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TM4C129x NDA?

Chris Atwood
Prodigy 10 points
Other Parts Discussed in Thread: SW-DK-TM4C129X, TM4C129XNCZAD

Hi,

Why does viewing datasheets of the TM4C129x series of microcontrollers require a click-thru NDA?  Neither the TM4C123x series or much more complex processors like the AM335x line require an NDA.

Section 1 (quoted below) says the Confidential information includes ANY information that allows you to use the processor.  That could be interpreted mean that any and all open source software written for the TM4C129x would be in violation of the NDA - since it would show one "how to use the TI Tiva TM4C129x device and its peripherals".  

The TivaWare download for this processor (at http://software-dl.ti.com/tiva-c/SW-DK-TM4C129X/2.0/index_FDS.html) requires a click through export agreement (no export to Cuba, Iran, etc) - but no click through NDA.  How could the board support software that TI is publishing not violate the NDA we are all being asked to agree to?

If there are portions of the microcontroller hardware that TI wishes to keep under NDA (like the on-board encryption hardware) then I ask for TI to partition documentation for that specific hardware under a separate supplemental NDA'd document - but for the main datasheet for these processors to not be subject to an NDA.   

I was eagerly awaiting the TM4C129x (all the LM3S hardware is "not recommended for new designs" and I need ethernet support on-chip) -- but at this point I'm reconsidering my choice of processor for new product design.  I wish to open source the software I write and the current NDA does not seem to allow that.  Please correct me if I'm wrong.

Thanks,

Chris

NDA Section 1 :

the Tiva TM4C129x Data Sheet and its data, know-how, 
formulae, processes, designs, drawings, photographs, specifications, and any other 
material bearing or incorporating any information relating to TI’s Tiva TM4C129x 
devices, which is disclosed to you for the purpose of being able to program and use the TI 
Tiva TM4C129x device and its peripherals.
  • 0
    TI__Guru 58650 points

    Hi Chris,

    We are currently reviewing other methods to ensure we/TI meet all of the requirements of our technology partners as well as the needs of our customers when provisioning the TM4C129x family’s datasheets. We appreciate your patience and understanding and hope you will be able to accept the required NDA as is to enable your download and review of our detailed TM4C129x datasheets until we find an acceptable alternative.

    In addition, please note that the NDA associated with the TM4C129x datasheet being downloaded applies only to the information found in that datasheet and is not intended to cover other information beyond its specific contents. The license for the use and redistribution of the software (TivaWare) associated with the TM4C129x is covered in the specific license associated with that content/software and not the license associated with the datasheet.

    Regards,

    Sue

  • 0 in reply to Sue Cozart
    Guru 92251 points

    Sue Cozart said:
    In addition, please note that the NDA associated with the TM4C129x datasheet being downloaded applies only to the information found in that datasheet and is not intended to cover other information beyond its specific contents.

    In a different thread someone asked me a question about a TMC129x device. I can answer the question based upon information in the Tiva™ TM4C129XNCZAD Microcontroller datasheet. However, since the footer on every page of the datasheet contains "TI Confidential - NDA Restrictions" it it is not obvious if posting information to the forum from the datasheet would be considered a breach of the NDA.

    Is there any guidance on which peripherals / sections of the datasheet are covered by the NDA?

    Edit: On searching the datasheet for "Proprietary" some chapters are indicated as having portions excerpted from companies other than TI. Is it only those portions excerpted from other companies which require the NDA?