Is this a genuine ST-Link?

Fabrice44 · ‎2025-12-31

Originally a comment on the How to recognize a genuine ST-LINK/V2 versus a cloned one Knowledge Base article.

Moved to main forum for better visibility / discussion.

I bought this ST-LINK V2 on Amazon ( see pictures) . I don't think its' a genuine STM device. STM32CubeIDE and STM32CubeProgrammer recognize it but No STM32 target is found ( STM32L051K8U6)

I notice that my ST-Link V2 does not provide clock signal on pin 9 (SWCLK)

I'm using VT ref pin, SWDIO pin, SWDCLK pin, GND pin and RST pin.

Andrew Neil · ‎2025-12-31

@Fabrice44 wrote:

I bought this ST-LINK V2 on Amazon ( see pictures)

Amazon is not an ST Distributor - so that alone almost certainly means it's a fake.

You can find official ST Distributors here:

https://www.st.com/content/st_com/en/contact-us.html

A complex system that works is invariably found to have evolved from a simple system that worked.
A complex system designed from scratch never works and cannot be patched up to make it work.

View solution in original post

mƎALLEm · ‎2025-12-31

@Fabrice44

According the pictures you shared especially this one:

that's not a genuine ST-LINK but it's a copy of it.

The genuine one has this look and feel:

To give better visibility on the answered topics, please click on "Accept as Solution" on the reply which solved your issue or answered your question.

Andrew Neil · ‎2025-12-31

@Fabrice44 wrote:

I bought this ST-LINK V2 on Amazon ( see pictures)

Amazon is not an ST Distributor - so that alone almost certainly means it's a fake.

You can find official ST Distributors here:

https://www.st.com/content/st_com/en/contact-us.html

A complex system that works is invariably found to have evolved from a simple system that worked.
A complex system designed from scratch never works and cannot be patched up to make it work.