nRF52 DK (PCA10040 v3.0.0 2023.22) Not Recognized by PC – J-Link Interface Not Working

Description:

My nRF52 DK has stopped being recognized by my PC. Below are the details of the issue:

  • Kit Info: PCA10040 v3.0.0 (2023.22), nRF52832 target MCU

  • Operating System: Windows 11

  • J-Link Drivers Tried: v8.34 (latest) and v7.94i (latest tested with nRF Connect)

Issue Details:

  • The DK does not show up in Windows Device Manager. I have tried:

    • Multiple USB cables (known to be functional)

    • Multiple USB ports

    • Multiple computers

  • I attempted to enter bootloader mode by holding the IF BOOT/RESET button while power cycling the kit. However, the board does not appear as a mass storage device ("BOOTLOADER"), unlike my older DK (v1.2.4 - 2018.23), where I was previously able to recover the J-Link interface by drag-and-dropping the firmware.

  • The kit's VDD is 3.2V when powered via USB, which seems within acceptable range.

  • The target MCU (nRF52832) still executes the last flashed application (blinks LEDs 1 and 2 as expected), so the target MCU appears functional.

  • LED5 is not lighting up, which suggests an issue with the on-board J-Link interface MCU.

I primarily use the on-board J-Link interface to program/debug external boards, and I need it operational again.

Please advise how I can recover or reflash the on-board J-Link MCU (if possible). Is there a procedure to manually restore it (e.g., using external debugger or via SWD)? Or should I consider the board defective?

I've tried all the procedures listed on this related issue (My nRF52/nRF51 DK kit doesn't work. ) but nothing works.

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