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DLPNIRNANOEVM: NIRscanNano dead after few weeks

Simon Ilgenfritz
Prodigy 230 points
Part Number: DLPNIRNANOEVM

Hi all,

during the last year I equipped several of our mounting machines with NIRscanNanos to ensure that the correct plastics are being processed. Each machine is equipped with two sensors. This worked fine for the first times. The first machine, which had been upgraded, works without problems since march 2020. But when I equipped the last machines, two sensors first worked fine and then suddenly were dead after two weeks. When I power on the sensors, they don't do anything any more. No control LED, no reaction. The sensors were mounted in two different machines.

To protect them from environmental influences, I had put the sensors into shielded metal boxes with ventilation slots. Moreover I had protected the sensors from electrostatic discharges and electromagnetic interferences by using Würth Elektronik USB 2.0 EMC Stick with integrated ESD Protection and EMI Filter.

I simply can't imagine why the two sensors don't work any more, while the other 10 sensors work fine. How shall we proceed with the two sensors which don't work?

Kind regards,

Simon

  • 0
    TI__Genius 12595 points

    Hello Simon,

    Welcome to the E2E forum and thank you for your interest in DLP technology.

    This is surprising to hear.

    When you mention that the sensors are dead, is the detection board or the entire EVM unresponsive? Is there any distinction between these last two machines compared to the first 10? Were all 12 EVMs ordered at the same time?

    Regards,

    Austin

  • 0 in reply to Austin Snyder
    Prodigy 230 points

    Hello Austin,

    Thank you for the fast reply!

    The entire device is unresponsive - no control LEDs, no illumination, no communication via USB.

    The first mounting machines that were successfully equipped with material detection systems are newer. So more electric drives and less pneumatics are built in. The machine configuration and the measurement position is nearly identic between the newer and older machines.

    The 4 EVMs which were ordered before June 2020 work well. From those 6 sensors I ordered in June 2020, 4 work fine so far and 2 don't. To replace the defective sensors, I ordered two more sensors in September 2020. Those sensors also work fine so far. As far as I can see, all sensors have been produced in 2016. We had ordered via Digikey. Digikey has contacted TI concerning the problem and TI told me to post the defect on the E2E forum. Then the DLP team can troubleshoot and verify the defect.

    I had started the claim at Digikey about 4 weeks ago.I would really need the sensors to be replaced now to come along with my project. I would like to proceed euipping the next machines with material detection systems.

    Kind regards,

    Simon

  • 0 in reply to Simon Ilgenfritz
    TI__Expert 3360 points

    Hi Simon,

    Is it possible to provide photos of the EVM ? This will help us in troubleshooting the system. 

    Similarly, we recommend visibly inspecting the boards for any sign of damage including a damaged trace, or missing header. If possible, it might also be a good idea to remove the USB stick currently mounted on it and connect it carefully to a different USB cable to establish USB communication. On our site we have the DLPNIRNANOEVM's user's guide and reference design which provides technical documentation that can help during inspection. 

    If you have communicated with the EVM using Bluetooth in the past, see if it is possible to establish communication when powering it up. 

    Please share the results of this troubleshooting with us. If you'd like, I also requested friendship on E2E for private issues.

    Thank you,

    Chris 

  • 0 in reply to Simon Ilgenfritz
    TI__Mastermind 22850 points

    Hello Simon,

    It am sorry the two EVM units are not working.  From description, it seems there may a loose connection. Please try securing all wires and connect firmly and see if they work. If the the problem still persist then please try open bottom screw/stand and reassemble the  board.

    The warranty on TI's EVM is 90 days and you may narrowly missed it. Please check with Digi key if EVM were under warranty on the day of claim. 

    I also want to bring to your attention that these the evaluation module. They are not designed to used as a product. These EVM are not robust and sock/vibration could cause such problem.

    If you are using them in production , I  recommend that you use a spectrometer meter product available form our ecosystem partner Inno-spectra.

    www.inno-spectra.com/.../product

    It is based on same DLP technology and designed for production use.

    regards,

    Vivek

  • 0 in reply to Cody Smith
    Prodigy 230 points

    Hi Chris,

    I have visibly inspected the boards. But there is absolutely no sign of damage. The two boards look exactly the same as those boards which work.

    Moreover, I also have removed the USB stick and replaced the USB cable - without any result.

    I haven't used  the Bluetooth communication so far.

    Regards,

    Simon

  • 0 in reply to Vivek Thakur
    Prodigy 230 points

    Hello Vivek,

    meanwhile I have completely reassembled the two boards and reconnected all wires. The behavior is the same as before - no control LEDs, no illumination, no communication via USB.

    We had received the devices on 6. July and started the claim at Digikey on 24. September, so within 90 days. Digikey told me to contact TI via E2E to verify the defect.

    In fact, we are doing an evaluation. We first wanted to test the EVMs in our machines and later on replace them by a product which is appropriate for an industrial environment. But I wouldn't have expected that the EVMs will be defective after few days. To be honest I'm quite disappointed concerning this point.

    Thank you for your hint concerning InnoSpectra. I will try this out.

    Kind regards,

    Simon

  • 0 in reply to Simon Ilgenfritz
    Prodigy 230 points

    Hello Chris, hello Vivek,

    I have to add one more information that might be important for you: When I plug in the USB cable, LED D4 lights ub red only for few milliseconds. Then it turns off, all other LEDs stay off the wohole time. I didn't recognize that in the beginning because it happens very fast.

    The two defective modules behave identical.

    Hope this information was helpful.

    Best regards,

    Simon

  • 0 in reply to Simon Ilgenfritz
    TI__Mastermind 22850 points

    Hello Simon,

    Thank you for additional information.   The red LED indicated the battery manager and battery charge status.

    Could you please reconfirm the following:

    1. When you connect the faulty units with PC using USB - GUI has "not connected" and no response or activity in green LED.

    2. When you connect another working unit using same PC and USB cable it scans perfectly.

    regards,

    Vivek

  • 0 in reply to Vivek Thakur
    Prodigy 230 points

    Hello Vivek,

    1. Below you can see a screenshot trying to connect to one of the defective units.

    2. Yes, I tested one of the other units and everything works fine. I could connect and scan.

    Regards,

    Simon

  • 0 in reply to Simon Ilgenfritz
    TI__Genius 9971 points

    Hello Simon,

    Our team is looking into your queries and will get back to you before early next week.

    Regards,

    Mayank

  • 0 in reply to Mayank Khandelwal
    TI__Mastermind 22850 points

    Hello Simaon,

    These seems to be hardware issue or major firmware failure. It can not re resolved with remote.

    Please proceed with RMA claim Digikey. I am glad you initiated the process with in 90 day window. You may use this post as reference for RMA.

    regards,

    Vivek

  • 0 in reply to Vivek Thakur
    Prodigy 230 points

    Hello Vivek,

     I will do so. Thank you!

    Regards,

    Simon