MSP-EXP430FR5969: Powering MSP430FR5969 without USB cable

When powering externally, you should remove all the jumpers from the launchpad to the debugger section, so no, the LED's shouldn't light. You should also power via the 3.3 V pin, not the 5 V pin.

Hi Keith, thanks for the reply. Just to be clear, you're saying I should get rid of all jumpers between the USB connection and launchpad? Also, there is no 3.3V pin on MSP430, just 5V.

I would remove all the jumpers in the debugger section, and power via the jumpers in the lower right corner. Note that "Vcc" is 3.3 V, and 5 V can damage the MCU, which you might have already done:

Hi Kieran,

If you look on the right side of the board there is a section labeled J1, the VCC there is that 3.3 connection. The debugger block is next to that big JTAG block, removing those pins is just removing the debugger so it won't supply anything in the eZ-FET section. (We want this because you won't be programming the device if it isn't plugged to the PC). Based on your earlier description you've only applied 3.3V so it should be fine.

Regards,

Luke

Also this document should be helpful as well, MSP-EXP430FR5969 User's Guide.

Hi Luke, thanks for your help. I am able to power the board on after disconnecting the USB, but only after I jumper the VCC signal to the RST pin on the launchpad. After this, it's able to transmit data fine. Any idea on why this could be?

Which Vcc and which RST?

the VCC and RST on the boosterpack module (pins 1 on J4 and J5)

It looks like you should be OK. The Vcc on the Boosterpack should connect to Vcc:

But the little pad next to the pin in the picture gives me pause.

Here is how the RST is connected:

Which goes here:

So, If you are powering through the RST pin, you are going through a 47 K resistor. I would disconnect the Vcc pin and see if you are still powering via RST. If so, get your VOM out and start probing with Vcc hooked back up and RST disconnected.