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CCS/CC3220: (Error -242 @ 0x0) A router subpath could not be accessed. Failure Associated with waking up the NWP during sl_start()

Part Number: CC3220

Tool/software: Code Composer Studio

I'm trying to test provisioning on a custom PCB using a CC3220SF chip. I'm using CCS version 8.2.0.00007 with the example provisioning code (also Out of Box code). This is connected to a CC3220SF launchpad which is connected to my board via a 10 pin JTAG connector.

I'm able to connect to the board and program it, however after running I receive the error a few seconds after when the code attempts to wake up the network processor (whether running or stepping through code):

Error connecting to the target:
(Error -242 @ 0x0)
A router subpath could not be accessed.
The board configuration file is probably incorrect.

By stepping through the code, I've determined this error occurs a few seconds after the line

HWREG(WAKENWP) = WAKENWP_WAKEREQ;

 in the sl_DeviceEnable() function which is called in the sl_start() function. It seems the only action caused by that line is writing to the register to wake the NWP. When this line is reached in the code, CCS seems to freeze for a few seconds before the error pops up. 

I've tried many of the suggested solutions other people had with the -242 error (such as resetting the memory, checking JTAG connection is correct, verifying power to the board never falls below the brownout limit, modifying the configuration file settings) however this error still persists. The provisioning and out of box code projects (without modifications) work fine on the launchpad.  Any ideas for what I can look into? 

  • Hi,

    This looks like a insufficient current during NWP startup and radio PHY calibration. Please make sure that your power source is capable to provide ~500mA (Vbat=3.3V). Another option can be a design issue around DC-DC. Did you follow all design recommendation (four layers board at least, etc). How do you power your board, it is directly from JTAG emulator?

    Jan
  • Thanks for your reply! My PCB design was exactly according to the CC3220 data sheet recommendation excepting for the board only being 2 layers. Would you expect EMI would be enough to cause this issue? The board is powered via a 12V power supply capable of supplying 3A and a linear regulator dropping the voltage down to 3.3V.
  • Hi,

    CC3220 chips are not qualified to be used at 2 layers board. I didn't hear about anybody who was able to successfully design 2 layers board with CC32xx QFN chip. Even TI engineers was not able do that. But I don't want to say that is not possible design two layers board with CC32xx QFN, but it is incredible hard (DC-DC design, antenna trace with proper impendance, etc). For two layer board is recommended to use CC3220MOD.

    Design around DC-DC is very sensitive to proper layout. Few links (for CC3200 but this is same as CC3220):
    - e2e.ti.com/.../1451045
    - e2e.ti.com/.../1765468

    Jan
  • Hi Jan,
    Thats good to keep in mind, and may very well be the cause of my problems. That being said, is there any other explanation you can think of for the errors I'm having? I'd like to keep troubleshooting this board to better understand it while waiting for a new board to arrive. Thanks,

    Jacob
  • Hi,

    I am not sure about another reason of similar issue actually. Maybe TI engineers may to have another ideas. You may to wait for their answer.

    I suppose it should be possible modify your current board to be functional with some playing around DC-DC (maybe some additional decoupling, decreasing impedance for capacitors, etc.). Unfortunately I have no experience in this field. But I am slightly surprised. Almost all e2e users with CC32xx at two layers board was not even able run MCU.

    It can be reasonable to test other peripheral (I2C, SPI, UART, etc.) with your current board without enabled NWP, to be sure that other aspects of your design are correct.

    Jan