LM3S817: happy that new parts arrived - but faulty/suspicious behaviour

GGA

Part Number: LM3S817

Hi,

we have an ancient product using that uC, probably 1000 parts/annual.

Till now we hadn't the time and urgent need to migrate to something new (all that validation and authority stuff..) and our main TI distri RTS at least always found parts.

But the last batch of 1000 pcs.behave very strange: RTS told us upfront 'look at them, we got them through "suspicious" channels'.

We found they are pre-programmed with a write protected boot loader from 0x0 -0x7ff. From 0x800 one can program them in normal manner.

Based on SPM044A our engieer tried to release even that area with the LM flash programm (version 1089.0.0.637 and 1.0.0.1470.), but with no success; even getting back 'OK' they aren't.

My engineer provided some screen shots:

screens

Oh yes, we ordered early the year another batch, but it will arrive in Feb. 22.

So we are under a little pressure...

thx. in advance for any hint how to fully reset these uCs !

over 3 years ago

0 Charles Tsai over 3 years ago

TI__Guru**** 166156 points

Hi,

How are you uploading the screenshots as I'm being blocked by our TI network to view it? Can you please try to upload the screenshots directly in the forum again instead of some offsite link? I'm very curious as to what "suspicious" channels these parts are from. It is not unheard of knockoff semiconductors.

0 GGA over 3 years ago

Genius 3985 points

Charles,

these damn cloud spaces ... I'll provide another one, hopefully this works https://hidrive.ionos.com/share/fpwglb.alt
The former 'upload image' disappeared in my TI E2E forum menu, there are only 'Links' left (INSERT-LINK or INSERT-FILE-LINK again') - you have a hint how to insert pictures direct from local HD?

As my purchasing/engineering just told me, 'suspicious' is our own conclusion:
RTS found these part in China with a date code from ~2017. Together with the fact that they are pre-programmed we concluded 'suspicious'..

Hopefully these infos can help to put some light on it

0 Charles Tsai over 3 years ago in reply to GGA

TI__Guru**** 166156 points

Hi GGA,

You should be able to just drag the images into the forum window. Can you please take a screenshot of the device marking? Did you have a chance to mass-erase the flash back to its factory setting using "Unlock"? The LM3S device is NRND and I have never worked with this device. However, I think the "Unlock" operation should be the same as the new Tiva devices.

0 GGA over 3 years ago in reply to Charles Tsai

Genius 3985 points

Charles, some pics attached;
just in doubt: if you never worked with that device: do you know somebody who is is deeply involved in it?

If we can't overwrite the boot sector page, is there any danger in using these devices if we let the boot section jump to the adress it is programmed to - and we take our program entry point to that adress..?

Is that our problem?:

0 Charles Tsai over 3 years ago in reply to GGA

TI__Guru**** 166156 points

Hello,

I have some questions and comments.

- Have you always been using LM3S817 in the past or this is the first time you are using LM3S817. The reason I'm asking is because if there is already a pre-programmed serial flash loader in the LM3S817 device you have been using, you would have noticed and used it in the past. I just wanted to make sure we are not trying to use LM3S817 (which has the serial flash loader) to replace a different LM3S part that does not have the serial flash loader.

- Unfortunately, there is no one left with knowledge to support this NRND part. However, I read the LM3S817 datasheet and come to know that there is a serial flash loader preprogrammed. Please refer to the datasheet and search for serial flash loader. Again, if you have been using LM3S817 in the past, you must have known the existence of this utility pre-programmed. Or it is possible that you erased it intentionally for your application.

- Your screenshot show it is unlocking the device. Did it succeed? The comment in the screenshot says if PC0 and PC1 are configured as GPIO then it will not work.

- I have asked for the device marking. I still have seen it. Can you take a picture of the chip you receive?

- I have searched the forum and there are some posts that maybe helpful. I will suggest you also search the same with the key word "serial flash loader" for additional information.

https://e2e.ti.com/support/archive/stellaris_arm/f/stellaris-arm-lm3s-microcontrollers-read-only-archived-forum/45861/help-needed-with-pre-loaded-serial-flash-loader/163997?tisearch=e2e-sitesearch&keymatch=serial%2525252525252520flash%2525252525252520loader#163997

https://e2e.ti.com/support/archive/stellaris_arm/f/stellaris-arm-lm3s-microcontrollers-read-only-archived-forum/278447/difference-between-serial-flash-loader-and-bootloader?tisearch=e2e-sitesearch&keymatch=serial%20flash%20loader#

https://e2e.ti.com/support/archive/stellaris_arm/f/stellaris-arm-lm3s-microcontrollers-read-only-archived-forum/71409/stellaris-serial-flash-loader/544682?tisearch=e2e-sitesearch&keymatch=serial%2520flash%2520loader#544682

https://e2e.ti.com/support/archive/stellaris_arm/f/stellaris-arm-lm3s-microcontrollers-read-only-archived-forum/45808/serial-flash-loader-is-not-factory-programmed?tisearch=e2e-sitesearch&keymatch=serial%252525252520flash%252525252520loader#

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LM3S817: happy that new parts arrived - but faulty/suspicious behaviour