SEGGER J-Trace PRO Trace Probe

How does the Ozone debugger enhance the J-Trace PRO's capabilities?

Ozone is SEGGER's purpose-built debugger that provides intuitive visualisation of trace data through timeline views, execution counters, and code coverage displays. It offers real-time trace analysis with live updating counters, function profiling, and comprehensive reporting capabilities. The tight integration between Ozone and J-Trace PRO enables advanced features like instruction tracing, performance analysis, and automated report generation for verification purposes.

What trace memory capacity does the J-Trace PRO provide, and why is this significant?

The J-Trace PRO features 64MB onboard trace buffer combined with unlimited streaming capability. Unlike traditional probes limited by internal memory, the streaming architecture enables continuous data capture over unlimited periods. This combination provides both local buffering for high-speed bursts and unlimited long-term recording, making it suitable for both short debugging sessions and extended system analysis.

Can the J-Trace PRO debug multiple processor cores simultaneously?

Yes, the J-Trace PRO supports multi-core debugging through multiple debugger instances sharing the same physical connection. Each core is accessed through proper JTAG scan chain configuration, enabling simultaneous debugging of different cores on the same target system. This capability is essential for modern multi-core embedded systems and heterogeneous processing architectures.

How does the J-Trace PRO compare with premium competing solutions from Lauterbach and Green Hills?

Whilst Lauterbach solutions like TRACE32 offer extensive scripting capabilities and Green Hills SuperTrace Probe v4 provides 4GB trace memory, the J-Trace PRO delivers superior ease of use with immediate out-of-the-box functionality. Unlike competitors requiring complex setup procedures, the J-Trace PRO enables full trace analysis within 15 minutes using the included Ozone debugger. Additionally, it includes all premium features without additional licensing costs.

What are the connectivity advantages of dual USB 3.0 and Ethernet interfaces?

The dual interface design offers flexibility for different development scenarios. SuperSpeed USB 3.0 provides up to 4MB/s download speeds for rapid development cycles, whilst Gigabit Ethernet enables remote debugging over networks and integration into test farms. The Ethernet option is particularly beneficial for debugging embedded systems in inaccessible locations or automated testing environments.

How does the J-Trace PRO's code coverage functionality assist with regulatory compliance?

The J-Trace PRO provides instruction-level code coverage analysis that's completely non-intrusive and doesn't alter code execution. This capability helps satisfy regulatory requirements by providing verifiable evidence of which code sections have been executed during testing. Coverage reports can be exported for documentation and certification purposes, making it invaluable for safety-critical applications.

What is Live Code Profiling and how does it improve development efficiency?

Live Code Profiling provides real-time visibility into which instructions have been executed and their frequency, allowing developers to identify performance hotspots and optimisation opportunities whilst the system runs. This non-intrusive analysis method uses ARM's Embedded Trace Macrocell (ETM) without requiring code instrumentation, making it suitable for hard real-time systems where code modification isn't feasible.

How does unlimited streaming trace benefit embedded developers?

Unlimited streaming trace captures complete instruction traces over unlimited periods without internal buffer restrictions. This enables developers to record hard-to-reproduce bugs that may occur over hours or days, providing complete system visibility when programs "run off the rails". The streaming capability operates at full system clock speeds up to 150MHz, ensuring no critical execution details are missed.

Which processor architectures does the J-Trace PRO support?

The J-Trace PRO supports multiple architectures including ARM Cortex-M, Cortex-A, Cortex-R, and RISC-V processors. It's designed as a multi-architecture solution that covers current and future project requirements, making it suitable for diverse embedded development needs. The Debug Store stocks variants optimised for specific architectures when required.

What makes the J-Trace PRO different from standard debugging probes?

The J-Trace PRO combines all J-Link debugging capabilities with advanced streaming trace functionality in a single unit. Unlike conventional probes that capture limited trace data to internal buffers, the J-Trace PRO provides unlimited streaming trace with real-time analysis, allowing complete system visibility from boot to fault state. This makes it particularly effective for capturing intermittent bugs that occur infrequently over extended periods.