The MCU-Link-MR from NXP is a CMSIS-DAP debug probe. It includes dedicated connection headers found on mobile robotic systems. These systems include the Pixhawk/PX4 drone and robotics hardware.

Outline

Jointly developed by the Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and NXP, the MCU-Link-MR. It is basically an open-source hardware version of the NXP MCU-Link CMSIS-DAP debug probe. It adds special debug and UART ports for drone, copter and robotics development.

Priced below $20 it is a very capable and affordable debug probe. And I have now received my order from Mouser.

After having developed together with students multiple iterations (see GitHub), I’m proud to have a production version on my desk.

Package

I love the simple, environment friendly package and content: a recycled card box:

• MCU-Link-MR debug probe
• ARM 10pin debug cable
• JST-GHS 7-pin cable (DCD-LZ)
• Packaging list

Firmware

The probe comes with the v0.078 firmware pre-programmed, checked with LinkServer probes command:

  #  Description                     Serial         Device    Board
---  ------------------------------  -------------  --------  -------
  1  MCU-LINK r0FF CMSIS-DAP V0.078  VX525RYZIL2T3

I recommend to update to the latest firmware, as that firmware is rather old:

1. Power the probe with the ISP button pressed
2. Execute CMSIS firmware update script in LinkServer\MCU-LINK_installer\scripts
3. Power probe again. Probe is now using the latest firmware.

  #  Description                       Serial         Device    Board
---  --------------------------------  -------------  --------  -------
  1  MCU-LINK (r0FF) CMSIS-DAP V3.156  VX525RYZIL2T3

From now on the probe can be updated ‘button-less’, see https://mcuoneclipse.com/2024/05/11/updating-mcu-link-cmsis-dap-debug-probe-firmware-jumper-less/.

Summary

I naturally like that MCU-Link-MR debug probe. It has a USB-C connector, is compatible with the NXP MCU-Link debug probe, and very affordable with less than $20. It greatly simplifies my debugging and serial connection, especially for all my Pixhawk drone and copter projects.

The hardware is open source with KiCad project files. So if you like to build your own probe, check out the links below.

Happy linking:-)

Links

• NXP MCU-Link MR Product Web Site: https://www.nxp.com/part/MCU-LINK-MR
• NXP MCU-Link Web Site: https://www.nxp.com/design/design-center/software/development-software/mcuxpresso-software-and-tools-/mcu-link-mr-debug-probe-with-usb-c-serial-and-mobile-robotics-interfaces:MCU-LINK-MR
• MCU-Link-MR GitHub: https://github.com/ErichStyger/MCU-Link-MR
• Pixhawk: https://pixhawk.org/
• Hochschule Luzern: https://www.hslu.ch/de-ch/technik-architektur/institute/elektrotechnik/
• Articles about the MCU-Link-MR: https://mcuoneclipse.com/tag/mcu-link-mr/
• Updating LinkServer debug probe firmware: https://mcuoneclipse.com/2024/05/11/updating-mcu-link-cmsis-dap-debug-probe-firmware-jumper-less/