UG548: Simplicity Link Debugger User's Guide

Features

• SEGGER J-Link debugger
• Packet Trace Interface (PTI)
• Virtual COM port (VCOM)
• Optional target voltage source
• Breakout pads for easy probing

Supported Debug Protocols

• Serial Wire Debug (SWD)
• Silicon Labs 2-Wire Interface (C2)

Software Support

• Simplicity Studio

Ordering Information

• Part Number: Si-DBG1015A

Package Content

• Simplicity Link Debugger board (BRD1015A)
• Mini Simplicity Cable

1. Introduction

The Simplicity Link Debugger is a tool designed to debug and program Silicon Labs devices on boards equipped with the Mini Simplicity Interface, using Simplicity Studio or Simplicity Commander software tools.

1.1 Getting Started

To begin programming or debugging your own hardware, download the latest version of Simplicity Studio and connect the flat cable to your hardware. If your hardware lacks a suitable connector, breakout pads can be used for connection via jumper wires. Segger J-Link drivers are required and are typically installed with Simplicity Studio, or can be downloaded directly from Segger.

1.2 Installation

Download the latest version of Simplicity Studio and SDK resources from silabs.com/developers/simplicity-studio, or update your existing installation via the Installation Manager dialog. The software user guide is accessible from the Help menu or at docs.silabs.com/simplicity-studio-5-users-guide/latest/ss-5-users-guide-overview.

1.3 Custom Hardware Requirements

To utilize all debugging features of the Simplicity Link Debugger and Silicon Labs software tools, the Mini Simplicity interface must be implemented on the custom hardware design. The Single Wire Debug (SWD) interface is necessary for programming and basic debug functionality. Refer to Table 2.1 for Mini Simplicity Connector Pin Descriptions. The provided cable is a 1.27 mm (50 mil) pitch ribbon cable with 10-pin IDC connectors. Using a keyed connector, such as the Samtec FTSH-105-01-L-DV-K, is recommended to prevent connection errors. Silicon Labs Dev kits and Explorer kits offer example implementations showing signal routing between the Mini Simplicity connector and target device peripherals.

2. Hardware Overview

2.1 Hardware Layout

The Simplicity Link Debugger board features several key components and connectors:

• J-Link Indicator: Shows the status of the J-Link debugger.
• USB C type: For connection to a host computer.
• Status Indicator: General status indicator LED.
• Power Switch: Toggles between sensing and sourcing power modes.
• Break Out Pads: Accessible test points for signals.
• Mini Simplicity Connector: The primary 10-pin connector for target device interface.

Figure 2.1. Hardware Layout

2.2 Block Diagram

The block diagram illustrates the internal architecture and signal flow:

• 5V BUS is regulated by an LDO to provide VDD.
• A Power Switch controls the VTARGET_EN signal.
• The DEBUGGER (SEGGER J-Link) interfaces with the target via VTARGET BUFFER.
• A Button (TARGET PWR TOGGLE) controls the power switch.
• An LED indicates power status.
• Level Shifters ensure signal compatibility.
• The MINI SIMPLICITY connector provides the interface to the target device.

Figure 2.2. Block Diagram

2.3 Connectors

2.3.1 USB Connector

Located on the left side, the USB connector connects the debugger to a host computer. It enables debugging, programming via J-Link, communication over the virtual COM port (USB-CDC), and Packet Trace. The USB connector also serves as the primary power source for the kit, supplying 5V to the debugger MCU and voltage regulator. For supplying power to the target device, a USB host capable of sourcing 500 mA is recommended.

2.3.2 Breakout Pads

Breakout pads are test points located on the edges of the board. They expose all signals from the Mini Simplicity interface, facilitating probing with external instruments or connecting to boards without a suitable connector. The layout includes:

• GND
• VCOM_RX
• VCOM_TX
• PTI_DATA
• PTI_FRAME
• GND
• VTARGET
• RST
• SWO
• SWCLK/C2CK
• SWDIO/C2D
• GND

Figure 2.3. Mini Simplicity Connector (Breakout Pad Layout)

2.3.3 Mini Simplicity

The 10-pin Mini Simplicity Connector provides advanced debug features:

• Serial Wire Debug (SWD) interface, including SWO and Silicon Labs 2-Wire Interface (C2).
• Virtual COM port (VCOM).
• Packet Trace Interface (PTI).

The interface can optionally supply power to the connected device. This feature is typically disabled, with the VTARGET pin used primarily for sensing.

Figure 2.4. Mini Simplicity Connector Pinout

Mini Simplicity Connector Pin Descriptions

3. Specifications

3.1 Recommended Operating Conditions

The following table provides guidelines for the correct use of the Simplicity Link Debugger:

Notes:

• 1. Sensing Mode
• 2. Sourcing Mode
• 3. Refer to Section 4. Power Supply Modes for details.

3.2 Absolute Maximum Ratings

Exceeding these limits may cause permanent damage to the board:

4. Power Supply Modes

The Simplicity Link Debugger is powered via USB and can operate in two modes:

1. Sensing mode (default): The debugger senses the target device's supply voltage. It draws minimal current (typically < 1 µA). This mode is suitable for self-powered devices with supply voltages between 1.8V and 3.6V. In this mode, the debugger requires less than 100 mA from the USB host.
2. Sourcing mode: The debugger provides a fixed 3.3V supply to the target device.

Changing Power Supply Mode

If the target device is unpowered, the power switch button can be used to switch to sourcing mode. Pressing the button once activates the auxiliary power output (VTARGET), indicated by a green LED. Pressing the button again deactivates power and returns to sensing mode (LED OFF). A press longer than one second is required to activate the power output. When sourcing, the USB host may need to supply up to 500 mA. If the LED turns red upon pressing the button, it indicates a failure to activate the power switch; ensure the target device is not powered.

Refer to Figure 2.2 Block Diagram for operational visualization.

Power Supply Mode Indicator

Important: Do not activate the power output if the target device is already powered by another source, as this may cause damage. Avoid using this function with battery-powered devices.

5. Debugging

The Simplicity Link Debugger functions as a SEGGER J-Link Debugger, interfacing with target devices via the Serial Wire Debug (SWD) interface for Silicon Labs 32-bit (EFM32, EFR32, SiWx) devices or the C2 interface for Silicon Labs 8-bit MCUs (EFM8). It enables code download and debugging of applications on custom hardware equipped with a Mini Simplicity interface. It also provides a virtual COM (VCOM) port for general-purpose serial communication between the running application and the host computer. For EFR32 devices, the debugger supports the Packet Trace Interface (PTI) for detailed debug information on transmitted and received packets in wireless links.

Note: Assumes the interface has been routed to the target device on the custom board.

Upon inserting the debug USB cable, the on-board debugger powers up and controls the debug and VCOM interfaces. When the USB cable is removed, the target board can remain connected, with level shifters and the power switch preventing backpowering.

5.1 Virtual COM Port

The VCOM port facilitates serial data exchange between a target device's UART and the host computer. The debugger presents this as a virtual COM port on the host when the USB cable is connected. Data is transferred via USB using the USB Communication Device Class (CDC) and then passed to the target device through a physical UART connection. The default serial format is 115200 bps, 8 bits, no parity, and 1 stop bit. Changing the baud rate on the PC side does not affect the target's UART baud rate. For custom baud rates, the VCOM baud rate can be configured via the Simplicity Studio Admin Console.

5.2 Packet Trace Interface

The Packet Trace Interface (PTI) acts as a non-intrusive sniffer for data, radio state, and timestamps. On EFR32 devices (series 1 and later), PTI allows access to data buffers at the radio transmitter/receiver level. This functionality is accessible through the RAIL Utility, PTI component within Simplicity Studio.

6. Kit Configuration and Upgrades

The kit configuration dialog in Simplicity Studio allows modification of the J-Link adapter's debug mode, firmware upgrades, and other settings. Simplicity Studio can be downloaded from silabs.com/simplicity. The Simplicity Studio Launcher perspective displays the debug mode and firmware version of the selected J-Link adapter. Users can click the [Change] link to open the kit configuration dialog.

Figure 6.1. Simplicity Studio Kit Information

Figure 6.2. Kit Configuration Dialog

6.1 Firmware Upgrades

Firmware can be upgraded through Simplicity Studio, which automatically checks for updates on startup. Manual upgrades are also possible via the kit configuration dialog. To perform a manual upgrade, click the [Browse] button in the [Update Adapter] section to select the firmware file (ending in .emz), then click the [Install Package] button.

7. Kit Revision History

The kit revision is printed on the packaging label. This section may not list every revision; minor changes might be omitted.

Figure 7.1. Kit Label

7.1 Si-DBG1015A Revision History

8. Document Revision History

Revision 1.0, June 2023: Initial document version.

Simplicity Studio

Simplicity Studio provides one-click access to MCU and wireless tools, documentation, software, and source code libraries. It is available for Windows, Mac, and Linux.

• IoT Portfolio: www.silabs.com/IoT
• SW/HW: www.silabs.com/simplicity
• Quality: www.silabs.com/quality
• Support & Community: www.silabs.com/community

Disclaimer

Silicon Labs provides this documentation for system and software implementers. Characterization data, modules, peripherals, memory sizes, and addresses refer to specific devices, and typical parameters may vary. Application examples are for illustrative purposes only. Silicon Labs reserves the right to change product information without notice and does not warrant accuracy or completeness. Firmware updates may occur during manufacturing for security or reliability, without altering specifications. Silicon Labs is not liable for consequences of using this document's information. This document does not grant licenses for integrated circuits. Products are not authorized for FDA Class III devices, applications requiring FDA premarket approval, or Life Support Systems without written consent. Silicon Labs products are not designed or authorized for military applications or weapons of mass destruction. Silicon Labs disclaims all warranties related to unauthorized applications.

Note: This content may contain obsolete terminology. Silicon Labs is replacing these terms with inclusive language. For more information, visit www.silabs.com/about-us/inclusive-lexicon-project.

Trademark Information

Silicon Laboratories Inc.®, Silicon Laboratories®, Silicon Labs®, SiLabs® and the Silicon Labs logo®, Bluegiga®, Bluegiga Logo®, EFM®, EFM32®, EFR, Ember®, Energy Micro, Energy Micro logo and combinations thereof, "the world's most energy friendly microcontrollers", Redpine Signals®, WiSeConnect , n-Link, ThreadArch®, EZLink®, EZRadio®, EZRadioPRO®, Gecko®, Gecko OS, Gecko OS Studio, Precision32®, Simplicity Studio®, Telegesis, the Telegesis Logo®, USBXpress® , Zentri, the Zentri logo and Zentri DMS, Z-Wave®, and others are trademarks or registered trademarks of Silicon Labs. ARM, CORTEX, Cortex-M3 and THUMB are trademarks or registered trademarks of ARM Holdings. Keil is a registered trademark of ARM Limited. Wi-Fi is a registered trademark of the Wi-Fi Alliance. All other products or brand names mentioned herein are trademarks of their respective holders.

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