Debug for M4 in imx8

[Txaflin]

I need to "debug" an application for the M4 on an imX8. Is this possible? Can it be done using an IDE, such as MCUXpresso?

[_angelo_]

M4 app can be written with all open tools, mainly gcc for cortex M and the ide you prefer, compiling by a simple makefile.
For startup .S files and linker scripts you can use those provided from the sdk, or write your own.

Also, i would not setup all jtag debugging if not really needed. Use some printf here and there to debug through the M4 uart console.

[Txaflin]

Thank you,

I'm using the i.mx8MM and I need to deploy an application for M4 Core.

The problem is that it is not possible for me to use IAR since I do not have a license.

Is it possible to configure any other IDE without a license?

[Dhruvit · Accepted solution]

Hi @Txaflin,

I hope you are doing well.

Yes, It is possible to debug without IDE.

One can use J-Link GDB Server application to debug M4 core in i.MX8MM in the command line interface.

One can download it from https://www.segger.com/downloads/jlink/.

Please refer to 5.1 Linux OS host in Getting Started with MCUXpresso SDK for EVK-MIMX8 (Provided with SDK) to install the gcc toolchain, build, run & debug M4 core application.

Thanks & Regards,
Dhruvit Vasavada

[Txaflin]

Thanks!

I'll read and test this solution.

[Dhruvit]

Hi @Txaflin,

I hope you are doing well.

Yes, It is possible to debug i.MX8 using J-Link Plus.

One can use IAR Embedded Workbench ® for Arm and SEGGER J-Link software.

The IAR Embedded Workbench is an IDE
integrated with editor, compiler, debugger, and other components. The SEGGER J-Link software provides the driver for the J-Link Plus debugger probe and supports the device to attach, debug, and download.

Please specify the exact processor used for further info.

Thanks & Regards,
Dhruvit Vasavada