This thread has been locked.

If you have a related question, please click the "Ask a related question" button in the top right corner. The newly created question will be automatically linked to this question.

FET430UIF Error: "FET430UIF is already in use"

Other Parts Discussed in Thread: MSP430F2350, MSP430F5438

Hi,

I used the FET430UIF for a project that used MSP430F2350 the other day. It worked fine at the beginning (like it always did). But all suddenly when I started the debugger again I got a message message: the FET430UIF is already in use.  (See below.)

No matter what I tried I cannot get rid of that message:

I rebooted the computer. I changed to another FET unit. I removed the USB driver and reinstalled the driver. I started a new workspace and new project.

Finally I uninstalled CCS v.4 and reinstalled it. But the message persists.

When I run "Target > Launch Debug Session" I get a message telling me I  don't have a valid target configuration. See below.

Note my project setting has specified the target as the MSP430F2350.

The most puzzling thing is both errors persist even after I uninstalled and reinstalled CCS v.4.

This is a urgent project. Please help!

Thank you in advance.

Tony

  • Hello Tony,

    Which version of CCS are you using (Help --> About)? I suggest using CCSv4.1.3.

    Please create a new workspace and import one of the example projects in C:\Program Files\Texas Instruments\ccsv4\msp430\examples\example projects. Lauch the debugger and check whether the connection works. If the issue goes away, your target configuration was corrupted, i.e. you need to create a new one.

    If the issue should still be there, please unplug all USB devices except for the debug interface and try again - this is to avoid USB conflicts.

    Hope this helps.

    Markus

  • Hi Markus,

    My version of CCS is  4.1.3.00034. I downloaded and installed it a few days ago when I uninstalled and reinstalled CCS trying to fix the error message.

    Problem persists after I used one of the TI example projects.

    Problem still exists when I unplug all other USB devices. (Actually most of the time I don't use any other USB devices.)

    Can you email me the target configuration file that might have been corrupted on my computer?

    Also, since I already tried uninstall and reinstall, I guess any corrupted file would be purged and replaced. Would the problem be in Windows registry, or somewhere the uninstall and reinstall cannot fix??

     

    Thanks,

    Tony

  • Thanks for your quick reply.

    Can you confirm that you created a new Workspace before importing the project (sorry, I should have mentioned that in my initial post)?

    You can generate a new target config by setting up a new MSP430 project.

    Regards,
    Markus

     

  • Hi Markus,

    Yes I did. And I just did it again before I replied to this post. New workspace and new project (the MSP430x4xx C example project).

    My device manager shows I have only COM1/2, printer (LPT1) and the TI debugger (COM5) connected.

    I edited my previous post before I got yours. I don't know if you already read my post before I edited it. Could you read it again I asked a question about Windows registry?

    Thanks,

    Tony

  • Markus,

    I just tried the command "File > New > Target Configuration File". When a dialog box came up I clicked "finish". Now when I run the "Target > Launch TI Debugger" I no longer get the 2nd error message attached above. I got the first error message "FET is already in use."

    I don't know how to interpret this. Just let you know.

    Thanks,

    Tony

     

  • Tony,

    Good to hear that the target config issue got resolved. About the USB in use message:

    Could it be that you installed software/drivers for another USB device recently? We've seen similar issues when e.g. mobile or smartphone software was installed that keeps USB busy (even if nothing is connected).

    Regards,
    Markus 

  • Markus,

     

    I do have some other software that uses USB ports but they were installed a while ago. To be sure, I ran some windows commands to display all unused/hidden USB ports and I uninstalled all of the drivers except the basic COM1/2 and LPT1. I restarted the computer. Now the FET430UIF driver is in COM3. Same message persists.

    Two observations:

    (1) If I start the debugger without hooking up the FET, I get "No FET is found" message. Only when the FET is connected, I get the "FET is already in use" message. It appears to me CCS can at least detect the presence of the FET.

    (2) I downloaded IAR kickstart and used one of its examples. I got similar message: "Fatal error: Failed to initialize device. Session aborted!"

    Thanks,

    Tony

     

  • Just a note, to get the FET working with windows 7 32bit, I had to uninstall CCS and the drivers, install IAR kickstart, and then reinstall CCS.

  • Thank you for your reply, Victor.

     

    I forgot to state I am using Windows XP  Professional.

     

    I uninstalled CCS again. Manually removed the entire TI folder in Program Files. Then the IAR KickStart could see my device didn't match the example projects. and asked me if I wanted to download anyway. I said no, but at least that was a progress.

    I rebooted windows. I reinstalled CCS. CCS gave me the same "FET  already in use" error.

    And now IAR KickStart returns to the "Failed to initialize device" error.

     

    Looks like CCS not only it doesn't work but also its presence keeps IAR from working.

     

     

  • CCE and IAR do install their own drivers and come with their own set of DLLs for accessing the FET. Unfortunately, the windows mechanism of loading DLLs is a real mess and installing a new software may keep a previously installed one from using their own version.

    So it is very well possible that the order oin which you install applicaitons matters. If you install CCE first and IAR later, it might work (you already tried the other way).

    You should also check your system path variable. Often the path to the own binary folder is placed there, and which app has its entry first will server the DLL loading requests. No matter whether another app has and/or needs  a newer version.

    When I tried to make my USB FET work with mspgcc, I tried both, CCE and IAR, both installed their own USB drivers and both had different sets of libraries. With one it worked halfways, with the other it didn't at all.

  • Thank you for your input, Jens-Michael.

    I checked my  system path environment variables. TI/CCS/IAR are not on the path. Nor other software that might uses a USB driver.

    I installed IAR only yesterday in an attempt to debug the problem. When the error occurred, I didn't have IAR in my system. It suddenly occurred during normal debugging process of the CCS. At that time I didn't have other software running that use another USB driver. So I suspect something is corrupted suddenly.

    What other piece of software or data does the CCS debugger use that is not residing in the Program Files directory? If there is a list then we may have an idea what is corrupted.

     

     

  • Hi Tony,

    the issue you described "FET already in use" I have seen also on my PC.

    One of explanation I have is there is an running application or service on PC witch opens COM ports and tries to communicate with it. In my case it is the SonyEricsson synchronization software. Even the mobile is not connected, this software is running in background, opens com ports and asks if there is the mobile on it. After couple of seconds the software close the comport, so it will be available. Similar could be the software for BlackBarries, UMTS modems, .....

    The UIF tools creates the virtual comport, so it is also visible for such software.

    The workaround here could be:

    1. Try to get a newest software for your mobile or uninstall it.
    2. Or try to connect in IAR/CCS couple of seconds later..

    Regards,
    Rosty

     

  • Hi Rosty,

    Thank you for the input. I am glad you saw same message too.

    I don't have mobile phone or other applications that use USB and run in the background. The other handful of applications that use USB ports are those programming/debugging tools like CCS but from Freescale, Microchip, etc. To my knowledge, they don't run in the background. Plus, I have made Windows show all hidden/unused USB drivers and uninstalled them all.

    But I will review all software on my PC again.

    Meanwhile, I wish someone who has access to the CCS source code can give some insights. I am hoping there is a solution. After all, I can't remove those other applications from Freescale or Microchip.

  • Hi Tony,

    the application/service using your UIF doesnt need any USB driver installed. It just opens COM port. It could be any service running in background: you can watch them in ControlPanel-->AdminTools-->services.

    Please let me know if review of software installed on your PC helps.

    Regards,
    Rosty

  • I did n't find anything from software installed on my PC (desktop) so I have to give up CCS on that computer.

    I just bought a brand  new laptop (Dell Windows 7) and it arrived two days ago. CCS is the first software I installed. By default it went to the Program Files (x86) folder. (Is it correct?) After I open CCS, I plugged in the FET. It installed the driver automatically (MSP-FET430UIF - VCP (COM4)) But the FET is flashing the LEDs endlessly and the CCS complains it cannot communicate with the FET.

    The sequence of the FET LED blinking is RED-RED-RED-GREEN, then repeat indefinitely.

    I tried the two FETs I have. They do the same. I plugged them into my desktop, the LEDs trun on GREEN only -- normal like before.

    I guess the driver is not compatible with Windows 7? Or Windows 7 installed a wrong FET driver?

    It is a brand new computer. I am sure I am not the first person who have this problem. How do I resolve this issue?

    Regards,

    Tony

  • Just a note, to get the FET working with windows 7 32bit, I had to uninstall CCS and the drivers, install IAR kickstart, and then reinstall CCS.

  • Thanks Victor. I forgot to mention my Windows 7 is 64-bit.

    I am relutant to try installing/uninstalling different software without TI's blessing that this is the way to go. Otherwise, pretty soon I may end up having all different kinds of errors on this new computer too.

  • Victor,

    This is interesting. The IAR and CCS driver installation should work the same way, it should also be the same drivers. Could you let us know what IAR and CCS versions you were using?

    Tony,

    Sorry to hear about all the issues! I've never come across the blink sequence you mentioned. I'll check back with our experts soon, however, they are out at the moment. Does the UIF show up properly in the device manager?

    Regards,
    Markus 

  • Markus,

    It shows up correctly. Windows says this device is working properly. It identifies TI as the manufacturer, driver version "6.5.9017.0", driver date "10/20/2009".

    There is no other devices shown except the FET and printer/fax.

    Regards,

    Tony

  • Hello Victor,
    Could you please let us know what IAR and CCS versions you were using?

    Regards,
    Thomas

  • I think there is serious problem with the newer CCS release.

    So far, I have installed the latest CCS on four laptops. Two of then are either brand new or just reformatted for the purpose of testing CCS. The other two had never installed CCS before. All of them repeatedly blink red-red-green endlessly once FET is connected. Of course, CCS complains no communication between CCS and FET if I start debugging.

    A TI field application engineer came in and witnessed the problem.

     

    Why don't you try installing the latest CCS to a computer that never had CCS on it before? I could find four laptops to try. TI have plenty of computers. I am sure that is something you guys can easily do.

  • Tony,

    Multiple installations on new PCs of CCS on fresh PCs is part of our release tessting (as you suggest above). Nevertheless, I'll look for another (different) PC to verify the driver installation. In order to do so could you confirm that all your machines are running Win 7 64-bit? Are the machines all of the exact same type (which brand)? Are you using a plain windows installation (from a Microsoft DVD) or are you using an image from your IT that could contain other software?

    Regards,

    Markus 

  • Tony,

    one more question:

    I know this sounds kind of silly, but have you ever tried using another USB cable (i.e. are you using a different cable on the notebook PCs compared to the machine where the interface works)? I've recently seen an issue where the cable was faulty and caused all sort of strange behaviour.

    Regards,

    Markus

  • Markus,

    I have FET errors on five PCs. The first one is a DELL desktop (Win XP Pro). This is the PC that suddenly gave me the "FET already in use" error. It has ton of software in it. Though I uninstalled and reinstalled CCS numerous times, It always gives me the "already in use" error. When FET is inserted, the LEDs are always solid green.

    I tried Dell Studio 17 with Windows 7 (64-bit home). Brand new laptop I got last week. The first software I installed is CCS. I got red-red-green error when I plugged in the FET.

    Then I reformatted a DELL Inspiron 6000 with XP home with the DELL recovery CD. Before I install any DELL drivers, I installed CCS. I got red-red-green.

    Then I reformatted it again. this time I installed all DELL drivers and updated Win XP to the latest service package. I installed CCS. I got red-red-green.

    Then I found another DELL Inspiron 6000 with XP home, and then an IBM ThinkPad with Win XP home. They have software on them.  I installed CCS. On both machines I got red-red-green.

     

    Yesterday when Dwane our TI FAE came, he verified my FETs are working properly on his computer.

     

    Regards,

    Tony

  • Markus,

    I have used different cables. Although I didn't try to switch cables specifically for troubleshooting purpose, but since I have two FETs and simultanously running multiple computers, I have used at least two cables. Yesterday when Dwane came, I had three PCs turned on side by side. He also opened a new cable. So, I  think the problem is not caused by cables.

    Regqrds,

    Tony

  • Tony,

    I've installed CCS (4.1.3.00038 Platinum - I've downloaded it from the web) on another PC (Dell D600) no IDE installations or drivers were present.

    I connected the UIF and it blinked Red-Red-Red-Green once, i.e. the green LED stayed on from then on (correct behavior). The blink sequence actually happens pretty fast, I've never really noticed it. Then I launched the IDE. I've received an error message the no interface was found. I re-launched the debugger (I did not retry, but launched the debugger again) and everything worked just fine.

    Our challenge is that the expert for the interface is currently out, however, the rest of the team will continue their analysis. I'll try to recreate the issue again, but wasn't successful yet.  We're in touch with Dwane to discuss the next steps, he'll get back to you shortly.

    Regards,

    Markus

     

     

  • I sometimes get the same error.

    To correct, I disconnect the FET, wait a few seconds, then reconnect.

  • I just wanted to publicly thank TI's Markus, Florian and Dwane for their efforts to help us sort out the issues. Dwane is in our facility and Markus and Florian were on video conference with us for two hours this morning. Meanwhile my red-red-green error mysteriously disappeared today. The "Already in use" error was likely from my PC but TI will continue providing insight to help tackle it. We still have trouble reprogramming some of our boards but TI is helping to resolve that issue as well.  When everything is resolved I will follow up with a report. For now I want to thank TI for their effort to help.

  • Hi Tony,

    about "Already in use".

    As i have mentioned previously, some application/process is using the COM-port of the UIF on your PC. In order to solve this issue, it is good to now who is using the COM-port. For this propose i recommend the tool from Microsoft calling Portmon. It observes the traffic between application and com-ports. So you can find out the application uses com port of the UIF.

    Here is the link to this tool:

    http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/sysinternals/bb896644.aspx

    On the screen shot below the Portmon shows that the SEPCSuite.exe (Sony-Ericsson mobile suite) uses the comport of UIF.

    Please let me know what the application/process on your PC is using com-port.

    Regards,
    Rosty

  • Rusty,

    Even Portmon found the FET already in use.

    Before I connected the FET, Portmon found COM1 and COM2. After I connected the FET and restarted Portmon, it found COM3 as well. When I tried to capture, Portmon gave me an error: Portmon could not attach to Serial2 - the device may be in use.

    Do you know of any conflict between FET driver and other drivers? I suspect a FTDI USB to serial converter and/or a USB debugging tool from Freescale -- although those applications are not running in background.

     

    Regards,

    Tony

  • Hi Tony,

    the fact that the Portmon can not connect to COM3 is strange to me, because the Portmon uses low-level Windows functions to connect to the port even it is already open.

    I don't know about driver conflict between FET driver and any others, but it is clear to me that one process is using COM3. It could be any of installed software witch works with USB. You have mentioned you have installed FTDI and Freescale. Event the application is not started, the services for it may be running in background and is using the comport. May be on the same level as the Portmon uses them (so it could be the reason why the Portmon can not connect to the comport).

    Tony, could you please try to run UIF on the machine without FTDI or Freescale application installed? I'm not sure the unistalling of thees software helps, as not all of de-installation clean-up the machine, couple of drivers part and services may still run after deinstallation.

    Regards,
    Rosty

  • I've had a simiar issue in the past. Honestly just started Connecting/Disconnecting the JTAG and since I was using the MSP430F5438 Experimenter Board with the
    socket I would press on it. Apparently that did the trick.

     

    GL

  • Rosty,

    My laptop doesn't have either FTDI nor Freescale application installed. The FET is working fine there.

     

    I have a separate question. I have two laptops. One with Windows XP Home and the other Windows 7 64-bit Home. When I launch the debugger, the XP Home works good. The Windows 7 64-bit Home downloads successfully but debugging commands like step over, step into, etc... are grayed out. I can live with it by using the one that works. But I was wondering it it's because CCS doesn't work well with Windows 7 64-bit Home?

     

    Regards,

    Tony

     

  • Hi Gustavo,

     

    I think you saw a different problem. There is a known issue that the certain IDE versions couldn't handle the F5438 (non-A versions) properly - actually the MSP430.DLL causes the issue (the software component inbetween the IDE and the JTAG interface). If you download the latest version of CCS, IAR or any other IDE there shouldn't be any issues.

     

    Regards,

    Markus

  • hi rostyslav

    i am also facing same problem.

     but in this case when i restart ccs v4.2 this problem gets resolved again happens randomly.

    as you said here i downloaded Portmon and checked

    i unable to understand who is usingthe port

    please tell me something,

    thanks

  • Hi nikhil mane,

    we didn't facing the problem you mentioned by using CCS v4.2.

    Could you send me the screen short of the Portmon to see who is using COM port?

    Regards,
    Rosty

     

  • hi Rostyslav

    thanks for reply,

    here are some results of portmon can you tell me how to identify who is using COM port?

    thanks again

     

     

     

**Attention** This is a public forum