JTAGulator 24-Channel Hardware Hacking Tool

Designed by Grand Idea Studio, JTAGulator is an open-source hardware hacking tool that assists in identifying OCD connections from test points, vias, or component pads on a target device.

On-chip debug (OCD) interfaces can provide chip-level control of a target device and are a primary vector used by engineers, researchers, and hackers to extract program code or data, modify memory contents, or affect device operation on-the-fly. Depending on the complexity of the target device, manually locating available OCD connections can be a difficult and time consuming task, sometimes requiring physical destruction or modification of the device.

JTAGulator Features:

• Detection of JTAG/IEEE 1149.1, ARM SWD, and UART/asynchronous serial
• Direct connection to sigrok and OpenOCD
• 24 channels with input protection circuitry
• Adjustable target I/O voltage for level translation: 1.4V to 3.3V
• USB interface (FTDI FT232) for menu-based control from host computer (Windows, macOS, Linux)

JTAGulator Application Ideas:

• Discover on-chip debug interfaces
• Simple logic analyzer
• Propeller development board

Note: Proper use of this tool requires basic electronics knowledge. To avoid damage to the JTAGulator or target circuitry, please take care to ensure the proper target voltage level is set. Some on-chip debug interfaces may not be detectable if password protection or other security mechanisms are implemented.