Troubleshooting Tips#

Use this section to diagnose and resolve common issues encountered while using Simplicity Commander Command Line Interface (CLI) with SiWG917 devices. This table includes general connection and flashing issues, along with specific command error codes and their resolutions.

Common Issues and Resolutions#

Error / Symptom

Likely Cause

Recommended Action

Device not detected

Missing drivers, incorrect cabling, or no power

Install or update SEGGER J-Link drivers, check all cable connections, power cycle the board, and specify the device with -d <OPN>.

Flash write failures

Incorrect flash type, wrong pin configuration, or misuse of --skipload

Verify flash type and configuration. Use --pinset n to define the correct pin group for external flash (see Pinset Mapping Table below). Avoid using --skipload immediately after power-on.

Flash erase or read fails

Device not powered or debugger disconnected

Check power, reconnect the J-Link debugger, and confirm target voltage.

Security mismatch

Firmware image security does not match MBR/eFuse

Ensure MBR/eFuse security fields match firmware signing or encryption settings.

Commander not recognized

Commander binary not in system PATH

Add the Commander installation directory to the system PATH or use the full file path.

Operation timeout

Unstable USB connection or JTAG inaccessible

Reconnect the device, use a direct USB port, or retry in ISP mode.

Incorrect or corrupted RPS image

Invalid or incomplete RPS file

Regenerate the RPS file and ensure compatibility with the device and Commander version.

Device reset has no effect

Command sent to inactive or wrong target

Specify the correct device using -d <OPN> and verify connectivity before running the reset command.

Permission denied (Linux/macOS)

User lacks access to USB/JTAG

Run the command with sudo or configure udev rules for user-level access.

Pinset Mapping Table#

Use the --pinset n option when working with external flash or when no in-package flash is available.
The pinset parameter specifies the General Purpose Input/Output (GPIO) range connected to the external flash.

Pinset No. (n)

GPIO Range

Description

0

GPIO 0–5

Default configuration for in-package flash or standard development boards

2

GPIO 46–51

Used when external flash is connected to alternate GPIO pins

3

GPIO 52–57

Used when external flash is connected to alternate GPIO pins

Note: Incorrect pinset configuration can cause flash detection or write failures. Always ensure the correct pin mapping based on your hardware design.

Commander CLI Error Codes and Resolutions#

Command / Function

Error Code

Description

Resolution

MBR

0xA0AC

Verification failed from flash

Occurs when incorrect inputs are used for --pinset or the MBR file is corrupted. Verify the MBR file and pin configuration.

Activation Code

0xA0B0

Activation code generation failed

If the device is locked for PUF (Physically Unclonable Function) usage, this error may appear. Re-enroll or unlock the PUF before retrying.

Intrinsic Keys

0xA0B1

Intrinsic key generation failed

Triggering this command before generating an activation code can cause failure. Run activation first, then retry intrinsic key generation.

Static Keys

0xA0B2

Static key storage failed

Occurs when intrinsic keys are missing. Generate intrinsic keys before attempting static key storage.

Update Firmware

108

Failed to load firmware

The RPS file header may be incorrect or corrupted. Recreate the RPS file and reload firmware.

Bootloader Timeout

102

Failed to load firmware

Device may be in Sleep mode or JTAG is not accessible. Keep the device in ISP mode and retry.

Start Radio

Cannot execute the radio command

Cannot execute the radio command

This error appears if the first command after power-on uses --skipload. Avoid using --skipload as the first command each time the device is powered on.

Reference:
For additional troubleshooting and commands reference, see Simplicity Commander General Information.