topic Recommended J-Link Model (or Alternatives) for Debugging Cortex-M33 on FRDM-i.MX93 in i.MX Processors

Recommended J-Link Model (or Alternatives) for Debugging Cortex-M33 on FRDM-i.MX93

dhruuuu — Wed, 24 Sep 2025 13:27:43 GMT

Hi All,

I’m working with the FRDM-i.MX93 development board and targeting the Cortex-M33 (real-time core). I’ve gone through AN14120 and some community discussions, and I understand that debugging is supported via J-Link over SWD (P14 header).

Just to confirm:

Which specific J-Link model would you recommend for FRDM-i.MX93? (e.g., J-Link Base, Plus, Pro, EDU mini, or J-Link Plus Compact).
If the compact version works, how is it typically connected and used?
Since J-Link is a bit expensive, are there any other debugger options supported for this board ?

Any guidance or recommendations from your experience would be very helpful.

Thanks in advance!

Re: Recommended J-Link Model (or Alternatives) for Debugging Cortex-M33 on FRDM-i.MX93

gaurav_sharma — Thu, 25 Sep 2025 06:04:12 GMT

@dhruuuu , you can try debugging CM33 on iMX93FRDM using OpenOCD. It uses JTAG over USB so you would not need any external debuggers. Plus it is free and open source. You can have a look at this - Remote debug i.MX93 EVK and i.mx8ulp EVK with openocd - NXP Community

Re: Recommended J-Link Model (or Alternatives) for Debugging Cortex-M33 on FRDM-i.MX93

Bio_TICFSL — Thu, 25 Sep 2025 16:10:41 GMT

Hello,

For debugging the Cortex-M33 on an FRDM-i.MX93, a J-Link Base, Plus, or Pro is recommended, as any model supporting the Cortex-M architecture via SWD will work, but the FRDM-i.MX93 requires specific rework to provide 1.8V VREF to the SWD interface. An alternative could be to use the board itself as a remote debug server, potentially with a , though J-Link is more straightforward for direct debugging.

Recommended J-Link Models

SEGGER J-Link models

are a good choice as they are known for their compatibility with Cortex-M processors and support for high download speeds.

Any J-Link model that supports Cortex-M and SWD debugging

will work with the FRDM-i.MX93. This includes models like J-Link Base, J-Link Plus, or J-Link Pro.

Important Considerations for the FRDM-i.MX93

Board Rework:

You'll need to perform a specific rework on the FRDM-i.MX93 board to provide the 1.8V VREF voltage to the SWD interface, which is essential for J-Link to function correctly.

SW Interface:

The Cortex-M33 on the FRDM-i.MX93 is debugged using the Serial Wire Debug (SWD) interface, which is available on the P14 header.

Configuration:

After reworking the board and setting the correct switches (SW1 to 1001 for M33 serial download), you can connect the J-Link and use the
For debugging the Cortex-M33 on an FRDM-i.MX93, a J-Link Base, Plus, or Pro is recommended, as any model supporting the Cortex-M architecture via SWD will work, but the FRDM-i.MX93 requires specific rework to provide 1.8V VREF to the SWD interface. An alternative could be to use the board itself as a remote debug server, potentially with a SEGGER J-Link, though J-Link is more straightforward for direct debugging.

Regards