SEGGER J-Trace PRO Cortex-M Streaming Trace Debugger (8.18.00)
Product Code: 8.18.00
Professional ARM Cortex-M Trace Debugging Image Placeholder — J-Trace PRO Connected to Target Board The SEGGER J-Trace PRO Cortex-M represents a significant advancement in ARM Cortex-M debugging technology. Unlike conventional debug probes that rely on limited internal trace buffers, this professional instrument provides unlimited streaming trace capabilities through high-speed SuperSpeed USB 3.0 and Gigabit Ethernet interfaces. Streaming Trace Technology Traditional trace solutions capture instruction data in finite internal buffers, typically 4-32MB, which fills rapidly at high CPU frequencies. The J-Trace PRO Cortex-M eliminates this constraint by continuously streaming trace data to the host computer in real-time. This enables capture periods extending from minutes to months without data loss. The 64MB internal trace buffer provides temporary storage during streaming interruptions, ensuring no trace data is lost during brief USB or network disconnections. ETM Instruction Tracing ARM Cortex-M cores with Embedded Trace Macrocell (ETM) capability output detailed instruction execution information through dedicated trace pins.
The J-Trace PRO captures this data at up to 150MHz trace clock frequencies, providing complete visibility into program execution flow.
Trace Type
Information Captured
Use Cases
Instruction Trace
Every executed instruction with timing
Program flow analysis, performance profiling
Data Trace
Memory read/write operations
Data flow debugging, cache analysis
Exception Trace
Interrupt and exception handling
RTOS debugging, timing analysis
Live Analysis Capabilities The streaming trace architecture enables sophisticated real-time analysis whilst the target executes at full speed. The included Ozone debugger processes trace data as it arrives, providing immediate insights into system behaviour. Live Code Profiling Execution profiling operates continuously without target performance impact. The system identifies function execution times, call frequencies, and performance bottlenecks in real-time. Engineers can observe hotspots developing during extended test runs and optimise accordingly. Live Code Coverage Instruction-level code coverage monitoring tracks which portions of the application execute during testing. This feature proves essential for safety-critical applications requiring verification that all code paths have been exercised according to regulatory standards such as DO-178C or ISO 26262. Hardware Architecture The J-Trace PRO Cortex-M features dual high-speed interfaces for maximum flexibility. SuperSpeed USB 3.0 provides up to 5Gbps bandwidth for streaming trace data, whilst the Gigabit Ethernet interface enables remote debugging scenarios. Image Placeholder — J-Trace PRO Block Diagram
Interface
Bandwidth
Use Case
Benefits
USB 3.0
5 Gbps
Direct PC connection
Highest bandwidth, simple setup
Gigabit Ethernet
1 Gbps
Remote debugging
Network access, isolation from EMI
Target Interface Specifications The probe provides separate connectors for debug and trace signals. The debug connector supports standard JTAG and SWD protocols at up to 50MHz clock frequencies. The dedicated trace connector handles high-speed ETM data capture. Debug Connector (20-pin 0.1") JTAG: TDI, TDO, TCK, TMS, TRST SWD: SWDIO, SWDCLK Power: VTref, VCPout, Reset Control: nSRST, RTCK Trace Connector (20-pin 0.05") Trace Clock: TRACECLK Trace Data: TRACEDATA[3:0] SWO: Single Wire Output Power and Ground Software Integration The J-Trace PRO Cortex-M integrates seamlessly with existing development workflows. The probe operates with all major toolchains and IDEs through standard GDB remote protocol support. Included Software
Ozone Debugger: Professional graphical debugger with trace analysis
J-Flash: High-speed flash programming utility
J-Link GDB Server: GDB remote protocol server
RTT Client: Real-Time Transfer communication tool IDE Compatibility
Development Environment
Integration Method
Trace Support
IAR Embedded Workbench
Native plugin
Full ETM analysis
Keil µVision MDK
Native plugin
Complete trace features
Eclipse CDT
GDB remote protocol
Basic trace viewing
Visual Studio Code
Cortex-Debug extension
Trace data export
Performance Specifications Key Performance Metrics Maximum trace clock frequency: 150 MHz Flash programming speed: Up to 4.0 MB/s Target interface speed: Up to 50 MHz SWO speed: Up to 100 MHz Maximum CPU frequency: Unlimited Trace Setup Example Setting up streaming trace typically requires minimal target modifications. Most development boards expose trace pins on debug connectors. // STM32F4 ETM configuration example void configure_etm_trace(void) { // Enable trace and debug clocks RCC->AHB1ENR |= RCC_AHB1ENR_ETMEN; CoreDebug->DEMCR |= CoreDebug_DEMCR_TRCENA_Msk; // Configure trace pins (PE2-PE6) GPIOE->MODER |= (2 << 4) | (2 << 6) | (2 << 8) | (2 << 10) | (2 << 12); GPIOE->AFR |= (0 << 8) | (0 << 12) | (0 << 16) | (0 << 20) | (0 << 24); // Setup ETM for instruct
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