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Tag-Connect, LLC

Tag Connect TC2050-IDC-050-ALL-20 Programming Cable

Tag Connect TC2050-IDC-050-ALL-20 Programming Cable

Professional programming cable connecting TC2050 footprint to ULINK2 ARM debuggers via 0.050" pitch connector.

SKU: TC2050-IDC-050-ALL-20

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Key Features

Eliminates PCB programming headers completely
Secure retention clips for hands-free debugging
ULINK2 compatible 0.050" pitch connector
Spring pins rated for 100,000+ cycles
Minimal 0.35" x 0.125" PCB footprint
Supports both JTAG and SWD protocols
All 10 pins connected for full functionality

Overview

The Tag Connect TC2050-IDC-050-ALL-20 represents a space-saving solution for ARM Cortex development, eliminating traditional programming headers whilst maintaining full debugging capability. This legged variant provides secure connection during extended debugging sessions through integrated retention clips.

Compatible with ARM Keil ULINK2, IAR I-JET, and other debuggers featuring Samtec FTSH-110-01 style connectors. The cable maintains 1:1 pin mapping for the first ten connections, optimising signal integrity for JTAG and SWD protocols.

Engineers choose this solution when PCB space is premium but robust debugging access remains essential. The spring-pin technology delivers over 100,000 connection cycles, making it suitable for both development and production programming scenarios.

Related products: TC2050-IDC-NL-050-ALL-20 No Legs variant and TC2050-ARM2010 adapter for standard 20-pin JTAG interfaces.

Downloads

Space-Critical Designs

Eliminates bulky programming headers whilst maintaining full debug access

Production Programming

Robust spring pins withstand repeated connections in manufacturing environments

Development Efficiency

Retention clips enable hands-free debugging and breakpoint setting sessions

Professional Programming Cable for ARM Cortex Debugging

The Tag Connect TC2050-IDC-050-ALL-20 cable eliminates the need for expensive programming headers on your PCB whilst providing reliable JTAG and SWD debugging capabilities. This professional-grade cable connects directly to a minimal footprint on your target board, saving both cost and space on every PCB.

Direct PCB Connection - No Header Required

The spring-loaded pogo pins make secure contact with your PCB pads through precise alignment holes. The "with legs" design features retaining clips that lock the cable in place during debugging sessions, eliminating the need to hold the cable manually whilst setting breakpoints or stepping through code.

TC2050 cable connected to PCB showing secure connection

ULINK2 & ARM Cortex Compatibility

Designed specifically for ARM Keil ULINK2 debuggers and similar tools using the Samtec FTSH-110-01 style 20-pin 0.050" pitch micro-header. The cable connects pins 1-10 from the TC2050 footprint to pins 1-10 of the 20-pin connector, with pins 11-20 left unconnected as per standard ARM debugging protocols.

Pin Signal Description
1 VCC Target reference voltage
2 SWDIO/TMS Serial Wire Debug I/O / JTAG Test Mode Select
3 GND Ground
4 SWCLK/TCK Serial Wire Clock / JTAG Test Clock
5 GND Ground
6 SWO/TDO Serial Wire Output / JTAG Test Data Out
7 KEY Keying (no pin)
8 TDI/NC JTAG Test Data In / Not Connected
9 GND Ground
10 nRESET Target reset (active low)

Wiring Quick-Start

PCB footprint requirements:

 Pad diameter: 0.0197" (0.5mm) Hole diameter: 0.0138" (0.35mm) for alignment pins Pad spacing: 0.050" (1.27mm) between rows Footprint area: 0.35" x 0.125" (8.9mm x 3.2mm) 
Important: Ensure your PCB thickness is between 0.032" (0.8mm) and 0.093" (2.4mm) for proper pin engagement. For thicker PCBs, consider the TC2050-IDC-LONGLEGS variant.

Connect the 20-pin IDC connector to your ULINK2 debugger with pin 1 aligned to the red stripe on the ribbon cable. The TC2050 end aligns with your PCB footprint using the three precision guide holes.

Which cable fits your debugger? See our Tag-Connect cable guide.

Engineer Q&A

Questions and Answers

10 questions
  • How Do I Create the PCB Footprint for This Cable?

    Download the official TC2050-IDC datasheet from Tag-Connect for exact pad dimensions, hole sizes and spacing.

    Answered by John LeggUpdated 9 Oct 2026
  • Is This Cable Suitable for Production Programming?

    Yes for development, and Tag-Connect also offers it for production use; the spring pins are rated for over 100,000 operations. For production programming Tag-Connect recommends the no-legs TC2050-IDC-NL-050-ALL-20, and notes that the fine 0.050″ ribbon on these cables can break with repeated flexing.

    Answered by John LeggUpdated 9 Oct 2026
  • Can I Use This with 3.3V Target Systems?

    Yes. The cable is passive, so it works at any target voltage your debugger supports. Pin 1 carries the target voltage reference to the debugger; it is not a power supply.

    Answered by John LeggUpdated 9 Oct 2026
  • What Signals Are Available on the TC2050 Footprint?

    The footprint carries the JTAG/SWD signals below. It is passive, so the exact signal set follows the Cortex-10/20 header it is wired to, and pins 1-10 of the 20-pin connector pass straight through.

    • VCC reference
    • SWDIO/TMS
    • SWCLK/TCK
    • SWO/TDO
    • TDI
    • nRESET
    • multiple ground connections
    Answered by John LeggUpdated 9 Oct 2026
  • How Does This Compare to Traditional 20-pin JTAG Headers?

    It removes the connector cost of a traditional 20-pin JTAG header, carrying the JTAG/SWD signals on pins 1-10 of the header (trace pins 11-20 are not connected).

    Traditional 20-pin headerThis cable and footprint
    Connector on the boardFitted on every boardNone; per-board cost of the footprint is zero
    Board spaceDepends on the headerAbout the size of two or three SMT resistors
    Signals carriedPins 1-20Pins 1-10 (pins 11-20, including trace, not connected)
    Answered by John LeggUpdated 9 Oct 2026
  • What Debuggers Are Compatible with the TC2050-IDC-050-ALL-20 Cable?

    It works with ARM Keil ULINK2, IAR I-JET, ARM ULINK Pro and any debugger with a Samtec FTSH-110-01 style 20-pin 0.050" pitch connector.

    Answered by John LeggUpdated 9 Oct 2026
  • How Does This Differ From the Standard TC2050-IDC-050 Cable?

    This cable connects all 10 TC2050 pins one-to-one, whereas the standard TC2050-IDC-050 leaves two pins open.

    CableTC2050 pins 5 and 9Other pins
    TC2050-IDC-050-ALL-20 (this cable)ConnectedAll 10 connected 1-1; pins 11-20 of the 20-pin connector not connected
    TC2050-IDC-050Not connectedPins 1-4, 6-8 and 10 connected
    Answered by John LeggUpdated 9 Oct 2026
  • What PCB Thickness Range Is Supported?

    Tag-Connect does not publish a thickness range for the standard legs. Its LONGLEGS version is recommended for boards over 1.6 mm (0.063″) thick and works up to 3.2 mm (0.126″), so treat about 1.6 mm as the practical limit for the standard legs.

    LegsPCB thickness
    Standard legs (this cable)Up to about 1.6 mm (0.063″); no range published
    TC2050-IDC-LONGLEGSOver 1.6 mm, up to 3.2 mm (0.126″); contact Tag-Connect for thicker

    LONGLEGS is only offered as the TC2050-IDC-LONGLEGS (0.1″ IDC) cable, not in a 0.050″ 20-pin version.

    Answered by John LeggUpdated 9 Oct 2026
  • Can I Use This Cable with STM32 Microcontrollers?

    Yes, provided your debugger has a Cortex-20 header with 0.050″ pitch. The cable carries the Cortex debug signals on pins 1-10, so check that your debugger uses that connector. Tag-Connect's STM32 and ST-LINK solutions use other cables (STDC14 or ARM20).

    Answered by John LeggUpdated 9 Oct 2026
  • What's the Difference Between Legged and No-legs Versions?

    The legged version (this cable) has four plastic legs that latch into the PCB for a secure hands-free connection. The no-legs version must be held by hand or used with the TC2050-CLIP.

    Legged (this cable)No legs
    Hold on the PCBSecures itself with plastic legsHeld by hand, or with a TC2050-CLIP
    FootprintAdds four leg holesPads and alignment holes only
    Tag-Connect suggests it forDevelopment needing a secure connection over timeProduction programming, especially short one-off operations
    Answered by John LeggUpdated 9 Oct 2026

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