How to check if the ServoPod is burned?

[dipgoswami]

Hi
Servvopod is not communicating with terminal program although it was working fine earlier. It is getting heated. But all the LEDs are glowing
properly. How can check if it is burned or spoiled? If anybody has any idea please let me know.

Thanks

[RMDumse]

ServoPod(TM)s will heat up, in normal operation. Typically they will take ~200mA to ~230mA. If it is taking significantly more, then it is probably "dead". So a good check is to see what current it is taking. Usually, when a board will no longer talking, it can be brought back by reflashing the kernel (assuming you were using IsoMax(TM) rather than C or assembler). However, if pins were overvoltaged, or it had a static shock, and damage was done internally to the chip, they may not come back.

So check current, and if the current looks reasonable, reflash the kernel. (The JTAG adapter and license agreement are necessary to accomplish this, or if it can be shipped back, we can try to recover it for you.)

[dipgoswami]

Hi
Thanks for the advice.
How can I check the amount of current it is taking?

Dip

[RMDumse]

Well, we usually test the 'Pods from a bench supply with a meter on it.

Of course, using a multimeter with an amperage scale in series with the +V supply would be the common alternative.

[dipgoswami]

Hi,
I measured the current. It is ~10 mA.
So I tried to flash the karnel. But it is showing


I/O port driver started
JTAG IR path length: 4
JTAG DR path length: 1 (BYPASS)
IDCode status: 0x9
Jtag ID: 0x1f2701d
Debug Request status: 0x9
Enable OnCE status: 0x9, polls left: 10
Enable OnCE status: 0x9, polls left: 9
Enable OnCE status: 0x9, polls left: 8
Enable OnCE status: 0x9, polls left: 7
Enable OnCE status: 0x9, polls left: 6
Enable OnCE status: 0x9, polls left: 5
Enable OnCE status: 0x9, polls left: 4
Enable OnCE status: 0x9, polls left: 3
Enable OnCE status: 0x9, polls left: 2
Enable OnCE status: 0x9, polls left: 1
Enable OnCE status: 0x9, polls left: 0
Target chip refused to enter Debug mode!
The target was reset, the application is running

Can you suggest anything?

[nmitech]

~10mA ! Did you turn the power switch, SW1 to ON position?

Can you check the inputs of the regulators to besure the power switch is turn on, then check the regulator outputs if there any shorted or damaged regulator maybe.

[dipgoswami]

I am using a battery of 7.5VDC. As I had connected the + end of the battery
through the multimeter, brightness of the LEDs was low. But all of them
were glowing. At that condition the multimeter reading was ~10mA. Nothing was connected to the board except battery. What do you mean by regulator?
Power supply or something else?

[nmitech]

The Regulators are shown in the attached picture.

5V regulator pinout
Pin 1: Vin
Pin 2: GND
Pin 3: +5V

3.3V regulator pinout
Pin 1: +5V
Pin 2: GND
Pin 3: +3.3V

Note: When you apply 7.5V to the power jack with SW1 switch is on position. Pin 1 of the 5V regulator, Vin must show 7.5V, or higher if the unregulated transformer is used. If you don't have this, most likely the transformer or power supply is defected. Do you have any other power supply or transformer to try with?

Check the regulator pinouts to besure you have all the in & out voltage as listed above.

To have your defected ServoPod checkout, please email your purchased order info to nmiproduction@newmicros.com and request for a RMA# to send the unit back for repair.

[RMDumse]

Yes, I have to say, 10mA was a surprising answer. Doesn't seem like enough current to even imagine "It is getting heated". The LED's with nothing running should take more than that. I doubt the reading can be right. Please check.

[dipgoswami]

Hi
I tried to check the voltage between regulator Pin 1 and gnd. It was showing zero. But battery was drawing lot of current during this measurement and
battery wires got heated. Earlier also regulators were getting heated too fast.
What is your suggestion? I think regulator is damaged.

[nmitech]

Yes, If you can't replace the LM2937-5.0 (5V regulator) please email to nmiproduction@newmicros.com or call 214-339-2204 X306 to request for RMA# to send the unit back for repair.