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I’m using the NXP MCU-Link CMSIS-DAP debug probe in many of my projects. The debub probe from NXP does not come with an enclosure. I’m traveling to work by train, so I designed a new rugged box and enclosure. The box is small and I can keep all parts inside it.
Rugged boxes and enclosure for NXP MCU-Link debug probes
Outline
The MCU-Link debug probe is an inexpensive CMSIS-DAP debug probe from [NXP](https://www.nxp.com/design/design-center/software/development-software/mcu…
Post navigation
I’m using the NXP MCU-Link CMSIS-DAP debug probe in many of my projects. The debub probe from NXP does not come with an enclosure. I’m traveling to work by train, so I designed a new rugged box and enclosure. The box is small and I can keep all parts inside it.
Rugged boxes and enclosure for NXP MCU-Link debug probes
Outline
The MCU-Link debug probe is an inexpensive CMSIS-DAP debug probe from NXP. I commute by train, and it is not uncommon that I use it to debug my projects while traveling. The debug probe is so small. I have left it several times back on my desk. I have also missed taking all the cables with me.
I have designed a new set of 3D printed enclosure parts for it. An enclosure for the debug probe PCB itself, plus a rugged and stack-able box for the probe and cables.
If you want to print it for yourself: All the files are available on GitHub.
Enclosures
The design includes an enclosure for the debug probe PCB, plus a rugged box for it and the cables.
Rugged box for NXP MCU-Link Debug probe and cables
The rugged box is around 7x8x4 cm in size. Plenty of space for the debug probe plus all the cables.
Hinge and Latch
It uses 6x M3x20mm hex sockets for the hinge and latches. One can use normal M3x20 screws, but I like the ones below:
Hex Sockets M3 20 mm hex sockets
Colors
I printed parts in different colors. I’m using Prusament PLA, but you can use ASA, ABS or PETG or other brands.
PLA ‘natural’ PLA ‘Opal Green’ PLA ‘Mystic Green’ PLA ‘Oh my gold’
Rugged Stackable Box
The design is using FreeCAD, an open source 3D parametric modeler.
MCU-Link Enclosure in FreeCAD
The rugged box is a remix of a design from Printables, with a some updates and changes:
- rounded corners
- stack-able design with a rim in the lid and bottom
- improved dimensions and parameter for small boxes
- added name plate to the lid
The boxes have inserts so they can be stacked on top of each other.
Bottom of stack-able rugged box stacked boxes
The lid includes a inlay. I printed it in the same color below:
Lid inlay
Printing
Printing all pieces takes around 3 hours on a Prusa Core One, with material costs of about $1.50. Printed with 0.4 mm high-flow nozzle.
Sliced parts with PrusaSlicer
Summary
I have now a small box enclosure for the NXP MCU-Link debug probes. It is rugged, stack-able and comes in different colors. It is small but large enough to store all the cables plus probe inside. In the next days I’ll print a more boxes for all my debug probes.
Happy enclosing 🙂
Links
- Files on GitHub: https://github.com/ErichStyger/mcuoneclipse/tree/master/MCU-Link/McuLink%20Enclosure
- FreeCAD: https://www.freecad.org/
- NXP MCU-Link debug probe: https://www.nxp.com/design/design-center/software/development-software/mcuxpresso-software-and-tools-/mcu-link-debug-probe:MCU-LINK
- FreeCAD rugged box: https://www.printables.com/model/708803-parametric-rugged-box-freecad
- Previous 3D design on Thingiverse: https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:4683175
- Laser-cut enclosures: https://mcuoneclipse.com/2023/04/11/different-laser-cut-enclosures-for-the-mcu-link/
- https://mcuoneclipse.com/2020/11/29/new-mcu-link-debug-probe-from-nxp/