Loading Firmware into the A2530 Module

The A2530 Modules come preloaded with Anaren's AIR-ZNP software. The AIR-ZNP software has been built to operate seamlessly on the A2530 BoosterPack. There are occasions where one may wish to load either a new version of the AIR-ZNP software, or to load different software onto the A2530 module.

Note: This page is describing how to load new software onto the A2530 module's CC2530 chip -- i.e. the 8051 microcontroller that is part of the CC2530 SoC. This is not about loading the MSP-430 on the A2530 BoosterPack.

=Prerequisites= In order to load software onto the A2530 module, the following tools are required:


 * 1) TI CC Debugger:  http://www.ti.com/tool/cc-debugger.  This may be purchased from TI or TI's distributors.
 * 2) TI SmartRF Flash Programmer software:  http://www.ti.com/tool/flash-programmer.  A free download from TI.  This software will load a .d51 or .hex file into the 8051 processor on the CC2530 in the A2530 module.
 * 3) An A2530 BoosterPack board with the J4 connector (Samtec SHF-105-01-L-D-TH or equivalent) populated.
 * 4) * Be sure to align the the connector so that the key notch is closest to the edge of the board.
 * 5) Optional:  IAR Embedded Workbench for 8051:  http://www.iar.com/en/Products/IAR-Embedded-Workbench/8051/.  This may be purchased or downloaded from IAR.  IAR EWB is not required if you have pre-built hex or d51 files to load.  It is only required to rebuild or create new software for the A2530 module.  There is a free 30-day trial version available.  The Kickstart version will not be sufficient to reload the A2530 module in general.

=Procedure for Loading the A2530= Once these pieces are assembled, the following procedure will load the new software onto the CC2530 in the A2530 module:


 * 1) Create or acquire the new software to be loaded.
 * 2) * Consult the Downloads page to see if there are newer versions of CC2530 software available for download.
 * 3) * If rebuilding TI software, please refer to the Known_Differences_between_TI_EMK_boards_and_A2530_Modules page so that the proper build parameters may be set.
 * 4) * Once built or acquired, you should have a .hex or .d51 file that is ready to be loaded into the A2530.
 * 5) Remove the MSP430 from the A2530 BoosterPack board.
 * 6) Remove the MSP430 from the LaunchPad board (if you going to use that to provide power to the A2530 BoosterPack board).
 * 7) Connect the CC Debugger to the A2530 BoosterPack board.  Be sure to observe the connector keying.
 * 8) Connect power to the A2530 BoosterPack board (either through the LaunchPad or with an external power source such as a battery).
 * 9) Connect the CC Debugger to your PC.  Once connected you should have a green light on the CC Debugger.  If not, try pushing the button on the CC Debugger.  You must have a green light to proceed further in these instructions.  The two main causes of a red light are:  lack of power to the A2530 BoosterPack board, and an improperly inserted cable.
 * 10) Start the SmartRF Flash Programmer software:
 * 11) * Select Program CCxxxx SoC or MSP430
 * 12) * Select the System on Chip tab
 * 13) * You should see the CC2530 in the dialog box.
 * 14) * Select Erase, Program and Verify in the Actions box.
 * 15) * Click on the "..." button, and locate the .hex or .d51 image that you would like to program into the CC2530.
 * 16) * Click on the Perform Actions button.
 * 17) * The status bar should show that the erase, program and verify succeeded.
 * 18) * Turn off power to the A2530 BoosterPack board.
 * 19) * Disconnect the CC Debugger cable.
 * 20) * Plug the MSP-430 back in (if it was initially removed).

Once complete, you are ready to go.

=Troubleshooting= If the programming command failed, check the following common problems:


 * Is power applied to the A2530 BoosterPack board (either from the LaunchPad or other external source?
 * Is the cable from the CC Debugger inserted properly? (if a non-keyed connector is used, it can be inserted backwards)
 * Is the MSP-430 removed from the BoosterPack (and the LaunchPad below if used)? The MSP-430 will interfere with programming.
 * Try simply clicking on the Read IEEE button to see if communication with the chip is working. You should then see the IEEE address displayed in the spot to the right of the button.