Re: [Discuss-gnuradio] Faulty USRP microprocessor?

[Berndt Josef Wulf]

On Thursday 13 November 2008 09:12:37 Matt Ettus wrote:
> Berndt Josef Wulf wrote:
> > G'day,
> >
> > I haven't made any progress in finding a solution to my problem. A direct
> > email to Matt (Ettus) explaining my predicament didn't receive a reply.
> > It was hoped that the manufacturer of the USRP would provide some after
> > sale techmical support for their products.
>
> Berndt,
>
> I am sorry to have not gotten back to you, but I get over 300 non-spam
> emails per day, many with technical questions, and it can be hard to
> wade through them.  I try to go through the backlog at least once a week.
>
> > The USRP is no longer communicating when it was powered up after being in
> > storage for the past 6 month. As mentioned in my previous email, see
> > below, my suspect is the co-processor that hosts the USB interface,
> > although I can't be sure. Perhaps someone on this list knows a procedure
> > that would lead to an accurate diagnosis.
>
> It sounds like the transceiver circuitry on the FX2 has gone bad, but
> the processor is still running.  This the most common failure mechanism
> we see.  We have static protection diodes on the recent boards, but it
> does not seem to change things.  The best course of action is to replace
> the FX2 chip.  We do not see this failure often, but when it does, it is
> often when used with cheap aftermarket power supplies for the laptop, or
> with a nonstandard USRP power supply.
>
> > At this stage I'm contemplating to replace the processor. What needs to
> > be considered prior to replacing this processor, e.g. does it need to be
> > flashed? I'm also looking for a supplier for this chip.
>
> They do not need to be flashed.  You should be able to get the chip from
> Digikey or any other Cypress dealer.  The exact part number is
> CY7C68013A-100AC.  They are about $15 in small quantities.
>
> Matt

G'day Matt,

many thanks for your reply. You're confirming my suspicions and I'm now 
confident in tackling this problem head0on by replacing the FX2.

 Hope to be back on-the-air with USRP and GNU-Radio soon.

73, Berndt
VK5ABN