Hung up on EVENTS_HFCLKSTARTED in "Debug" build but not in "Release" build

[Phil]

I have created a custom board containing the nRF52832. I have two copies. The first board works, meaning that I have flashed the code to it using the DK52, and I can power it up on its own, and it runs fine.

When I connect the second board to the DK52 and I hit "Start Debugging" in Segger Embedded Studio, the program works fine when I use the "Release" configuration build. But when I use the "Debug" configuration build, I get stuck at

while (NRF_CLOCK->EVENTS_HFCLKSTARTED == 0);

Neither build works when I hit "Start Without Debugging."

Is this for sure a crystal issue? Does the crystal get bypassed when debugging? I'm confused that debugging works for "Debug" build but not for "Release" build. Thanks in advance for any info.

[Kenneth]

Sounds like hw issue yes, it could be marginally off or far off. Do you have schematic and layout for the design, also the datasheet for the crystal would be good.

Kenneth

[Phil]

I replaced the 32 MHz crystal and it's side capacitors, and now it's working fine. So apparently debugging the system in Segger ES using the "Release" configuration build somehow bypasses the HFXO. If that's wrong, please correct me. Otherwise, I'll let this reply stand to inform others who run into the same situation.