CAPTIVATE-FR2676: Support Request: Guidance on Suitable Battery

Part Number: CAPTIVATE-FR2676
Other Parts Discussed in Thread: CAPTIVATE-PGMR, MSP430FR2676

Tool/software:

Dear Texas Instruments Support Team,

I am currently working with the above kit and have encountered challenges in powering the setup with batteries.

We attempted to use different battery options; however, we faced issues with maintaining a stable input voltage. The kit operates perfectly when powered through USB, but when switched to battery power, the performance is inconsistent.

Could you please recommend:

  1. The most suitable type of battery (chemistry and capacity) for reliable operation of this kit.

  2. The required input voltage and current specifications to ensure stable performance.

  3. Any additional considerations (e.g., regulators, protection circuits) when using battery power instead of USB.

Your guidance will help us proceed with our setup and ensure stable standalone operation without relying on USB input.

Thank you for your support.

Best regards,
Sushant Panhale

  • Hi Sushant,

    We attempted to use different battery options; however, we faced issues with maintaining a stable input voltage. The kit operates perfectly when powered through USB, but when switched to battery power, the performance is inconsistent.

    So you are saying when operating on battery, the battery voltage is unstable as compared to when powered from USB?  What type / size of batteries are you using? "coin cell, AAA, AA, etc"?

  • Thank you for your response.

    We have tested the kit with the following batteries:

    1. Li-ion 21700 cell – 3.7 V nominal, 5000 mAh, 18.55 Wh

    2. Li-polymer pack – 3.7 V nominal, 5000 mAh, 18.5 Wh (rated capacity equivalent: 2960 mAh @ 5 V/1 A)

    In both cases, we observed issues with input voltage stability when running on battery. However, when powered directly via USB, the kit operates reliably without any issues.

    Could you please advise if these types of batteries are appropriate for this kit, or if you recommend a specific battery configuration/regulation method to ensure stable voltage similar to USB operation?

    Best regards,
    Sushant Panhale

  • Hi Sushant,

    Ok, let me make sure I understand your setup.  You are using the CAPTIVATE-FR2676 EVM and CAPTIVATE-PGMR programmer/debugger, correct?

    When the CAPTIVATE-FR2676 is powered from the CAPTIVATE-PGMR PCB it works correctly, but if you power the CAPTIVATE-FR2676 EVM from a battery, the battery voltage that provides power to the MSP430FR2676 is not stable? 

    If this is not the case, can you provide photo or diagram showing your setup?

    Also, keep in mind the VDD max for the MSP430FR2676  is +3.6v, so if you are using a Li-ion pack with nominal 3.7 v (which can be as high as 4.2v when fully charged) and violates the VDD max spec.

  • I am attaching the setup figures/photos for your reference.

  • Ok, now I see.  You are plugging the CAPTIVATE-PGMR into a battery pack.  When you didn't have it plugged into the battery pack, you had the USB cable connected to your Laptop? OR desktop computer?  If it was a laptop, was the laptop plugged into the wall (120 or 220vac)? 

    If yes, then what you are seeing are the affects of operating on a "floating" power source, ie. the battery pack.  This changes the ground coupling and the capacitive touch sensitivity will change.  This is particularly true when using "self-capacitive" mode, which I see you are using the BSWP panel.  Self capacitive measurements depend on a good coupling to ground.  If you power the MSP430 from a battery and the battery is not connected to earth ground or is not strongly coupled, your measurements will become unstable.

    Also, take a look at the Captivate Technology Design Guide for information on line power vs. battery power configurations. And see the attachment.Cap Touch Line vs Battery Powered Application Considerations.pdf

  • Ok, now I see.  You are plugging the CAPTIVATE-PGMR into a battery pack.  When you didn't have it plugged into the battery pack, you had the USB cable connected to your Laptop? OR desktop computer?  If it was a laptop, was the laptop plugged into the wall (120 or 220vac)? 

    If yes, then what you are seeing are the affects of operating on a "floating" power source, ie. the battery pack.  This changes the ground coupling and the capacitive touch sensitivity will change.  This is particularly true when using "self-capacitive" mode, which I see you are using the BSWP panel.  Self capacitive measurements depend on a good coupling to ground.  If you power the MSP430 from a battery and the battery is not connected to earth ground or is not strongly coupled, your measurements will become unstable.

    Also, take a look at the Captivate Technology Design Guide for information on line power vs. battery power configurations. And see the attachment regarding line powered vs battery powered applications with formulas showing different sensitivities.

    3108.Cap Touch Line vs Battery Powered Application Considerations.pdf

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