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MSP430 hex downloader

Other Parts Discussed in Thread: MSP430FR6989, MSP-FLASHER

I am using the MSP430FR6989 LaunchPad with ez-FET Rev 1.2.Can i use the onboard eZ-FET circuitry as flash programmer for downloading hex files for Production PCBs.

I use the Code Composer Studio.

Please Guide..

  • Hi Punit!

    Yes, you can use the LaunchPad to program the devices. But for only loading code into the MSP, I would recommend using a tool like FET-Pro430, for example.

    Dennis

  • If Launchpad can be used to program the devices, then is it possible only via the CCS or any other utility is available that can directly download the hex in to the controller.I am looking for an economical option for now and buy a full fledged programmer later...
  • The mentioned FET-Pro430 software can do that, for example.
  • Dear Punit,

    I have done a similar job by writing my own bootstrap loader. Let me explain. A small program is flashed to the new MSP devices at the very beginnig. This little program is like a terminal program for RS232 communication. During first run of the application board a known memory address is checked. Then depending on the value, the bootstrapper starts. It receives the memory address and followed by 16 data bytes. These date are stored in RAM of MSP and after a block is received, the data are flashed to the program code area of MSP flash. I also used a handshake code (CR LF) during communication. After all data were transferred and programmed to flash, the well known data at well known memory address are coded, so that the check at the next program start directly branches to the main program.

    I hope you understand what I have written.

    Benefits: With a jump or call from the main program later you can download a new code whenever you like, as often you like. ... as Long as the bootstrap loader is not overwritten.

    Disadvantage: You have to program your bootstrapper and UART (or other interface)  has to be used.

    More detail: Use Info memory for the "known memory address with the well known data".

    Happy coding!

    Bernd

  • I am continuously getting the JTAG Fuse error upon using the FETPro.Any suggestions?I am not able to do any read/write/erase/verify operations..Can still do it successfuly via the CCS.I looked on the web but all the information is with MSP430UIF or MSPFET.I am using using eZFET....Any help u can provide?
  • Punit Chauhan said:
    ... then is it possible only via the CCS ...

    Actually CCS is not capable of downloading a hex file. It cannot even generate the hex file. You have to use a Utility program to convert the object file generated by CCS into hex format.

  • First of all, how did you get the hex file? CCS is not capable of generating it directly. Can you see the contents of the hex file with Notpad etc,? How does it look like (in ASCII). Does it start with a ":" or a "@"? Please show a few lines.

    As for FETPro, it is suppose to "automatically" install the needed DLL etc. that it needs. (So does CCS etc.) But this means it could "automatically" install the wrong DLL. You are lucky that CCS "automatically" works. This means the JTAG fuse is fine on the MSP chip.

    The FETPro in you PC probably installed the wrong DLLs "automatically." Can you try to discard and erase that existing version and install if fresh from the web? Or try to install MSP-Flasher and/on BSL-scriptor-Windows ? All of them should work "automatically" if you are lucky.

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