How To Program ROM Chip for iPads with CD3217

How To Program ROM Chip for iPads with CD3217
Device
Affects part(s)	Logic Board
Needs equipment	Soldering Iron, Hot Air Station, Microscope
Difficulty	◉◉◉◉ Specialist
Type	Soldering

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Problem description

Some iPads using the CD3217 USB-C controller IC can develop a no charge, no boot, or low voltage negotiation issue. This typically happens after liquid damage or a power surge. Replacing the CD3217 alone doesn’t fix the issue, because the connected ROM IC is often corrupted or damaged.

⚠️ Important: The CD3217 and ROM chip are not paired, but the ROM stores crucial firmware/data required for CD3217 functionality. If the CD3217 fails, it often damages the ROM, and a new CD3217 will not function unless the ROM is replaced or programmed.

Symptom 1 (Fig. 1) -- iPad Not charging and stuck at 5.00V and 0.744A

Symptoms

• Symptom 1 (Figure 1)
  • USB-C power meter shows only 5V — no voltage negotiation (should be 15)
• Symptom 2
  • New CD3217 IC installed but still no charge

Solution

• Replace both CD3217 and ROM IC (See Fig 2)
• Program a new ROM using JC V1S Pro
• Install both chips
• Charging will be restored

Diagnostic Steps

1. 

   Fig. 2 -- The CD3217 IC and the Ace ROM IC

   Visual Inspection
   • Look for signs of corrosion/Look for shorts around the CD3217 and ROM area
   • Check for burnt ROM chips or CD3217
2. Voltage Testing
   • Use USB-C power meter or bench power supply
   • Plug in USB-C and check if iPad negotiates proper voltage
   • 5V = error (bad CD3217/ROM or negotiation issue)
     

Step 1: Remove Damaged CD3217 & ROM

• Desolder both the faulty CD3217 and the adjacent ROM IC
• Clean area properly, ensure all pads are intact and usable

Step 2: Prepare New CD3217 + New ROM IC

• Use a fresh CD3217 IC from a trusted supplier
• Get a blank ACE SPI Flash chip — compatible size for your board

Step 3: Program the ROM Chip

Fig. 3 -- Match the dot on the ROM chip to the triangle on the JCV1S Pro ROM Read/Write Module.

Option A: JC V1S Pro Server

• Use JC V1S Pro with their ROM Read/Write Module
• Install and align the ROM chip to the triangle on the programmer. (See Fig. 3)
  • Step 1] Press check on the programmer and it will detect the SPI chip.
  • Step 2] Select 'Open' then 'ServerFile' (Note: Your V1S Pro needs to be connected to WiFi for this to work)
  • Step 3] Choose corresponding file required for the model of your iPad.
  • Step 4] Click Write and Confirm write

Option B: Donor Board ROM Dump

• Pull a working ROM chip from a donor board of the same model
• Use JC V1S Pro to read and save the dump locally
• Click write and select the file and flash the dump onto your blank ROM IC
• Store dumps in a labeled folder (example: iPad Pro 11 2nd Gen CD3217 ROM.bin)

Fig.4 -- iPad Successfully charging after CD3217 and Ace ROM replacement

Step 4: Reball & Install CD3217

• Reball and solder new CD3217 in place
• Ensure all surrounding passives are intact

Step 5: Install Programmed ROM

• Solder the newly programmed ROM chip in original location
• Clean with IPA and inspect joints under microscope
• Verify Charging by plugging in a charger that supports 15V charging (See Fig. 4)