An Introduction to the I-SYST Debugger Tools for Nordic nRF51422 and nRF51822 SoCs

I-SYST specializes in providing hardware and software solutions for processor based applications in consumer and industrial electronics. They offer powerful debugging tools for the Nordic Semiconductor nRF51422 and nRF51822 SoCs, as well as ANT and BLE micro-modules based on the nRF51422 and nRF51822 SoCs.

Debug J-Tag Probe for ARM MCU

The I-SYST IDAP-Link is a low cost CMSIS-DAP JTAG debug probe with enhanced features. It will appear as a USB disk drive when connected, allowing easy firmware flashing compatible with any operating system. It provides a UART to USB bridge for communication between the target device and the PC, and a regulated 3.3V to directly power the target device. It can be used as an ultra low cost solution to production programming. BSP is provided for use with Open Source CMSIS-DAP firmware from mBed.org which make it totally customizable.

Features:

• BSP provided for Open Source CMSIS-DAP firmware from mBed.org
• Debug compatibility with most IDEs such as Keil, CrossWorks, Eclipse, etc.
• Drag & drop firmware flashing
• mBed enabled target board
• micro-SD slot for flash programming without a PC
• Onboard 3.3V regulator to power the target device
• Support both SWD & JTAG mode
• UART to USB bridge for communication between target and PC

CMSIS-DAP Debug J-Tag Module

The I-SYST IDAP-M is a low cost CMSIS-DAP debug JTAG on module with enhanced features designed to be integrated onboard the target MCU. Besides full JTAG/SWD debug, it is a USB composite device providing a UART to USB bridge for the target MCU and a mass storage device to program the target by drag & drop. It can provide 3.3 V to power target device directly without needing an external power supply for the target device. It can also be used as an ultra low cost solution to production programming by integrating multiple modules for parallel programming. Besides our proprietary firmware, BSP is provided for use with mBed.org Open Source CMSIS-DAP firmware, making it totally customizable.

Features:

• BSP provided for Open Source CMSIS-DAP firmware from mBed.org
• Debug compatibility with most IDE such as Keil, CrossWorks, Eclipse, etc.
• Dimensions: 16 mm x 15 mm
• Drag & drop firmware flashing
• mBed enabled
• SPI interface for SD card
• Support both SWD & JTAG mode
• UART to USB bridge for communication between target and PC
• USB mass storage for firmware Drag & Drop

 Use cases for the IDAP-Link and IDAP-M with Nordic Semiconductor nRF51422 and nRF51822 solutions:

• The IDAnRFProg command line program. It can flash the Softdevice, the Application firmware, and the DFU OTA without needing to merge the 3 hex files. It can also parallel program the nRF51 series using multiple boards connected to one PC. For instance, if 10 IDAP-Links are connected to the same PC via a USB hub, the IDAPnRFProg will flash all 10 boards at once in parallel.
• Drag & Drop. When connected to PC, the IDAP-Link will appear as a USB Flash drive. Firmware (.bin or .hex) can flashed in by copying the firmware file over the Flash drive. This feature can only flash one file, though this method requires MergeHex.
• Stand alone mode without PC using microSD. To use this feature, copy the required hex files (softdevice.hex and/or firmware.hex and/or dfu.hex) onto a microSD card. Insert into the card slot underneath the IDAP-Link. Power up and press program button. This mode of operation does not require MergeHex.

I-SYST also offers an ANT & BLE micro-module based on the Nordic NRF51422 SoC and a BLE micro-module based on the Nordic NRF51822 SoC. For more information, or to order, call Symmetry at (310) 536-6190 or contact us online.