Debugging external target (nRF 52832) at 1.8V

[nick7]

Hi

I would like to debugg my Nordic (nRF52832) custom board at 1.8V with a 6 pin Tag-connect connector (see here) and have a couple of questions regarding this.

From what I can gather, the nRF 52 DK allows for debugging of external targets at 3V, but not at other voltages. However, some parts on my board will need to be operated at 1.8V and will get damaged if a higher voltage is applied. Hence, I'm looking for a solution to debug at 1.8V.

From what I have read in the Nordic forums I would need a J-link programmer that supports debugging at 1.8V. Then, in order to use the Tag-connect connection I would then have to buy the Tag-connect cable, as well as a suitable adapter for the J-link Programmer (see here).

Is this the most straightforward solution?

Would debugging my external board at 1.8V also be possible using the nRF52840 DK?, If so how would I have to go about that?

Best and Thanks,
Nick

[Nguyen Hoan Hoang]

There is also a cheaper alternative to the jlink. It's the IDAP-Link a CMSIS-DAP JTag.  It has full support for programming the nRF5x at voltage from 1.75V-3.6V.  A flashing command line utility that can flash Softdevice + Firmware + DFU without requiring to mergehex.  

[nick7]

Thanks for the answer,

From the IDAP link:

"It is just plug & play with most IDE such as Keil, CrosWorks, Eclipse, etc.. Works instantly, no driver to install"

Does it also work with SEGGER ES IDE ?

Do you maybe know about the feasibility with the nRF 528420 DK?

Best,

Nick

[Nguyen Hoan Hoang]

The Segger IDE is locked to JLink only.  

What do you want to know about the nRF52840 DK ?

[nick7]

Ah, good to know. So if I want to debug a custom board at 1.8V using the Segger IDE I would have to purchase a j-link programmer?

Sorry for not being clear enough. I want to know if it's possible to debug a custom nrf52832 board with the nRF52840 DK board at 1.8V using SWD.

[Nguyen Hoan Hoang]

To use 1.8V with the DK, the DK has to have a level shifter between your board and the DK jlink.  I am not sure it has it.  You'll need to lookup the schematic.  

The Segger IDE can be used with the jlink onboard of the DK.