Port11 Debugger - VS Code Extension
A comprehensive VS Code extension for MSPM0 development with integrated build, flash, and debug capabilities.
Features
- Zero-Configuration Setup: Automatic installation of MSPM0 SDK and ARM-CGT-CLANG toolchain
- Integrated Build System: Build projects directly from VS Code with error/warning parsing
- Board Auto-Detection: Automatically detect and connect to MSPM0 development boards
- Flash Programming: Flash firmware to boards with progress tracking
- Advanced Debugging: Debug with memory/register viewing via integrated DAP CLI
- Cross-Platform Support: Works on Windows, macOS, and Linux
Installation
From VSIX Package
- Download the latest
.vsix package from releases
- In VS Code, go to Extensions view (Ctrl+Shift+X)
- Click the "..." menu and select "Install from VSIX..."
- Select the downloaded
.vsix file
From Marketplace
Coming soon - extension will be published to VS Code Marketplace
Quick Start
- Install the Extension: Install Port11 Debugger from VS Code Extensions
- Open Your Project: Open a folder containing MSPM0 source code
- First-Time Setup: The extension will prompt you to set up the toolchain
- Start Developing: Use the Port11 panel for build, flash, and debug operations
Usage
On first use, the extension will automatically:
- Clone MSPM0 SDK from GitHub repository
- Download ARM-CGT-CLANG toolchain for your platform
- Validate Installation and show version information
Access the setup via:
- Command Palette:
Port11: Setup Toolchain
- Port11 panel in Explorer sidebar
- Status bar notifications
Building Projects
Build your MSPM0 projects with:
- Command Palette:
Port11: Build Project
- Port11 panel "Build" button
- Keyboard shortcut:
Ctrl+Shift+B
Features:
- Automatic project detection
- ARM-CGT-CLANG integration
- Error/warning parsing in Problems panel
- Build progress tracking
Flashing Firmware
Flash your compiled firmware:
- Command Palette:
Port11: Flash Firmware
- Port11 panel "Flash" button
Features:
- Automatic board detection
- Support for multiple binary formats (.out, .elf, .bin)
- Flash verification
- Progress tracking with size information
Debugging
Start debugging sessions:
- Command Palette:
Port11: Start Debug Session
- Port11 panel "Debug" button
Features:
- SWD debugging via integrated Rust DAP CLI
- Memory and register viewing
- Target halt/resume control
- Program counter tracking
- Real-time register updates
Configuration
Extension Settings
Configure the extension through VS Code settings:
{
"port11-debugger.autoUpdate": true,
"port11-debugger.serialPort": "/dev/ttyUSB0",
"port11-debugger.debugVerbose": false,
"port11-debugger.offlineMode": false,
"port11-debugger.buildOutputLevel": "normal"
}
Project Structure
The extension works with standard MSPM0 project structures:
your-project/
├── main.c
├── ti_msp_dl_config.c
├── ti_msp_dl_config.h
├── makefile (optional)
└── build/ (generated)
└── main.out
Board Support
Supported Boards
- TI MSPM0 LaunchPad series
- TI XDS110 debug probes
- Generic FTDI USB-Serial adapters
- Silicon Labs CP210x adapters
Board Detection
The extension automatically detects boards by:
- USB Vendor/Product ID matching
- Serial port enumeration
- Board-specific identification
Manual Board Configuration
Override automatic detection:
{
"port11-debugger.serialPort": "/dev/ttyUSB0"
}
Troubleshooting
Setup Issues
SDK Clone Failed
- Check internet connectivity
- Verify GitHub access
- Try manual setup with offline mode
Toolchain Download Failed
- Check firewall/proxy settings
- Verify disk space availability
- Try downloading manually from TI website
Build Issues
Compiler Not Found
- Verify toolchain installation in Port11 panel
- Check PATH environment variable
- Re-run setup process
Include Paths Missing
- Verify SDK installation
- Check project structure
- Review include path configuration
Flash Issues
Board Not Detected
- Check USB connections
- Verify board power
- Install USB drivers if needed
- Try different USB ports
Flash Failed
- Verify board is in programming mode
- Check binary file exists and is valid
- Ensure no other tools are using the port
Debug Issues
DAP Connection Failed
- Verify SWD connections
- Check board power and reset state
- Ensure no other debuggers are connected
- Try different baud rates
Register Reads Timeout
- Check board responsiveness
- Verify SWD clock speed
- Try halting target first
Development
Building from Source
Requirements:
- Node.js 20+
- npm or yarn
- VS Code Extension Development Host
Steps:
git clone <repository-url>
cd port11-debugger
npm install
npm run compile
Testing
Run tests:
npm test
Test in Extension Development Host:
- Press F5 in VS Code
- Opens new window with extension loaded
- Test all functionality
Contributing
- Fork the repository
- Create a feature branch
- Make your changes
- Add tests if applicable
- Submit a pull request
Architecture
Core Components
- Extension Host: Main VS Code extension entry point
- SDK Manager: Handles MSPM0 SDK installation and updates
- Toolchain Manager: Manages ARM-CGT-CLANG installation
- Serial Manager: Board detection and communication
- Build System: Compiler integration and error parsing
- Flash System: Firmware programming with progress tracking
- Debug System: DAP CLI integration for SWD debugging
- Webview UI: Main user interface panel
File Structure
src/
├── extension.ts # Main extension entry
├── managers/
│ ├── sdkManager.ts # MSPM0 SDK management
│ ├── toolchainManager.ts # ARM-CGT-CLANG management
│ └── serialManager.ts # Board/serial management
├── commands/
│ ├── buildCommand.ts # Build integration
│ ├── flashCommand.ts # Flash integration
│ └── debugCommand.ts # Debug integration
├── webview/
│ └── webviewProvider.ts # UI management
├── utils/
│ ├── platformUtils.ts # Platform detection
│ └── downloadUtils.ts # HTTP downloads
└── types/
└── index.ts # TypeScript definitions
License
This project is licensed under the MIT License - see the LICENSE file for details.
Support
- Issues: Report bugs and request features on GitHub Issues
- Documentation: Check this README and inline documentation
- Community: Join discussions in GitHub Discussions
Changelog
Version 0.1.0 (MVP)
- Initial release
- Basic build, flash, and debug functionality
- Auto-setup for SDK and toolchain
- Cross-platform support
- Webview-based UI
Roadmap
Near Term
- License compliance integration
- Compiled DAP binaries for all platforms
- Enhanced error handling and recovery
- Improved board detection
Long Term
- Advanced debugging features (breakpoints, watchpoints)
- Project templates and wizards
- Integration with TI SysConfig
- Support for additional MCU families
- Cloud-based compilation options
