UniFlash Troubleshooting: Fix Common Connection and Flash Errors
Texas Instruments’ UniFlash is a powerful, standalone tool used for initializing flash memory, programming images, and running debug operations on TI microcontrollers (MCUs) and processors. However, even seasoned developers encounter frustrating connection errors or failed flash operations.
This article outlines common UniFlash troubleshooting steps, focusing on solving connection issues and flashing errors to get your development workflow back on track. 1. Top Connection Errors and Fixes
If UniFlash cannot detect your board or fails during the “configuring debugger” phase, check these areas first.
XDS110 Debug Probe Issues: If the tool gets stuck initializing the ETM or debugger, the XDS110 firmware might be corrupted or outdated. Fix: Use the xdsdfu tool to reset or flash the firmware.
Fix: Ensure drivers are properly installed via the TI Resource Explorer.
Driver/Windows Update Conflicts: Recent Windows updates can cause UniFlash to freeze before flash operations.
Fix: Relaunch the application. If it persists, reinstall or update to the latest version of UniFlash.
Incorrect Target Configuration (.ccxml): If the board configuration is incorrect, UniFlash cannot establish a connection.
Fix: Relaunch the session, select the correct device/board, and verify the connection settings.
Error 1170 (Cannot Find Target): Often happens when using CLI or custom packages.
Fix: Copy the ccs_base folder from your CCS installation (
When the connection is active, but the flashing process fails.
Flashing Process Hangs: The session may become unresponsive.
Fix: Close the tool completely, power cycle the board, and restart the UniFlash session.
Device Detection Issues (Segger J-Link): When using custom boards (e.g., AM263P4), J-Link may fail to auto-detect the device.
Fix: Manually select the specific device in UniFlash (e.g., choose AM263PX_R5_0 instead of relying on auto-detect).
Failed Mass Erase: If erasing the device fails, the device might be locked.
Fix: Use the Debug Port Unlock feature in UniFlash to clear the flash memory. 3. General Troubleshooting Checklist
Before digging into specific error codes, run through this checklist:
Check Physical Connections: Unplug and re-plug the USB cable. Try a different USB port, preferably directly on the motherboard.
Verify Power: Ensure the target board is sufficiently powered.
Use Latest Version: Always ensure you are using the latest version of UniFlash.
Try Code Composer Studio (CCS): If possible, try connecting with CCS to determine if it is a board issue or a software issue.
By following these steps, most connection and flashing issues within UniFlash can be resolved quickly. If you are still experiencing issues, you may want to try: Checking the TI E2E Forums for specific error codes. Updating your device drivers.
Using the command line tool (dslite.bat) to isolate if the issue is GUI-related.
Are you having issues with a specific board, or is it a specific error code? Let me know and I can give you a more specific solution.
Uniflash stopped working while configuring debugger – TI E2E