Remote Debugging of Embedded Systems

Remote Debugging of Embedded Systems

Most of us are working from home during this COVID-19 pandemic situation. I have personally struggled to debug some of my hardwares remotely. Today I am going to introduce a completely new method for remote debugging of embedded systems. Using this method you can debug a remote system as if it is connected to your local computer.

Here we are using a software named, USB Network Gate developed by Electronic Team Inc.

Installation

Select Language – USB Network Gate Installation
  • Click Next
USB Network Gate - Welcome to Setup Wizard
USB Network Gate – Welcome to Setup Wizard
  • Read and accept the license agreement. Click Next.
USB Network Gate - License Agreement
USB Network Gate – License Agreement
  • Select the installation location and click Next.
USB Network Gate - Installation Folder
USB Network Gate – Installation Folder
  • Select components and click Next
USB Network Gate - Select Components
USB Network Gate – Select Components
  • Note: We need to install “This installation will share and connect to devices” in the remote computer to which hardware is connected. And you may install “This installation will share and connect to devices” or “This installation will only connect to devices” in the computer which you will be working.
  • Select start menu folder and click Next
USB Network Gate - Select Start Menu Folder
USB Network Gate – Select Start Menu Folder
  • Click Next
USB Network Gate - Select Additional Components
USB Network Gate – Select Additional Components
  • Ready to install, click Next
USB Network Gate - Ready to Install
USB Network Gate – Ready to Install
  • Installation in progress
USB Network Gate - Installing
USB Network Gate – Installing
  • Installation completed, click Finish.
USB Network Gate - Installation Completed
USB Network Gate – Installation Completed

Note: Don’t forget to install this software in both computers, local and remote.

Connecting Remote Devices

Now we have completed the installation of USB Network Gate software. You may choose the trial version or enter license key if you have purchased one. Now let’s connect our remote embedded devices for debugging.


On Remote PC

  • Open the software in the remote computer (to which hardware’s are connected)
  • Click the “Share” button next to each device.
USB Network Gate - Sharing Devices
USB Network Gate – Sharing Devices

On Local PC

  • Open the software in the local computer (in which you are planning to work or debug)
  • Click on “Add server” button in the bottom left corner of “Remote USB devices” tab.
USB Network Gate - Adding Server
USB Network Gate – Adding Server
  • Enter the IP address of you remote computer and click “Add”
  • Now it will list all the USB devices shared from the remote computer
  • Click “Connect” to connect each device.
USB Network Gate - Remote Devices Connected
USB Network Gate – Remote Devices Connected

Remote Debugging

Now we have remote devices connected are virtually connected to our local computer as if it is really connected. No we can go ahead and debug as usual. Here I have connected a FT232R USB to UART converter and a STM32 STLink.

Debugging in IAR using STM32 STLink

Debugging in IAR Embedded Workbench
Debugging in IAR Embedded Workbench

Connecting To Remote Serial Port

Now we can simply connect to a remote serial port as if it is connected to our local PC. Here I am using the software Tera Term to connect to serial port.

Connecting to Remote Serial Port - Tera Term
Connecting to Remote Serial Port – Tera Term
USB Network Gate - UART Communication
USB Network Gate – UART Communication

Conclusion

I personally like “USB Network Gate” and it is highly recommend for embedded or electronics engineers who work remotely. And this software looks very stable and user friendly too.

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