Official Raspberry Pi Debug Probe

Overview of the Raspberry Pi Debug Probe

The Official Raspberry Pi Debug Probe is a complete USB-based hardware solution engineered to streamline hardware debugging and serial UART communication across RP2040 microcontrollers and other Arm-based architectures. Designed to bridge host development environments running Linux, macOS, or Windows with embedded target systems, the probe simplifies low-level software testing, firmware flashing, and real-time execution tracing.

Dual-Bridge Functionality: CMSIS-DAP SWD and UART

At the core of the Debug Probe is an onboard Raspberry Pi RP2040 microcontroller running the open-source Picoprobe software. The tool implements two distinct hardware channels simultaneously: a USB to Arm Serial Wire Debug (SWD) interface compliant with the industry-standard CMSIS-DAP protocol, and a secondary USB to UART serial bridge. This configuration allows developers to step through code execution with OpenOCD and GDB while concurrently capturing diagnostic console logs through a dedicated 3.3V UART connection.

3-Pin Debug Connector Standard and Cable Compatibility

The Debug Probe adopts the official Raspberry Pi 3-pin debug connector specification, utilizing compact JST-SH form-factor jacks for secure, high-density connections. Out of the box, the probe includes a high-quality transparent protective case, a micro-USB cable, and three separate debug cables: JST-SH to JST-SH (for direct connection to Pico H or custom 3-pin headers), JST-SH to 0.1-inch female sockets, and JST-SH to 0.1-inch male header pins. This provides drop-in compatibility for breadboards, pin headers, and production PCBs.

Technical Specifications

• Processor Silicon: Raspberry Pi RP2040 Dual-Core Arm Cortex-M0+
• Supported Protocols: CMSIS-DAP SWD debug interface and USB-CDC Serial UART
• Operating Voltage: 3.3V Nominal Logic Output
• Connectors: Micro-USB input; 2x 3-pin JST-SH output ports (SWD and UART)
• Toolchain Support: Compatible with GDB, OpenOCD, VS Code Embedded Tools, PyOCD, and CLion
• Form Factor: Compact PCB enclosed in a transparent snap-fit polycarbonate housing