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Visitor
August 11, 2026
Question

What is the best way to debug USB communication on STM32?

  • August 11, 2026
  • 5 replies
  • 51 views

I am working on an STM32 project that uses USB communication and I am trying to improve the debugging process. Sometimes it is difficult to identify whether an issue is coming from the firmware, USB configuration, or the connected device.

What tools or debugging methods do you normally use for USB-related issues on STM32?

5 replies

waclawek.jan
Super User
August 11, 2026

A protocol debugger, which allows you to see what’s on the line.

There are some mid-price dedicated debuggers, I’ve heard praise on the TotalPhase offering in the past, but I haven’t used any personally. High-speed analyzers are pricier than the Full/Low-speed ones, but for STM32 usually the latter suffices. Some oscilloscopes/logic analyzers come with USB protocol decoding either built in or as an option, and sometimes it’s priced pleasantly, although its control may be perhaps not that well thought out than with the dedicated tool - you have to check yourself what’s available.

Other than that, just the usual - on-chip debugging, staring at standards, code and manuals…

JW

Andrew Neil
Super User
August 11, 2026

In addition to what ​@waclawek.jan said:

  • Instrument your code, so that you can see what’s going on
  • For a Device, Learn to use whatever debugging/diagnostic facilities the Host offers
A complex system that works is invariably found to have evolved from a simple system that worked.A complex system designed from scratch never works and cannot be patched up to make it work.
Richard Li
Senior
August 11, 2026

Windows event log may find some clue, but too more “noise”

TDK
August 11, 2026

Wireshark is a free and useful option.

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Karl Yamashita
Principal
August 11, 2026

You haven’t indicated what the STM32 is connected to? Is it a Windows computer or connected to another device with no OS? 

If it’s a computer, you can use Wireshark on that computer, and during install i believe you have an option to install USBPcap designed to capture USB packets.

If the latter, then you can use Total Phase Beagle USB 12 that connects in between the 2 devices. You can monitor the UUSB packets on a laptop/desktop using their Control Center Software

If a reply has proven helpful, click on Accept as Solution so that it'll show at top of the post.CAN Jammer an open source CAN bus hacking toolCANableV3 Open Source