ULINK: ULINKpro USB Communication Failure After Debugging with ST-LINK

Information in this knowledgebase article applies to:

• Keil MDK
• Debug Adapter: ULINKpro, on-board ST-LINK
• V2.J23.S0 through V2.J23.S4 STM32 Debugger
• Boards: ST Nucleo F303K8, STM32F429I Discovery or Eval

SYMPTOM

When ST-LINK device driver software was first installed onto PC, ULINKpro was also connected to PC.

One instance of µVision is open, this project is debugging a target using ST-LINK. Another instance of µVision is opened, ULINKpro is connected to PC, and selected as debugger. Normally, JTAG Communication Failure or SWD Communication Failure is reported when no target is connected. But in rare cases, in Options for Target - Debug - ULINKpro Settings - Debug tab, either:

USB Communication Failure //or
Firmware Download Failed

is displayed. ULINKpro was successfully debugging other applications before ST-Link was used. When connecting ULINKpro to PC, I may have seen Windows dialogs reporting:

Installing device driver software //and later
Device driver software was not successfully installed

even with the most recent version of ULINKpro driver (these drivers are automatically installed with the newest version of Keil MDK). ULINKpro cannot establish a connection to the PC, even after removing ST-LINK.

CAUSE

When a ULINKpro is also connected, installation of certain ST-LINK drivers permanently disabled ULINKpro's ability to connect to a PC. Root cause is unknown.

RESOLUTION

Some ULINKpro functionality may still available if the following order is used to connect to a device:

1. Power up board
2. Connect ULINKpro to board
3. Connect ULINKpro to PC

To get ULINKpro fully working again, uninstall and reinstall ULINKpro driver software to recover ULINKpro, then separately update ST-Link firmware.

First, exit ST-LINK's debug session in MDK. Disconnect both ST-LINK and ULINKpro from PC. Connect only ULINKpro. In Windows Device Manager, right-click on "Keil ULINKpro" and go to Uninstall. Then click OK. Reconnect ULINKpro to update driver. Users may have to run the following executable: "C:\Keil_v5\ARM\ULINK\InstallULINK.exe". As long as Keil MDK is installed on a machine, there are automated checks to see if more recent software is available, and the driver will be reinstalled, if necessary. Disconnect ULINKpro after reinstalling its driver.

Connect ST-LINK. In the installation of Keil MDK, go to /ARM/STLink/ and launch ST-LinkUpgrade.exe. Upgrade to firmware V2.J24.S0 STM32 Debugger or later.

Then you will be able to use ULINKpro and ST-LINK simultaneously.

MORE INFORMATION

• Refer to Error Messages in the ULINKpro User's Guide.
• Refer to Troubleshooting Guide in the ULINKpro User's Guide.

SEE ALSO

• Refer to ULINK: Debug issue - "USB Communication Failure" on Windows 8.x and 10
• Refer to µVision DEBUGGER: ST-LINK USB Communication Error

Last Reviewed: Monday, January 11, 2021