Licensing - CCSv4
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Overview
CCS v4 includes software licensing. Licensing may scare some people but we have done our best to implement it in a positive way. By having software licensing we can create a single DVD image that is used for full featured tools, evaluation tools, DSK/EVM bundled tools... In the past we had to create a number of different images and were only able to provide updates to the full featured tools. In CCS v4 since all the tools are based off of the same product image we are able to provide software updates to all of our product types. Software licensing also enables us to offer more licensing options such as floating or network licenses. It also makes it easy for to upgrade from an evaluation license or DSK/EVM license to a full tools license simply by acquiring a license file (no need to uninstall and reinstall CCS).
When you run CCS v4 for the first time it will prompt you to specify a license. To proceed you have a few choices:
- Evaluate CCS. By clicking a button you can generate a 30-day free evaluation license. At the end of 30 days if you choose to register CCS you can generate a license file that will enable you to use the product for an additional 90 days. At the end of the evaluation period CCS will no longer run. You can continue using CCS by purchasing a license and dropping the file into CCS.
- Provide a license file. This is a file that you would obtain by using an activation code to generate a license file. The activation code and instructions are included in the CCS package when you purchase CCS or a development kit bundle containing CCS.
- MSP430 and C2000 customers can download a separate CCS MCU Core image that uses a free object code size limited license. 16KB of code for MSP430 or 32KB of code for C2000.
Upgrading to CCS v4
You will automatically receive a free upgrade to CCS v4 in the following cases:
- Code Composer Studio v3.3 Platinum license with subscription valid to June 1 2009 or later
- MSP430 Code Composer Essentials v3 Professional license purchased after June 1 2008
- C2000 Code Composer Studio v3.3 C2000 license purchased after June 1 2008
In each of these cases you will receive an email from TI with an activation code that you would use to register CCS and generate a license file (see licensing section above for details). If you meet the criteria for a free upgrade to CCS v4 and did not receive it by Oct 31, 2009, please contact ccs_license_file_help@list.ti.com. If you never registered CCSv3.3 or CCE then you will need to contact TI with your purchase information so that your upgrade can be processed.
If your subscription has expired, you have the option paying the cost of renewing your subscription for the period it has expired or to buy CCS v4, whichever is less.
Remember that you can download a free evaluation version of CCS v4 that you can try out before making the decision to upgrade.
| Current Product | Upgrade |
| CCSv3.3 Platinum | Receive CCS v4 + Platinum Node Locked License |
| CCSv3.3 C2000 | Receive CCS v4 + Microcontroller Node Locked License |
| CCSv3.3 C2000 Free Tools (object code size limited) | Download CCS v4 Microcontroller Core image (object code size limited license) |
| CCEv3 MSP430 Professional Tools | Receive CCS v4 + Microcontroller Node Locked License |
| CCEv3 MSP430 Core Tools (object code size limited) | Download CCS v4 Microcontroller Core image (object code size limited license) |
| CCSv3.3 Free Evaluation Tools | Download CCS v4 DVD image (provides an option to generate a 30 day trail license, register for an additional 90 days) |
| CCSv3.3 DSK/EVM tools (bundled with DSK/EVM/eZdsp) | Download CCS v4 DVD image (provides an option to generate a license to work with DSK/EVM/eZdsp bundles) |
License Types
There are a number of licensing options available for CCS.
Free Licenses
We have a number of different free tools options available in CCS.
Evaluation License: When you download CCS from the web you can choose to generate a 30 day evaluation license the first time you run the product. This will allow you to use all of the features of CCS for 30 days so that you can evaluate TI devices and tools but at the end of that time period it prompt you to register. If you register the evaluation tool you will be able to activate a license file that enables using CCS for another 90 days. Download the DVD image to use this license.
Object Code Size Limited: When you download the microcontroller core image of CCS from the web it will generate an object code size limited license. With this license you can use all of the features of CCS, you can create production code but the object code size will be limited to a particular amount. For MSP430 the limit is 16KB, for C2000 it is 32KB. Download the Code Size Limited image image to use this license.
Bundle License (Free Limited License): We include a free version of CCS with many of our community boards, DSKs and EVM (Evaluation Module) kits. These kits come with a development board, software and CCS. The CCS will only work with the onboard emulation on the board, simulators or with an XDS100 class emulator. You may use this version to create production code. Download the DVD image to use this license. This license will work with eZdsp kits. DO NOT USE THIS WITH MSP430
Node Locked Licenses
Node locked licenses are tied to a particular machine. You can use all of the features of CCS but you can only use them on the machines noted in the license file. The license file allows you to specify 2 MAC addresses. A MAC address is a unique identifier in network adapters. Most new machines have multiple of these.
Node locked licenses must be purchased from TI or one of our distributors.
Floating Licenses
A floating license is a license that is shared between multiple users. You setup a license server on your network that allocates licenses to machines running CCS on your network. For example you could purchase a package of 3 floating licenses, these 3 licenses could be used by many different machines and users as long as no more than 3 were in us at the same time. When you start CCS it will connect to the license server and obtain a license. In the case of a server that has a 3-pack floating license, when the first user runs CCS it will check out 1 license and then their will only be 2 licenses on the server. When that user closes CCS their license is returned to the server and there are now 3 licenses available for use on the server.
Troubleshooting
- Incorrect License Installed: If you accidentally installed an incorrect license file (i.e. mistyped HostID) and want to install the correct license, delete the '.lic' file and 'licenselocation.txt' from
ccsv4\DebugServer\licenseand re-start CCS.
Part Numbers
Ordering Options
Platinum
Code Composer Studio Platinum supports C6000, C55x, C54x, C28x, ARM, OMAP, DaVinci, Stellaris (Cortex M3) and MSP430.
| Product | Description | Part # |
| CCS v4 Platinum node locked license | Single user license. Enables you to run CCS on two computers. Supports C6000, C55x, C54x, C28x, ARM, OMAP, DaVinci, Stellaris (Cortex M3) and MSP430. | TMDSCCS-ALLN01 |
| CCS v4 Platinum single floating license | Multiple user license. Enables you to run CCS on multiple computers as long as no more than 1 instance is running at a time. Supports C6000, C55x, C54x, C28x, ARM, OMAP, DaVinci, Stellaris (Cortex M3) and MSP430. | TMDSCCS-ALLF01 |
| CCS v4 Platinum 3-pack floating license | Multiple user license. Enables you to run CCS on multiple computers as long as no more than 3 instances are running at a time. Supports C6000, C55x, C54x, C28x, ARM, OMAP, DaVinci, Stellaris and MSP430. | TMDSCCS-ALLF03 |
| CCS v4 Platinum 5-pack floating license | Multiple user license. Enables you to run CCS on multiple computers as long as no more than 5 instances are running at a time. Supports C6000, C55x, C54x, C28x, ARM, OMAP, DaVinci, Stellaris (Cortex M3) and MSP430. | TMDSCCS-ALLF05 |
| CCS v4 Platinum 10-pack floating license | Multiple user license. Enables you to run CCS on multiple computers as long as no more than 10 instances are running at a time. Supports C6000, C55x, C54x, C28x, ARM, OMAP, DaVinci, Stellaris (Cortex M3) and MSP430. | TMDSCCS-ALLF10 |
| CCS v4 Platinum 25-pack floating license | Multiple user license. Enables you to run CCS on multiple computers as long as no more than 25 instances are running at a time. Supports C6000, C55x, C54x, C28x, ARM, OMAP, DaVinci, Stellaris (Cortex M3) and MSP430. | TMDSCCS-ALLF25 |
Microcontroller
Code Composer Studio Microcontroller supports MSP430, C28x and Stellaris.
| Product | Description | Part # |
| CCS v4 Microcontroller node locked license | Single user license. Enables you to run CCS on two computers. Supports MSP430, C28x, Stellaris (Cortex M3) and Cortex R4F. | TMDSCCS-MCUN01 |
| CCS v4 Microcontroller single floating license | Multiple user license. Enables you to run CCS on multiple computers as long as no more than 1 instance is running at a time. Supports MSP430, C28x, Stellaris (Cortex M3) and Cortex R4F. | TMDSCCS-MCUF01 |
| CCS v4 Microcontroller 3-pack floating license | Multiple user license. Enables you to run CCS on multiple computers as long as no more than 3 instance is running at a time. Supports MSP430, C28x, Stellaris (Cortex M3) and Cortex R4F. | TMDSCCS-MCUF03 |
| CCS v4 Microcontroller 5-pack floating license | Multiple user license. Enables you to run CCS on multiple computers as long as no more than 5 instance is running at a time. Supports MSP430, C28x, Stellaris (Cortex M3) and Cortex R4F. | TMDSCCS-MCUF05 |
| CCS v4 Microcontroller 10-pack floating license | Multiple user license. Enables you to run CCS on multiple computers as long as no more than 10 instance is running at a time. Supports MSP430, C28x, Stellaris (Cortex M3) and Cortex R4F. | TMDSCCS-MCUF10 |
| CCS v4 Microcontroller 25-pack floating license | Multiple user license. Enables you to run CCS on multiple computers as long as no more than 25 instance is running at a time. Supports MSP430, C28x, Stellaris (Cortex M3) and Cortex R4F. | TMDSCCS-MCUF25 |
Subscription
When you purchase CCS v4 it comes with 12 months of subscription. This means that if CCSv5 comes out within 12 months of you purchasing CCS v4 then you would automatically receive the upgrade. After 12 months you may renew your subscription for a fee. The free versions of CCS v4 do not come with subscription.
Minor updates, 4.x releases, do not require subscription.
License Conversion
It is possible to convert your existing license to a different type of license. Below are some typical examples.
| Current License | Desired license | Process |
| CCS v4 Platinum Free Eval Tools | CCS v4 Platinum Node Locked | Purchase CCS v4 Platinum Node Locked. Take the activation ID and use it to generate a node locked license. Drop this license into your existing CCS v4 install and re-start CCS. |
| CCS v4 Platinum Free Eval Tools | CCS v4 Platinum Floating | Purchase a package containing 1 or more floating licenses. Setup a license server on your network. Use the activation ID to generate a license file. Add the license to your license server. Configure CCS to use the license server and re-start CCS. Detailed instructions for this will be available on a separate wiki page and will also be provided when you purchase a floating license. |
| CCS v4 Microcontroller Core Tools | CCS v4 Microcontroller Pro Tools Node Locked | Purchase CCS v4 Microcontroller Node Locked. Install the CCS v4 image that comes with your purchase. Take the activation ID and use it to generate a node locked license. Drop this license into your new CCS v4 install and re-start CCS. In summary you have to make a second installation and cannot upgrade the existing core tools installation to pro tools at this time. It is recommended that you uninstall the Core tools to ensure that you do not use the limited code size tools by mistake. |
| CCS v4 Microcontroller Pro Tools Node Locked | CCS v4 Platinum Node Locked | Purchase CCS v4 Platinum Node Locked. Take the activation ID and use it to generate a node locked license. Drop this license into your existing CCS v4 install and re-start CCS. You may want to run the installer again to add support for additional device families if you did not install these the first time. |
Pricing
Visit the Code Composer Studio product folder on the main TI website or your local distributor for the latest pricing information.
License Agreements
When you install CCS from the web or DVD you either see the 30 day evaluation agreement or the code size limited agreement depending on which image you have installed. When you generate a license with an activation code you are presented with the license that matches with the activation code. If you wish to view these licenses the links are provided below.
Node Locked license agreement
This is the agreement seen when activating the Platinum or MCU node locked licenses.
Media:Code_Composer_Studio_4_0_Node_Locked_Software_License_Agreement.pdf
Floating license agreement
This is the agreement seen when activating any Platinum or MCU floating license.
Media:Code_Composer_Studio_4_0_Floating_Software_License_Agreement.pdf
Free Limited Use License
This is the agreement seen when activating the free limited use license for XDS100, onboard emulation or simulators.
Media:Code_Composer_Studio_4_0_Bundle_Software_License_Agreement.pdf
90 Day evaluation License
This is the license agreement seen when activating the 90 day evaluation license extension.
Media:Code_Composer_Studio_4_0_Software_Evaluation_90-day_License_Agreement.pdf
30 Day evaluation License
This is the license agreement seen when activating the 90 day evaluation license extension.
Code_Composer_Studio_4_0_Software_Evaluation_30-day_License_Agreement.pdf
MCU Core (code-size limited) License
This is the license agreement seen when activating the 90 day evaluation license extension.
Code_Composer_Studio_4_0_mcu_code_size_limited.pdf
Glossary of terms
License File: This is a file that contains the properties of the license under which you are using CCS. It determines the features that can be used, the product families that CCS can be used with, the length of time that you can use CCS (for evaluation licenses), if there is an object code size limit and the machine that CCS can be run on. The license file is located on the local workstation when using a node locked license or on a license server when using a floating license.
Activation Code: This is a 32 digit code that is used to register or activate CCS. This code is entered on the TI software registration site (www.ti.com/activatesoftware) as part of the process of generating a license file.
Activate: Used to describe the action that results in the creation of a license file. In most cases this involves using an activation code on the web to generate a license however in other cases such as when evaluating CCS or using a code size limited verison of CCS you can activate and create a license directly inside CCS.
Register: Used to describe the process where you activate a license on the web.
MAC Address: This is a unique identifier that is present in all network adapters. For node locked licenses we need to tie them to a particular machine. We require you to specify a MAC address so that we can identify the machine that CCS is allowed to run on.
FAQs
Licensing
Q: Where do I go to get help with licensing?
First check the FAQs here. If that does not solve the problem, you can email ccs_license_file_help@list.ti.com.
Q: What happens with a floating license if I go home with a laptop?
If you are configured to check out a license from a license server and you take your computer off the network CCS will continue to function but will indicate in the title bar that it is currently unlicensed. It is not using up a floating license when operating this way.
Q: Where is the link to the 90 day eval license?
Q: How many computers can I use a node locked license with?
When generating a node-locked license file you can specify 2 MAC addresses (hostids). This allows you to install and run CCS on 2 machines. The license terms state that you cannot be using them at the same time. The purpose of this is if you have a work and home machine or an extra machine in the lab that you need to install CCS on. If you need to run on multiple machines concurrently you should purchase more licenses or consider a floating license pack.
Q: What does this error message mean? "The HOST ID in your license does not match the HOST ID of this computer"
CCS is comparing the host ID of your computer with the one that is in your license file and they are not matching. The cause of this could be that the license was created for a different computer, or you made a mistake when typing in the HOST ID when creating your license or if you have multiple network cards in your computer CCS may be looking at the wrong one. It is possible to re-host your license, please verify the HOST ID of your computer and if you have multiple network cards try entering in 2 HOST IDs when re-hosting your license.
Q: I changed computers how do I update (re-host) my license?
If you go to www.ti.com/myregisteredsoftware you can change the hostid associated with your license file. This is called re-hosting. Note that you can only do this once, after that you need to contact ccs_license_file_help@list.ti.com
Q: Why does the "re-host license" option not show up in myregistedsoftware?
The re-host license option is only available for a limited number of re-hosts. Once those have been used up, it will no longer be available from www.ti.com/myregisteredsoftware. If you need to re-host additional times contact ccs_license_file_help@list.ti.com
Q: Can I use MSP430 with the "free limited license"?
The free license option for eZ430 is the code size limited MCU Core version. You will not be able to use the Free Limited License that comes with the Platinum Download as it is restricted to XDS100, Simulators and non-MSP430 onboard emulation.
Q: Can I use a Spectrum Digital eZDSP board with the "free limited license"?
Yes. The free limited license for EVMs/DSKs/XDS100 will work with the onboard emulation on Spectrum Digital eZDSP kits.
Q: When I go to myregistered software I see "Not Used" What does this mean?
When activating your license you have an option to specify a description for your host ID. If you leave it blank then you see "Not Used" in the table on www.ti.com/myregisteredsoftware
Q: The 30 Day Evaluation Option is not available in the license dialog. How can I evaluate CCS?
The 30 day evaluation option will not be available if:
- The 30 day evaluation period has expired for the current install
- There was once a previous installation of CCS that was activated with the 30 day evaluation period, and 30 days have passed. Note that the 30 period is still active even if CCS is uninstalled
- In some cases, the option may not exist on systems that never had a version of CCSv4. This is a bug that is being investigated.
In all cases, there is an option to obtain an additional 90 day evaluation license. This can be done by activating CCStudio v4 90-day extension.
Q: Can I use my CCSv4.0 license with CCSv4.1?
Yes. Just copy your existing license into \ccsv4\debugserver\license
Q: How do I transfer a license to a different user or company?
Contact ccs_license_file_help@list.ti.com
Q: Why am I getting an error about being unable to connect to a license server when I am not using a license server?
You likely have other products that use FLEXNet licensing installed on your system and one of these products or your IT department is overriding where applications get licenses from. What you can do is copy your CCS license file (.lic) into \ccsv4\DebugServer\license You many also need to create a licenselocation.txt file in this location. Add a line that looks like this to the top of the file: C:\Program Files\Texas Instruments\ccsv4\DebugServer\license You may need to adjust the path to match your installation folder. Make sure that there are no other locations listed in the licenselocation.txt file other than the location of your license.
Q: I see an error that says "desired vendor daemon is down" when I try to open the licensing options dialog. What does this mean?
The problem is most likely that there are other FLEXNet licensed products installed on your machine and one of them has set an enviornment variable (LM_LICENSE_FILE) that overrides the application define license location for all FLEXNet enabled applications. If this variable is set and is pointing to a server (or dongle) the underlying FLEX library will think that you want to acquire your CCS licenses from that location. Copying the .LIC file into \ccsv4\DebugServer\License should resolve the issue.
Q: Why CCS is complaining that it can't find a feature CCS_ISA_ALL when I launch the debugger?
There could be a couple reasons for this. The most common is that you are trying to use an MCU license with a device that is not supported by this. In CCSv4.0.x the MCU license supports MSP430 and F28x only, in CCSv4.1 Stellaris (CortexM3) and CortexR4 are also supported.
Another reason could be that CCS cannot find your license file at all. Check to see if another application or your IT department has overriden the FlexNET search path by defining LM_LICENSE_FILE. To resolve that you can copy your license file into the location defined by this variable.
Q: How bandwidth intensive is the license check out when using a license server?
We only do license checks in a couple places. Product startup and on debugger launch. So the network traffic involved is very minimal. Thus you could even use the same license server across different offices. CCSv4.1.3 and later further reduce the amount of interaction with the license server.
Q: What happens if the license server goes down or there is a network problem?
Also if for some reason the license server goes down or there is a network issue we still let you use CCS it just says “unlicensed” at the top.
Q: My activation code came with a download link. How do I order the DVD?
If you received an activation code as part of your CCS subscription service it comes with a link to download CCS. If you require a physical DVD you can order one by emailing ccsv4dvd@list.ti.com Please note this offer is not available for people who have purchased a CCS license and selected the cheaper no-DVD option.
Q: How do I activate CCS on a machine without internet access?
Since you are reading this it means that likely somewhere in your company there are machines with internet access. What you need to do is get the MAC address (physical address) of an ethernet card (doesn't even need to be connected to a network, just present) in the machine that you are going to run CCS on. Take this along with your activation code for CCS to the machine with internet access and go to www.ti.com/activatesoftware. This will enable you to create a CCS license file for the machine that is running CCS. Take the file that was emailed to you and drop it in the \ccsv4\DebugServer\License folder.
Q: What happens to CCS when my subscription expires?
CCS comes with 12 months of subscription. This is in no way related to your license to use CCS. If you have purchased a CCS license there is no time limit on how long you can use it. Subscription is used to determine if you receive major upgrades (v5, v6...) for free.
Q: I didn't receive the instructions along with my license file, where can I get them?
Some mail filters may block the license installation instructions from being delivered. There are a few ways that you can install a license file. If you created a node locked license the easiest thing to do is to just copy your license file into \ccsv4\DebugServer\License CCS will automatically look in that folder for licenses. If you need to setup a floating license on a license server you can get the instructions here: License_Server_Administration_for_CCS
Q: How long is my CCS license good for?
Unless you are using one of the 30 or 90 day evaluation licenses your CCS license is a perpetual license, i.e. there is no time limit on the license.
Q: How do I add a second computer to my node-locked license?
With node-locked licenses you can specify 2 MAC addresses, i.e. you can run CCS on two different machines. You can specify these addresses when initially creating your license or if you need to do it later on you can add a second MAC address using the re-host feature at www.ti.com/myregisteredsoftware
Q: How do I upgrade from the MCU Core (code size limited) tools to the full tools?
The linkers are physically different in the Code size limited tools so you can't just drop in your new license file. You actually need to download and install the CCS Platinum image and drop your new license into that.
Q: Is license "borrowing" supported?
We have not implemented license borrowing in CCS. Borrowing is a license feature where you can reserve or checkout a license from the license server for a period of time. Some vendors require you to do this if your machine is going to be out of contact with the license server. However with CCS we just change the title bar to unlicensed so there is no need to implement license borrowing. If you are going to be constantly running CCS disconnected from your companies network you should consider getting a node locked license.
Q: How do I generate a free license for XDS100, simulator or EVM/DSK use?
In CCS go to the help->Licensing options menu and click the button to "Use free limited license". This will open a browser with the following link. https://focus-webapps.ti.com/licreg/productactivation.tsp?toPerform=firstTimeActivation&orderablePartNumber=TMDSCCS-HWN01A&FNOPartNumber=TMDSCCS-HWN01A-v4.0
Q: Why is CCS still using my eval license after I installed my real license?
CCS will continue to use the eval license until it expires and then will automatically start using your permanent license if you have installed it via the licensing options dialog or by copying it into ccsv4\DebugServer\license Using the eval license does not limit your functionality in any way.
Q: How do I change the license server or port CCS is using?
Edit the licenselocations.txt file in ccsv4\DebugServer\license
Q: Why can't I find the licenselocation.txt file?
If you are running on Windows Vista or Windows 7 and you have installed in Program Files or Program Files (x86) then it is possible that you won't be able to find this file. This is due to the fact that Windows will "Virtualize" the Program Files folder. Try looking in C:\Users\<username>\AppData\Local\VirtualStore\Program Files (x86)\Texas Instruments\ccsv4\DebugServer\license. Note that the \AppData folder is likely hidden so just type it in your windows explorer.
If running on Vista or Windows 7 I would recommend installing in a folder other than Program Files.
Q: I installed a second copy of CCS on my machine how do I get a license for it?
You can install multiple copies of CCS on the same machine use the same license for all. Just copy the license file from your existing installation into your new one. The license file is in \ccsv4\DebugServer\license
Q: What does "You are not licensed to use the currently-configured connection type" mean?
This message occurs when you are using the free bundled (also called limited) license with a hardware (emulation) connection that it does not support. This license is a free license that enables you to use XDS100, simulators, onboard emulation on DSKs/EVMs/eZdsp boards and Stellaris IDKs (new ones that come with CCS). This license does not allow you to use an XDS510, XDS560 or MSP430.
License Server Administration
Q: Where are the instructions to setup a license server?
See the License Server Administration for CCS topic.
Q: What does the error "No socket connection to license server manager" mean?
In this case CCS was able to connect to the license server but there is an issue with the daemon that is running. One thing to check is to ensure that the manifest file that is included inside the zip file with the daemon executable was also extracted. If this was not done you will see "unlicensed" in the CCS title bar and if you go to Help -> Licensing Options you will get a dialog box with the error message.
Q: What OS can the license server run on?
Windows, Linux and Solaris are supported.
Q: Can we use a single license server to handle multiple geographic locations?
Yes you could use a single license server to distribute licenses to different locations as long as all locations are on the same network. CCS performs a limited number of license checks and thus does not significant network bandwidth.
Q: Can I run CCS on the same machine that is running the license server?
Yes
Q: How do I get the license server to start when the machine boots?
If you are finding that on a windows license server the license server is only starting when you are logged in and shuts down when you log out there could be a problem with your settings in LMTOOLS. Run LMTOOLS, go to the "Config Services" tab and make sure that the two check boxes at the bottom are checked.
Q: I keep getting "CreateProcess error code: 0x36b1 File=tidspssw.exe", why is this?
If this is a Windows machine running the license server the cause could be that you do not have the required version of some Microsoft runtime libraries installed. They can be obtained here. Specifically we need version 8.0.50727.762 of msvcrt80.dll
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