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MSP-GANG: Support request, MSP-GANG programming - Error 23: MCU device initialization

Part Number: MSP-GANG
Other Parts Discussed in Thread: MSP430FR2422, MSP-FET, MSP-TS430RHL20, MSP430FR2433

Dear Forum,

I would like to request some support from your side because I found a serious issue by using the MSP-GANG programmer to program the MSP430FR2422.

I purchased two of them, and both show this behaviour.

Attached you will find a pdf-file "TI-Supportanfrage.pdf" with more details on the setup and the used software.

In the past I program the MSP430FR2422 devices with an MSP-FET over SBW interface (also the same device several times) with the command line options without any issue or error.

Now I will use the MSP-GANG programmer and to program the same design with MSP430FR2422 device with the same code and the MSP-GANG software (GUI).

I was able to program a new device for the first time without any issue, but erase, verify or read the same device failed with "Error 23: MCU device initialization". Also, the re-programming failed with this error

  • I try this with the MSP-TS430RHL20 ZIF-socket with SBW-interface
  • And with direct connected Device to the MSP-GANG programmer
  • I choose internal power (3V3), with and without delay, 30mA and 50mA 
  • I choose external power and power the device by myself
  • I connected the device directly to the MSP-GANG programmer
  • I choose all three different speed settings for SBW-Interface
  • The Secure Device Option is NOT SET

What did I do than!

  • I tried to erase the MSP-device with the MSP-GANG without success.
  • Then I try the same with the MSP-FET with success!!
  • And now I was able to re-program the MSP-device with the MSP-GANG programmer for one time
  • te re-programm the MSP430 again, I have to erase it with my MSP-FET and it works for the next program process.

Have you got any suggestions how to fix this issue?

With kind regards
Rolf

Connection between MSP-GANG and the current design.

Alternative method to program the MSP-device with the ZIF-socket board MSP-TS430RHL20.

This is an extract of my HEX-File which is used for the MSP430FR2422 device with MAS-FET and MSP-GANG.

The GUI version ans also the programmer firmware version should be the latest one.

Above you’ll see the current settings,

Secure Device Option = not set

Programmer will supply the device, the MSP-TS430RHL20. No additional electronics connected.

SBW Interface selected and currently the fast speed. I also tried to use both other options.

  • Hi Rolf,

    What is your status?

  • Hi Dennis,

    thanks for asking,

    unfortunately there is no change on that issue.

    I can program a new MSP430 chip for the very first time but re-programming, verify, read or erase it, is not possible.

    I was able to do all this with the MSP-FET programmer without any issue, and after erase the device with MSP-FET, I was able to program the same MSP again with the MSP-GANG programmer.

    Without any change for the cabling, the device or the MSP430 chip.

    With best regards

    Rolf

  • Hi Rolf,

    I apologize for the delay.  I need to pickup an MSP-GANG programmer from the office, but bad snow/ice here in Dallas has prevented me from traveling.  I'll pickup on Monday for sure.

    You mentioned you attached a pdf, but I do not see it. Can you try to post again?

    Also, by chance, does your code reconfigure the RST/NMI pin to be only NMI function?

  • Hi Dennis,

    thanks for your replay, I'll keep my fingers crossed that the weather in Dallas improves quickly! 

    I first sent my request directly to the support, with attachment. From there I was asked to contact the forum here, where the upload of the attachment had not worked. Therefore, all information from the PDF file is inserted into my request, more data is currently not available.

    Regarding your request for the RSTn/NMI pin (4), I requestes these information to our software department and will come back with the details after I received them.

    In the schematics, there is only a 1nF capacitor against GND and the testpad connected, nothing more.

    In Massproduction we already use the MSP-FET programmer to perform Incircuit programming. But unfortunately the driver of MSP-FET will not work in parallel with 4 MSP-FET programmers in one Test-station.

    Therefore we would like to switch to the MSP-GANG programmer and implement this tool to programm our PCBA in the panel of 10 pcs.

    This should improve the programming time a lot in comparison to the MSP-FET capability.

    Ok, that's all for now, looking forward to provide feedback regarding the Pin-configuration and maybe you can provide a possibility to upload the MSP-hexfile we already use. I will not share this data here ;-)

    Have a nice weekend and hopefiully no stress with the weather 

    With kind regards

    Rolf

  • Hi Rolf,

    Super sorry for the delay, but I'm having trouble getting my hands on a gang programmer and FR2422 samples.  I'm having to ask around.  Until then, are you programming the MSP430 directly from the GUI or running a script?

    Also, I don't think this would matter, but there is a newer version of the GUI.

    https://www.ti.com/tool/download/MSP-GANG-SOFTWARE

    Can you also try programming with a simple application that does nothing more than disable the WDT, then sit in a while-loop?

    Adding... also try generating the output file in TI-TXT format and ensure the filename extension is .txt

    Can you show me what the code looks like in "File code data" view like shown here, specifically the end addresses in FRAM memory.

  • Hi Rolf,

    I have also reached out to Elprotronics.  They manufacture the MSP-GANG programmer and the GUI.  Trying to see if they can provide some insight to this error.

  • Hi Rolf, I am so sorry for the delay.  I was hoping to get some help directly from Elprotronics, but does not appear its going to happen.  Did you get a chance to program a simple program and see if the behavior was the same?  Also, can you try generating the output in .txt format and show me what is in the memory section as shown above?

  • Hi Dennis,

    unfortunately it took a bit time to go ahead with this issue, but now you can see the code from the "File Code Data" window.


    I have no possibility to programm a simple programm without any real code inside, because the softwrae will be provided by our customer.
    I asked him to provide some hex-file as requested by you, but I didn't get something until now.

    I know that the code will disable the SBW/JTAG interface after first start to protect against debugging.
    But the mass-erase must work as it also works with MSP-FET device.
    Have you or Elprotronic any idea how to perform the bulk-erase for our device with MSP-GANG and not only with MSP-FET?

    With kind regrads
    Rolf

  • Hi Rolf, 

    I think what is happening in this case is the MSP Gang programmer is slower to start the programming sequence as compared to the MSP FET.  This allows the code to start running and disable the JTAG pins before the Gang programmer can perform a mass erase.  This also why it works on a device that is erased first using the MSP FET.

    Adding... to test this theory, I have attached a simple code example.  See if you can program this multiple times without failure.  Note, I had to give a file extension .aaa so the file would upload and not just the contents.  Please download and rename to FR2433_test_code.txt

    FR2433_test_code.aaa

  • Hi Dennis,

    thanks for the test file, which I already tried to program to my MSP.
    Unfurtunately I got the message "ERROR 386: Code out of range of the selected MCU" and I guess this is based on different MSP-Chip models.
    I use the MSP430FR2422 and not a MSP430FR2433.
    May this be the root cause for the ERROR 386?

    with best regards
    Rolf


  • Hi Rolf,

    Sorry - That is totally my mistake.  Please try again with the attached file for FR2422.

    Same as before - please download and rename with .txt filename extension.

    FR2422_test_code.aaa

  • Hi Dennis,

    thanks for the updated file, which now can be programmed several times without erasing first with MSP-FET tool.
    But this is not the issue, this only figures oiut that my issue root cause is based on the disabled JTAG/SBW Interface by the code.
    And only a mass erase will enable the re-programming.
    The MSP-GANG seems not be capable to erase the MSP, only the MSP-FET is able to do so.
    Now we come closer to the potential soluztion to solve this.
    How can we manage to enable also MSP-GANG to erase the MSP430?

    You mentioned before that this might be a timing issue of MSP-GANG regarding start of the programming sequence after powerup the device.
    How can this be solved? Do I need new firmware for MSP-GANG?

    Any further Idea from you or Elprotronic?

    Thanks a lot and kind regards

    Rolf

  • Hi Rolf,

    I’m working with Elprotronics to resolve this for you.

  • Hi Dennis,

    thanks a lot for your valued support.

    BR Rolf

  • Hi Rolf,

    I'm still waiting to hear back from Elprotronics.  While they investigate on their end, is it possible that you can delay disabling the JTAG pins in your code with impacting your application?

  • Hi Dennis
    thanks for doublecheck tihs issue with Elprotronics.
    Looking forward to get their feedback and maybe a possible solution.
    I'll doublecheck with the customer if he is able to add a delay on the JTAG disable function and will come back with feedback on this when I got news on this.
    With kind regards and have a nice weekend
    Rolf

  • Hi Rolf,

    I'm not getting any response from Elprotronics.  I would suggest reaching out to them via their support email you can find on their website.  Maybe if we both ask they will look into this issue.

  • Hello Dennis,

    I have contacted Elprotronic support and am in touch with Gregory.
    We discussed a bit about the test unit, the latest MSP-GANG software and firmware, but everything is up to date.
    Now Elprotronic is looking into this issue and I am very excited to see the results.

    I will share them here if this resolve the issue.

    Kind regards and have a nice day

    Rolf

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