SEGGER's J-Link BASE Compact MCU Debugger Fails with e-Marked USB-C Cables
SEGGER's J-Link BASE Compact MCU debugger has been discovered to have a notable design oversight, leading to power-up failures when used with e-marked USB-C cables. The issue, present in revision v12.1, is more concerning given the device's price tag of €400 + VAT.
The problem arises from incorrect wiring of CC1 and CC2 connections, resulting in a resistance of less than 1 kOhm on the active CC line. This is akin to the issue faced by the Raspberry Pi 4 in 2019, which also had power-up problems with USB-C cables. The J-Link BASE Compact's PCB revision is v12.1, suggesting that the issue may not be new and could be a recurring design flaw.
The J-Link BASE Compact's manufacturer, SEGGER, has not specified the exact production or purchase date for revision v12.1. However, the revision number indicates that it is not an initial version, implying that the issue has persisted despite ongoing production enhancements.
The oversight in the J-Link BASE Compact's design, given its price and the persistence of the issue, is significant. Users are advised to check their devices and ensure they are using compatible USB-C cables to avoid power-up failures. SEGGER is yet to comment on the issue or provide a solution.
