Flashing a hex file (peripheral_lbs example built with vscode using NRF connect SDK) works when flashed with NRF Connect Desktop Programmer, but does not work when flashed with vscode directly.

[dhpn]

Setup:

• Connect SDK Version 2.4.1
• Extension version: v2023.7.129
• Hardware: NRF52840 dongle (PCA10059)
• Tested on both Windows and Linux.

Steps to replicate the issue:

• Run nrfjprog --recover and nrfjprog --eraseall.
• Flash the built hex file using Flash button on the extension in VScode and JLink SWD debugger.
• The board will not boot into the application.

Workaround:

• Flash the original bootloader.
• Open NRF connect Programmer and flash the hex file that was built by vscode.
• The board will reset automatically and application will load.

From reading the forums, I know that I am missing something with bootloaders not being correctly merged with zephyr.hex that I build. I cannot figure out how exactly I can change peripheral_lbs so that I can flash with jlink debugger and make it boot. I also tried building the mcuboot example, but that did not boot either.

What I want to do is to not use USB at all for debugging and programming. I only would like to use the JLink debugger to flash the application and the bootloader.

[Sam D]

Hi Dheepan, VS Code only supports J-Link based devices like our DKs. This is detailed in a similar support ticket here:  nrf52840 dongle not found in "connected devices" in vscode  

[dhpn]

Hi Sam, Thank you for your reply. 

Unfortunately that link does not answer my question. I am not trying to flash using the dongle. I am trying to flash a program onto the dongle. I do have a Jlink debugger, and a 10-pin tag connect plug of nails with me.

My issue is that flashing with the debugger works with hex files in the examples with nrf5 sdk. (for example:  ble_app_blinky_pca10059_s140.hex file from nRF5_SDK_17.1.0_ddde560\examples\ble_peripheral\ble_app_blinky\hex.

But when I build an example with NRF Connect SDK, the hex file flashes successfully, but never boots up. 

[Sam D]

Hi Dheepan,

Apologies, I misunderstood your issue. 

I'll let the DevZone engineers help resolve this for you!

Sam

[dejans]

Hi,

nrf52840 dongle is not listed as supported for peripheral_lbs sample.

Best regards,
Dejan

[dhpn]

Hi Dejans, I can run the peripheral_lbs sample on the dongle without any modifications if I flash using NRF Connect Programmer. I just gave an example. Even the hello world program has the same issue. I think my question wasn't clear. I was able to flash a program with NRF Connect Programer, but not with the jlink debugger and vscode. 

Anyway, I solved it by making the following changes:

1.  Added CONFIG_BOARD_HAS_NRF5_BOOTLOADER=n to prj.conf file

2.  Changed #include "fstab-stock.dts" to  #include "fstab-debugger.dts" on boards\arm\nrf52840dongle_nrf52840\nrf52840dongle_nrf52840.dts file