How to view printf output while debugging i.MX RT1064 using PEMicro JTAG (no USB-OTG or UART connect

[shreya1]

Hello everyone,

I was previously debugging my i.MX RT1064 application through the USB-OTG port, which exposed a virtual COM port and allowed me to view PRINTF() output on a serial terminal without using UART pins.

Recently, I switched to debugging via PEMicro JTAG in MCUXpresso IDE, and now I am unable to view any console output. I tried using the SWO/ITM printf viewer, but no output appears. I also looked for semihosting options, but they do not exist in the project settings in MCUXpresso IDE when using PEMicro.

My question:

Is there any software-only method to view printf console output while debugging via PEMicro JTAG on i.MX RT1064, without connecting external UART hardware?
How do i debug my code by viewing debug console?

[Gavin_Jia]

Hi @shreya1 ,

Thanks for your interest in NXP MIMXRT series!

First, your initial approach using USB-OTG CDC virtual serial port is viable. If you wish to use SWO/ITM, please refer to this application note:

https://www.nxp.com/docs/en/application-note/AN13234.pdf

It mentioned:

Additionally, using the Semihosting within the MCUXpresso IDE also works. Beyond that, if you're using JLink, consider RTT; if you only need to monitor variables without printing logs, consider FreeMaster.

Best regards,
Gavin