Sid Price, an embedded software design service company has launched a campaign on Wireless debug probe for ARM Coretex-M Microprocessors called ctxLink. The ctxLink is an open hardware, open firm ware , Black Magic Probe (BMP) based Debugging Probe that supports Wi-Fi connectivity and battery powered operations. By implementing SWD and JTAG interface it brings remote hardware to your source level debugger for remote, cable free programming and debugging of ARM Cortex-M microcontrollers even in places where USB cabling isn’t possible.
ctxLink allows you to access system from a certain distance for applications such as debugging a robotic system, programming a shielded device, working around an awkward enclosure or hacking on a project that’s just a little bit too far away. Configuring the router to forward incoming connections for the GDB server port to ctxLink allows the local debugger to access the devices which are in other countries also. The network deployment can be managed either through Wi-Fi protected setup (WPS) or by using HTTP provisioning with a smartphone.
ctxLink can benefit from an active community that brings support for new target MCUs and it is synchronized with BMP so additional MCU support fro BMP community can be implemented promptly. You can visit the campaign page for more information.
Specifications
- Microcontroller: STM32F401RE
- Wi-Fi module: Microchip WINC1500
- Physical: 89 mm x 33 mm, 4-layer PCB
Debugging
- Supports a wide range of ARM Cortex targets, including ST, Atmel, Nordic, NXP, and others
- Includes a built-in GDB Server that can be used with a wide range of Integrated Development Environments (IDEs)
- Supports a wide range of target voltages (1.7 V to 5 V)
Power
- Can be powered from the target (3 V to 5 V targets only)
- Can be powered by a LiPo battery (not included). Has been tested with Adafruit’s 3.7V 1200mAh battery
- The Battery can be charged through USB
- Can be used to power the target (up to 100 mA) regardless of whether ctxLink itself is powered from a battery or through USB
