Ways of programming a TMS470 (TI microcontroller with 256k flash)?

Hi everyone,

Im a senior undergrad. I obtained samples of the TMS470R1A256PZ from TI
to play around with. However, seems like the only way of programming
these things is thru a Jtag cable..which is way too expensive for me
(the cable + the sw costs quite a packet, right?).
Does anyone out here know of other ways of programming these things?

Regards

Mayank

"Mayank Kaushik" <prehistorictoad2k@yahoo.com> wrote in message 
news:1109957799.166635.81070@o13g2000cwo.googlegroups.com...
> Hi everyone,
>
> Im a senior undergrad. I obtained samples of the TMS470R1A256PZ from TI
> to play around with. However, seems like the only way of programming
> these things is thru a Jtag cable..which is way too expensive for me
> (the cable + the sw costs quite a packet, right?).
> Does anyone out here know of other ways of programming these things?

You should be able to use a simple JTAG interface that connects to the 
printer port, like the one I use with the Philips ARM chips. The PCB design 
is in the Files area of the LPC2000 Yahoo group.

Leon
-- 
Leon Heller, G1HSM
http://www.geocities.com/leon_heller 

Hi,

My membership request to this group is pending. But id also like to ask
you, what software would i use to send data from the host PC to the
target uC? Surely it would be specific to the controller?

"Mayank Kaushik" <prehistorictoad2k@yahoo.com> wrote in message 
news:1110004090.853956.232830@z14g2000cwz.googlegroups.com...
> Hi,
>
> My membership request to this group is pending. But id also like to ask
> you, what software would i use to send data from the host PC to the
> target uC? Surely it would be specific to the controller?

I've just approved your membership (I'm the moderator).

You want jtag.zip in the Files section. You can also buy something similar 
from Olimex if you don't want to make your own. You should be able to use 
any of the tools for the LPC2000, like CrossWorks from Rowley. All ARMs use 
the same protocols for JTAG loading and debugging. As my interface (and 
Olimex's) are compatible with the Macraigor Wiggler, you can use the free 
Macraigor OCD Commander utility for uploading code into the TMS470.

Leon 

Mayank Kaushik wrote:
> 
> My membership request to this group is pending. But id also like
> to ask you, what software would i use to send data from the host
> PC to the target uC? Surely it would be specific to the controller?

There is no such thing as a membership.  This is an unmoderated
newsgroup, and anyone can read and post.  We just ask that they
make a good faith attempt to be on-topic, avoid flaming and gross
behaviour.

Do not confuse google with a news server.  Google simply archives
the happenings in the world of usenet, and provides a broken (see
sig below) interface to it.  You are much better off getting your
own news reader, such as Netscape, Mozilla, Thunderbird, Xnews,
etc.  Avoid Outlook Express, which is one of the worst (but still
better than the Google interface).

-- 
"If you want to post a followup via groups.google.com, don't use
 the broken "Reply" link at the bottom of the article.  Click on 
 "show options" at the top of the article, then click on the 
 "Reply" at the bottom of the article headers." - Keith Thompson

"CBFalconer" <cbfalconer@yahoo.com> wrote in message 
news:42296C91.A42C8D05@yahoo.com...
> Mayank Kaushik wrote:
>>
>> My membership request to this group is pending. But id also like
>> to ask you, what software would i use to send data from the host
>> PC to the target uC? Surely it would be specific to the controller?
>
> There is no such thing as a membership.  This is an unmoderated
> newsgroup, and anyone can read and post.  We just ask that they
> make a good faith attempt to be on-topic, avoid flaming and gross
> behaviour.
>
> Do not confuse google with a news server.  Google simply archives
> the happenings in the world of usenet, and provides a broken (see
> sig below) interface to it.  You are much better off getting your
> own news reader, such as Netscape, Mozilla, Thunderbird, Xnews,
> etc.  Avoid Outlook Express, which is one of the worst (but still
> better than the Google interface).

He meant the LPC2000 Yahoo group, not this newsgroup. 8-)

Leon 

Mr. Falconer, i sent you an email, did you get it? (hope u did)! The
subject was "Got your ID from comp.arch.embedded", hope u didnt think
it was spam!

Hi Leon,
Got those files, thanx.  The lpc seems to be more popular that the
atmel at91rm9200 im using, i cant even find protel libs for it :-( mayb
il get an lpc2000 to play with, if philips hands out samples :o)
Regards
Mayank

Hi, Leon

> Olimex's) are compatible with the Macraigor Wiggler, you can use the
free
> Macraigor OCD Commander utility for uploading code into the TMS470.
> Leon

I havent tried anything yet, but the Macraigor site states this about
the OCD Commander:
"This debugger is not designed to be used to program flash devices
connected to your target"
Is there a workaround?

The Flash programmer has a demo version but costs $$$500 8-Z

Regards
Mayank

CBFalconer wrote:
> ...
> Do not confuse google with a news server.  Google simply archives
> the happenings in the world of usenet, and provides a broken (see
> sig below) interface to it.  ...

Do you think they will ever fix it?! I actually like the interface on
the whole - although I preferred the pre-beta one - but they really
need to start paying attention to feedback on it IMHO. There are other
stupidities in it.

>
> --
> "If you want to post a followup via groups.google.com, don't use
>  the broken "Reply" link at the bottom of the article.  Click on
>  "show options" at the top of the article, then click on the
>  "Reply" at the bottom of the article headers." - Keith Thompson