The GigaDevice GD-Link Adapter is a versatile, three-in-one multi-function development tool designed for the GD32 series of MCUs. It serves as a CMSIS-DAP debugger with JTAG/SWD interface, enabling online programming and debugging within compatible Integrated Development Environments (IDEs) such as Keil and IAR. A key feature of the adapter is its offline programming capability, which allows users to program MCUs without a continuous connection to a PC.
Function Description
The GD-Link Adapter integrates three primary functions:
- Online Programming and Debugging: It provides a CMSIS-DAP debugger port with both JTAG and SWD interfaces, allowing developers to program and debug code directly from IDEs like Keil (Version 5.26 and above) and IAR (Version 8.32 and above). This facilitates real-time code execution analysis, breakpoint setting, and memory inspection.
- Offline Programming: This function enables the adapter to download user code to a target MCU without requiring a PC connection during the actual programming process. This is particularly useful for production environments or field updates.
- Firmware Upgrade: The adapter's firmware can be updated using the GigaDevice GD-Link Programmer PC tool, ensuring compatibility with new MCUs and features.
Important Technical Specifications
While specific electrical specifications like voltage and current ratings are not detailed, the manual provides information on the connectivity and operational aspects:
- Interfaces: The adapter supports both SWD (Serial Wire Debug) and JTAG (Joint Test Action Group) interfaces for connecting to target MCUs.
- Connectivity: It connects to a PC via a USB connector. The connection to the target board is typically made using DuPont lines or other connecting wires, with a recommended maximum length of 10cm for optimal signal integrity.
- Supported MCUs: The adapter is designed for the GD32 series of MCUs. For offline programming, it supports option byte configuration specifically for GD32W515 series chips.
- PC Tool Compatibility: The GigaDevice GD-Link Programmer PC tool is essential for offline programming and firmware updates. The latest version of this tool should be downloaded from the GigaDevice website.
- IDE Compatibility: It is compatible with Keil (Version 5.26 and above) and IAR (Version 8.32 and above) IDEs for online programming and debugging.
Usage Features
The GD-Link Adapter offers several user-friendly features:
Interactive Mode and Hardware Connection:
- Buttons and LEDs: The adapter includes a KEY1 button and four LEDs (LED1, LED2, LED3, LED4) that indicate its working status.
- KEY1: Used for firmware upgrades and initiating offline programming.
- LED1: Indicates offline programming status (flashing for programming, always bright for success).
- LED2: Indicates USB connection status (flashing fast for successful connection, flashing slow for no connection) and firmware upgrade status (always bright during upgrade).
- LED3: Indicates firmware upgrade status (always bright during upgrade).
- LED4: Indicates power supply status (always bright for normal power).
- Target Board Connection: The manual provides a schematic diagram and pin function table (Table 2-2) for connecting the GD-Link adapter to the target board's SWD or JTAG interface. Key pins include +3V3, GND, TMS/IO (JTMS/SWDIO), TCK/CLK (JTCK/SWCLK), TDO/SWO (JTDO), TDI (JTDI), and TReset (NRST).
Offline Programming:
- Tool Download: Users must download the GigaDevice GD-Link Programmer PC tool to configure offline programming.
- User Code Update:
- Configuration: Configure settings such as read protection, erase mode (page erase or chip erase), and the maximum number of programming cycles via the "GD-Link->Configuration" menu.
- MCU Model Selection: Choose the specific GD MCU model from the "GD-Link->Upadata file" menu.
- Bin File Loading: Add one or multiple (up to eight) bin files, specifying their starting addresses for download.
- Option Byte Configuration: For GD32W515 series chips, option bytes can be configured through the interface.
- Update Process: After configuration, click "Update" and "Yes" to transfer the user code to the adapter.
- Initiating Offline Programming: Pressing KEY1 on the adapter initiates the download of user code to the target board. LED1 flashes during programming and turns solid with a buzzer sound upon successful completion.
- Auto-load Signals: The adapter provides specific signals (T_NG, T_BUSY, T_GOOD, T_START) for burning machines, all of which are active low.
- T_BUSY: Low (0V) during programming.
- T_GOOD: Low (0V) upon successful programming.
- T_NG: Low (0V) if programming fails.
- T_START: Normally high (3.3V), a 100ms low-level signal initiates programming when the device is idle.
Programming in IDE (Keil and IAR):
- Keil (Version 5.26 above):
- Connect the GD-Link adapter to the target board.
- In "Configure Flash Tools," select "CMSIS-DAP Debugger" or "CMSIS-DAP ARMv8-M Debugger."
- Click "Settings" and choose "JTAG" or "SWD" port.
- In the "Utilities" page, select "CMSIS-DAP Debugger," click "Settings," and "Add" the correct flash programming algorithm for the specific GD32 MCU.
- IAR (Version 8.32 above):
- Connect the GD-Link adapter to the target board.
- Right-click the project name and select "Options."
- In "Debugger->Setup->Driver" menu, select "CMSIS-DAP."
- Select "JTAG or SW" interface in "CMSIS DAP->JTAG/SW->Interface" tool menu.
Maintenance Features
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Firmware Upgrade: The GD-Link Adapter's firmware can be updated using the GigaDevice GD-Link Programmer PC tool. The process involves specific steps depending on the prompt type:
- Prompt Type 1 (Power-off required):
- Click OK when prompted to power off the GD-Link.
- Long press KEY1 while powering on until LED3 is always on, then release KEY1.
- Click "GD-Link->Updata Firmware" again and confirm the upgrade.
- The upgrade proceeds in two steps, indicated by LED3 and then LED2 being always bright. The progress bar shows completion.
- Do not disconnect the GD-Link from the PC during the upgrade.
- Upon 100% completion, click OK. The new firmware version will be displayed, confirming success.
- Prompt Type 2 (Direct update):
- Click "GD-Link->Updata Firmware."
- Long press KEY1 to power on, then click "OK" to start the firmware update.
- During the update, LED2 is always bright, and a progress bar indicates completion.
- Upon 100% completion, the new firmware version will be displayed.
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Revision History: The manual includes a revision history table (Table 5-1) detailing updates to the adapter's features and documentation, ensuring users have access to the latest information and improvements. This includes additions like recommended line length range, new GD-Link Programmer versions, support for multiple bin files, option byte configuration for specific MCUs, and detailed button/LED descriptions.
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