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TMS320F280045: power loss during Flash write

Part Number: TMS320F280045

Hi team, 

My customer tested a user scenario that unplug the 3V3 power during Flash write, the device no longer worked after power cycling. He compared the Flash data and did not see any changes in program section, so he wondered if nothing is changed in the code, why the device can't run normally. The device can be resolved by reprogramming it. Can you explain the cause?  I have test code if need to look into. Thanks a lot!! 

Regards,

Jo

  • Jo,

    Removing power during flash operations can corrupt flash/OTP data.

    Did the customer remove the power when the flash erase or program is active?

    Did you check if there are any ECC errors if not the change in the main array flash content?

    Thanks and regards,

    Vamsi

  • Hi Vamsi,

    Yes, customer removes the power during writing. They found if the write did not finish, after power cycling if try to read/write the same Flash section the device reboots. So their question becomes how do they know if the desired Flash section is corrupted so that they can erase it before read/write and prevent from unexpected reset. How do I examine ECC errors? 

    Regards,

    Jo

  • Jo,

    Yes, as I said in my previous reply, removing power during active flash operation can corrupt the flash data.  They would have got ECC errors and hence is the reset.

    To know whether it is corrupted or not: They can do a checksum test (with their chosen algo) for their flash image OR they can verify all the programmed values to make sure it is programmed correctly. 

    ECC errors: Please read through the flash and OTP memory chapter in TRM - that has a section on SECDED.  Please read through it.  Flash ECC registers have registers that can tell you whether there is an error or not - they can enable ECC and read the entire flash and these ECC error address registers will capture the address at which the errors exist.  

    You can also take a look at ECC FAQ: https://e2e.ti.com/support/microcontrollers/c2000/f/171/t/951658 

    Thanks and regards,
    Vamsi