Segger J-Link EDU mini Programmer-Debugger

I'm very happy with the Segger J-Link Programmer-Debugger and, when Segger released the Segger J-Link EDU mini for less than USD20, I gave it a try.

This programmer-debugger is strictly for educational and non-commercial purposes. 

Surprisingly, Segger has revised the price of the J-Link EDU mini. It is now listed at USD60.

Hardware

​The programmer plugs directly to the USB port of the computer and provides the standard 2 x 5 0.05" connector. 

Pin 1 is very clearly mentioned on the silk screen.

​Surprisingly, Segger provides a 20-way flat-cable, instead of the expected 5-way. So I had to buy a 10-pin 2x5 Socket-Socket 1.27mm IDC (SWD) Cable - 150mm long from Adafruit. 
​
I tested the Segger J-Link mini successfully on the Arduino Due,  the Adafruit Feather M0, the Adafruit Feather nRF52, the LaunchPad MSP432, the Arduino Primo Core. 

Few boards feature a fool-proof SWD connector. ​Most of the time, the boards show a dot close to pin 1, but some give no indication at all.

As always, check the schematics before connecting the cable.

Connecting to Boards 

I've tested the Segger J-Link with the following boards:
​Really nice to have the same tools for all the boards!

Software

The same tools run fine, including the the basic J-Link Tools Suite, and the more elaborate applications Ozone, a graphical debugger.

Most of the utilities support Windows, macOS and Linux.

Go to the review of the Segger J-Link Software.

​Conclusion

At less than USD20, the Segger J-Link EDU mini was clearly a clone-killer and offered the best value, with software and support through the forum. At now USD60, the Segger J-Link EDU mini remains a solid offer. 

The licence is very clear: this programmer is strictly for educational and non-commercial usage.

I've explored debugging against the Adafruit Feather M0, Adafruit Feather nRF52, Arduino Due, Arduino Primo Core, Raspberry Pi Pico boards with the Segger J-Link and Segger J-Link mini.

Pros

  • One debugger for almost all Cortex-M MCUs
  • Software suite
  • Extensive documentation

Cons

  • 20-way flat-cable provided instead of expected 10-way
  • Some boards lacks fool-proof SWD connector
  • ​New price at USD60

Wrap-Up

  • Specific offer for educational and non-commercial usage
  • Reliable software and extensive documentation  
  • Good value
  • Why to buy a clone when you can get the real thing?

Links

​Posted: 09 Sep 2017
Edited: 09 Feb 2024