Licensing - CCS

From Texas Instruments Embedded Processors Wiki

(Redirected from Licensing - CCSv4)
Jump to: navigation, search
Translate this page to   


Overview

Code Composer Studio v4 and later utilizes software licensing.  You need a license file in order to use CCS.  There are several types of licenses available.  The license file determines which features and capabilities are available in CCS.

When you run CCS for the first time you will be prompted to provide a license.  There will be several options presented.  If you have purchased as CCS license you will be able to activate it using the provided activation code, you will also be able to activate one of the free license options (time limited evaluation, MSP430 code size limited, development kit / XDS100).

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 time limited evaluation license the first time you run the product.  This will allow you to use all of the features of CCS for a set peroid of time (30 days for CCSv4, 90 days for later versions) so that you can evaluate TI devices and tools but at the end of that time period it prompt you to provide another license.

Code Size Limited (MSP430): There is a 16KB free code size limited license available for CCS.  For CCSv4 there is a separate microcontroller core image on the web.  For CCSv5 there is no separate download required.  With the code size limited 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. In CCSv4 there was a 32KB limited version available for C28x, this is no longer available as you can instead use the free bundle license wiht XDS100 that has no limit.

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.  This free license can also be used with simulators or with XDS100 class emulators as well as the XDS560v2 mezzanine card available in C6000 multi-core EVM bundles.  You may use this version to create production code. This license will work with eZdsp kits. DO NOT USE THIS WITH EZ430 KITS

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 adapter.  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. CCS is installed on each of the license machines.

LicenseServerDiagram.jpg

Upgrading to CCSv5

There are 2 CCSv5 releases.  CCSv5.0 and CCSv5.1 (5.1, 5.2...).  CCSv5.0 is an early release of CCSv5 that targets a specific set of devices and uses. As a result it is not a replacement for CCSv4. CCSv5.1 is the replacement for CCSv4. As CCSv5.0 is really a complement to CCSv4 it is possible to use your CCSv4 license with CCSv5.0. CCSv5.1 requires a CCSv5 license as it is a replacement for CCSv4. Note that you can use a CCSv5 license with CCSv4. If your purchase CCS and receive CCSv5 but want to use CCSv4 instead you can download CCSv4 and use your CCSv5 license with it.

Troubleshooting

Part Numbers

Platinum

Code Composer Studio Platinum supports all processor families including: C6000, C55x, C54x, C28x, ARM, OMAP, DaVinci, Integra, Sitara, Stellaris (Cortex M3), Hercules Cortex R4F and MSP430.

Product Description Part #
CCS Platinum node locked license Single user license.  Enables you to run CCS on two computers.  TMDSCCS-ALLN01
CCS 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.   TMDSCCS-ALLF01
CCS 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.   TMDSCCS-ALLF03
CCS 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.   TMDSCCS-ALLF05
CCS 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.   TMDSCCS-ALLF10
CCS 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.  TMDSCCS-ALLF25


Microcontroller (CCSv4 only)

Note that as of CCSv5 there are no longer separate Microcontroller licenses.  The part #s listed below are discontinued with the introduction of CCSv5.

Code Composer Studio Microcontroller supports MSP430, C28x, Stellaris, TMS470, TMS570 & Hercules.

Product Description Part #
CCS v4 Microcontroller node locked license Single user license.  Enables you to run CCS on two computers.  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.  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.  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.  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.  TMDSCCS-MCUF10

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.

CCSv5

With CCSv5 the Platinum and microcontroller licenses have been merged.  

Current License Desired license Process
CCS Platinum Free Eval Tools CCS Node Locked Purchase a CCS a Node Locked license.  Take the activation ID and use it to generate a node locked license.  Drop this license into your existing CCS installation and re-start CCS.
CCS Platinum Free Eval Tools CCS Floating Purchase a CCS license for 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 MSP430 Code Size Limited Tools CCS Node Locked  Purchase a CCS Node Locked license. Take the activation ID and use it to generate a node locked license. Drop this license into your CCS installation and re-start CCS.


CCSv4

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.

CCSv5

Node Locked license agreement

This is the agreement seen when activating the node locked licenses.

Media:code_composer_studio_v5_1_node_locked_license_agreement.pdf

Floating license agreement

This is the agreement seen when activating any floating license.

Media:code_composer_studio_v5_1_floating_license_agreement.pdf

Free License

This is the agreement that is shown during installation of CCS. It allows for a number of free licenses for CCS:

Media:code_composer_studio_v5_1_software_license_agreement.pdf

CCSv4

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.
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 code size limited license.
Media:Code_Composer_Studio_4_0_Code_Size_Limited_Software_License_Agreement.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.

Related

FAQs

Licensing

Q: Where do I go to get help with licensing?

First check the FAQs here. If that does not solve the problem please try the CCS forum. If you have an issue with an activation code you can email ccs_license_file_help@list.ti.com.

Q: Why do I see license terms for a free license when I install CCS when I purchased a full copy?

CCS will always display the free license terms when you install. However when you activate CCS using the activation code that you obtained when you purchased CCS you will be shown and agree to the license terms that match your purchase.

Q: Why do I see the 30 day evaluation license when I install CCS when I purchased a full copy?

CCS will always display the 30 day evaluation license when you install (unless you downloaded the code size limited tools). However when you activate CCS using the activation code that you obtained when you purchased CCS you will be shown and agree to the license terms that match your purchase.

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 with no limitation. Note that it will indicate in the title bar that it is currently unlicensed since it was unable to get a license from the server, but otherwise functionality will not be limited. It is not using up a floating license when operating this way.

Q: Where is the link to the 90 day eval license?

For extending the free CCSv4 license to 90 days follow the below procedure:

I) You need to register on TI website.

II) Click on the following link http://processors.wiki.ti.com/index.php/CCSv4_Getting_Started_Guide#Installing_CCS

III) On this web page find "extending license by 90 days" and you will be prompted to login. Login using your user name and password.

IV) Click on “Agree” on first page and then on "next"

V) Then you will be displayed with one activation ID , click on "next".

VI) Then enter you MAC id and click on next. (To obtain the MAC id of your machines go to command line and type ipconfig –all)

VII) Finish the process and you will be getting a license file with extension .lic on your registered email id.

VIII) Start CCS and choose a specify license file and choose the lic file as generated above.

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: Why doesn't CCS prompt me for a license the first time I run it?

When you run CCS for the first time it will display the license dialog if it cannot find a license. If this dialog is not displayed this means it found a license of some sort. CCS does the actual validation of the license when you launch a debug session and compares the type of session you are launching with your license type. If you have not provided a license and that dialog is not displayed there could be a few reasons for this:

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: I am a distribution FAE, how can I get a license?

If you are an FAE for a TI authorized distributor you can get a free license. You can either contact your TI distribution rep or you can send an email to ccs_request_fae@list.ti.com Make sure to include your company information.

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 Evaluation Option is not available in the license dialog. How can I evaluate CCS?

The evaluation option will not be available if:

In all cases, there is an option to obtain an additional 90 day evaluation license.

Q: Can I upgrade my license to CCSv5?

You will automatically receive a free upgrade to CCS v5 if your subscription was current at the time CCSv5 was released. You can then upgrade your license at www.ti.com/myregisteredsoftware and update a new CCSv5 license file.

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 CCSv4, whichever is less.

For users of one of the free CCS licenses (code size limited, time limited, tied to XDS100 or development kit) you can simply download CCSv5 and when you run it for the first time you will be able to generate the equivalent free license for CCSv5.

Q: Can I upgrade my license to CCSv4?

You will automatically receive a free upgrade to CCS v4 in the following cases:

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)

Q: Can I use my CCSv4.0 license with CCSv4.1?

Yes. Just copy your existing license into \ccsv4\debugserver\license

Q: Can I use my CCSv4.0/4.1 license with CCSv4.2?

Yes. Just copy your existing license into \ccsv4\debugserver\license CCSv4.2 will copy this license into another location in your user folder.

Q: How do I transfer a license to a different user or company?

First, before the transfer can be done the license file must be deleted from the license file directory of the previous user. After that is complete, send an email to TI myRegistered Software support (ccs_subscriptions@list.ti.com). Please include in your email the previous user’s Activation ID and new user’s MAC address and their my.TI email address.

In the case of floating licenses please include the server name if the server needs to be changed. If the server is not changing then mention this in the email and just provided the Activation ID and the user you wish to transfer the license from.

There is a maximum limit of 2 ownership transfers per year. If you have reached that limit, please go to https://estore.ti.com/Software-Development-Tools-C10.aspx to purchase a new Code Composer Studio license.

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.

Note that in CCSv4.2 and later the licenselocation.txt file and .lic files are located in your user folder.

The reason for this change is that newer versions of windows do not like applications writing the the program files location.

Q: How do I change the license that CCS is using?

You need to do two things.

The license system in CCS caches the license that it is using but you can force it to search for a new license by editing the eclipse.ini file in \ccsv4\eclipse and add the line -DFORCE.REG

You should also edit the licenselocation.txt file and remove the reference to the old license so that CCS doesn't try to use it in the future. In newer versions of CCS this file is in your user folder. Info on where to find this file is available here.

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.

Note that in CCSv4.2 and later the licenselocation.txt file and .lic files are located in your user folder.

The reason for this change is that newer versions of windows do not like applications writing the the program files location.

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?

CCSv4.0 or CCSv4.1

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.

CCSv4.2 or CCSv4

Note that in CCSv4.2 and later the licenselocation.txt file and .lic files are located in your user folder.

The reason for this change is that newer versions of windows do not like applications writing the the program files location.

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.

Q: I see a license file (.lic) in my installation. Can I find out what type or capabilities are enabled?

Yes. In certain cases you can know what type of license you have by the filename:

TMDSCCS-TTTSNNA
  • TTT is the type of license:
HW - Bundled (free limited) license
ALL - Platinum license
MCU - Microcontroller license
  • S is the seating of the license:
N - Node-locked
F - Floating
  • NN is the number of seats of the license:
1 - Single-seat (can be node-locked or floating)
3, 5, 10, 25, 100 - maximum number of seats (25 is platinum-only, 100 is university-only)
  • A Can be the letter A or version number.

If the CCS was provided with a development board or the file was somehow renamed, you can still verify the enabled features: open the license file in a text editor and search if it contains one combination of entries shown below:

CCS_CONNECTION_RESTRICTED - the license is the bundled (free limited) version
CCS_LINKER_LIMITED and CCS_ISA_CONTROLLER - the license is the Free Microcontroller Edition (code size limited)
CCS_LINKER_FULL and CCS_ISA_ALL - the license is the Platinum Edition
CCS_LINKER_FULL and CCS_ISA_CONTROLLER - the license is the Microcontroller Edition

For example, a file TMDSCCS-HWN01A.lic corresponds to a Bundled (free limited) license and inside it would have a feature named CCS_CONNECTION_RESTRICTED.


Q: What advantages a paid license gives me?

The paid license allows using more advanced emulators (XDS510, XDS560, XDS560v2) and its advanced features like Trace and System Trace. This in addition to the XDS100 emulators and the ones that are built into development boards.

For MSP430, the advantage is more obvious. The paid license allows using the unlimited version of the compiler, useful for code larger than 16kB.

Q: What does "Port Number is not numeric" mean?

When entering a port number, it is likely there may be a trailing blank after the number. For example, port 27009 entered as '27009 ' instead of '27009'. The port number will unfortunately not be accepted if such a trailing blank exists. Once removed, the wizard should accept the port entry and connect to the license.


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. One way to achieve this is to edit the first line of the licenselocation.txt file to read @localhost as described in Advanced license configurations

Q: How do I setup a 3 server redundant configuration?

When you activate your license specify the name and MAC address of the primary master server. After receiving your license file open it up in a text editor.

Edit your license file so that the top of the file looks like this

#Please Do not delete this comment line.

SERVER <name of primary server> <MAC address of primary Server> PRIMARY_MASTER

SERVER <name of 2nd server> <MAC address of 2nd server>

SERVER <name of 3rd server> <MAC address of 3rd server>

VENDOR tidspssw USE_SERVER

Here is an example:

#Please Do not delete this comment line.

SERVER server1 0000ffee1111 PRIMARY_MASTER

SERVER server2 0000ddee1111

SERVER server3 0000ccee1111

VENDOR tidspssw USE_SERVER


The server names other than the primary server are outside of the signed region of the license file so you can edit this file directly without needing TI to sign the file. It is also possible to change the MAC address associated with each server this way.

Q: I received a second floating license file. Can I combine the two?

Yes. The procedure is similar as if you were adding the first license file in your system.

Not recommended. If you prefer to merge the two or more license files received, check an interesting discussion in this forum thread on how to do this by directly editing the license file. Be extremely careful when manually editing the files, as this is very error prone. Always make backup copies of your received license files!

If you have multiple license files from different vendors, check Chapter 18 of the The License Administration Guide (located here).

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.

CCS License Admin Autostart.jpg

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

Q: What does "Port Number is not numeric" mean?

When entering a port number, it is likely there may be a trailing blank after the number. For example, port 27009 entered as '27009 ' instead of '27009'. The port number will unfortunately not be accepted if such a trailing blank exists. Once removed, the wizard should accept the port entry and connect to the license.

E2e.jpg For technical support please post your questions at http://e2e.ti.com. Please post only comments about the article Licensing - CCS here.
Hyperlink blue.png Links
ARM Microcontroller MCU ARM Processor Digital Media Processor Digital Signal Processing Microcontroller MCU Multi Core Processor
Ultra Low Power DSP 8 bit Microcontroller MCU 16 bit Microcontroller MCU 32 bit Microcontroller MCU

Retrieved from "http://processors.wiki.ti.com/index.php/Licensing_-_CCS"
Leave a Comment

Comments

Comments on CCSv4 Licensing

Personal tools
Namespaces
Variants
Actions
Navigation
Print/export
Toolbox