topic Re: Freemaster using J-link plugin for s32k144 microcontroller in FreeMASTER

Freemaster using J-link plugin for s32k144 microcontroller

rohit1749 — Mon, 14 Jul 2025 09:28:36 GMT

I want to use Freemaster in my existing project for run-time debugging. I'm using segger j - link to communicate with freemaster. I got below dialog box after test connection

I have modified the demo project freemaster_s32k144 such that it uses j-link to communicate with freemaster. What change should I make in the code.

In freemaster, I got below dialog box after testing connection.

But after after starting communication, the variables are not updating.

Can someone tell me where I'm going wrong. I'm hereby attaching the zip folder of modified codebase.

Re: Freemaster using J-link plugin for s32k144 microcontroller

MichalH — Mon, 14 Jul 2025 09:54:18 GMT

Hello,

can you try to update the Jlink software on your PC and specify a newer version of the JLinkARM.dll? It is also important to select S32K144 device as a specific "CPU Type" in the FreeMASTER communication settings:

I will be able to test it on my side during this week, I'll give more information then.

Regards,
Michal

Re: Freemaster using J-link plugin for s32k144 microcontroller

MichalH — Tue, 15 Jul 2025 07:38:32 GMT

Hello,

I have just tested the FRDM-S32K144 communication from FreeMASTER and I confirm it works properly over the following interfaces:

P&E firmware OpenSDA (factory default)
J-Link firmware OpenSDA (your case)
External J-Link

I'm using the J-Link software 8.12a and the J-Link firmware for OpenSDA V1 downloaded from here: https://kb.segger.com/NXP_S32K144EVB-Q100

The test connection message shows a newer date than in your case.

Please try to update the JLink software and firmware.

Regards,
Michal

over a default P&E Micro OpenSDA f

Re: Freemaster using J-link plugin for s32k144 microcontroller

rohit1749 — Tue, 15 Jul 2025 18:18:34 GMT

I can't find SEGGER in my program files.

I have already installed the j link software, but its not there inside my program files.

Could you please provide the download link for the j link firmware.

Regards

Re: Freemaster using J-link plugin for s32k144 microcontroller

MichalH — Wed, 16 Jul 2025 06:22:51 GMT

Hello,

the JLink software which includes the JLinkARM.dll needed by FreeMASTER can be downloaded from SEGGER here. It installs to "c:\Program Files\SEGGER\JLink" by default.

The JLink OpenSDA V1 firmware, which can replace the default one from P&E Micro in the the S32K144 board can be downloaded here. This can be programmed to a board after you start it up with the Reset button pressed. A BOOTLOADER drive will appear in the attached PC and you simply copy the OpenSDA_V1.bin file to this drive, wait a few seconds and power cycle it again. More information can be found here.

Regards,
Michal

Re: Freemaster using J-link plugin for s32k144 microcontroller

rohit1749 — Wed, 16 Jul 2025 12:26:35 GMT

I tried updating segger DLL to version to 8.5 ,but still the response is same.

Do, I need to make any changes in code of demo freemaster_s32k144 .I have attached the codebase of freemaster_s32k144.

The expected variable (adcRawValue) is getting updated in debug session of s32 design studio. But it's not updating in freemaster software as shown below.

Regards

Rohit

Re: Freemaster using J-link plugin for s32k144 microcontroller

MichalH — Thu, 17 Jul 2025 06:32:35 GMT

Hello,

this issue should not depend on the application being debugged. I suspect that connecting FreeMASTER puts your application to debug-halt state but I have no explanation now.

Some experiments to make:

- Make sure you disconnect the debugger (DS32) and reset the board before connecting FreeMASTER

- Press the Reset button while connected to FreeMASTER to see if it starts running (?)

- Have some test variable which is initialized to a non-zero value in main(). Show it in FreeMASTER - does it show the good value? Then make it modifiable in FreeMASTER and write some different value to it. Does the value change? Then disconnect/connect FreeMASTER and see the value - is it old or new value? (This experiment tests if a reset occurs when FreeMASTER connects).

Thanks,
Michal