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Graduate
May 19, 2022
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Can't connect to J-Link debugger / Nucleo 466

  • May 19, 2022
  • 6 replies
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I'm trying to run/debug my code on a Nucleo with STM32F466 via the SWD interface using a J-Link debugger. Unfortunately this always ends up with a message

Could not connect to target.

Please check power, connection and settings.

Trying to connect to the debugger/the board using an other IDE brings up some more information: here I'm getting an error message of the target having no power.

Now when I measure the SWD-interface (CN4), I find the error message is correct: there is no power at the CN4-pins 1 (VDD) and 3 (GND). So what is missing here? Do I need to set one of the jumpers to get the SWD interface powered properly?

As described in the manual, the two jumpers at CNs have been removed, the Nucelo-board itself is powered via USB.

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    Best answer by Tesla DeLorean

    >> I can't find the signals for SWDIO and SWDCLK

    Look for PA13 PA14, but as I said should be able to probe to the CN2 header

    0693W00000NqHfgQAF.jpg

    6 replies

    Super User
    May 19, 2022

    The J-Link also needs a "target voltage" reference connection. And, of course, GND.

    0693W00000NqH46QAF.png 

    https://wiki.segger.com/UM08001_J-Link_/_J-Trace_User_Guide#Reference_voltage_.28VTref.29

    https://wiki.segger.com/UM08001_J-Link_/_J-Trace_User_Guide#Target_board_design_2

    Also Take a look at the Nucleo schematics.

    Note that you can convert the on-board ST-Link to a J-Link:

    https://www.segger.com/products/debug-probes/j-link/models/other-j-links/st-link-on-board/

    HMüll.4Author
    Graduate
    May 19, 2022

    Yes, GND is connected. According to the pinout of the Nucleo's SWD-connector I have connected VDD (1), SWCLK (2), GND (3), SWDIO(4), and RESET (5). Here "VDD" should be what you name "target voltage" - but the target does not provide that voltage. Exactly this is my problem!

    Super User
    May 19, 2022

    Are trying to connect the JLink to the 6-pin SIP header on the NUCLEO board? That connector is really meant for the NUCLEO's on-board STLink to control off-board devices, not for an external debugger to debug the on-board STM32.

    If you like the JLink interface/features more then STLink, follow the link @Andrew Neil​ gave you to convert the onboard STLink to a (mostly) JLink.

    But if you really need to use your stand-alone JLink - you will need to force the on-board STLink CPU to be held in reset (check your NUCLEO schematic, on the 144-pin NUCLEO boards this is SB107). Then you will need to get 3.3V for the JLink's VDD pin from one of the other headers

    HMüll.4Author
    Graduate
    May 19, 2022

    Qucik update: I found the 3.3V are at pin 5 of the CN4/SWD connector - not at pin 1. So...anybody an idea where I can get the correct manual/pinout from?

    Super User
    May 19, 2022

    That is NOT a 3.3V supply. That is the NRST signal that just HAPPENS to be at 3.3V. Go on ST's site, search for your board (NUCLEO-F446RE I presume). Click on the "CAD Resources" tab and download the schematic.

    HMüll.4Author
    Graduate
    May 19, 2022

    OK, I'm confused. What I'm referring to is this page out of the manual:

    0693W00000NqHaqQAF.pngThere I can find the pinout of this SWD-connector with VDD (documented but missing), SWCLK, GND, SWDIO, NRST. Thats exactly the pinout which is expected/used by the J-Link debugger.

    On the other hand: the pins 1, 7, 9, 13, 15 and 20 of Neils image refer to what connector of the Nucleo? The ST morpho connector pinout does not fit (and while VDD, GND and RESET are there at some other pins, I can't find the signals for SWDIO and SWDCLK).

    Graduate II
    May 19, 2022

    CN4 is an OUTPUT connector for the on-board ST-LINK/V2-1 (STM32F103).

    You need to get to the SWD signals of the STM32F446, the SWDIO/SWCLK will be exposed on one side of the CN2 jumpers.

    HMüll.4Author
    Graduate
    May 19, 2022

    Who the fu** is designing such a poor board? So I have to collect the signals anywhere at the board? SWD/SWCLK at the CN2 connector (which pins?), GND and RESET at CN4 (or somewhere else?), VDD at wherever I find it?