SLAU213A Datasheet, PDF (11/19 Pages) Texas Instruments – MSP430FG4618/F2013 Experimenter’s Board

7. Frequently Asked Questions
1) What devices can be programmed with the experimenter’s board?
The experimenter’s board is designed to develop applications using the
MSP430FG4618 and MSP430F2013. These devices can be replaced by
MSP430FG461x and MSP430F20xx device derivatives, respectively.
2) How is power supplied to the experimenter’s board?
Three supply options exist: 2xAAA battery power, JTAG and external power
supplies are supported.
3) Can I use the Parallel FET (MSP-FET430PIF) to program/debug the
MSP430?
The MSP4304618 supports the USB and Parallel Port FETs. The
MSP430F2013 is supported by the USB FET (MSP-FET430UIF) only. The
Parallel Port FET does not support the Spy Bi-Wire program/debug mode
used.
4) I have erased and reprogrammed the MSP430; can I restore the factory
programmed-firmware on the device(s)?
The software source files are available at the MSP-EXP430FG4618
documentation page at www.ti.com/msp430.
5) The MSP430FG4618 is no longer accessible via JTAG, is something
wrong with the device?
- Verify that the target device is powered properly
- If the target is powered locally, verify Vcc is applied to pin 4 of the JTAG
header
- If communication and power are correctly applied to the target and the issue
persists, it may be due to the MSP430FG4618 accidentally being
programmed with MSP430F2xx source code. In some conditions ‘F2xx
source code loaded onto the ‘FG4618 can configure the SVS module to
monitor SVSIN (P6.7) and reset the device in case of a low voltage condition
externally applied. Temporarily connecting P6.7 of the ‘FG4618 to Vcc and
reprogramming the target device with the valid source code will eliminate this
issue.
6) Does the experimenter’s board protect against blowing the JTAG fuse of
the target devices?
No. Fuse blow capability is inherent to all Flash-based MSP430 devices in
order to protect user’s intellectual property. Care must be taken to avoid the
enabling of the fuse blow option during programming that would prevent
further access to the MSP430 device(s) via JTAG.
7) I am measuring system current in the range of 30mA, is this normal?
Current consumption of the system is dependent on the functions and
operation of the hardware being performed. The RF connectivity and isolated
UART communication support, when used, can reach these current
consumption levels. Take care that these elements are not accidentally
enabled, specifically the isolated UART, if such system currents are not
expected.
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