# CLion and TRACE32 Integration Enables AI-Driven Embedded Debugging

JetBrains and Lauterbach combine hardware debugging with AI agents for embedded systems development.

- **Source:** [The JetBrains Blog](https://brifing.si/source/782eebd1-7be8-49cc-b27c-e552516691b2)
- **Published:** 2026-11-12
- **Topic:** [technology](https://brifing.si/c/technology)
- **Original article:** <https://blog.jetbrains.com/clion/2026/11/webinar-recap-trace32/>
- **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/adac5b58-c109-404e-99e9-a1afb98671fe

## Unified Debugging Workflow

JetBrains and Lauterbach have integrated CLion with TRACE32 hardware debugging tools. This collaboration allows developers to control hardware debug sessions directly from the CLion IDE. By using the Debug Adapter Protocol, the integration bridges the gap between source code editing and real-time target inspection, streamlining the development cycle for complex embedded projects.

## AI Agent Integration

The system enables AI agents to access live debugger data via the Model Context Protocol. Agents can now inspect program states, analyze memory, and identify root causes on actual hardware targets. Developers can run multiple agent sessions in parallel, monitor their progress in real-time, and intervene manually whenever the situation requires human oversight.

## Technical Requirements

To utilize this integration, users must run CLion 2026.2.4 or later alongside TRACE32 PowerView 09.2026. Connectivity is managed through the TRACE32 Debug Adapter version 0.1.2. Configuration involves selecting a dedicated debug profile in CLion settings and providing the necessary paths for the debug adapter executable and specific PRACTICE script files for hardware.

## Agentic Skill Sets

CLion provides specific skills for AI agents, including generic debugging, Arm Cortex-M hard fault analysis, and RTOS state exploration. These skills dictate how agents interact with the debugger. Users can install pre-configured skills from the IDE or develop custom skills tailored to their specific project requirements or unique target hardware architectures.

## Broad Compatibility

The integration supports various AI agents using the Agent Client Protocol, such as Claude Code, Junie, and Codex. JetBrains infrastructure offers Junie Lite as a free AI model option through December 31, 2026. This flexibility allows teams to leverage their existing API keys or subscriptions while maintaining compatibility with internal company-built AI agents.

## Practical Demonstration

A recent demonstration showcased debugging a 4-core Infineon AURIX TC387QP board using a Lauterbach LA-3504 PowerDebug E50 probe. Claude Code successfully converted the project to CMake, allowing the agent to inspect registers and memory across all four cores. This proved that agents can effectively manage complex multi-core environments during the debugging process.

## Licensing and Costs

The integration itself adds no extra cost to the TRACE32 side, requiring only the standard licenses already used with PowerView. CLion is free for non-commercial use, while commercial deployment necessitates a paid license or trial. Users should consult Lauterbach to determine the specific license requirements based on their target hardware and interface.

## Current Limitations

The integration remains in an early stage of development. Features currently unavailable include instruction and data trace, a dedicated trace viewer, and real-time variable updates. While direct T32 command execution from CLion is not yet supported, developers can run PowerView in the background as a functional workaround for these specific tasks.

## Sources covering this story

- https://blog.jetbrains.com/clion/2026/11/webinar-recap-trace32/ — 

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_Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._
