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DLPC410: Problem initializing the DLP Discovery 4100 Development Platform

Part Number: DLPC410

I have encountered a problem occurring at the board start. The App FPGA module does not seem to initialize properly when I power up the board. The D2 led turns immediately red and stays red. The DMD does not start cycling to the test pattern.

I didn't find any information online regarding this issue and how to troubleshoot it.

Is there a way to reset the board, or do you have any suggestion on what to test?

Thanks,
Daniel

  • Hello Daniel,

    This indicates that the FPGA is not configuring.  Have you made attempts to load your own APPS code into the APPS_FPGA PROM?  If the PROM becomes corrupted it will exhibit this kind of behavior.  My recommendation is to always save out the default load in the PROM before changing it.

    If this is the case you can try reloading the PROM.  

    If you have not attempted any APPS_FPGA changes, can you describe whether this was the behavior from the beginning or if it worked for a while and then suddenly started doing this.

    Fizix

  • Hello Fizik,

    Many thanks for your prompt reply. In response to your queries: I have not attempted loading code on the APPS_FPGA PROM at all. The board used to initialize normally until it suddenty didn't. The only thing I noticed is that the same thing (D2 LED turning and staying red at startup) is happening when the Flexi cable to the DMD is not connected. 

    Is it the behavior you would expect when the DMD unit is not connected? Just wondering if that might be the issue?

    Thanks,
    Daniel

  • Hello again Daniel,

    We have tested this at other times and having no DMD attached should not keep the FPGA from configuring.

    However, as a test, remove one end of the flex (i.e. DMD end or controller board end) and see if the behavior changes.

    Let us know the result.

    FIzix 

  • Thanks again Fizik.

    I have removed one end of the flex as you suggested. However the issue is still present. Here's a photo of the current configuration of my board.

    Is there any chance that issue can be solved by reloading the PROM? Would you be able to point me to the right steps to do so?

    Thanks,

    Daniel

  • Daniel,

    Your photo does not seem to have posted correctly.  Try it again.  Sometimes it can be "picky".

    Fizix

  • Apologies, here it is

  • Daniel,

    Thank you for the picture.  Something is definitely preventing the APPS_FPGA from configuring correctly.

    Have you installed the GUI?  If not please install and connect a USB cable and try running it.  If it does not see the APPS_FPGA configured with the correct version it should automatically try to load "D4100_GUI_FPGA.bin" from the D4100Explorer directory in "Program Files (x86)."

    If it loads it and the light near the APPS_FPGA PROM turns green, then something has corrupted the PROM file or somehow the PROM is damaged.

    If it does not turn green, then depending on when you purchased the unit, please contact the vendor that you purchased the unit from.  

    P.S.  When did you purchase this kit?

    Fizix

  • Thanks Fizik.

    Yes, I have installed the GUI and try to run it. The GUI is very slow when starting up and eventually fails to read from the USB. I get a "device not attached" message, even though the device is connected. I have tried changing cable as well, with no avail.

    I notice that when the GUI is attempting to read from the USB, the led D1 on the board lights up green, and stays one until I disconnect the board. However the APPS_FPGA PROM led stays red. I suspect it may be a hardware failure at this point.

    The unit was purchased online from the TI store on 16 September. I am considering returning the unit to have it fixed or replaced. Would you be able to advise on the procedure for that?

    Thanks, Daniel

  • Daniel,

    Please contact the TI Store so see what their response is.  Depending on your region you may be outside the warranty period.  I can make no promises, but it is worth contacting 

    We are sorry for the inconvenience.

    Fizix

  • Hi Fizik,

    I am also very sorry for the inconvenience, especially because I have wasted 3 months and a few thousands dollars without getting anything done. For your information, I have contacted TI Store, submitted an extremely complicated return form, which has been declined to have the product back because it is outside of warranty.

    It is unbelievable to me how the warranty has expired after just over 3 months? Moreover, you just decline the request? No other option, like fixing the board for a fee or something?

    The whole experience with TI so far has been dreadful. I have wasted money and time and got nothing sorted. At the moment I have an unusable board, and therefore an unusable DMD, and the only solution I had was to buy another system from Vialux. I do not even know how to get my board fixed!

    For any reader of this post, if you want to get started with DMD technology do not buy the evaluation module from TI. Purchase an equivalent through one of the resellers instead.