FEATURE - Support OpenOCD

[Brando753]

I was curious if OpenOCD can be used instead of the Jlink software in order to use a more open debugging and flashing environment. If so it might be worth adding support in the make files for flashing with openocd commands.

[ryankurte]

Hey,

Definitely can be supported, I just haven't had cause to use OpenOCD yet. I do a plan to add support for the open source BlackMagic probe next time I have a compatible project.

If you would like to add it, it just needs needs an equivalent OpenOCD version of the jlink configuration file.

[Brando753]

Yup, I will look into the code base and open a pull request when I get it supported, just wanted to open a feature request for the work.

[Brando753]

So before I started modifying that configuration file I was testing the openocd commands manually, and I could not get them to work with my new EFM32HG dev board. I had used openOCD before with these boards so I grabbed my old Zero Gecko dev board and the commands worked...I am filing an issue with openOCD to see whats going on with the new firmware on these dev boards. I will update here once I get an update from the openOCD project.

[ryankurte]

I found a similar issue implementing the Blackmagic Probe which was because the firmware didn't yet support the EFM32PG IC I was using.

[dholth]

My attempt to support more geckos with the BMP. blackmagic-debug/blackmagic#264

It would have made more sense to just buy the jlink (as built into the official dev board)

[ryankurte]

Yeah I had a go at simplifying your original PR too before writing the whole thing off and going back to my jlink :-/

[ryankurte]

FYI with simplicity studio you can switch the debugger on any silicon labs dev board to the external 10/20 pin cortex debug connector and use it with other boards. It's not nice and open source, but it sure is convenient.

[Brando753]

I will take a look at the OpenOCD implementation when I get a chance later this week will let you know how it goes.

[dholth]

@ryankurte do you have a favorite silabs dev board?

[ryankurte]

I like the Pearl Gecko Starter Kit because it's the new architecture / has full pin muxing / the peripherals are bad ass.
I've also got a Giant Gecko GG1 Starter Kit which is kindof exciting because it's the first new-architecture chip from silabs to have ethernet and USB but I haven't played with it much just yet.
They're both expensive / higher end ICs to actually design with, but they're great for ease of prototyping.