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LPC-Link_2

LPC-Link 2 Firmware - Getting Started

SEGGER offers a firmware running on the NXP LPC-Link 2 platform, which makes the LPC-Link 2 compatible with J-Link LITE.

  • Supports all Arm-based NXP devices that are also supported by J-Link LITE [More..]
  • JTAG, SWD + SWO supported
  • Fully compatible with and same features as J-Link LITE [More..]

This firmware allows users to take advantage of most J-Link features like the ultra fast flash download and debugging speed or the free-to-use GDBServer, by using a low-cost LPC-Link 2 platform for developing on evaluation boards.

Getting Started with LPC-Link 2

In order to get started with LPC-Link 2 just a few steps are necessary:

  • Download LPCScrypt here.
  • To make sure that LPCscrypt uses the latest LPC-Link2 firmware, please replace the J-Link firmware images located in:
    • LPCScrypt_InstallDir\probe_firmware\LPCXpressoV2\ and
    • LPCScrypt_InstallDir\probe_firmware\LPCLink2\
  • (Files may need to be renamed after download, to match the ones in LPCScrypt)
  • Set the eval board into DFU boot mode. How is explained in the respective board manual.
  • Connect LPC-Link 2 to the PC.
  • Execute %LPCScrypt_InstallDir%\scripts\program_JLINK.cmd
  • Follow the instructions given by the script.
  • Power-cycle LPC-Link 2. It will now enumerate as a J-Link.

Terms of Use

SEGGER created a firmware which runs on the NXP LPC-Link 2, making it J-Link compatible. In order to make use of this firmware, the following Terms Of Use must be accepted:

  • The firmware is only to be used with NXP target devices. Using it with other devices is prohibited and illegal.
  • The firmware is for use with evaluation boards only. It is not for use with custom hardware.
  • The firmware may only be used for development and/or evaluation purposes. It may not be used for production purposes.
  • The firmware is made available without any warranty and without support.

If there is any doubt if a certain use may be considered within the foregoing scope it is strongly recommended to consult SEGGER prior to use.

When starting a debug session, a license dialog shows up which must be accepted in order to be able to work with LPC-Link 2.

Firmware Version History and Limitations

Firmware Version History

23-08-25:

  • LPCXpresso V2 firmware (OB variant of Link2): Added support to control the POWER_EN signal used on some evaluation boards to power the board via J-Link OB ("exec SupplyPower = 1").

23-05-02:

  • Added support for Cadence Xtensa cores (e.g. HiFi 4) which are present in some i.MX chips.
  • Added support for WinUSB (driverless) mode.
  • Added auto-enable of WinUSB (driverless) mode on boot.

21-08-23:

  • VCOM stopped working after 24 days of operation. Fixed.

19-06-26:

  • Added date stamp to the output *.bin files (required by NXP).

19-04-04:

  • LPC-Link2: Added support for ARMv8-M architecture (Cortex-M23, M33, ...)
  • LPCXpresso V2 firmware (OB variant of Link2): Added support for ARMv8-M architecture (Cortex-M23, M33, ...)

16-08-01:

  • LPCXpresso V2 firmware (OB variant of Link2): Under special circumstances, USB communication problems could occur. Fixed.

16-07-21:

  • LPCXpresso V2 firmware (OB variant of Link2): VCOM functionality sometimes swallowed some bytes or output them delayed. Fixed.

16-05-30_2:

  • LPCXpresso V2 firmware (OB variant of Link2): J-Link USB BULK component enumerated correctly but did not work. Introduced with firmware 16-05-30. Fixed.

16-05-30:

  • LPCXpresso V2 firmware (OB variant of Link2): Added VCOM support.

Limitations

The firmware making the LPC-Link 2 J-Link compatible has some limitations in contrast to an original, industry leading SEGGER J-Link:

  • May be used with ARM based NXP devices only.
  • Only debugging on evaluation boards is allowed. Debugging on custom hardware is not supported and not allowed.
  • No production flash programming support.Unlimited breakpoints in flash available for evaluation only.
  • No support is given.

By using an original SEGGER J-Link PRO, J-Link ULTRA+ or J-Link PLUS, all these limitations will be gone. Learn more about J-Link