nRF Connect Direct Test Mode App v2.4.1 support for nRF21540 FEM gain settings?

[Derek S.]

Greetings all,

Does the Direct Test Mode (DTM) app v2.4.1 provided in the NRF Connect for Desktop v5.0.2 package support gain settings for the nRF21540 FEM such as +10, or +20dBm?  

This config is a custom board using nRF52832 + nRF21540 FEM running unmodified DTM example firmware (with FEM enabled in Device Tree and _defconfig)

The DTM application is working fine with connection to the target board, however the gain settings seem to leave everything at 0dBm in the real world.  The GUI only shows +8 as the maximum value (even though nRF52832 is limited to +4)?

How does Nordic recommend to test 21540 gain settings with DTM?  Is it intended to be out of the box or some specific setting required, and if so where...firmware or DTM app side?

Thank you.

[Simonr]

Hi

The DTM app in nRF Connect for Desktop only supports the nRF52840 and nRF52832 DKs I'm afraid, and does not detect an nRF21540, nor does it support higher TX outputs than 8dBm. The Direct Test mode sample application in the nRF Connect SDK however is a bit more rounded and supports FEMs as well if you use the testing with another development kit or Direct Test mode terminal connection procedures for testing. They support a larger variety of devices and TX output powers.

Best regards,

Simon