MCU-Link Debug Probe Architecture

MCU-LINK-ARCHITECTURE

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MCU-Link is the NXP single, unified debug probe architecture for all NXP general-purpose Arm® Cortex-M® based MCUs. MCU-Link is implemented on NXP´s latest evaluation boards (known as MCU-Link OB) and standalone versions (MCU-Link and MCU-Link Pro) are available for use with any system with a supported target NXP MCU. MCU-Link uses common firmware images for all implementations, with strap pins used to define the target type and supported features. The LinkServer utility installs drivers and provides firmware update and other useful utilities and should be installed to use all versions of MCU-Link.

MCU-Link can be used with MCUXpresso IDE or MCUXpresso for VS Code to fully utilize all available features, but can also be used with third-party IDEs. MCU-Link can also provide USB to UART, SPI and/or I²C interfaces (depending on MCU-Link type/implementation), a feature supported by the NXP open source LIBUSBSIO host library for Windows, MacOS and Linux. MCU-Link is also compatible with the MCUXpresso SEC tools, SP SDK and FreeMASTER.

MCU-Link is based on the LPC55S69 microcontroller to provide high-performance debug over high-speed USB.

Software Details

Features

Microcontrollers (MCU)

  • LPC55S69 dual Arm Cortex M33 MCU running at 150MHz

Debug

  • Easy firmware update using free utilities
  • CMSIS-DAP based firmware (required for bridge and power measurement)
  • J-Link firmware option (Pro and OB versions)
  • SWD target debug
  • SWO trace/profiling I/O support
  • Current measurement down to sub 200 nA resolution (implementation dependent)
  • Analog signal monitor input (1.2 V to 3.6 V) (implementation dependent)
  • Option to power target system (1.8 V or 3.3V, up to 400 mA) (MCU-Link Pro)
  • Supports target debug for systems running from 1.2 V to 5 V

Host Interfaces

  • High-speed USB host interface
  • USB to UART (VCOM) bridge with optional second VCOM
  • USB to I²C and SPI bridging (implementation dependent)
  • USB to GPIO bridge option (implementation dependent)

User Interface

  • Status/breathing LED to easily check probe is operational
  • Multiple status LEDs for ease of use (implementation dependent)

Supported IDEs

  • Compatible with MCUXpresso IDE
  • Compatible with tools/IDEs that support CMSIS-DAP or J-Link protocol
  • Compatible with MCUXpresso for VS Code

Host Support

  • Ubuntu 20.04.2 LTS / 22.04 LTS
  • MacOS 11.x Big Sur, 12.x Monterey
  • Microsoft® Windows 10 and 11

System Requirements

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