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  • SWD Isolator Plugin

    SWD Isolator Plugin

    Optical isolation for SWD interface

    • Optical isolation
    • Overvoltage protection
    • Overcurrent protection
    • Plugs directly into probe/programmer
    • ESD protection
    Contact us Documentation
    A small green printed circuit board (PCB) with multiple electronic components and connectors. The top features a black plastic connector section, labeled pins, and inscriptions. The board is designed for debugging and programming devices, specifically for SWD (Serial Wire Debug) applications.
    1. 1.Key features
    2. 2.Use cases
    3. 3.Product images
    4. 4.Technical specification
    5. 5.Connector pinout
    6. 6.Safety
    7. 7.Package content
    8. 8.Suitable products
    9. 9.FAQ

    Overview

    The SWD Isolator Plugin can be plugged directly into the target interface of a J-Link or Flasher to provide electrical isolation on the target interface side. This is essential when the development or production tools are not connected to the same ground as the application. The SWD Isolator uses high speed digital isolators that allow a very low propagation time between input and output.


    Key features

    • 1.2 V to 5 V target operation supported
    • Powered from probe side
    • Overvoltage and overcurrent protection on probe side
    • Overvoltage protection on VTref pin of target connector
    • 4 LEDs to indicate probe/programmer power, probe/programmer overload, target power, and target RESET
    • ESD protection

    Use cases

    Motor
    control

    Motor control applications tend to introduce electrical spikes into the system. The isolator protects the debug probe from such hazards.

    Production and test

    Production and test systems often use a multitude of tools with different characteristics, making it nearly impossible to ensure stable electrical conditions. The isolator shields tools and device under test from each other to minimize impact.

    Sensor and analog

    Sensor and analog applications require precision where any external signal might disturb correct operation. The isolator shields the measurement system from any potential impact caused by the debug system.


    Product images

    A close-up image of a green circuit board labeled "SWD Isolator V2.0A" featuring multiple integrated circuits, pins for connections, and indicator labels such as "Power," "Connect," and "Reset." The board is encased in a transparent plastic cover.
    Close-up of a black multi-pin connector, showing rows of shiny gold pins inside a rectangular opening. The background features a blue object, slightly blurred, providing context to the connection.
    SWD Isolator Plugin target side connector
    Close-up view of a black electrical connector with multiple pin ports arranged in two rows, mounted on a translucent backing. The focus is on the configuration and design of the connector.
    SWD Isolator Plugin probe side connector

    Technical specification

    Isolation
    1 kV DC (basic isolation)
    Probe/programmer side interface
    20-pin 0.1" female SWD
    Target interface
    20-pin 0.1" male SWD
    Target signals
    SWCLK, SWDIO, SWO, RESET
    Target interface speed
    Up to 4 MHz
    Target interface voltage
    1.2 V – 5 V
    Power consumption target side
    <25 µA
    Dimensions
    67 mm x 36 mm x 15 mm (L x W x H)
    Weight
    38g
    Operating temperature
    +5 °C ... +60 °C
    Storage temperature
    -20 °C ... + 65°C
    Relative humidity (non-condensing)
    < 90% rH

    Connector pinout

    Close-up view of a rectangular black connector with multiple small pinholes, labeled with the number "1." The background is softly blurred, showcasing the connector's details against a light surface.
    SWD isolator probe side connector
    SWD isolator target side pinout
    SWD isolator connector pinout on both sides
    (male connector view)
    Close-up of a black rectangular connector with multiple gold pins inside. The connector is oriented with the open side facing forward and is labeled with a small number “1” in a square at the right side. The background is slightly blurred, showing a blue object behind.
    SWD isolator target side connector

    The following table shows the pinout for both connectors of the SWD Isolator:

    PinSignalTypeDescription

    1 

    VTrefInputReference voltage. The target side of the isolator may draw power over this pin.

    2 

    NCNCThis pin is not connected.

    3 

    NCNCThis pin is not connected.

    5 

    NCNCThis pin is not connected.

    7 

    SWDIOI/OBi-directional data pin of SWD. This pin should be pulled high on the target. Typically connected to SWDIO on target CPU.

    9 

    SWCLKOutputSWD clock signal to target CPU. It is recommended that this pin is pulled to a defined state on the target board. Typically connected to SWCLK on target CPU.

    11 

    NCNCThis pin is not connected.

    13 

    SWOInputSWD data output from target CPU. Typically connected to SWO on target CPU.

    15 

    RESETI/OTarget CPU reset signal. Typically connected to the RESET pin of the target CPU, which is typically called "nRST", "nRESET" or "RESET".

    17 

    NCNCThis pin is not connected.

    19 

    VCC /
    NC
    Input /
    NC
    This pin supplies power to the isolator from the debug probe.
    This pin is not connected on the target side of the isolator.

    Pins 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20 are GND pins connected to GND.


    Safety

    This isolator provides basic isolation only. Do not use with hazardous voltages without further protection measures to avoid risk of electrical shock and fire.

    SEGGER isolators provide basic isolation to withstand high voltages as specified in the corresponding technical data section. To ensure personal safety when dealing with potentially hazardous voltages, it is mandatory to provide a second protection measure in place in case the first insulation barrier fails. This is called double or reinforced isolation. How this double isolation can be achieved depends on the use case or application setup. Also check the safety regulations applicable in your country to ensure that all requirements are met.


    Package content

    A small green printed circuit board (PCB) with multiple electronic components and connectors. The top features a black plastic connector section, labeled pins, and inscriptions. The board is designed for debugging and programming devices, specifically for SWD (Serial Wire Debug) applications.
    SWD Isolator Plugin

    Suitable products

    Flasher

    A handheld device labeled "Flasher" from SEGGER, primarily gray with blue rubber edges. It features three status indicators: "Ready" (OK), "Not ready," and "Fail," along with a "PROG" button. This device is used for programming and debugging electronics.
    • Flasher Pro
    • Flasher Pro XL
    • Flasher Compact
    • Flasher Portable PLUS

    J-Link

    Image of a J-Link debugging device from SEGGER. The device has a rectangular shape with a black casing and a silver panel featuring the "J-Link" logo and SEGGER branding. It includes several buttons and indicators for user interaction.
    • J-Link Pro PoE
    • J-Link Pro
    • J-Link Ultra
    • J-Link WiFi
    • J-Link Plus
    • J-Link Base

     


    FAQ

    May I use SWD Isolator with a third party debug probe?

    The SWD Isolator has been designed for J-Link and Flasher, but can also be used with other debug probes or programmers with the same pin-out. In this case, you need to make sure that 5 V are supplied to pin 19 of the probe/programmer connector and that yourprobe/programmer is not damaged when applying 5 V to this pin. Do this at your own risk!

    May I use the SWD Isolator for JTAG connections as well?

    This does not work. The SWD isolator has no connection for the pin used for TDI in JTAG.

    May I use the SWD Isolator for compact JTAG (cJTAG) connections?

    While the SWD Isolator is specified for the SWD/SWO interface, the SWD Isolator can be used with cJTAG, if the probe uses the same configuration as the J-Link (TMSC on Pin 7, see the target interface description)

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