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MSP430I2020: Using MSP-GANG Programmer, can not write to flash.

Expert 2780 points
Part Number: MSP430I2020
Other Parts Discussed in Thread: MSP-GANG, , MSP-TS430RHB32A

Hello,

My customer can not write to Flash Memory that using MSP-GANG programmer.

The combination they're using.

PC - USB - MSP-GANG - Splitter - (MSP-TS430RHB32A - MSP430i2020) x 6

They could write up to four in Flash.
They fail to write if they are more than 5 in Flash.

I doubted the power supply.
However, in the manual, "supply current from Vcc during erase ... 13 mA max" is stated.
There are 6 devices, total is 78 mA.
MSP-GANG can also supply enough.
(Is the higher power consumption during writing?)

How should it be done to make writing in succeed?

Regards, DA

  • Hi DA,

    To resolve this issue, I'd recommend using an external power supply with the MSP-GANG as described in Section 1.3 in the MSP-GANG User's Guide. Please read through pages 11 and 12 carefully, especially the NOTE and CAUTION sections. To summarize, total max current supplied by the MSP-GANG is 0.3A, and the max signal path length between MSP-GANG and JTAG interface on the MSP430i2020 is 50cm.

    For each MSP430i2020, you're correct about the max program currents (8mA) and max erase currents (13mA). However, I suspect that these devices may consume more current during reset (which most likely happens before/after programming), which could be causing the issue when more than four devices are connected. If not, perhaps the signal path lengths for the remaining two devices are too long.

    Are you seeing any error messages?

    Regards,

    James

    MSP Customer Applications

  • Thanks your reply.

    They use the supplied cable.
    Therefore, it does not become 50 cm or more.

    MSP-GANG should be able to draw 350 mA of current consumption.
    If there are 4 devices, they can write.
    It means that the device fails with 5 devices, but does it mean that it flows more than 70 mA?

    Is there any cause for writing failure other than length and current?

    Connect
    > PC - USB - MSP-GANG - Splitter - (MSP-TS430RHB32A - MSP430i2020) x 6

    Additional Information
    No error occurred when programming LED blinking program was written.
    It is a program in the CCS template.
    (I succeeded in writing even if I click the button consecutively.)

    Regards, DA

  • Have you tried using an external power supply when 5 or more devices are connected?

    Regards,

    James

    MSP Customer Applications
  • Currently, they are preparing an external AC adapter.

    I want to know what to do when they are unable to write, even if I connect an external power supply.
    Is there such information?

    Regards, DA
  • Since they are using target boards, make sure all the jumper settings (e.g. JTAG/SBW) are correct. Also, for the boards that won't program when the other four boards are connected, try swapping them with one of the four working boards to rule out an issue with the device and/or target board.

    If the external power supply doesn't fix the issue, we can dig deeper.

    Regards,

    James

    MSP Customer Applications
  • Hi DA,

    Has your customer been able to resolve this issue?

    Regards,

    James

    MSP Customer Applications
  • Thank you for following me.

    The problem is not solved.
    Even if they use the AC adapter up to 4 devices.
    When 5 devices are connected, Flash writing fails once every two times.

    Customer's environment
    MSP-GANG
    Included cable
    AC Adapter 6v 1.8A
    MSP-TS430RHB32A x 4 - 6
    MSP430I2020 x 4 -6




    Regards, DA
  • What interface are they using for programming? JTAG or SBW?

    Does the flash writing failures only occur with specific target boards or 14-pin ribbon cables (I'm assuming they're using the provided cables that came with the MSP-GANG)? Try different configurations to see if you can isolate a target board or cable as the issue. The cables can break internally after heavy usage and can cause intermittent issues.

    Also, how do they have the "Final Target Device action" (under "Setup") configured in the MSP-GANG GUI? Make sure it's set to "Do nothing (default)".

    Regards,

    James

    MSP Customer Applications

  • Please note that when using the external power supply, the jumper JP3 on each target boards must be changed from "int" (pins 1-2) to "ext" (pins 2-3). Also, under "Target's Power Supply" in the MSP-GANG GUI, make sure "External" is selected and configured accordingly.

    Regards,

    James

    MSP Customer Applications

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