LPC55S36-EVK: Cannot detect MCU-LINK debugger - "0 available SWD Devices detected"

[RajasekarArumaidurai]

Problem Summary:
I cannot flash or debug any application on my LPC55S36-EVK board. The IDE cannot detect the on-board MCU-LINK debugger when attempting to launch a debug session.

Hardware:

Board: EVK-LPC55S36 (LPC55S36-EVK)
Debugger: MCU-LINK on-board (r0C3) CMSIS-DAP V3.167

Software Environment:IDE:
MCUXpresso IDE v25.6 [Build 136] [2025-06-27]
SDK: SDK_2.x_LPC55S36, version 25.09.00, manifest version 3.15.0
Project: hello_world example (imported from SDK)
OS: Windows
Problem Description:

I am unable to debug the hello_world example project on my LPC55S36-EVK board. When attempting to launch a debug session, I receive the following errors:

Initial error: "Target reported errors - 02: Failed on connect - Could not connect to core - 31: No connection to chip's debug port"

Debugging context: hello_hello_world_check LinkServer Release (1)
When checking SWD Configuration: "0 available SWD Devices detected. Connect a device and try again."

The SWD Configuration dialog shows an empty device list

What I've Checked:
USB cable is connected and the board appears powered (LEDs visible if any)
Windows Device Manager shows:
MCU-LINK on-board (r0C3) CMSIS-DAP V3.167 with "OK" status
Multiple MCU-Link VCom Ports with "Unknown" status
MCU-Link Trace & Power Data Port with "Unknown" status

Steps That Have NOT Resolved the Issue:
Rebooting the IDE
Recreating debug configuration
Changing USB ports
updated the link server and firmware update in isp mode.

Questions:

Should I reinstall LinkServer drivers? If so, what's the recommended procedure for MCUXpresso IDE v25.6?
Do the "Unknown" status devices in Device Manager indicate a driver conflict that needs resolution?
Are there known issues with MCUXpresso IDE v25.6 and LPC55S36 debug connectivity?

   

[RajasekarArumaidurai]

I have followed your step; it starts working again.

Hi guys, kindly find the attachment screen shot to enable ISP Mode.

[Alice_Yang · Accepted solution]

Hello @RajasekarArumaidurai 

Please enter ISP mode and use Flash Magic to perform a mass erase.
Then create a new MCUXpresso IDE workspace, import an SDK demo project, build it, and try debugging again.

If the issue still persists, please take a photo of your board and share it with us.

Thank you.

BR

Alice

[Nilsson]

Hi,

I have the same setup besides that my target is a FRDM-MCXN947. This worked fine until the MCU-Link Pro firmware update. Now it only reports 0 SWD targets all the time and I have tried the solution with no luck.

Regards,

Mats Nilsson