What are the 570 solutions for programming the flash through a serial port for automated programming on the production line by equipment such as a ICT (in-circuit tester)?
The 28x has a flash API for customized programming solutions that can be used for production line ICT programming. Here’s an application report using the 28x flash API for this purpose (TMS320F281x Boot ROM Serial Flash Programming, http://focus.ti.com/mcu/docs/litabsmultiplefilelist.tsp?sectionId=96&tabId=1502&literatureNumber=spraaq2&docCategoryId=1&familyId=1523) Is there something similar for 570?
Thanks,
Jeff
Your question has been forwarded to our Flash API expert. We will get back to you as soon as possible.
As the TMS570 devices do not contain boot ROM and therefore 28x style SCI programming interface, there currently is no single TI solution to this. Customers have typically created their own solutions into their boot ROM using their preferred communications method (SCI,CAN,etc) and the Flash API either embedded into the boot code or as a downloadable executable.
Flash470, the predecessor to nowFlashtm has been used with SDXDS510 emulators as a JTAG ICT solution in production enviroments. This method does not require that the device be pre-programmed with boot code.
John Hall
Safety MCU Software Team
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John, thanks for the feedback.
Previous production runs have programmed the 281x flash with the ICT (in-circuit tester) communicating using the SCI port on the 28x. Your idea of using JTAG is an interesting option that raise a couple questions:
In conclusion, what is the recommended method for high-volume automated in-circuit flash programming of the 570 (design criteria is minimum programming time with maximum reliability)? Is it JTAG or a different communications port?
Jeff,
I have never used an ICT tester per se so I cannot comment on how to set one up for this. Our current TMS570/470 customers either use an offline programming solution or use their own methods for programming the devices in circuit with or without their own proprietary boot code..
There are a few options I can see for ICT programming of TMS570. They are:
1) Use on offline programming solution (i.e. Data I/O or BPM Microsystem, etc) to program a bootloader that allows ICT programming using SPI, CAN, or whatever protocol the user wants. As JTAG is a very inefficient communication method, this would be my preferred method.
2) Bring out all the JTAG signals and connect an emulator (XDS510USB, etc) to the signals and use nowFlash to program the device.
I do see value for adding a C2000 style boot to future TMS570, but whether or not that will happen, I am not sure.
John,
I am looking for the 570 information on Data IO and BP Microsystems support on the TI website.
Are these links missing?
I expected to find them under the Tools & Software heading for the 570 device product page (http://focus.ti.com/docs/prod/folders/print/tms570ls20216.html#toolssoftware).
They are in the process of adding their support for the TMS570 devices which should be done in the next couple of months. As soon as they are finished and we have validated their solution, it will be added as a 3rd party tool link on the page.