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Associate
Mar 17, 2025 6:55 PM UTC
Solved

Using NUCLEO-U031R8 STLINK VCP on external target

Hello!

I am using the onboard STLINK on the NUCLEO-U031R8 to program a STM32U0 on a custom PCB. I use the SWD interface connected over jumper wires and programming works fine. I would like to enable printf for debug purposes, and since SWV is not available for this series, I am trying to connect USART2 from my PCB to the STLINK using fly wires. However, I can't seem to find where the TX and RX pins are exposed on the STLINK. The jumpers and CN3 mentioned in section 6.8 of UM1724 also don't match up. On further inspection, it seems that some Nucleo boards have the TX and RX pins exposed as a header, but my particular one does not. Is there a way for me to use VCP this way with this Nucleo board? 

Thank you in advance! 

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TDK
TDKBest answer
Mar 18, 2025 2:51 AM UTC

https://www.st.com/resource/en/schematic_pack/mb1932-u031r8-b01-schematic.pdf

They're not exposed at a header. If you have tools/skills to remove the resistor and solder a wire in its place, you could use them. This is going to be out of reach for most hobby setups.

As @Pavel A. suggests, you can use a 0.05" pitch 14 pin header to interface with a standard programmer and route out the VCP signals that way.

"If you feel a post has answered your question, please click ""Accept as Solution""."

3 replies

Pavel A.
Mar 17, 2025 9:28 PM UTC

Do yourself a favor, get ST-LINK v3 MINIE.  Be happy.

 

TDK
TDKBest answer
Mar 18, 2025 2:51 AM UTC

https://www.st.com/resource/en/schematic_pack/mb1932-u031r8-b01-schematic.pdf

They're not exposed at a header. If you have tools/skills to remove the resistor and solder a wire in its place, you could use them. This is going to be out of reach for most hobby setups.

As @Pavel A. suggests, you can use a 0.05" pitch 14 pin header to interface with a standard programmer and route out the VCP signals that way.

"If you feel a post has answered your question, please click ""Accept as Solution""."
Associate
Mar 19, 2025 4:27 PM UTC

Thank you all! I was just trying to make sure I didn’t miss anything obvious. I stumbled on an old STLINK V3 lying around the lab so I’m using that now.