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.

MSP-FET: Debugging with a breakpoint causes driver error

Part Number: MSP-FET
Other Parts Discussed in Thread: UNIFLASH, MSP430FR59941

When I try to debug with a breakpoint set in IAR Embedded Workbench IDE, it ends up in CrashCatcher_msp430x.s43 with the following messages in the debug log:

Tue Jan 05, 2021 10:43:31: Target reset
Tue Jan 05, 2021 10:43:31: Invalid parameter(s) : (Run) , mode=0x1, releaseJTAG=0x1
Tue Jan 05, 2021 10:43:31: Unable to execute: driver error. After the error occurred, the program counter (PC) was 0xfc34.

I've tried using different boards and different source code versions that have previously worked but they are no longer working. This seems to be an issue with the MSP430-FET and/or its driver.

  • Hi commongnd,

    What model/version MSP430-FET?

    Windows, Linux or MAC?

    What version of IAR are you using.

    You indicate that it used to work, but now is not - what changes to your system did you make?  Update drivers, IAR etc?

    Did you see a prompt indicating the MSP430-FET needs to be updated, it then updated and now not working?

  • Please see my answers below:

    What model/version MSP430-FET?

    - It's MSP-FET Flash Emulation Tool (https://www.ti.com/tool/MSP-FET

    Windows, Linux or MAC?

    - Windows 10

    What version of IAR are you using.

    - 7.11.2

    You indicate that it used to work, but now is not - what changes to your system did you make?  Update drivers, IAR etc?

    - Didn't really make any changes that I know of. I did try updating the driver and the firmware for the MSP-FET after this issue was discovered but it didn't help.

    Did you see a prompt indicating the MSP430-FET needs to be updated, it then updated and now not working?

    - About a month ago, I had to use UniFlash which required updating the firmware of the debugger and it asked me to update again when I tried to debug in IAR. However, I don't think this issue was present after going through the updates.

  • Ok - thanks.

    Also, what MSP430 are you using and are you using full JTAG or the 2-wire SPY-BY-WIRE programming connections?

    I see you used UniFlash at one point so if you go back and try the MSP430-FET again with UniFlash do you see any issues?

    Some other things to check - Have you tried a different USB port?  Are you connected through a USB hub?

  • Hi Dennis, here are the answers:

    Also, what MSP430 are you using and are you using full JTAG or the 2-wire SPY-BY-WIRE programming connections?

    - I'm using the MSP430FR59941 on a custom board and I have Debug protocol set to "automatic selection" on the IAR FET Debugger Setup page.

    I see you used UniFlash at one point so if you go back and try the MSP430-FET again with UniFlash do you see any issues?

    - No, I can program using UniFlash without any issues. I can also program using IAR without any issues. I just can't set any breakpoint in IAR and debug.

    Some other things to check - Have you tried a different USB port?  Are you connected through a USB hub?

    - I have the debugger connected directly to my laptop and I've tried other USB ports to no avail.

    I also just tried with a brand new MSP-FET debugger and I'm having the same issue. So it's looking like a driver issue.

  • Just a thought. Does the output "Invalid parameter(s) : (Run) , mode=0x1, releaseJTAG=0x1" give any clues on what may be happening? I'm not sure what the parameters "mode" and "releaseJTAG" it's referring to but it seems that they are invalid and are the cause of this issue.

  • Deleting all the files in the "settings" directory fixed the issue.

**Attention** This is a public forum