# 010 - T0015! Part 0x3 - Debug Interfaces

- Show: [Unnamed Reverse Engineering Podcast](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/unnamed-reverse-engineering-podcast)
- Published: 2018-05-15
- Length: 35m
- Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/unnamed-reverse-engineering-podcast/2018-05-15-010-t0015-part-0x3-debug-interfaces
- Listen: https://unnamedre.com/episode/10

## Summary

Hosts Alvaro Prieto and Jen Castilla discuss debugging interfaces like JTAG and SWD, explaining their history from boundary scan testing to modern in-circuit emulation. They review key hardware tools including Segger J-Link, BlackMagicProbe, ST-Link, and the BusBlaster, noting how open-source alternatives have drastically reduced costs. The conversation highlights the JTAGulator for finding hidden debug pins and argues that affordable, accessible tools have lowered barriers for hardware startups and security researchers.

## Chapters

- [0:30](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/unnamed-reverse-engineering-podcast/2018-05-15-010-t0015-part-0x3-debug-interfaces#t=30) Introduction: Alvaro Prieto and Jen Castilla on Debug Interfaces
- [1:52](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/unnamed-reverse-engineering-podcast/2018-05-15-010-t0015-part-0x3-debug-interfaces#t=112) JTAG History: Joint Test Action Group and Boundary Scan
- [8:09](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/unnamed-reverse-engineering-podcast/2018-05-15-010-t0015-part-0x3-debug-interfaces#t=489) JTAG in Reverse Engineering: In-Circuit Emulation and Programming
- [13:35](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/unnamed-reverse-engineering-podcast/2018-05-15-010-t0015-part-0x3-debug-interfaces#t=815) SWD and ARM Debug Access Port (DAP) for Microcontrollers
- [17:36](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/unnamed-reverse-engineering-podcast/2018-05-15-010-t0015-part-0x3-debug-interfaces#t=1056) Debug Hardware Tools: Segger J-Link, BlackMagicProbe, and ST-Link
- [24:21](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/unnamed-reverse-engineering-podcast/2018-05-15-010-t0015-part-0x3-debug-interfaces#t=1461) Cost Reduction: Open Source Hardware and Lower Barriers to Entry
- [32:22](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/unnamed-reverse-engineering-podcast/2018-05-15-010-t0015-part-0x3-debug-interfaces#t=1942) The JTAGulator: Finding Hidden Debug Pins on Circuit Boards

## Topics

- [Debugging & failure analysis](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/debugging-and-failure-analysis)
- [Microcontrollers & dev platforms](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/microcontrollers-and-platforms)
- [Chips, FPGAs & semiconductors](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/chips-and-fpgas)
- [Open-source hardware](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/open-source-hardware)

## Most relevant to

early-stage companies

## Mentioned

- Segger (company)
- J-Link (product)
- BlackMagicProbe (product)
- ST-Link (product)
- BusBlaster (product)
- JTAGulator (product)
- Cypress (company)
- Microchip (company)
- STMicro (company)
- Nordic Semiconductor (company)
- NXP (company)
- WinRiver (company)
- Intel (company)

## Related episodes from other shows

- [215: Heisenbugs](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2017-09-14-215-heisenbugs) (Embedded.fm)
- [The Spark Gap - Episode 17](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-spark-gap/2014-10-08-the-spark-gap-episode-17) (The Spark Gap)
- [180: Chickens in Helmets](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2016-12-20-180-chickens-in-helmets) (Embedded.fm)
- [422: It's Not a Bug, It's a Feature](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2022-07-28-422-its-not-a-bug-its-a-feature) (Embedded.fm)
- [200: Oops](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2017-05-17-200-oops) (Embedded.fm)

## Citing this page

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