pemicro usb multilink-hiwave debugger issue

[sudhzz]

Hi,

I'm using a USB multilink Rev A cable for HCS12 to connect to my target (MC9S12Ne64 based). I use the Metrowerks Hiwave debugger as the software interface to download and debug my application.

My problem is that whenever I try to download the application, I get an error - "Communication to ICD-12 failed (ICD-12 is not connected or has no power)".

However, the target is powered on (indicated by the glowing of two LEDs on the P&E usb mulitlink bdm cable). I've installed all necessary drivers too. I've even tried reinstalling the Metrowerks IDE - to no effect.

The problem is very much local to my machine. The support folks at P&E micro feel that the issue has got to be with the software.

What may I be doing wrong? Thank you.

Regards,
Sudhakar

[J2MEJediMaster]

What do you mean by the "problem is local to my machine"? Does the board work with other systems? Are you using just the USB cable to power the board? Does it have a connector for another DC power supply? I'm using a student board here where I plug my boards in, and although it has a PE USB interface, I need to have the DC power supply plugged into the board as well.

Anyway, if the thing is supposed to run off the USB power, USB devices can get cranky and drop off the bus if the power levels fluctuate. Try putting a powered hub between the PC and the board. Also, double-check that the configuration jumpers permit power to be drawn from the USB connection, and not another power supply. Sorry if I'm stating the obvious here.

---Tom

[sudhzz]

Hi,

Thanks for the reply. The board has its own dc supply; the usb cable is used to only download the binary to the board and debug it. And you got it right; by "local to my machine", I meant it works on other machines. As I had explained in my first post, the LEDs on the BDM cable, which indicate if it is connected properly, are on, which is why I wonder if it has something to with the software.

Regards,
Sudhakar

[Alban]

Yo,

If you are using more than one USB debug cable on your machine this will happen.
Each P&E Micro USB Multilink has a different name and is handled as a separate device. (For those who don't believe me, go and look through the device list drivers in Windows registry...)

So, when you plug back, and it tries to talk, you will get a message box asking Try Again or Cancel.

You cancel and chose the right USB PE-XXXXX in the port list displayed.
If it's not in the list, you need to un-install the hardware drivers via Windows Hardware Manager in the Control Panel. Then you remove the cable and connect it back on and the install will do the rest. (Note that HiWave debugger MUST be closed during hardware install as some shared .DLL will have to be accessed).

Alban.