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TM4C123GH6PM: How can I use a Texas Instruments MCU as a programmer?

Martin Holguin
Intellectual 340 points
Part Number: TM4C123GH6PM
Other Parts Discussed in Thread: MSP-EXP432E401Y, EK-TM4C123GXL, LP-XDS110ET

I'm not sure if it's possible to answer this question, but I hope it is. How can I use a TI MCU as a programmer? Are there any helpful resources for designing the necessary hardware and any software that can be loaded onto a TI MCU to use it as a generic programmer for a TI MCU family?

  • 0
    TI__Guru**** 191906 points

    Hi,

      If you are trying to use an existing TI board with a built-in debug probe to program/debug another TI MCU, this is possible and supported. For example, you can refer to MSP-EXP432E401Y LaunchPad board. This board uses a TM4C129 MCU to emulate as a XDS110 debug probe. See this link https://www.ti.com/tool/MSP-EXP432E401Y. The board can be configured to 'debug out'  another TI MCU through the on-board jumper settings. There are few other TI LaunchPads with such a capability. 

      You can also refer to this app note section 4.6 to use a EK-TM4C123GXL LaunchPad to 'debug out' another TM4C12x MCU. Refer to this link https://www.ti.com/lit/pdf/spma075. The EX-TM4C123GXL board uses a TM4C123 MCU to emulate as a ICDI debug probe. 

      The above two methods are very low-cost options for a debug probe. However, I will suggest you purchase an external debug probe such as XDS200 or XDS110 to debug/program your target device. Refer to their product pages below. 

    https://www.ti.com/tool/TMDSEMU110-U

    https://www.ti.com/tool/TMDSEMU200-U

      I'm not sure if you are trying to mass produce your own board with a on-board debug probe such as XDS110 based on a TI MCU like TM4C129. If this is what you are looking to achieve, wouldn't you add to your overall BOM cost? I will suggest you build your board with only the JTAG connector that any supported debug probe can be used to debug/program your target. Please note that the firmware for XDS110 and ICDI are TI proprietary. The source code is not for public release. 

  • 0 in reply to Charles Tsai
    Intellectual 340 points

    Hi , 

    I thought it would be more economical to design a programming/debugging probe and that I could find the debugger firmware, but I see that it's not possible. Is there any significantly cheaper programming/debugging probe available? Debugging probes are quite expensive, and the shipping costs along with all the procedures to bring those devices to my country add up. Perhaps there is some other more affordable option?

  • 0 in reply to Martin Holguin
    TI__Guru**** 191906 points

    Hi,

      What is your target device? Is it a TM4C MCU? If your target device is a TM4C then you can use a EK-TM4C123GXL LaunchPad with the built-in ICDI debug probe to debug your TM4C target device. The EK-TM4C123GXL is only $16.99.  I mentioned in my earlier reply.

      As I mentioned you could also use the  MSP-ESP432E401Y LaunchPad with the onboard XDS110 debug probe to debug many of the TI MCU/MPU.  The MSP-ESP432E401Y LaunchPad is $39.99.

      I will still suggest you use a standalone debug probe like XDS110 https://www.ti.com/tool/TMDSEMU110-U. It is $135 which is still relatively low cost compared to some debug probes that can cost more than $1000. Ultimately, it is your decision to make. 

      

  • 0 in reply to Charles Tsai
    Intellectual 340 points

    Hi ,

    You're absolutely right, I believe the debugging probe will be the best option. I just have one last question, is the LP-XDS110ET a good choice?

  • +1 in reply to Martin Holguin
    TI__Guru**** 191906 points

    Hi,

      Looks like you found another lower cost version of XDS110 debug probe. I have not come across this product before but reading the product page, you can certainly use it for TI MCU such as TM4C MCU. I'm still not clear what is your target device. If you want to use it for other TI MCU/MPU, please open a new thread stating which part number is your target device. Your question will be routed to the associated support team for assistance. Your current thread is routed to TM4C support team and I can only answer for TM4C, not other TI products.