

  • It doesn't matter with the power, the board still could not work normally.

  • Can you measure the voltage on pin 2 on the debug connector on your board (assuming your'e using the same target connector pin-out as we describe in the debugger user's guide)?

    Any difference if you try to force the reset pin to the CC2530 low (the reset signal should be available on pin 7 on the debug connector)?

  • If I increase the current limit to 300mA, when I use it ( DC voltage source ) to power my board, the output current rose to 300mA instantly. I frighten to shut the power supply.

    In this case, can I measure the voltage on some pin on my board?

    Thank you!

  • See my previous post. Try to force the CC2530 in reset to see if that helps. It could be that the particular GPIO configuration of the device causes something on your board to short-circuit.

  • Hi M,

    I have tried the reset button, it did not work.

    I think I should consult you tomorrow.

    Thank you very much!

  • Which reset button did you use? The one on the debugger will probably not do any good. It will only work if you have a valid voltage on the target voltage sense pin (pin 2 on the debug header).

    If you have a dedicated reset button on your board, make sure the reset signal to the CC2530 stays low when applying power to your target. In this case, do you still see the excessive current consumption?

  • You mean before applying power to my target I should pushed down the dedicated reset button?