Thats just the core board, to use it, it needs an additional evaluation board (another $69), which takes the cost to over $100.
Actually, you do NOT need the evaluation board, I can assure you it is NOT necessary. The pcDuino3c Core Module was specifically designed to provide a plugin module for third party applications. I should also mention the prices quoted on the Link Sprite site are list prices, significant savings can be obtain by purchasing pcDuino3c Core Board or the pcDuino3c Evaluation Board, if desired, from third party sites:
**broken link removed**
**broken link removed**
I am trying to find a bare minimum arm multi-core board, with jtag
The pcDuino3c Core Board is a "bare minimum" or bare bones multi-core board which provides full access to the require JTAG lines to attach a third party JTAG programmer/debugger like the Segger J-link. The pcDuino3c Evaluation Board is not required, you simply need to provide the required base voltage of 5V with proper current rating to the appropriate pins, the pcDuino3c Core Board provides onboard voltage regulation for the required voltage levels for the A20, flash, etc and construct a cable to attach the J-Link.
That 10-20 pin conversion is not a problem.
If you can manage to construct a 10-pin to 20-pin conversion cable, constructing a cable from the 50-pin connectors of the pcDuino3c Core Board to a 20-pin JTAG connector should not be an issue.
Link Sprite has even saved you the trouble of locating the appropriate mating female connector by offering them at
99 cents apiece:
Mating Socket for pcDuino3C Core Board - 99 cents
Which is exactly what an associate of mine has done to utilize the pcDuino3c Core Board in a current project.
Of course at $29 the Evaluation Board is a handy addition for a development platform, however is simply is not necessary.
Another possible option is a TI Hercules Launchpad, which some incorporate a Dual Core ARM Cortex-R5 variant with pads provided to attach a third party JTAG programmer/debugger like the Segger J-Link, they are typically in the $20 to $30 range:
External high-speed emulation via 14-pin TI-JTAG header (not populated)
Hercules RM57Lx LaunchPad Evaluation Kit
BigDog