IWR6843ISK: Uniflash stuck at opening COM port

Aleena N A

Part Number: IWR6843ISK
Other Parts Discussed in Thread: UNIFLASH, , MMWAVEICBOOST

Hello everybody,

I am trying to flash newly brought IWR6843ISK. I am using it along with MMWAVEICBOOST. I have tried different methods which have been mentioned in similar questions regarding the same. I have tried with different PC's. Nothing worked. I have another pair of IWR6843ISK and MMWAVEICBOOST which I have been using for a couple of months. The new device is not able to flash using uniflash. What should I do?

Thanks in advance.

Thanks and regards,

Aleena N A

over 3 years ago

0 Alexander Chan over 3 years ago

TI__Genius 9570 points

Hi Aleena,

Here are a few things to look into.

1.) Have you looked at the following other e2e posts related to this issue?

https://e2e.ti.com/support/sensors-group/sensors/f/sensors-forum/1008431/iwr6843-cannot-open-com-port?tisearch=e2e-sitesearch&keymatch=IWR6843ISK%25253A%252520Uniflash%252520stuck%252520at%252520opening%252520COM%252520port#

https://e2e.ti.com/support/sensors-group/sensors/f/sensors-forum/1040096/iwr6843isk-ods-uniflash-can-not-open-com-port/3846595?tisearch=e2e-sitesearch&keymatch=IWR6843ISK%253A%2520Uniflash%2520stuck%2520at%2520opening%2520COM%2520port#3846595

2.) Correct Flash Setting and Steps

Just wanted to double check have you set the IWR6843ISK and MMWAVEICBOOST in the correct flashing mode.

https://dev.ti.com/tirex/explore/content/mmwave_industrial_toolbox_4_9_0/labs/common/docs/hardware_setup/hw_setup_mmwaveicboost_mode_flashing.html

Have you tried just flashing the IWR6843ISK standalone without the MMWAVEICBOOST? Make sure to follow these setup flashing steps.

https://dev.ti.com/tirex/explore/content/mmwave_industrial_toolbox_4_9_0/labs/common/docs/hardware_setup/hw_setup_isk_ods_modular_mode_flashing.html

Make sure after you setup flashing mode correctly to press the reset button before flashing on UniFlash.

3.) Confirm basic status LEDs on the EVM

Another thing to check is the basic status LEDs on the IWR6843ISK.

There should be the two following LEDs light up for correct 5V (Green Color D6) and 3.3V (Yellow Color D3) power to board. There should also be another LED for the reset (Green Color D5).

Please see the following schematics to confirm. Note these are from the latest Rev D version of the IWR6843ISK.

4.) Root Causing Faulty Board

Have you tried trying to diagnose whether the new IWR6843ISK or MMWAVEICBOOST may be faulty? From my understanding you have two of each and one pair is working?

Pair 1: (Working)

IWR6843ISK_1

MMWAVEICBOOST_1

Pair 2: (Not Working)

IWR6843ISK_2

MMWAVEICBOOST_2

Have you tried swapping them and seeing if certain combination works to try to narrow down which may be the faulty board?

Try IWR6843ISK_1 with MMWAVEICBOOST_2 and IWR6843ISK_2 with MMWAVEICBOOST_1

5.) Other Options

I have had issues where the micro usb to usb cable to the computer was faulty and I had to switch it out because it kept causing the EVM to disconnect. Once I used a new cable, the EVM was able to flash correctly in UniFlash.

Make sure you have no other program that could have been connected to the EVM such as Putty, TeraTerm or one of the mmWave Visualizers.

Thanks,

Alex Chan

0 Aleena N A over 3 years ago in reply to Alexander Chan

Intellectual 530 points

Hello Alex,

I have tried different methods,

1. Changed the data cable. I tried with the one we are using with the first set of boards.

2. Tested with IWR6843ISK alone

3. Crossed checked SOP mode, mux combination in both boards.

4. The PC was restarted twice and checked.

But nothing worked. As you suggested I tested by changing the combination.

1. IWR6843ISK_1 and MMWAVEBOOST_2

2. IWR6843ISK_2 and MMWAVEICBOOST_1.

Combination 1 worked. Combination 2 didn't work. So as the above combination and the IWR6843ISK_2 alone didn't work I think the antenna board is faulty.

Thanks and Regards,

Aleena N A

0 Alexander Chan over 3 years ago in reply to Aleena N A

TI__Genius 9570 points

Hi Aleena,

Given the amount of testing and checks and trying to connect with another IC Boost it seems the antenna board is indeed faulty and can (depending on time from purchase) qualify for a replacement. Please contact TI support and link to this E2E thread.

Sorry for the inconvenience the faulty board may have caused and hope you get everything resolved. Thank you for your patience.

Thanks,

Alex Chan

Sensors

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IWR6843ISK: Uniflash stuck at opening COM port