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SEGGER's J-Link BASE Compact MCU Debugger Fails to Power Up with e-marked USB-C Cables

A wiring issue in SEGGER's J-Link debugger causes it to fail with e-marked USB-C cables. Despite being known since 2019, the problem persists in the latest model.

In this picture I can see cables, computer mouses and there are some devices on the table, and in...
In this picture I can see cables, computer mouses and there are some devices on the table, and in the background there is a wall.

A technical glitch has been identified in SEGGER's J-Link BASE Compact MCU debugger. The device, a popular choice for JTAG/SWD debugging, fails to power up when connected using e-marked USB-C cables. This issue affects the base model in the J-Link family, which retails at €400 plus VAT.

The problem stems from incorrect wiring of CC1 and CC2 connections within the debugger. This causes the host device to recognise the debugger as a USB-C audio dongle rather than a power supply. The debugger's PCB revision is v12.1, indicating that this design flaw is not a recent development.

The issue is not isolated to this particular model. It was previously discussed in 2019 when the Raspberry Pi 4 was released, with users reporting similar problems with e-marked USB-C cables. Despite the known issue, SEGGER's J-Link BASE Compact debugger's product page still shows a different label than the one Alvaro has, suggesting a possible design change that did not address the underlying problem.

SEGGER's J-Link BASE Compact MCU debugger's failure to power up with e-marked USB-C cables highlights a significant design flaw in a high-priced device. Users are advised to be cautious when connecting the debugger to ensure the correct power supply. SEGGER has not yet issued a statement on the matter, and it remains to be seen how they will address this oversight.

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