• Tag-Connect, LLC TC2030-CTX-ETM Tag-Connect TC2030-CTX-ETM Cortex Cable - The Debug Store UK
  • Tag-Connect, LLC TC2030-CTX-ETM Tag-Connect TC2030-CTX-ETM Cortex Cable - The Debug Store UK
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Tag-Connect, LLC

Tag Connect TC2030-CTX-ETM ARM Cortex Trace Cable

Tag Connect TC2030-CTX-ETM ARM Cortex Trace Cable

Professional dual-connector cable for ARM Cortex SWD debugging and ETM instruction trace capture.

SKU: TC2030-CTX-ETM

$109.00 USD exc tax
$109.00 USD exc tax
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  • Tag-Connect, LLC TC2030-CTX-ETM Tag-Connect TC2030-CTX-ETM Cortex Cable - The Debug Store UK
  • Tag-Connect, LLC TC2030-CTX-ETM Tag-Connect TC2030-CTX-ETM Cortex Cable - The Debug Store UK

Key Features

Dual-connector design for SWD and ETM trace
Minimal 7mm × 4mm PCB footprint requirement
Professional trace capability with TRACECLK support
Spring-loaded pogo pin connections
Compatible with ARM 20-pin Cortex connectors
Legged design for secure retention
High-speed signal integrity design

Overview

The TC2030-CTX-ETM bridges the gap between basic SWD debugging and advanced trace analysis for ARM Cortex development. By combining Tag-Connect's space-saving TC2030 footprint with full 4-channel ETM trace capability, this cable enables comprehensive debugging workflows without requiring bulky 20-pin headers on target boards.
This cable is particularly valuable for debugging real-time systems, performance optimisation, and fault analysis where traditional breakpoint debugging proves insufficient. The ETM trace capability provides complete instruction-level visibility into program execution flow.
The cable supports all standard ARM Cortex debugging features through the TC2030 connector whilst the TC2050 connector provides access to trace data lines TRACEDATA[3:0] and TRACECLK from pins 11-20 of the ARM Cortex connector standard. Compatible debug probes include the ARM Keil ULINKpro and professional trace units from SEGGER and IAR Systems. For applications requiring extended debugging sessions, the spring-loaded TC2030 connector provides reliable contact whilst the legged design ensures secure retention. The minimal 7mm × 4mm footprint makes this solution ideal for space-constrained designs where traditional debugging headers are impractical.
p>The Tag-Connect TC2030-CTX-ETM Cortex Cable is a 20-pin ARM Cortex cable with 6-pin Tag-Connector for SWD and an additional 10-pin TC2050 connector providing the extended trace signals.

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Why Engineers Choose The Tag Connect TC2030-CTX-ETM ARM Cortex Trace Cable

Complete trace visibility

Captures every instruction execution for comprehensive debugging analysis and performance optimisation

Space-saving design

Eliminates bulky 20-pin headers whilst retaining full trace functionality for compact PCB designs

Professional debugging capability

Enables advanced fault analysis and real-time system debugging impossible with basic SWD alone

Professional ARM Cortex Debug and Trace Cable

The TC2030-CTX-ETM is Tag-Connect's specialised cable for ARM Cortex processors requiring both Serial Wire Debug (SWD) and Embedded Trace Macrocell (ETM) capabilities. This professional-grade cable combines a 6-pin TC2030 Tag-Connector for standard SWD debugging with a 10-pin TC2050 connector for extended trace signals, providing comprehensive debugging and trace capture for ARM Cortex applications.

Dual Connector Design

The cable features two distinct connector types optimised for different debugging functions. The 6-pin TC2030 connector handles standard SWD operations including programming, debugging, and Serial Wire Output (SWO). The additional 10-pin TC2050 connector connects to pins 11-20 of the ARM Cortex 20-pin connector, providing access to the four-channel ETM trace data lines and trace clock signal.

TC2030 SWD Connector Pinout

Pin Signal Function
1 VCC Target reference voltage
2 SWDIO Serial Wire Data I/O
3 nRESET Target reset (active low)
4 SWCLK Serial Wire Clock
5 GND Ground reference
6 SWO Serial Wire Output

TC2050 ETM Trace Connector Pinout

[1] [2] [3]
TC2050 Pin Cortex 20-Pin Signal Function
1 11 GND Ground reference
2 13 GND Ground reference
3 15 GND Ground reference
4 17 GND Ground reference
5 19 GND Ground reference
6 20 TRACEDATA Trace data line 3
7 18 TRACEDATA Trace data line 2
8 16 TRACEDATA Trace data line 1
9 14 TRACEDATA Trace data line 0
10 12 TRACECLK Trace clock signal

PCB Footprint Requirements

The TC2030 connector requires a minimal PCB footprint consisting of six test pads and four alignment holes arranged in a specific pattern. The footprint measures just 7mm × 4mm, offering significant space savings compared to traditional 20-pin headers.

Important: Ensure your PCB design follows manufacturer's signal integrity guidelines for trace length matching and termination when implementing ETM trace signals. High-speed trace data requires careful attention to signal integrity.

Compatible Debug Probes

This cable is designed for use with professional trace-capable debug probes including:

  • ARM Keil ULINKpro with 20-pin MIPI connector
  • IAR I-JET debug probes
  • SEGGER J-Trace series with 20-pin support
  • Generic 20-pin Cortex debug connectors
TC2030-CTX-ETM cable with both connectors visible

Installation and Usage

The TC2030 connector features spring-loaded pins that make contact with PCB pads through precise alignment holes. The legged version provides secure retention during extended debugging sessions. For production programming applications, the TC2030-CTX-ETM-NL variant offers a "no-legs" design for rapid connection and disconnection.

Signal integrity considerations: ETM trace signals operate at high frequencies and require matched trace lengths and appropriate termination. Consult your microcontroller's reference manual for specific trace port implementation details.

Frequently Asked Questions

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  • Do I need special software to use ETM trace features?

    Yes, ETM trace requires compatible debugger software such as ARM Development Studio, Keil MDK with trace license, SEGGER Ozone, or IAR Embedded Workbench. Basic debugging IDEs typically only support SWD debugging, not ETM trace analysis.

  • What's the cable length and is it suitable for bench debugging?

    The cable length is optimised for bench debugging applications whilst maintaining signal integrity for high-speed ETM trace. The legged TC2030 connector provides secure retention for extended debugging sessions.

  • Can I use this cable with SEGGER J-Link debuggers?

    Standard J-Link debuggers use 0.1" pitch 20-pin connectors and are not directly compatible. You need J-Trace series probes or J-Link debuggers specifically equipped with 0.05" pitch 20-pin connectors. Check your debugger's connector type before ordering.

  • How does ETM trace compare to SWO debugging?

    SWO provides limited trace information through a single pin, typically used for printf-style debugging. ETM provides complete instruction trace through four data lines plus clock, capturing every executed instruction for comprehensive program flow analysis and performance profiling.

  • What's the maximum trace clock frequency supported?

    The cable itself supports trace frequencies up to 200MHz when used with proper PCB design. Actual maximum frequency depends on your target processor's ETM implementation and the capabilities of your debug probe.

  • Is the TC2030-CTX-ETM suitable for production programming?

    The legged version is designed for development and debugging. For production programming, consider the TC2030-CTX-ETM-NL variant which features a "no legs" design for rapid connection/disconnection in manufacturing environments.

  • Can this cable work with Cortex-M0+ processors that don't have ETM?

    Yes, the TC2030 connector portion works with any ARM Cortex processor supporting SWD. The TC2050 trace connector simply won't be used. However, processors without ETM cannot generate instruction trace data regardless of the cable used.

  • What PCB design considerations are required for ETM trace signals?

    ETM trace requires careful signal integrity design including matched trace lengths, appropriate termination, and ground plane considerations. Trace signals operate at high frequencies up to 200MHz and require impedance control. Consult your microcontroller's hardware design guide for specific requirements.

  • Which debug probes are compatible with the TC2030-CTX-ETM?

    Compatible probes include ARM Keil ULINKpro, SEGGER J-Trace series, IAR I-JET, and any debugger with a 20-pin ARM Cortex/MIPI-20 connector. The cable connects to the 0.05" pitch 20-pin header found on these professional trace-capable units.

  • What's the difference between TC2030-CTX-ETM and standard TC2030-CTX cables?

    The TC2030-CTX-ETM includes an additional 10-pin TC2050 connector for ETM trace signals (TRACEDATA[3:0] and TRACECLK) from pins 11-20 of the ARM Cortex 20-pin connector. The standard TC2030-CTX only provides SWD debugging through pins 1-10.

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