Skip to main content
Application NoteNxp

NXP AN13037: LPC55Sxx Debug Authentication Protocol

This application note explains how to use the Debug Authentication Protocol (DAP) on LPC55Sxx MCUs to securely authenticate debuggers using RSA-based cryptographic keys.

View application note

Overview

NXP AN13037 describes the Debug Authentication Protocol (DAP) for the LPC55Sxx family of microcontrollers, including LPC55S6x, LPC55S2x, and LPC55S1x. It addresses the conflict between system security and the need for Return Material Analysis (RMA) by allowing authenticated access to restricted debug domains via RSA-signed Debug Credential (DC) certificates. The document covers internal debug system elements such as CPU Access Ports (AP) and the Debug Mailbox (DM), as well as configuration settings for invasive and non-invasive debugging in TrustZone secure and non-secure environments. It also provides guidance on using the NXP SPSDK and MCUXpresso Secure Provisioning Tool to manage Root of Trust (RoT) keys and configure the Protected Flash Region (PFR).

Use Cases

  • Secure field technician debugging
  • Return Material Analysis (RMA) for locked devices
  • Provisioning secure debug credentials during manufacturing
  • Configuring invasive and non-invasive debug access for TrustZone
  • Managing Root of Trust public keys in Protected Flash Region

Topics

LPC55Sxx
Debug Authentication Protocol
DAP
RSA
TrustZone
SWD
SPSDK
LPC55S69
AN13037
ARMv8-M

Referenced Parts

LPC55S69

NXP

use the example configuration for the LPC55S69 device to enable the debug authentication

LPC55S0x

NXP

LPC55S1x/LPC55S0x have the PFR at address 0x3de00.

LPC55S1x

NXP

LPC55S1x/LPC55S0x have the PFR at address 0x3de00.

LPC55S2x

NXP

The example of loading the CMPA/CFPA configuration into LPC55S6x/LPC55S2x is shown below.

LPC55S6x

NXP

The example of loading the CMPA/CFPA configuration into LPC55S6x/LPC55S2x is shown below.

LPC552x

NXP

LPC55S6x/LPC55S2x/LPC552x User Manual (document UM11126)

NXP AN13037: LPC55Sxx Debug Authentication Protocol | Design Resources