nRF52832 [NRF52832-CIAA-Rx] Discontinued / EOL Query

[Valentine]

Hello.

We are developing an ultra-small application using NRF52832-CIAA-Rx (the BGA footprint). Attached is the sample dev board we made.

However, in the process of manufacturing we were informed the NRF52832-CIAA-Rx --- we used NRF52832-CIAA-R7 --- are discontinued.

Is this true, or the supplier --- we used LCSC --- and manufactured with JLCPCB --- are mistaken and/or they are internally discontinuing while Nordic has not EOL-ed that footprint?

This footprint is awesome as you could see it allows us to build ultra-small full-featured designs (with DC/DC, external ultra-precise and small TCXO, etc.)

Please let us know if this footprint is EOL-ed. we got scared and did a second design using the bigger QFAA footprint, however, this bigger one looks like a tank compared to the tiny CIAA.

You could clearly see the massive size difference.

Looking forward to your feedback.

Cheers,

Valentine

[SwRa]

Hi Valentine,

The RF52832-CIAA-Rx are not discontinued and are still in production. See here: https://infocenter.nordicsemi.com/topic/com.nordic.infocenter.nrf52832.ps.v1.1/ordering_info.html?cp=5_2_0_51_4#prod_opt 

The RF52832-CIAA-Rx is the older ones, which doesn't have Approtect fix in them, so we recommend using RF52832-CIAA-G-Rx for new designs for this reason. But the older ones are still available and can be used. Who is your supplier.?

Regards,

Swathy

[Valentine]

SwRa said:

But the older ones are still available and can be used. Who is your supplier

Swathy

Thank you for the reply.

My supplier is LCSC (https://www.lcsc.com/) and I'm manufacturing using JLCPCB (internally they use LCSC as an SMD supplier).

You are saying, CIAA-G-Rx is the preferred one, however, CIAA-Rx is fine, correct? The link you sent me says "Not recommended for new design" do I read this as near future EOL for that particular silicon, but the CIAA footprint and nRF52832 silicon per se will be maintained as new revisions?

Are the two basically identical? What is the impact of the Approtect fix? Anything I need to read up on? Is it critical?

Cheers!

Valentine

[Valentine]

Mix layer Gerber view

Top Layer

Top Layer w/o soldermask and footprints

Second layer GND

Third signal layer sandwiched between first and 3-rd GND and itself filled with GND poured copper.

Fourth layer GND

Fifth layer GND, with a power trace sandwiched between the two GND 4 and bottom..

Bottom layer GND

PCB design view

Schematics

Close-up micro:

Cheers,
Valentine

[SwRa]

Hi Valetine,

The APProtect (Access Port Protection) is a security feature designed to enable readback protection. You could take a look at it here: Working with the nRF52 Series' improved APPROTECT  The fix is in accordance to the loophole to bypass this feature as has been discussed here:  Will there be new silicon version of nrf52 to fix this APPROTECT loophole which has has been addressed and incorporated into the nRF52832-CIAA-G-Rx, whereas, the CIAA-Rx is pre-approtect fix.

Valentine said:

CIAA-G-Rx is the preferred one, however, CIAA-Rx is fine, correct?

Yes, that is indeed right. The CIAA footprint will still be available. As for information's regarding EOL, you will need to get in touch with your Regional Sales Manager for this. 

Valentine said:

Are the two basically identical?

Yes, It is, only that the one has approtect fix, one does not. 

Best Regards,

Swathy

[SwRa]

Hi Valentine,

Just a heads up.. I checked internally to see why such a claim was made and it turns out that LCSC is not an authorized Nordic Distributer, and hence cannot comment on their message.. But the nRF52832-CIAA-Rx has not been obsoleted and there are no plans at the moment. You could see here to know who are the authorized Nordic distributors: https://www.nordicsemi.com/About-us/FindDistributor 

Best Regards,

Swathy