Other Parts Discussed in Thread: MSP430G2755
I am using the MSP-FET programmer/debugger (version 2.0.6 on PCBA) in a production environment. We have bricked four of these in the past one to two years (two last month). We currently have two that are still functioning, which implies that the computer, software and target are operating properly. We use the Spy-Bi-Wire interface with a 4 wire cable to attach to a MSP430G2755 target. I have tried the HID cold boot shown on pages 23 and 24 or the MSP Debuggers User Guide.
Two of the failed devices are not recognized by any computer (I tried three computers). These units will start with the green LED on and the red LED off. After about 30 seconds, the green LED shuts off and the red LED turns on. When attempting the HID cold boot, these start with both LEDs off and it never changes to having the green LED on, even after removing the jumper. I notice that U21 gets very hot (120 F using IR thermometer that averages over a 1/2" diameter area).
Two different ones are recognized by the computer as "MSP Application UART 1 (COM6)" and "MSP Debug Interface (COM7)." These units will start with the green LED on and the red LED off. After about 30 seconds, the green LED shuts off and the red LED turns on. When attempting the HID cold boot, these start with green LED on and it stays on. The computer sees it as an HID device. I can then use FET-Pro430 to install firmware (version 3.12.00.000). At this point the device is recognized as the two MSP devices again. At this time the units continue to start as above, settling with the red LED on. Attempts to program with it are shown below. I have also tried to connect using CCS version 9.2.0. Note that the target was later programmed by a working MSP-FET device. Also shown below is the portion of our target used for programming.
So, I believe that these MSP-FET devices are bricked. What might we be doing to cause this or are they just not capable of operating in a production environment? Is there a process for them to be repaired or replaced?
Below are the serial numbers of these and their failure mode.
SN : 1805009A9 – After few seconds of connecting, red LED turns steady ON.
SN : 181200D68 – Cannot be identified by device manager.
SN : 180500230 – After few seconds of connecting, red LED turns steady ON.
SN : 181200A99 – Cannot be identified by device manager.
