Debugging embedded systems in Rust requires specialized tools including software to manage the debugging process, debuggers to inspect and control program execution, and hardware probes to facilitate interaction between the host and the embedded device. This document outlines essential software tools like Probe-rs and OpenOCD, which simplify and support the debugging process, alongside prominent debuggers such as GDB and the Probe-rs Visual Studio Code extension. Additionally, it covers key hardware probes such as Rusty-probe, ST-Link, J-Link, and MCU-Link, which are integral for effective debugging and programming of embedded devices.
Probe-rs is a modern, Rust-focused software designed to work with debuggers in embedded systems. Unlike OpenOCD, Probe-rs is built with simplicity in mind and aims to reduce the configuration burden often found in other debugging solutions. It supports various probes and targets, providing a high-level interface for interacting with embedded hardware. Probe-rs integrates directly with Rust tooling,and integrates with Visual Studio Code through its extension, allowing developers to streamline their debugging workflow.
OpenOCD is an open-source software tool used for debugging, testing, and programming embedded systems. It provides an interface between the host system and embedded hardware, supporting various transport layers like JTAG and SWD (Serial Wire Debug). OpenOCD integrates with GDB, which is a debugger. OpenOCD is widely supported, with extensive documentation and a large community, but may require complex configuration, especially for custom embedded setups.
A debugger allows developers to inspect and control the execution of a program in order to identify and correct errors or bugs. It provides functionalities such as setting breakpoints, stepping through code line by line, and examining the values of variables and memory states. Debuggers are essential for thorough software development and maintenance, enabling developers to ensure that their code behaves as intended under various conditions.
Probe-rs has a Visual Studio Code extension, providing a seamless debugging experience without extensive setup. Through this connection, developers can use Rust-specific features like pretty printing and detailed error messages, ensuring that their debugging process aligns with the Rust ecosystem.
GDB is a versatile debugging tool that allows developers to examine the state of programs while they run or after they crash. For embedded Rust, GDB connects to the target system via OpenOCD or other debugging servers to interact with the embedded code. GDB is highly configurable and supports features like remote debugging, variable inspection, and conditional breakpoints. It can be used on a variety of platforms, and has extensive support for Rust-specific debugging needs, such as pretty printing and integration with IDEs.
A hardware probe is a device used in the development and debugging of embedded systems to facilitate communication between a host computer and the target embedded device. It typically supports protocols like JTAG or SWD, enabling it to program, debug, and analyze the microcontroller or microprocessor on the embedded system. Hardware probes are crucial for developers to set breakpoints, step through code, and inspect memory and processor registers, effectively allowing them to diagnose and fix issues in real-time.
Rusty-probe is an open-sourced USB-based hardware debugging probe designed to work with probe-rs. The combination of Rusty-Probe and probe-rs provides an easy-to-use, cost-effective solution for developers working with embedded Rust applications.
The ST-Link is a popular debugging and programming probe developed by STMicroelectronics primarily for their STM32 and STM8 microcontroller series. It supports both debugging and programming via JTAG or SWD (Serial Wire Debug) interfaces. ST-Link is widely used due to its direct support from STMicroelectronics' extensive range of development boards and its integration into major IDEs, making it a convenient choice for developers working with STM microcontrollers.
J-Link, developed by SEGGER Microcontroller, is a robust and versatile debugger supporting a wide range of CPU cores and devices beyond just ARM, such as RISC-V. Known for its high performance and reliability, J-Link supports various communication interfaces, including JTAG, SWD, and fine-pitch JTAG interfaces. It is favored for its advanced features like unlimited breakpoints in flash memory and its compatibility with a multitude of development environments.
MCU-Link is a debugging probe that also functions as a programmer, provided by NXP Semiconductors. It supports a variety of ARM Cortex microcontrollers and interfaces seamlessly with development tools like MCUXpresso IDE. MCU-Link is particularly notable for its versatility and affordability, making it an accessible option for hobbyists, educators, and professional developers alike.