Program every board through a single footprint
A programming connector is a component you pay for on every board you produce — and one your end customer will never use. The Tag-Connect TC2030 footprint removes that cost: six bare pads on the PCB, zero components. This kit bridges that footprint to your everyday probes: PICkit, MPLAB Snap/ICD, SEGGER J-Link, ST-LINK or any OpenOCD-compatible tool.
The cross-shaped adapter gathers the standard headers — 6-pin PICkit/ICSP, 10-pin ARM JTAG/SWD, 20-pin ARM JTAG — on a single TC2030 footprint: ICSP and SWD/JTAG share the same pads, only one protocol active at a time depending on which probe is connected (not simultaneous). Gold-plated contacts, clear silkscreen labels. The TC2030-MCP-NL cable ("no-legs" version) is supplied: it press-fits onto the pads, nothing to solder on the target. Flash, debug and single-step, board after board, with the same adapter.
- Saves BOM cost and PCB space on every production unit
- One adapter reused across all your projects
- Press-fit programming: no connector to solder on the target
- The exact tooling we use on our own production line
What about a UART console?
The supplied TC2030-MCP-NL cable is dedicated to programming/debug (SWD or ICSP) — it doesn't carry a UART line. On our own embedded-Linux products (like the NR+Gate), console access goes through the same adapter's standard 2.54 mm header, using an off-the-shelf 3.3 V FTDI USB-UART cable (not included). One adapter, two jobs: debug/programming via the TC2030, serial console via the 2.54 mm header.
Technical specifications
| Target footprint | Tag-Connect TC2030 — 6 positions, no-legs ("NL"), pads only |
|---|---|
| Adapter headers | 6-pin PICkit/ICSP (2.54 mm) · 2×5 ARM JTAG/SWD (10-pin, boxed) · 2×10 ARM JTAG (20-pin) |
| Routing | ICSP and SWD/JTAG share the same TC2030 footprint — only one protocol active at a time depending on the probe connected, not simultaneous |
| Compatible probes | Microchip PICkit 3/4/5, MPLAB Snap / ICD, SEGGER J-Link, ST-LINK, OpenOCD |
| Target voltage | Set by the probe used, not by the adapter — typically ~1 to 5 V with a J-Link |
| Included cable | Tag-Connect TC2030-MCP-NL (no-legs), press-fit mounting |
| UART access | Not carried by the TC2030 — available via the adapter's standard 2.54 mm header with a 3.3 V FTDI cable (not included) |
| Finish | Gold-plated contacts, clear silkscreen, compact cross-shaped PCB |
Frequently asked questions
Can I use ICSP and SWD at the same time?
No. The TC2030 footprint is shared between both protocols — only one is active at a time, depending on which probe is connected (PICkit for ICSP, J-Link/ST-LINK/OpenOCD for SWD).
What target voltage is supported?
That depends entirely on the probe you use, not on the adapter itself — a J-Link typically covers a ~1 to 5 V target range.
Can I get a UART console with this kit?
Not through the supplied TC2030-MCP-NL cable (dedicated to programming/debug). However, the same adapter's standard 2.54 mm header lets you plug in a 3.3 V FTDI USB-UART cable (not included) to reach a serial console — useful on our embedded-Linux products such as the NR+Gate.
Does this kit work with your own boards (NR+Node, NR+Gate)?
Yes — our boards systematically include the TC2030 footprint. It's the exact tooling we use ourselves, in the design office and on the production line.
In the kit
- Cross-shaped debug adapter board
- Tag-Connect TC2030-MCP-NL cable
Everything needed to program and debug a board that only carries Tag-Connect pads.
Shipping & warranty
Orders ship within 48 working hours from our workshop in Langres, to France and across Europe. 2-year legal conformity warranty. Designing a board and unsure where to place the TC2030 footprint? Our design office includes it in every design — ask us for advice.