CC1310F128RHBR Firmware Update Failures and How to Fix Them

CC1310F128RHBR Firmware Update Failures and How to Fix Them

When updating the firmware for the CC1310F128RHBR, you may encounter several common issues that cause the firmware update to fail. This issue can occur for various reasons, ranging from incorrect software settings to hardware-related problems. Below is a detailed guide explaining the potential causes of firmware update failures and how to fix them in a step-by-step process.

Common Causes of Firmware Update Failures:

Incorrect Firmware File The firmware file being used might be incompatible with your specific device model or hardware version.

Power Issues If the device runs out of power during the update process, the firmware update may fail, leaving the device in an incomplete or non-functional state.

Connection Issues A weak or unstable connection between the programmer (e.g., JTAG, USB) and the CC1310 device can interrupt the firmware update process.

Incorrect Drivers or Software Tools Using outdated or incompatible Drivers or software tools for flashing the firmware can cause failures.

Bootloader Problems If the CC1310 bootloader is corrupted or not functioning properly, it may prevent the firmware from being updated successfully.

Incompatible IDE Settings Incorrect settings in the Integrated Development Environment (IDE) like Code Composer Studio or IAR Embedded Workbench may lead to failure during firmware flashing.

Steps to Diagnose and Fix Firmware Update Failures:

Step 1: Verify the Firmware File

Ensure that you are using the correct firmware version for your CC1310F128RHBR module . Here’s what to do:

Check the model number and revision of your device against the firmware file you are using. Download the official firmware from the Texas Instruments website or another trusted source. Double-check that the file has not been corrupted during download (check checksums or re-download if necessary). Step 2: Check the Power Supply

Ensure your CC1310F128RHBR is adequately powered during the update process. A power issue can interrupt the update, causing it to fail:

Use a stable power source (e.g., a reliable USB cable or dedicated power supply). If using a battery, ensure it is fully charged. Use a USB hub with adequate power output if you are updating over USB. Step 3: Inspect the Connection

A stable connection between your PC and the device is critical:

Ensure that the debug interface (e.g., JTAG or USB) is properly connected and seated. Try using a different USB cable or port. Use known-good hardware (e.g., programmer/debugger) to eliminate the possibility of faulty equipment. Step 4: Reinstall or Update Drivers and Software Tools

If the update tools are not working properly, you may need to update or reinstall the drivers and software:

Uninstall and reinstall the required drivers for the CC1310F128RHBR device. Update your firmware flashing tool (e.g., Code Composer Studio, Uniflash, or IAR Workbench) to the latest version available. Ensure the correct tool chain and configuration are selected in the IDE settings. Step 5: Reset the Bootloader

If the firmware update is interrupted or fails to complete properly, it may be due to a corrupted bootloader. To reset or reprogram the bootloader:

Power cycle the device by disconnecting it from power and reconnecting it. Enter bootloader mode by pressing the reset button (if applicable) or holding specific pins while powering on the device. Use a tool like Uniflash or Code Composer Studio to perform a low-level reset or reprogram the bootloader. Step 6: Adjust IDE Settings

Ensure that the settings in your Integrated Development Environment (IDE) match the required configurations for flashing the firmware:

Make sure that the target device and debug interface are correctly selected in the IDE. Verify that the flash memory size and other settings in the IDE match the configuration of the CC1310F128RHBR. If using Code Composer Studio, go to the "Target Configuration" to check the connection settings, and make sure the device’s family and other settings are correctly configured. Step 7: Try a Different Method to Flash the Firmware

If the issue persists, you may want to try a different method to flash the firmware:

Use a different flashing tool such as TI’s Uniflash instead of Code Composer Studio, which may offer different settings and compatibility. If using a hardware debugger (e.g., XDS110), try switching to a different debugger or interface to rule out hardware issues. Try a different PC if software or USB port issues are suspected.

Additional Tips:

Check logs: Some tools like Uniflash or Code Composer Studio provide logs of the update process, which can help diagnose specific errors. Factory reset: As a last resort, perform a factory reset on the CC1310 device and then attempt the firmware update again. Contact support: If all else fails, you can contact Texas Instruments support or consult community forums for additional troubleshooting steps.

Conclusion:

Firmware update failures on the CC1310F128RHBR can stem from a variety of causes, including incorrect firmware files, power issues, connection problems, and faulty drivers. By following the steps outlined above—verifying the firmware, checking the power, inspecting connections, reinstalling drivers, and resetting the bootloader—you can fix most firmware update issues and restore the proper functionality of your device. Always ensure that you are using the correct tools and methods, and don’t hesitate to reach out for additional support if needed.