Tool/software:
Hi experts.
I´ve been using MSP-FET FLASH EMULATION TOOL for a while, and it's been my programming tool for all the project I've worked; nevertheless, there´s an unresolved issue which concerns my team and I, and is the fact that, after a while, each MSP-FET I've used, has presented issues and stop letting me use them, it stops working and recognizing microcontrolers, starts giving high tool voltages (up to 5v, even when I set it on 3v), it stops letting me debug, and then, I've to buy another one in order to keep working.
This concerns me, and makes me think:
1.- Can I use this tool in my process of design, verification and production? Is it suitable for constant use?
2.- Is there anything I can do to "repair" my MSP-FETs in order to keep using them?
3.- Is there a time-life usage for this tool?
4.- Does this tools have any kind of guarantee?
Hi Felipe,
Could you describe how you are using the MSP-FETs? Also, when you mention stopping work, can you describe how it usually happens? Regarding time-life and guarantee, this device is tied to our standard terms and conditions of sale for evaluation items.
Best Regards,
Diego Abad
Hi!
Thanks for you response.
I attach to this post the schematics for JTAG connection on my board:
The problems starts showing the following error while trying to flash or debug:
* Error initializing emulator: MSP-F430 is already in use
* Error connecting to the target: Unknown device
Both errors don´t let us keep debugging or flashing micro controllers. Once it starts showing these messages, JTAG messages starts appearing sometimes, and sometimes it allows to work; but then, starts showing these messages until we can not keep working.
We've tried (according to several posts on e2e FORUM):
1. Changing computer.
2. We've already done the MSP-FET HID COLD BOOT shown in "MSP DEBUGGERS USER'S GUIDE / DEBUG PROBES HARDWARE AND SOFTWARE / 5.6.5.3 MSP-FET HID COLD BOOT" whit no success.
3. We've already deleted drivers, and re-installed them.
4. We've tried with CCS and MSP FLASHER TOOL.
The concern is that we have worked with these MSP-FET for a while, and we've observed this behavior.
Greetings.
Hi Felipe,
Could you confirm with me that neither of the devices you are programming are being overstressed, and that you are not using SBW Cables that are longer than the ones provided with the MSP-FET?
Best Regards,
Diego Abad
Hi!
I can tell we've not overstressed them.
We use a 6in and 2in connector to set out board configuration set in addition to the cable provided with the MSP-FET. None of them works.
Thanks for your fast response.
Hello!
I had a misunderstanding, I'm not using SBW connection, but 4-wire JTAG Communication. The "SBW CABLE PROVIDED WITH MSP-FET" is the black cable that comes with the MSP-FET TOOL.
We do followed the recommendations, I just missed to upload the image the last time. So the issue should be something else.
How is "VCC Tool" or "VCC Target" from the MSP-FET connected to your board? That is required to set the correct IO drive levels from the MSP-FET. Not being connected may explain most if not all of your issues.
Hi!
We use "VCC TARGET" connected and "VCC TOOL" disconnected. Last days we've tried with "VCC TOOL" connected and "VCC TARGET" disconnected, but we are having the same error.
Hi Felipe,
Sorry for the late response. Is the board you are using to program the devices a custom board? Also, what version of CCS are you using?
Best Regards,
Diego Abad
Hi.
Right, is a custom board.
I've used:
*20.0.0
*12.8.1
*12.8.0
*12.3.0
*11.2.0
Greetings.
Hi Felipe,
Since the device was working initially (and assuming there wasn't any overstressing of the parts,) this issue seems to be more likely to be similar to what this costumer faced: https://e2e.ti.com/support/microcontrollers/msp-low-power-microcontrollers-group/msp430/f/msp-low-power-microcontroller-forum/1340945/msp430fr2355-msp-fet430uif-is-already-in-use---still-crazy-after-all-these-years/5149343#5149343
Besides the advice above, I recommend to double check the connections from your board to the MSP-FET.
Best Regards,
Diego Abad
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