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 MCU. MCU-Link uses common firmware images for all implementations, with strap pins used to define the target type and supported features. MCU-Link is based on the LPC55S69 microcontroller to provide high-performance debug over high-speed USB.

MCU-Link requires 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 and FreeMASTER.

A free utility from NXP, also included with the LinkServer package, provides an easy way to install firmware updates.

Software Details

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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

Downloads

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1-5 of 6 downloads

  • Development Software

    MCU-Link installer for Windows (WinUSB, MCUXpresso 11.7 or later)Featured

    EXERev 3.108Jan 16, 2023 16:00:002.1 MBMCU-LINK_INSTALLER_3.108_WIN
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  • Development Software

    MCU-Link installer for MacOS (WinUSB, MCUXpresso 11.7 or later)Featured

    PKGRev 3.108Jan 16, 2023 16:00:00731.4 KBMCU-LINK_INSTALLER_3.108_MAC
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  • Development Software

    MCU-Link installer for Linux (WinUSB, MCUXpresso 11.7 or later)Featured

    BINRev 3.108Jan 16, 2023 16:00:00602.0 KBMCU-LINK_INSTALLER_3.108_LIN
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  • Development Software

    MCU-Link installer for Linux

    BINRev 2.263Jul 14, 2022 10:27:00964.0 KBMCU-LINK_INSTALLER_2.263_LIN
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  • Development Software

    MCU-Link installer for Windows 10

    EXERev 2.263Jul 14, 2022 10:27:00739.1 KBMCU-LINK_INSTALLER_2.263_WIN
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Note: For better experience, software downloads are recommended on desktop.

Design Resources

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