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Original question:

MSP430: Error connecting to the target: Unknown device

MSP430F5529: MSP430: Error connecting to the target: Unknown device

Kyle Kelly1
Prodigy 40 points
Part Number: MSP430F5529
Other Parts Discussed in Thread: MSP-FET

I am trying to load firmware to a custom board with MSP430F5529 via a MSP-FET Flash Emulation Tool. My circuit design was based off SLAU278AE Fig. 2-1 and the example designs at the end of the document. Board power comes from an external USB connection, which distributes 5V to the internal 3.3V LDO in the MSP430F5529. I have tested the power distribution and it works correctly.

When I attempt to load the code, first the code builds, then I get a status bar telling me that the debugger is being configured and finally I get the error "Error connecting to the target: Unknown device" with "TI MSP430 USB1/MSP430" along the window bar. 

Going over the design again I found an error connecting pin 4 of the JTAG header to 5V rather than 3.3V. I ripped up the traces, wired a fix and tested. I haven't been able to discover anything else. 

Schematic and Layout (GND and PWR planes not shown): https://imgur.com/a/NWxBnNw

OS: Windows 10

CCS: 9.1.0

  • 0
    TI__Mastermind 28955 points

    Hey Kyle,

    Thanks for coming to the E2E forums.  The recommended JTAG schematic is shown Figure 2-1 of the hardware tools user guide, please compare it to your schematic: http://www.ti.com/lit/ug/slau278ae/slau278ae.pdf 

    The 5V was probably definitely causing an issue and I'm concerned that it may have damaged the device or the JTAG.  I believe the MSP-FET has protection for this, but It was also pulling the RST pin of the MSP430 up to 5V, which is beyond the max spec and can damage the chip in unpredictable ways.  You might have to swap the MSP430.   

    Do you have any boards that you haven't supplied USB power to?  If so, try making the modification first, and then try connecting via JTAG.  

    Thanks.  

    JD

  • 0 in reply to JD Crutchfield
    Prodigy 40 points

    JD, thanks for the reply.

    JD Crutchfield said:

    Do you have any boards that you haven't supplied USB power to?  If so, try making the modification first, and then try connecting via JTAG.  

    I've tried this with no luck. I then tried swapping out the MSP-FET and then the JTAG cable. Neither worked. Finally I tried connecting 3V3 VCC to JTAG pin 2 (rather than 4) by cutting the trace and removing USB power, so as to power from the tool. This also did not work.

    Is it possible it's something in my code or on the CCS side? Target Config is MSP430F5529 via a TI MSP430 USB1 connection. 

  • 0 in reply to Kyle Kelly1
    TI__Mastermind 28955 points

    Unknown device errors are typically between the FET and the MSP430.  Typically the issue is most commonly due to issues with the JTAG connections and powering the MSP430 correctly.  

    The MSP-FET can only supply 50mA I believe, so depending on everything in your system, it might not be able to supply enough power.

    I would check the conductivity of the JTAG lines to make sure they are connected.  Measure the MSP430 VCC and RST line, and make sure they are the correct voltage.  You can also measure the voltage on the Vcore cap, to make sure the CPU core is getting power.    

    Thanks,

    JD

  • 0 in reply to JD Crutchfield
    Prodigy 40 points

    VCC and nRST lines are 3.3V and Vcore cap is 1.94V. Connectivity doesn't seem to be an issue but I'll go over everything again. If you think of anything in the meantime please let me know. I'm out of ideas. Thanks

  • 0 in reply to Kyle Kelly1
    TI__Mastermind 28955 points

    Hey Kyle,

    I don't really have any more ideas.  If you're still having issues, you can scope or capture the JTAG and RST signals with an LSA.  It should look kind of similar to SPI communication.  I would really just look for start sequence from the JTAG, and a response on the TDO line.  I imagine there isn't a response on TDO since the FET is reporting unknown target.  

    Full details on the JTAG interface here: http://www.ti.com/lit/ug/slau320ag/slau320ag.pdf 

    Thanks,

    JD

  • 0 in reply to JD Crutchfield
    Prodigy 40 points

    I figured it out and I'm ashamed. Pinout coming from the MSP-FET didn't match my header. Pin 1 from the MSP-FET was going to pin 13 of the header, pin 2 from MSP-FET was going to pin 14 (and so on). Can't believe I didn't notice sooner. Anyway thanks for your help. 

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