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🛠️ AMD VEK280 Power Failure

Author: Julien Posso (ONERA)

Date: 2026-03

Tags: Troubleshooting AMD-Versal VEK280 Hardware Boot Power-Sequencing

🎯 The Goal

Successfully boot the board using the physical power switch (SW13) (OFF -> ON) after a previous session.

⚙️ Environment

  • Hardware: AMD Versal VEK280
  • OS: N/A
  • Toolchain: N/A

💥 The Problem

The board stays dead when toggling SW13 to ON. This occurs specifically after a successful first boot, mimicking a total power failure.

The Root Cause

Residual charge in capacitors and parasitic power from the USB/JTAG cable keep the PMIC in a locked state, preventing the power-on sequence from re-triggering.

💡 The Workaround / Solution

The Fix: 30s Cold Boot

  1. Toggle SW13 to OFF.
  2. Disconnect USB and Unplug Power Cable.
  3. Wait 30 seconds (essential for capacitor discharge).
  4. Reconnect cables and toggle SW13 to ON.

🔗 References