What is advantage of using an external J-Link Pro/Plus Debugger versus the on-board nRf5DK SEGGER J-Link for debugging nRF51 ?

[KasemC]

We have our custom PCB design that we program and debug by connecting the SWD lines to nrf51 DK's SWD. We wanted to use trace for better debugging options, however we discovered that the nRF51 series doesn't support trace. Since variable and instruction trace is out of the equation now, are there any advantages of using the J-Link Pro/Plus versus on-board J-Link  in terms of debugging capabilities and tools? 

[haakonsh]

Hey KasemC,

No, not in terms of debugging features. The Pros/Plus can be used across several platforms though, the J-link OBs can only be used with nRF51/52 series. The Pros/Plus also got some additional licenses built-in, like Monitor Mode Debugging, Trace, etc. They're also more reliable and have a better Mean Time Between Failure rates. 

I suggest using TC2030 tag connect cables, as the footprint is tiny and easily accessible by probes and such.

Cheers,

Håkon.

[KasemC]

Thanks for your reply haakonsh. Aren't additional licenses such as Trace, Monitor Mode Debugging, etc debugging features? Also, it looks like the nRF51 series doesn't support trace, is that true? 

[haakonsh]

Trace and Monitor Mode Debugging are examples of debugging features that is not supported by the nRF51. They are supported by the nRF52, with an evaluation license(pop-up where you select 'i agree').