Faqs - Texas Instruments MSP430 User Manual

FAQs

B.1 FAQs
1. Q. How can I verify which software version is installed?
A. Click the small icon in the top left corner of the GUI, then click "About Gang Programmer ..." or
press F1. The versions of the installed software and hardware are displayed.
2. Q. What software version should I use?
A. In general, it is recommended to use always the latest version, which can be found on this web
page: http://focus.ti.com/docs/toolsw/folders/print/msp-gang430.html
page is more frequently updated than the CD-ROM that is supplied with the MSP430 Development
Tools. In particular, new members of the MSP430 family are supported only by the latest version of the
GANG430 software. Older devices can still be programmed with older software versions.
3. Q. How can I install a new software version?
A. After downloading the .zip file from above link, unpack it, and start the .exe file. Follow the
on-screen instructions during installation. Older versions can coexist with newer ones.
The Gang Programmer hardware contains firmware. This firmware must always match with the
version installed on the PC. When the new software version on the PC is started the first time with
Gang Programmer hardware connected, a window opens, recommending to upgrade the firmware.
This should be followed. Next, a file dialog opens to select the file containing the firmware. This file
resides in the directory where the Gang Programmer software was installed. The filename is similar to
GANG430-xxx.txt, where xxx represents the revision number. If the request to upgrade the firmware
is denied, the programmer might not work correctly and might show unexpected behavior. The
download process of the firmware should not be interrupted.
4. Q. Can I upgrade the firmware manually?
A. If, for any reason, the previously described firmware upgrade fails, the upgrade can be performed
manually: From the GUI, click Maintenance → Category → Upgrade Firmware, then click Execute.
Follow the file selection dialog as described in the previous question.
5. Q. Where can I find examples of how to use the GANG430.DLL?
A. Examples can be found in C:\ADT430\GANG\DLL_usage_Examples (the root directory might be
different, depending on the chosen installation path).
6. Q. What is the maximum allowable length of the connections between the Gang Programmer
hardware and the targets?
A. The length of the wires that connect the Programmer to the targets should not exceed 60 cm to
ensure sufficient quality of the JTAG signals. In case of problems, try these solutions:
• Reduce length of wires as much as possible.
• Use an oscilloscope to check the TCK and TMS signals at the targets. There should be no
overshoot or undershoot exceeding 0.3 V, and there should be no glitches on TCK. To correct
overshoot/undershoot or glitches, serial resistors of 100 Ω up to approximately 200 Ω can be
inserted in the respective signal. See the note in
• The maximum frequency of TCK can be reduced by a factor of five by changing the value of
JtagSpeed = 0 to JtagSpeed = 1 in the file Gang430.ini. This has no affect if SpyBiWire-Mode is
used.
7. Q. Can the Programmer hardware supply the targets with power?
A. Yes, the Gang Programmer can supply 150 mA (max) to the targets. The supply voltage can be
adjusted between 1.8 V and 3.6 V in steps of 0.1 V. See also
8. Q. Why do I get the error message 'Fuse is blown' when in fact it is not?
A. See the note in
9. Q. How can devices be programmed with unique data (e.g., a serial number)?
A. Each of the eight connected devices can be programmed with individual data. This could be
required if the target application is the same for all devices, but a serial number or calibration data
varies. This can be done using the function GangProgramTarget(). See the examples in
C:\ADT430\GANG\DLL_usage_Examples (the root directory might be different depending on the
chosen installation path).
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Frequently Asked Questions
Section 5.3.
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under Support Software. This web
Section 1.3, .
Section 1.3, .
SLAU101O – March 2003 – Revised May 2010
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