Debugging, tracing, and testing made easy with Active Probe Debug

 

In the world of microcontroller development, efficient debugging and tracing are essential for ensuring the reliability and performance of embedded systems. One invaluable tool in this realm is the TASKING Active Probe Debug, a powerful and versatile solution that simplifies debugging.  

 

Supporting diverse Debug protocols

Active Probe Debug is your go-to companion for debugging, tracing, and testing a wide array of microcontroller architectures that are supported by the winIDEA. It empowers developers with the ability to harness various debug protocols, making the debugging process seamless and efficient. These protocols include:

• Joint Test Action Group (JTAG)
• ARM’s Serial Wire Debug (SWD)
• RH850’s Low Pin-Count Debug (LPD)

 

Versatile Trace Capture methods

Active Probe Debug doesn't stop at protocols; it also provides versatile Trace Capture methods, enhancing its adaptability for various scenarios. One such interface is ARM's Embedded Trace Buffer (ETB), a powerful resource for in-depth debugging. Additionally, it offers low-speed serial trace options, like Single Wire Output (SWO), which can be crucial for specific debugging tasks.

You can check all the details in Hardware User Manuals.

 

Compact and accessible

The compact size of Active Probe Debug is designed with practicality in mind. It can easily fit into tight spaces, extending its reach to target microcontrollers located up to 10 meters away. This accessibility ensures that you can efficiently debug systems even in constrained environments.

  

Active Probe Adapters

Active Probe Debug is connected to the iC5700 BlueBox via an FNet cable, ensuring a reliable connection to the debugging infrastructure. To connect Active Probe Debug to an embedded target with an architecture-specific target connector, an Active Probe Adapter is required.  

You can check all the details in Hardware User Manuals.

 

Adapting to different architectures  

Active Probe Adapters play a crucial role in establishing a connection between Active Probe Debug and the embedded target. These adapters are compatible with a wide range of microcontroller architectures, including:

• ARM Cortex
• RISC-V
• NXP/ST Power Architecture
• Renesas RH850

Designed with flexibility in mind, these adapters accommodate different Target connector pitches, ensuring compatibility with various embedded systems.  

 

mDIO port for enhanced Interaction

Active Probe Debug also features an mDIO port. mDIO port is a small DIO - signal observer or generator on the side of the Active Probes. This port provides two digital signals that can interact with the embedded target. These signals can be configured for input or output operation, allowing for versatile interaction possibilities. Together with mDIO cable, it offers various functionalities, e.g.:

• Pin toggling and triggering
• Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) control
• Pattern generation

 

Above all, it is controllable:

• Manually via winIDEA
• Programmatically via isystem.connect API and therefore it can be used for test automation

  

You can use the mDIO feature for various use cases:

• Power cycling a target device
• Handling watchdog
• Manually control the target state, including program inputs via the HIL monitor
• Transmit different frequencies to represent distinct signal levels

 

Conclusion

Active Probe Debug is a must-have tool for microcontroller developers, offering comprehensive support for debugging, tracing, and testing. Its compatibility with a variety of microcontroller architectures, versatile interfaces, and compact design makes it an invaluable asset in your embedded systems development toolkit. Ensure a smooth debugging experience and enhance your productivity with Active Probe Debug and its associated accessories.