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[WIP] debug probe comparison #258

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@noahp noahp commented Mar 21, 2022

Somewhat pocket-sized article comparing a few of the more common debug
probes for Cortex-M targets.

Somewhat pocket-sized article comparing a few of the more common debug
probes for Cortex-M targets.
if you already have the host computer J-Link software installed. The integrated
J-Links often have a debug serial port attached to a target UART too!

Other features of note:
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| Black Magic Probe | $60 | ✅ | yes, +3.3v (100mA) only | ✅ | 〰️ ok (but open source!) |
| DAPLink | $5-$15 | ❌ | | ✅ | 〰️ ok (but open source!) |
| FTDI FT2232H | $35 ($5 for chip only) | ✅ | varies, adafruit yes | ❌ | 🔼 good |
| Raspberry Pi Pico | $4 | ✅ | | ❌ | 🔼 good + open source |
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fix: basically is open source, schematic + sw is published

@franc0is
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Good start! I'd argue that you need a bit more pros/cons written up for each entry. You could have the "Software" portion (which is yet to be written) be a part two follow on article.


## Debug Adapter Hardware

First off, if you haven't already, take a look at Chris's deep dive on Cortex-M
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Make this a callout, rather than the first sentence of the paragraph

debug interfaces, which also covers some of the probes in this article:

<https://interrupt.memfault.com/blog/a-deep-dive-into-arm-cortex-m-debug-interfaces>

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Add a sentence at the beginning of this section explaining what a debug adapter is.

Some probes will support JTAG too, but when working with Cortex-M devices, it's
often not as preferrable as SWD due to higher pin utilization.

Also I'll be focusing on non-trace enabled probes (though some will support some
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Suggested change
Also I'll be focusing on non-trace enabled probes (though some will support some
I'll be focusing on non-trace enabled probes (though some will support some

including flash algorithms (ability to write a program to target internal
flash).

It's fairly commonly included on development boards, which makes setup simpler
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Suggested change
It's fairly commonly included on development boards, which makes setup simpler
It is fairly commonly included on development boards, which makes setup simpler

Depending on which FTDI chip you're using, you can use spare UARTs for a debug
console to your target.

One nice thing about this approach is it's possible to add the FTDI chip to your
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I'd argue that you can do this with DAPLink as well

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Ohh good point 👌

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