External Mode Connection Issue with C2000 LaunchPad and Speedgoat System

Dear MathWorks Support Team,

I am reaching out to request your assistance with an issue we are facing during the implementation of a controller model using the C2000 Blockset. As advised by Speedgoat support, this problem appears to be related to the C2000 Blockset, and they have recommended that we consult you directly.

Project Setup Overview:

We are working with two models:

1. Plant model – implemented on the Speedgoat FPGA
2. Controller model – implemented on a LaunchPad development kit (https://www.speedgoat.com/products/launchpad-development-kit) (TI LaunchXL-F28379D)

The two systems communicate via analog signals using the IO334 interface.

We have successfully confirmed the following:

• The plant model is transmitting correct signals to the LaunchPad, verified using an oscilloscope via SMA connectors on the LaunchPad.
• The LaunchPad receives the input signals correctly.
• The plant model is also responding correctly when tested with a signal generator.

Issue Description:

The controller model builds, deploys, and starts successfully on the LaunchPad. However, when we attempt to use Monitor & Tune (external mode), we encounter the following error:

"External Mode Open Protocol Connect command failed: Could not connect to target application. XCP internal error: timeout expired."

We have attached relevant screenshots and the build report for your review.

Setup Details:

• The LaunchPad is connected to the PC via USB.
• It is also connected to the Speedgoat system via the SAMTEC connector.
• We have used the blocks recommended in the documentation for the LaunchPad.

We would greatly appreciate your help in identifying the cause of this issue and guiding us through any additional steps or configurations needed to enable external mode communication.

Thank you very much for your support.

Best regards,

Varun Shahi

[Harald]

Hi,

please note that this is a community for users that is also frequented by MathWorks staff, but it's not the Technical Support. To contact Technical Support, please go to https://www.mathworks.com/support/contact_us.html

Best wishes,

Harald

Answer 1

[Stefanie Schwarz]

Hi Varun,

I assume you have tried running our basic C2000 examples with "Monitor & Tune"?

https://www.mathworks.com/help/ti-c2000/examples.html?category=getting-started-with-c2b

If pressing the "Build, Deploy & Start" button is successful, but "Monitor & Tune" fails, this might be a performance bottleneck, especially when using higher rates. Try reducing the number of logged signals and/or their rates. Even if your model is simple, it might be running too fast to do data streaming in the background.

You might want to have a look at the two-model-approach:

https://www.mathworks.com/matlabcentral/answers/353179-how-to-increase-acquisition-frequency-in-real-time-ti-board-f28379d

Best, Stefanie

Answer 2

[Varun]

Hi Stefanie,

Thank you so much for your meaningful and effective response.

You were absolutely right about the sampling rate. Initially, I was using a 1 microsecond sampling time, but after changing it to 2 microseconds, the model runs without errors.

However, I’m observing unexpected input & output values at the controller that don't align with the Speedgoat output. It seems like the communication with the Speedgoat machine still isn't working properly. Interestingly, I can detect the output signal from the real-time simulator (speedgoat machine) at the contrtoller board (Speedgoat Launchpad terminal) using an oscilloscope, so the real-time simulator does appear to be sending the signal correctly.

Would it be possible to set up a short meeting to help quickly resolve this issue? In the meantime, I’ll continue working on it.

Wishing you a pleasant day ahead!

Best regards,

Varun