Catching up on ADS1232REF

Bob Contri

Other Parts Discussed in Thread: ADS1232REF, TUSB3410

I purchased an ADS1232REF many years ago, probably shortly after it became available, but never did much with it. It was supposed to have a scale application built into the firmware but I don't think I ever got it to work.

a.) Display says the firmware is version 0.2.1. Is there an upgrade? I don't seem to be able to find it on the website.

b.) Was there some kind of software CD included for using a PC with the ADS1232REF? I'm unable to find it. Is there a place I can download it? I assume this would let me do a firmware upgrade via USB.

c.) I see photos of a newer version of the board on the website. My old version has the tact switches on the right, the new board layout has them on the bottom. Is this a signiifcant change or more or less a "facelft"?

d.) I tried to order a newer ADS1232REF from several distributors, but nobody has it in stock. Mouser says its "Obsolete". Is it being discontinued or is just a temporary stock situation?

over 12 years ago

0 Bob Benjamin over 12 years ago

TI__Guru** 113765 points

Hi Bob,

The scale application was incomplete in the early firmware. I'm not totally sure which board you may have as we did a couple of boards with the buttons on the side. All current software and information can be found at:

ftp://ftp.ti.com/pub/data_acquisition/ADS123xREF/

The firmware might be easily upgradable if you have the J6 programming jumper located at the lower right portion of the board. If you do not see this then you will have to solder a connector along the board edge and program via JTAG. Let me know if you have the J6 jumper block and I will get you the software, otherwise I will send you the binary.

The new board makes better use of the available space by spreading the buttons apart and making the button case terminate to ground. The new board also looks a bit cleaner, and MSP430 BSL is selected using a switch. As I recall there was digital isolation added to the USB communication as well. Also, all cabling to power supply and USB are on the opposite side of the board making connections more user friendly as they are out of the way. Otherwise it is pretty much the same between the boards.

I just became aware of the board marked as obsolete last week, and we are in the process of turning that around so stay tuned.

Let me know which board you have (you could send me a picture of the board) and I will let you know how best to upgrade the firmware.

Best regards,

Bob B

0 Bob Contri over 12 years ago in reply to Bob Benjamin

Prodigy 40 points

Hello Bob B:

Well, now I know why I wasn't able to get the scale app to work!

I don't see the J6 jumper block, so I'm going to have to use the JTAG approach. I don't know if I have something in house to perform a JTAG programming, but I'll have to investigate.

What is MSP430 BSL?

Thanx for your help,

Bob Contri

Here's a photo of our board:

0 Bob Benjamin over 12 years ago in reply to Bob Contri

TI__Guru** 113765 points

Hi Bob,

You are in luck! I've circled the jumpers that need to be installed for the BSL (Bootstrap Loader). The installer program will only work if you install the jumpers and if you are connected to COM ports COM8 or lower. You can check this in device manager, and can force to a lower COM port if necessary.

I've attached a zip file of the installer and the user guide for your board. Some of the functions and switch descriptions have changed, so you will have to play with it a bit and use the latest user's guide for further information relative to operation. One thing to note, scale mode operation and the GUI do not work together.

4532.ads1232ref-old-fw-1.1.0d.zip

Best regards,

Bob B

0 Bob Contri over 12 years ago in reply to Bob Benjamin

Prodigy 40 points

Sorry to bother you with something so mundane, but I seem to be going in circles trying to find the Windows Vista Driver for the TUSB3410 used on the ADS1232REF. Can you point me towards it?