Xplained Pro; Embedded Debugger; Hardware Identification System - Atmel SAMDA1 Xplained Pro User Manual

3.

Xplained Pro

Xplained Pro is an evaluation platform that provides the full Atmel microcontroller experience. The platform
consists of a series of Microcontroller (MCU) boards and extension boards that are integrated with Atmel
Studio, have Atmel Software Framework (ASF) drivers and demo code, support data streaming and more.
Xplained Pro MCU boards support a wide range of Xplained Pro extension boards that are connected through
a set of standardized headers and connectors. Each extension board has an identification (ID) chip to uniquely
identify which boards are mounted on a Xplained Pro MCU board. This information is used to present relevant
user guides, application notes, datasheets and example code through Atmel Studio. Available Xplained Pro MCU and
extension boards can be purchased in the
3.1

Embedded Debugger

The SAMDA1 Xplained Pro contains the Atmel Embedded Debugger (EDBG) for on-board debugging. The
EDBG is a composite USB device of three interfaces; a debugger, Virtual COM Port and Data Gateway
Interface (DGI).
In conjunction with Atmel Studio, the EDBG debugger interface can program and debug the SAMDA1J16A.
On the SAMDA1 Xplained Pro, the SWD interface is connected between the EDBG and the SAMDA1J16A
The Virtual COM Port is connected to a UART port on the SAMDA1J16A (see section
Implementationfor on page 16
application through simple terminal software. It offers variable baud rate, parity and stop bit settings. Note that
the settings on the target device UART must match the settings given in the terminal software.
The DGI consists of several physical data interfaces for communication with the host computer. See section
"Embedded Debugger Implementation" on page 16
over the interfaces is bidirectional. It can be used to send events and values from the SAMDA1J16A or
as a generic printf-style data channel. Traffic over the interfaces can be timestamped on the EDBG for more
accurate tracing of events. Note that timestamping imposes an overhead that reduces maximal throughput. The
DGI uses a proprietary protocol, and is thus only compatible with Atmel Studio.
The EDBG controls two LEDs on SAMDA1 Xplained Pro, a power LED and a status LED.
LED Control" on page 6
Operation mode
Normal operation
Bootloader mode
(idle)
Bootloader mode
(firmware
upgrade)
For further documentation on the EDBG, see the
3.2

Hardware Identification System

All Xplained Pro compatible extension boards have an Atmel ATSHA204 CryptoAuthentication™ chip mounted.
This chip contains information that identifies the extension with its name and some extra data.
extension board is connected to an Xplained Pro MCU board the information is read and sent to Atmel Studio.
The Atmel Kits extension, installed with Atmel Studio, will give relevant information, code examples and links to
10 http://www.atmel.com/buy/default.aspx
11 http://www.atmel.com/Images/Atmel-42096-Microcontrollers-Embedded-Debugger_User-Guide.pdf
Atmel Web Store
for pinout), and provides an easy way to communicate with the target
shows how the LEDs are controlled in different operation modes.
Table 3-1. EDBG LED Control
Power LED
Power LED is lit when power is
applied to the board
The powerj LED and the status LED blink simultaneously
The power LED and the status LED blink in an alternating pattern
10
.
for available interfaces and pinout. Communication
Status LED
Activity indicator, LED flashed every time
something happends on the EDBG
11
EDBG User Guide .
Atmel SAMDA1 Xplained Pro [USERGUIDE]
Embedded Debugger
Table 3-1, "EDBG
When an Xplained Pro
6