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DCA1000EVM: Can't read FPGA Version when connected connected to one PC - but everything is working on a different PC

Part Number: DCA1000EVM

I'm using the AWR1642BOOT together with the DCA-1000 and the mmWave Studio 2.1.1.0

When trying to connect fetch data from the DCA-1000 (e.g., by running the DataCaptureDemo_xWR example lua script), I get the error message, that the FPGA Version can't be read:

I double checked, that both COM ports and IP addresses are setup correctly. I also gave it a try and disabled the firewall. But nothing fixed the problem.

I have used the same hardware with another PC. There everything works fine. This also gave me the opportunity to use Wireshark to compare what's going on on the LAN interface in both cases.

When everything is okay, the PC just starts to talk to the DCA-1000 and getting a response (i.e., it has fetched the MAC address from a pervious ARP request). This first data exchange is immediately followed by multiple other exchanges:

Now in my system, for which the communication doesn't work, the PC doesn't store the MAC address. It always issues an ARP request (not sure, whether this is important). But then it seems to be able to obtain the MAC address and starts a transfer, which is immediately responded by the DCA-1000. The content of this response is the same as in the "good case". But then the communication stops. If you check the timestamps you see that the PC issues a new package only after about 10 seconds:

Has anybody observed a similar issue and has an what might cause this problem?

Thanks in advance.

  • Hello

    Unable to read FPGA version is one of the most common errors found when attempting raw data capture with a DCA1000. Unfortunately the error is vague and it can be due to several different reasons, but the error is a result of the computer not being able to communicate with the DCA1000 properly. At this point in the process it has nothing to do with the mmWave sensor. Just to confirm, are you using the instructions found in the most updated DCA1000 guide found in the Radar Toolbox? 

     https://dev.ti.com/tirex/explore/node?a=1AslXXD__1.20.00.11&node=A__AGTrhNYW8jE6cMxbovlfaA__radar_toolbox__1AslXXD__1.20.00.11

    If you go to google and type "site:e2e.ti.com dca1000 unable to read fpga version", you will get possible solutions that worked for other people. Also ensure the following:

    • Proper settings of static IP
    • Power supply is 5V 3A, might work with 2.5A
    • Cables are good, switch out ethernet and USB if possible
    • Steps in the guide are followed in the exact order shown, especially once mmWaveStudio is opened.

    Best Regards,

    Pedrhom

  • Hi Pedrhom,

    thanks for your reply. In the meantime I figured out, that it is in fact the firewall, which blocks the data from reaching the mmWave studio SW. Initially I checked in the wrong place.