nRF9161 SoC, access to modem nad microcontroller firmware

[mslonik]

Dear Forum,

Knowing that nRF9161 SoC contains two microcontrollers: modem microcontroller (MCU) and application microcontroller (MCU): 

1. Is it possible to check what firmware is uploaded to modem of particular nRF9161 SoC? For example, knowing I have the nRF9161 DK (Development Kit), can I check what firmware is uploaded to the modem e.g. its version? What tools should I use for that purpose?

2. Is there a tool which enables memory capacity overview of both processors in nRF9161 SoC? In other words, is it possible to check how much space is occupied / free within modem processor and within application processor?

3. If I wish to upload a binary file only to modem microcontroller, how should I proceed? In other words, how to program just modem microcontroller without touching the application microcontroller? Is it possible to program modem microcontroller from Visual Studio Code? 

4. Assuming I'd like to edit / compile / upload a new modem MCU firmware, what kind of tools are recommended for that purpose? My feeling is that nRF SDK Connect is dedicated for editing / compilation / upload of application microcontroller firmware and not a modem microcontroller. Am I correct?

Kind regards, mslonik

[Øyvind]

Hello mslonik, 

If you have not done so already, I would recommend going through our Developer Academy courses for nRF Connect SDK and our Cellular Iot Fundementals

1. Is it possible to check what firmware is uploaded to modem of particular nRF9161 SoC? For example, knowing I have the nRF9161 DK (Development Kit), can I check what firmware is uploaded to the modem e.g. its version? What tools should I use for that purpose?

To verify what modem FW is programmed to the modem of the nRF9161 you can issue AT+CGMR.  

2. Is there a tool which enables memory capacity overview of both processors in nRF9161 SoC? In other words, is it possible to check how much space is occupied / free within modem processor and within application processor?

You can use the nRF Connect for Desktop and the Programmer app to read the current memory layout. In this case I've read the memory of the nRF9151

Also, when building the application using our nRF Connect for VS code extension it will provide a memory usage overview. 

3. If I wish to upload a binary file only to modem microcontroller, how should I proceed? In other words, how to program just modem microcontroller without touching the application microcontroller? Is it possible to program modem microcontroller from Visual Studio Code? 

You can program the modem using the same application as above, the Programmer app. Here you can pull in the modem FW zip file and program directly. The modem fw is delivered as a precompiled file and cannot be editied. 

4. Assuming I'd like to edit / compile / upload a new modem MCU firmware, what kind of tools are recommended for that purpose? My feeling is that nRF SDK Connect is dedicated for editing / compilation / upload of application microcontroller firmware and not a modem microcontroller. Am I correct?

The nRF Connect SDK allows you to do all the above you mention through e.g. nRF Connect for VS Code. Again, the Developer Academy is a good starting point!

Kind regards,
Øyvind

[mslonik]

Dear Øyvind,
Thank you for your prompt reply .

Ad. 1. Let me add some comment to newbies: the sample application "at_client" available with SDK works with nRF9161 DK and DECT NR+ mdoem firmware. Thanks to that the AT+CGMR could be issued.

Kind regards, mslonik

[Øyvind]

Thanks for adding that information. I'll add the links to the AT commands overview to complement:

• nRF91x1 Cellular AT Commands
• nRF91x1 Production Test AT Commands
• nRF91x1 DECT NR+ AT Commands