Debug output connections on nRF9160 DK

The nRF9160 DK supports programming and debugging external boards with Nordic System on Chip (SoC)s and System in Package (SiP)s.

To debug an external board with SEGGER J-Link OB IF, connect the Debug out connector P19 to your target board with a 10-pin flat cable.

Figure 1. Debug output connector

Debug output connector on the nRF9160 DK

When the external board is powered up, the interface MCU will detect the supply voltage of the board and program/debug the target chip on the external board instead of the onboard nRF9160 and/or nRF52840.

Note: The voltage supported by external debugging/programming is the VDD voltage. This voltage can be selected to 1.8 V or 3 V using slide switch SW9. For optimal performance of the nRF9160 radio, it is recommended that only 1.8 V is used. Make sure the voltage level of the external board matches the VDD of the nRF9160 DK.

P20 can also be used as a debug out connector to program shield-mounted targets. For both P19 and P20, the interface MCU will detect the supply voltage on the mounted shield and program/debug the target.

If the interface MCU detects target power on both P19 and P20, it will program/debug the target connected to P19 by default.

If it is inconvenient to have a separate power supply on the external board, the nRF9160 DK can supply power through the Debug out connector P18. To enable this, short solder bridge SB24.