This thread has been locked.

If you have a related question, please click the "Ask a related question" button in the top right corner. The newly created question will be automatically linked to this question.

Dump code using SPI pins!!

Other Parts Discussed in Thread: TM4C123GH6PM

My usb female header came off from the Tiva ..so now I can no longer program my tiva...can I dump code in some other way? like using debugging port or using directly SPI pins of the controller..??

  • My usb female header came off from the Tiva


    That never ever happens by itself. Try being honest.

    ...can I dump code in some other way?

    Trash is dumped, but not code. The latter is downloaded.
    Apropos download - get the Launchpad User's Guide (smpu296.pdf for the TM4C123G launchpad), and check section 2.3. There is a description of the pins required to connect an external debug pod. But why not putting the USB header back on ?

    And BTW, it would be really helpful to disclose what board you talk about.

  • Hello Rahul

    If the traces are not damaged then you can solder the header back.
  • f. m. said:
    That never ever happens by itself. Try being honest.

    Bravo!   The retreat from personal responsibility continues...   And the (usual) suspect (poster's dog) appears to have, "fled the scene" - likely w/ (both) poster's homework & that "yanked off" USB connector...

  • I didn't say that it happened by itself...board I'm using is TM4C123GH6PM .. and I tried to solder it..but the track itself came out ..
  • I didn't say that it happened by itself...board I'm using is TM4C123GH6PM .. and I tried to solder it..but the track itself came out ..

    That's fine, sh*t happens. But the wording of your first post suggested it could be a "funny idea" of you.

    My suggestion would be a repair. Check the schematics which connection is affected by this PCB track, and try soldering on a wire instead, to replace this connection. This is usually much quicker and easier than adding another (external) debug port.

    ...board I'm using is TM4C123GH6PM ..

    This is just the MCU, and not the board. I assume the corresponding Launchpad board.

  • And...there's a "lesson to be learned here."    Both USB connectors on that board (I don't believe they are "headers") are surface mount - and the ability of such smt connectors to "survive" repeated, "insertions/removals" is NOT famed/applauded!   (i.e. they "stink.")  

    My tech firm "avoids" use of such surface mount connectors/headers - unless "many" pins are in play - which yields a much greater "holding force."   We have found that the older (often bit larger) "Through-Hole" USB connectors have a significantly higher "board retention/survival" rate!

    Armed now w/knowledge of this generic weakness you should be "sparing" in the insertion/removal activity - at that smt USB connector.   Instead - the (other) end of the USB cable should see the lion's share of connect/disconnect activity - which surely will keep your board (far longer) functional...

  • I tend to agree with your assessment.
    And I might add, through-hole-connectors and multilayer PCBs are not a combination to tackle with a soldering iron.
    Many companies/organizations dealing with electronics have skilled people specialized in soldering/repairing such things. Asking such people for help is the best option (if available).
    And in most cases, you can save just one - either the component or the PCB - but not both ...
  • Yes, yes, yes - agreed on all counts.

    Again - smt style USB connectors are "notorious" for "coming off!" Repeated connecting (usually) will doom them - and as poster f.m. notes - repair is ugly, never as good as the original, and will (always) be cast in doubt.

    As past directed - DO NOT "make/break" the USB connection from a smt USB connector. (unless down-time for (maybe) repair proves of interest.)