Why STM32F767VGT6 Is Not Starting After Firmware Update

Why STM32F767VGT6 Is Not Starting After Firmware Update

Why STM32F767VGT6 Is Not Starting After Firmware Update: Analysis and Solutions

If your STM32F767VGT6 is not starting after a firmware update, this could be caused by a variety of issues. Here’s a step-by-step analysis of potential reasons and how to resolve the issue.

1. Fault Analysis: Common Causes

1.1 Incorrect Boot Mode

After updating the firmware, the STM32F767VGT6 might be stuck in the wrong boot mode. STM32 microcontrollers have multiple boot modes that determine how they start. If the microcontroller is set to boot from an external memory or in a different boot mode, it might not start the firmware correctly.

Solution:

Check the BOOT pins (BOOT0 and BOOT1) to make sure they are configured correctly. Typically, BOOT0 should be connected to GND for booting from Flash memory. If it's connected to VDD, the microcontroller will try to boot from external memory or system memory. Use a debugger or serial connection to monitor the microcontroller's state during startup. 1.2 Corrupted Firmware

The firmware update process may have corrupted the new firmware, preventing the microcontroller from booting up properly. This can happen if the firmware was not flashed correctly or there was an interruption during the update process.

Solution:

Re-flash the firmware using a reliable programmer/debugger like ST-Link or J-Link. Verify the integrity of the firmware file by checking its size and using checksums or CRCs. Make sure the update process did not time out or experience any interruptions. 1.3 Watchdog Timer

STM32 microcontrollers often include a watchdog timer to reset the device in case of software failure. After a firmware update, the watchdog timer may be incorrectly configured or triggered, causing the microcontroller to reset continuously.

Solution:

Ensure that the watchdog timer is disab LED or configured correctly in your firmware. You can check this in your startup code. If the watchdog is enab LED , ensure it’s being properly cleared at the right points in your program. If necessary, disable the watchdog during the debugging process to prevent unexpected resets. 1.4 Wrong Clock Configuration

Another possible issue is the clock configuration. The STM32F767VGT6 uses a high-speed external oscillator (HSE) or internal oscillator (HSI), and if the clock settings are incorrect, the device may not start as expected.

Solution:

Double-check the clock configuration in your firmware. Ensure that the microcontroller is being initialized with the correct clock sources, especially if the firmware update changes clock settings. Use the STM32CubeMX tool to regenerate the clock configuration, ensuring it's correct and compatible with your hardware.

2. Steps to Resolve the Issue

Step 1: Verify Boot Mode and Flash Settings Use a debugger to read the BOOT0 and BOOT1 pins. Ensure BOOT0 is low (GND) to boot from the Flash memory. If you’re booting from external memory, check your external flash settings. Step 2: Re-Flash the Firmware Download and use the latest, verified version of your firmware. Use a reliable programmer (like ST-Link) to flash the firmware to the device. Confirm that the flashing process completes without errors. Step 3: Check the Watchdog Timer Disable the watchdog timer in your firmware or ensure it’s correctly managed. Look for any watchdog timer-related configuration in your firmware’s initialization code. If necessary, use a debugger to step through the initialization process to confirm that the watchdog is not resetting the device. Step 4: Confirm Clock Settings Open STM32CubeMX and regenerate the code with the correct clock settings for your hardware. Ensure the clock sources (HSE, HSI) are initialized and working correctly. Use the sysclk (system clock) to monitor whether the clock is running as expected. Step 5: Debugging with a Programmer Connect a debugger, such as an ST-Link or J-Link, to your STM32F767VGT6. Use a serial output or LEDs to display status messages and confirm where the device is failing in the boot process. You can use printf or a similar debugging tool to check if the firmware is executing any code at all.

3. Additional Tips

Check power supply: Ensure that your power supply is stable and meets the voltage requirements of the STM32F767VGT6. Check for hardware damage: Make sure there is no damage to the board, such as damaged capacitor s or broken traces, which could prevent normal operation. Use the built-in bootloader: The STM32F767VGT6 has a built-in bootloader. You can use this to reflash the device if the firmware update has caused issues. Use STM32CubeProgrammer: If the device doesn’t boot normally, you can use the STM32CubeProgrammer tool to force a firmware update via serial or USB.

By following these steps, you should be able to diagnose why your STM32F767VGT6 is not starting after the firmware update and take the necessary actions to resolve the issue. Always ensure that the firmware is correctly flashed, that the clock and boot modes are set correctly, and that the watchdog timer is properly managed.