On-chip debug (OCD) specialist Macraigor has introduced a tiny full-speed JTAG (IEEE Standard 1149.1) or BDM (background debug mode) debugger that essentially converts a JTAG header to a USB header. This enables device developers to use modern laptops and other debugging hosts that lack a parallel port.

The usbSprite is based on Macraigor's proprietary OCD technology, but uses an API compatible with GNUtools (gcc, gas, gdb) and other software debuggers. It operates as a converter of JTAG commands, according to Macraigor, and supports JTAG, E-JTAG, OnCE, COP, BDM, or any of several other types of target port connections.

According to Macraigor, the usbSprite can be used for setting breakpoints, single stepping, tracing, diagnosing problems, and more. Binary files can be downloaded to an XScale target at 180 Kbytes per second, or to the MPC88560 at up to 250 Kbytes per second, with throughput increasing with clock speed.

“usbSprite satisfies our price-sensitive customers who have been asking for a higher performance, portable debugging solution. This product meets their needs, while maintaining compatibility for the third parties who have ported to Macraigor's applications programming interfaces.” said Chief Engineer Craig Haller.

Haller adds, “The usbSprite changes the way end users will look at debug connections. The device measures 1.3 square inches and connects to a host system via a USB mini-b connector. There is no need for dealing with JTAG headers or non-standard connectors. USB allows cables up to sixteen feet in length for total flexibility.”

Availability

usbSprite costs $750, and is immediately available with OCD Commander, an assembly-level software debugger, and the GNU tools suite.

 
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