AD3 LED is not turning on and board seems to be overheating

[ramzae]

I purchased an Analog Discovery 3 for my circuits class a few months ago. and just plugged it in within this last week to complete a lab for the course. Upon downloading the essential software and drivers the AD3 could not be recognized on my laptop. Initially the LED light came on and was powering the device but after some time it now does not turn on and it seems the AD3 is overheating as it is quite warm to the touch. I unplugged it and an odor of warm electronics is emanating. Does this seem to be a manufacture defect or was there something I did wrong in the initial setup process?

[JColvin]

Hi @ramzae,

I don't know what "quite warm" means to you, but the LED on the back of the device not illuminating is a concern.

I don't know what you did exactly, but presuming you downloaded the latest release version of WaveForms from Digilent (Resource Center here) or the latest beta version (Digilent Forum thread with beta versions from the developer), then that should be everything you needed to do.

What operating system are you using and are you using the USB C to C cable that came with it? (that specific cable isn't required; I personally use a USB A to C cable that I had lying around)

Thanks,
JColvin

[ramzae]

The AD3 is emitting an external temp of 113F, just to clarify. I am on Windows 10 Pro and yes, I am running Waveforms on the latest version, 3.23.4 64-bit. I also receive an error message in the Device Fix window stating "FTDI library loading failed"

Edited November 6, 2024 by ramzae
Additional info

[JColvin]

Hi @ramzae,

I'm guessing you're measuring the temperature through some external means; I know inside the device is around that temperature normally, but the enclosure is never hot to the touch. This is what my device I'm holding in my hand is showing right now (though I imagine you don't have this view if WaveForms cannot detect the device):

I presume you already tried uninstalling and then reinstalling WaveForms (and Adept) as mentioned by the in-app message?

Does Windows make a connection noise when you connect or disconnect the AD3 to your computer? If you're not hearing any connection noise (i.e. Windows not detecting a USB device that it can communicate with), it may be worth trying a different USB cable as a sanity check.

Let me know what you learn.

Thanks,
JColvin

[ramzae]

Yes, I have uninstalled and reinstalled multiple times, verified all libraries are in the correct file directory, and reinstalled drivers directly from the vendor website. None, of that has worked

As for the connecting, Windows is not making a connection noise and has been verified by connecting and reconnecting the AD3. Other device  such as my wireless mouse, keyboard, USB hub do make the connection noise right on connection.

I have tried various cables: USB A(M) to USB C(M), USB A(M) to USB C(F) and used the cable that came with the AD3, USB A(M) to auxiliary, dedicated auxiliary power cords (5V, 9V, & 12V), and USB C(M) to RJ45 adapter. Unfortunately, none have been able to connect the device to my computer and the LED has never come one. Although, I can hear the device emitting a high pitched sound whenever I plug it into my computer (perhaps a fan)?

[JColvin]

Hi @ramzae,

I'm hoping you aren't actually connecting 9 V and 12 V to the AD3 as it only accepts a 5 V external supply: https://digilent.com/reference/test-and-measurement/analog-discovery-3/specifications#power_requirements.

Though from what you have described, you did not attempt this on your initial connection (or I hope not).

There is no fan (or other mechanicals) inside the AD3, so the high pitched sound would most likely be a struggling/failing voltage regulator.

If this is the case, please send me a private message with the following information so I can start the RMA process:

- Order number
- Purchase Date
- Serial number of the AD3 (barcode closer to the flywire side)
- Preferred email contact

Thanks,
JColvin

[ramzae]

My apologies, that is correct, I did not plug in the 9V or 12V into the device because I had looked over the power requirements before utilizing any auxiliary power. I listed them simply because they were in the pile of other cables I was naming while listing each one previously.

I will send that other information over immediately, thank you.