Overview

The WCH-LinkE-R0-1v3 Debugger is a versatile and powerful tool designed for online debugging and programming of both RISC-V and ARM-based microcontrollers. This debugger is particularly useful for developers working with Qinheng's RISC-V cores and ARM-based MCUs, including popular models like the STM32F103, GD32F103, and GD32F303.

Key Features of the WCH-LinkE-R0-1v3 Debugger

• Dual Support for RISC-V and ARM MCUs:
• Main Control Chip: The debugger is powered by the CH32V305FBP6 microcontroller, which supports online debugging and flashing of most Qinheng RISC-V core microcontrollers. It also supports ARM core microcontrollers without the need for complex switching tools.
• Manual Mode Switching: The WCH-LinkE debugger includes a dedicated mode switch button to toggle between ARM and RISC-V debugging modes. This eliminates the need for software switching tools like WCH-LinkUtility, simplifying the debugging process.
• Virtual Serial Port Functionality:
• In addition to its debugging capabilities, the WCH-LinkE supports a virtual serial port function, allowing developers to save USB ports by combining program debugging and serial communication over a single USB connection. This is especially useful for laptops with limited USB ports.
• Easy Mode Switching:
• A Mode Switch Button allows users to easily switch between ARM and RISC-V debugging modes. This manual mode switching feature enhances the versatility of the debugger, making it a highly flexible tool for multi-platform development.
• Support for Popular Microcontrollers:
• ARM MCUs such as the STM32F103, GD32F103, GD32F303, and HK32F030 have been successfully tested with this debugger, providing compatibility with a wide range of ARM-based systems.

Schematic and PCB Layout

Key Components of the WCH-LinkE-R0-1v3

1. ComponentQuantityDescriptionCH32V305FBP6 (U1)1Main control microcontroller for dual ARM and RISC-V support.100nF Capacitors (C1, C6)2Used to stabilize the power supply and reduce noise.1kΩ Resistors (R1, R3, R4, R5, R6)5Used to control current flow and for pull-up/pull-down configurations.20pF Capacitors (C2, C3)2Used for stabilizing the crystal oscillator circuit.12MHz Crystal Oscillator (Y1)1Provides a precise clock signal for the CH32V305FBP6.10kΩ Resistor (R2)1Pull-up resistor used in debugging circuitry.Test Point (TP1)1Debugging test point for hardware troubleshooting.150kΩ Resistors (R13, R14)2Used for voltage regulation and signal attenuation.Red LED (LED1)1Indicates power or operational status.Blue LED (LED2)1Used for indicating specific functions, such as mode changes.Green LEDs (LED3, LED4)2Provide status feedback, such as connection or data activity.5-Pin Connectors (J1, J2)2Provide connectivity to external devices, such as MCUs for debugging.100Ω Resistors (R7, R8, R9, R10)4Current-limiting resistors for LEDs and signal lines.270Ω Resistors (R11, R12)2Used for further current-limiting and signal control.CE6219P33M (U2)1Voltage regulator providing stable power supply to the debugger.10uF Capacitors (C4, C5)2Used to stabilize the voltage output from the voltage regulator.CH217K Voltage Converter (U3, U4)2Dual voltage conversion components used for various signal level adaptations.USB-A Connector (USB1)1The USB interface for power, programming, and debugging.Mode Switch Button (S1, S2)2Allows users to toggle between ARM and RISC-V debugging modes.

Component Breakdown

• Main Control - CH32V305FBP6:
• The CH32V305FBP6 is the primary microcontroller that handles communication between the debugger and the target MCU, supporting both ARM and RISC-V cores. This makes it a central element in the debugger's versatility and adaptability.
• Voltage Regulation - CE6219P33M:
• The CE6219P33M is a low-dropout (LDO) voltage regulator that ensures stable power supply to the debugger components, especially the CH32V305FBP6.
• CH217K Voltage Converters:
• The CH217K converters are used to adapt signal levels between the debugger and target microcontrollers, ensuring proper communication and voltage matching.
• LED Status Indicators:
• The board includes multiple LED indicators to provide real-time feedback on operational status, power, and mode switching. The red LED typically indicates power, while the blue and green LEDs provide additional information about the debugging modes and activity.
• 12MHz Crystal Oscillator:
• The 12MHz crystal oscillator (Y1) provides a stable clock signal to the CH32V305FBP6, ensuring precise timing for communication and debugging tasks.
• USB-A Male Connector:
• The debugger uses a USB-A male connector for easy connection to a PC, facilitating debugging, programming, and serial communication. The sinking-type USB-A ensures proper fit and stability when installed inside a housing.

Applications

1. Multi-Platform Development:
2. The WCH-LinkE-R0-1v3 supports debugging of both RISC-V and ARM core microcontrollers, making it an ideal tool for developers who work with multiple architectures in their projects.
3. IoT Devices:
4. Given its support for popular microcontrollers like STM32F103 and GD32F103, the WCH-LinkE debugger is highly suitable for IoT development, where both low power consumption and reliable debugging are crucial.
5. Educational Purposes:
6. The debugger’s versatility makes it a great tool for students and hobbyists looking to learn about embedded systems, especially in the growing field of RISC-V development.

Conclusion

The WCH-LinkE-R0-1v3 debugger is a powerful and versatile tool designed to simplify the debugging and programming process for both RISC-V and ARM-based microcontrollers. With features like virtual serial port functionality, manual mode switching, and support for a wide range of Qinheng’s MCUs, this debugger is an essential tool for developers in the embedded systems space. The use of high-quality components like the CH32V305FBP6 microcontroller and CH217K voltage converters ensures reliable performance across various debugging scenarios, making it a highly valuable addition to any developer's toolkit.