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Use Raspberry Pi as JTAG Debugger

PiOCD turns a Raspberry Pi into a JTAG adapter for debugging ARM microcontrollers and similar targets.

Source

Status

The project is still maturing — follow the wiki build log for wiring, kernel modules, and OpenOCD integration. A packaged install path is planned.

Typical workflow

  1. Wire Pi GPIO pins to target SWD/JTAG (TCK, TMS, TDI, TDO, GND)
  2. Build/install PiOCD per wiki instructions
  3. Point OpenOCD or your IDE debugger at the Pi-backed adapter
  4. Flash and single-step firmware on the target MCU

When to use

  • Bench bring-up without buying a dedicated J-Link
  • Teaching embedded debug on a Pi you already own
  • Quick recovery when a board’s USB bootloader is bricked

Curated technical notes — open source on GitHub