SEGGER Microcontroller GmbH
SEGGER J-Link BASE Compact Debug Probe
SEGGER J-Link BASE Compact Debug Probe
SKU: 8.19.00
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Key Features
Overview
Overview
The J-Link BASE Compact is SEGGER's J-Link BASE in a 46mm x 46mm x 17mm housing with two mounting holes and a USB-C host port, for test fixtures and equipment where the desktop Classic will not fit. Same electrical specification and software as the Classic; JTAG, SWD, SWO, cJTAG, ICSP, FINE and C2 at 1.2V to 5V, download up to 1 MB/s, RTT and VCOM included, free software and firmware updates. Also available as the J-Link BASE Classic desktop version.
How It Connects
This J-Link uses SEGGER's standard 20-pin 0.1" (2.54 mm) JTAG/SWD connector, used on most J-Link models. For SWD you need VTref (pin 1), SWDIO (pin 7), SWCLK (pin 9), nRESET (pin 15) and GND (pin 4), plus SWO (pin 13) if you want trace output. Full JTAG, SWD, cJTAG and SPI pin tables, and the adapters for 10-pin 0.05" Cortex Debug headers: SEGGER J-Link 20-pin connector pinout.
Downloads
User Manuals
Drawings
Why Engineers Choose the SEGGER J-Link BASE Compact Debug Probe
Secure Mounting
Versatile Target Support
Scalable Functionality
The SEGGER J-Link BASE Compact (part number 8.19.00) is a USB-powered JTAG/SWD debug probe in a 46mm x 46mm x 17mm housing, with a 1.2V to 5V target interface, up to 15 MHz target interface speed and download speeds up to 1 MB/s. It has the same J-Link BASE feature set as the desktop Classic model, with a USB-C host port and two mounting holes so it can stay inside a test fixture or end equipment. It suits firmware bring-up on Arm Cortex, RISC-V, Renesas RX and Microchip PIC32 targets, and fixed debug or programming stations where a full-size probe will not fit.
Compact JTAG/SWD Debug Probe Built for Fixtures
At 20g and 46mm square, with two mounting holes, the Compact is built to be fixed inside equipment housings, test jigs and development systems. The host link is USB 2.0 Hi-Speed over USB-C, and the probe is USB powered. On the target side it uses the standard J-Link 20-pin 0.1" connector found on most J-Link models. Pin assignments and adapter options are in our SEGGER J-Link 20-pin connector pinout guide.
Target Interfaces and Supported Cores
Current J-Link BASE hardware supports JTAG, cJTAG, SWD, SWD multi-drop, SWO, SPI, Microchip ICSP, Renesas FINE and Silicon Labs C2. SEGGER's supported cores list covers Arm Cortex-M0 to Cortex-M85, Cortex-A and Cortex-R, legacy ARM7 to ARM1176, RISC-V cores from SiFive, Andes, Codasip and Nuclei, Renesas RX, Microchip PIC32 and Silicon Labs EFM8. The probe can also supply the target with 5V at up to 300mA from the USB rail.
RTT, VCOM and Trace Buffer Support
SEGGER Real Time Transfer (RTT) moves data between the running target and the host through the debug connection, so you can log or interact with an application without a spare UART. Where a UART is available, the VCOM function bridges it to a virtual COM port on the PC using pins 5 (J-Link Tx) and 17 (J-Link Rx) of the 20-pin connector; VCOM works only when debugging over SWD. Embedded Trace Buffer (ETB) and Micro Trace Buffer (MTB) are supported where the target implements them.
Software and IDE Compatibility
The J-Link software and firmware updates are free. Setup and control software runs on Windows (x86-64 and Arm64), Linux (x86-64 and Arm64) and macOS (x86-64 and Apple Silicon). SEGGER lists full support in SEGGER Embedded Studio, Eclipse, IAR EWARM, Keil MDK-ARM, STM32CubeIDE, MCUXpresso and Visual Studio Code, among others. Several J-Links can run from one PC, each identified by its serial number.
What Is in the Box
J-Link BASE Compact probe, 20-pin 0.1" ribbon cable and a USB-C cable. No adapter for 10-pin 0.05" Cortex Debug headers is included.
Specifications
| Host interface | USB 2.0 Hi-Speed, USB-C |
|---|---|
| Target interface | JTAG/SWD 20-pin, 0.1" (2.54mm) |
| Supported debug interfaces | JTAG, cJTAG, SWD, SWD multi-drop, SWO, SPI, Microchip ICSP, Renesas FINE, Silicon Labs C2 |
| Target interface voltage (VIF) | 1.2V to 5V |
| Target supply | 5V (derived from USB), max. 300mA |
| Target interface speed | Max. 15 MHz |
| SWO sampling frequency | Max. 30 MHz |
| Download speed | Up to 1 MB/s |
| Power supply | USB powered, max. 50mA plus target supply current |
| Dimensions (without cables) | 46mm x 46mm x 17mm |
| Weight (without cables) | 20g |
| Operating temperature | +5°C to +60°C |
| Storage temperature | -20°C to +65°C |
| Relative humidity | Max. 90% rH, non-condensing |
| EMC | EN 55022, EN 55024 |
| Host OS | Windows and Linux (x86-64, Arm64); macOS (x86-64, Apple Silicon) |
Limitations
- J-Flash and J-Flash SPI, Unlimited Flash Breakpoints, the Ozone debugger and the RDI licence pack are not included, and SEGGER lists monitor-mode debugging under the PLUS upgrade. They come with the J-Link PLUS, or with the BASE to PLUS upgrade licence for an existing BASE.
- Download speed is up to 1 MB/s; SEGGER quotes up to 4 MB/s for higher-tier J-Link models.
- No ETM trace (use SEGGER J-Trace) and no QSPI target interface.
- VCOM is available only when debugging over SWD.
J-Link BASE Compact Compared with Related Models
| Model | Form factor | Host connector | J-Flash, Ozone, Unlimited Flash Breakpoints | Price ex VAT |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| J-Link BASE Compact (this product) | 46 x 46 x 17mm, 20g, two mounting holes | USB-C | Not included | £470 |
| J-Link BASE Classic | 100 x 53 x 27mm, 70g | USB Type B | Not included | £470 |
| J-Link PLUS Compact | 46 x 46 x 17mm, two mounting holes | USB | Included | £660 |
| J-Link Upgrade BASE to PLUS | Licence for an existing BASE | n/a | Adds them | £320 |
Typical Applications
Flash download and source-level debug of STM32, NXP LPC and Kinetis Cortex-M parts from STM32CubeIDE or MCUXpresso. A probe fixed inside a test jig, wired to a 20-pin header, for repeat debug access to Cortex-M33 or RISC-V boards in validation. RTT logging from a target with no free UART during firmware bring-up.
Choose the Compact for a fixture or enclosure; for the bench, the Classic carries the same feature set in a larger housing.
Order the J-Link BASE Compact for £470 ex VAT. Check your part number against SEGGER's supported devices list, or ask us for a formal quotation. See the full range in our SEGGER debug probes collection.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Difference Between the BASE Compact and the BASE Classic?
The housing and the host connector. The Compact measures 46mm x 46mm x 17mm, weighs 20g, has two mounting holes and a USB-C port; the Classic measures 100mm x 53mm x 27mm, weighs 70g and uses USB Type B. SEGGER lists no difference in electrical or performance specification.
Answered by John Legg, Director, Debug Store
Can the J-Link BASE Compact Power My Target Board?
Yes, within limits. It supplies 5V derived from USB at up to 300mA on the 20-pin connector. Boards that need more current, or a different supply voltage, need their own supply.
Answered by John Legg, Director, Debug Store
Does It Connect to a 10-Pin 0.05" Cortex Debug Header?
Not directly. The probe has the 20-pin 0.1" J-Link connector, so a 10-pin Cortex Debug header needs a SEGGER adapter. Our 20-pin pinout guide lists the signal assignments and the adapters.
Answered by John Legg, Director, Debug Store
Last reviewed 30/10/2026.
| Ordering information | |
|---|---|
| Part number (SKU) | 8.19.00 |
| Manufacturer | SEGGER Microcontroller GmbH |
| EAN | 5055383615261 |
| Shipping weight | 0.5 kg |
- Warranty: 12 months
Questions and Answers
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Which Microcontroller Families Are Supported by the J-Link BASE Compact?
Supported families include:
- ARM Cortex-M0/M0+/M1/M3/M4/M7/M23/M33/M55/M85
- Cortex-A5/A7/A8/A9/A53/A72
- Cortex-R4/R5/R8/R52
- RISC-V RV32/RV64
- Renesas RX series
- Microchip PIC32
- SiLabs 8051 cores
These cover thousands of specific device variants.
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How Does J-Link BASE Compact Compare to J-Link PLUS Models?
J-Link BASE Compact has the same download speed as the PLUS (up to 1 MB/s) and the same target interface speed (up to 15 MHz). The difference is software: the BASE lacks the unlimited flash breakpoints, J-Flash programming software and Ozone debugger licences included with the PLUS. It does include all essential debugging features, RTT technology and VCOM.
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Can Multiple J-Link BASE Compact Units Be Used Simultaneously?
Yes. Multiple units can run at the same time on one system for parallel device programming, multi-core debugging or test farm applications. Each unit operates independently and has a unique serial number for identification and control.
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What Software and Development Environments Are Compatible?
Compatible IDEs include:
- SEGGER Embedded Studio
- Eclipse-based environments
- IAR Embedded Workbench
- Keil µVision
- Visual Studio Code
- Atmel Studio
- Any GDB-based debugging solution
The J-Link software package supports Windows, Linux and macOS.
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Does the J-Link BASE Compact Include Technical Support and Documentation?
Yes. Purchase includes user documentation, one year of basic technical support and access to SEGGER's knowledge base. Free software updates keep it compatible with new devices and add improved debugging capabilities throughout the product lifecycle.
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Can I Use It Without a Separate Power Supply?
Yes, it’s USB‑powered and requires no external power source for operation.
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Can I Set Unlimited Breakpoints in Flash Memory?
No, not by default. Unlimited flash breakpoints require the BASE to PLUS upgrade.
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What Are My Upgrade Options?
You can buy the BASE to PLUS upgrade to enable J-Flash, unlimited breakpoints, the Ozone debugger, RDI/RDDI and more.
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Why Choose BASE Compact Over Other J-Link Models?
It offers core debugging functionality and compact mounting for verification fixtures, with upgrade paths to more advanced tools.
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Does It Support Real‑Time Data Streaming?
Yes, RTT (Real Time Transfer) enables live data streaming from target to host during debugging.
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What Makes the J-Link BASE Compact Different?
The J-Link BASE Compact has a dedicated 32-bit RISC processor that enables intelligent communication protocols, adaptive clocking and reliable operation at various target speeds. It provides fast download (up to 1 MB/s into RAM; flash programming speed depends on the device) and SEGGER's RTT technology for real-time debugging without performance impact.
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Can the J-Link BASE Compact Be Used for Commercial Product Development?
Yes. The J-Link BASE Compact includes a full commercial licence permitting use in commercial product development, manufacturing test fixtures and production environments. EDU variants are restricted to educational and non-commercial use only.
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How Does Real-Time Transfer (RTT) Technology Benefit Embedded Debugging?
RTT gives bidirectional high-speed communication between host and target without needing UART pins or affecting real-time behaviour. You can use it for printf-style debug output and input data injection while keeping system timing intact, which matters for time-sensitive applications.
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What Voltage Levels and Interfaces Does the J-Link BASE Compact Support?
It supports target voltages from 1.2V to 5V, adapts automatically to the target voltage level and provides 300mA target supply. Supported interfaces:
- JTAG
- SWD (Serial Wire Debug)
- SWO (Serial Wire Output)
- cJTAG
- Microchip ICSP
- Renesas FINE
- SiLabs C2
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Is the Compact Form Factor Suitable for Production Test Environments?
Yes. The 46x46x17mm footprint with two mounting holes lets you build it into automated test fixtures, production lines and service equipment. It is rated for +5 °C to +60 °C operation and has the same functionality as desktop J-Link variants.
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What Is the SEGGER J‑Link BASE Compact Used For?
It's a USB-powered JTAG/SWD debug probe for programming and debugging microcontrollers across many CPU architectures in professional firmware development.
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Which CPU Cores Does the BASE Compact Support?
It supports ARM (legacy and Cortex-M/R/A), RISC-V, Renesas RX, Microchip PIC32 and more.
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How Fast Is Firmware Download with BASE Compact?
Up to 1 MB per second into RAM. Flash programming speed depends on the target device.
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What IDEs Are Compatible with J‑Link BASE Compact?
It works with GDB-based IDEs, SEGGER Embedded Studio, Visual Studio Code and other major development environments.
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