Custom nrf54L15 based board running on Zephyr OS advices

[Fernando Fontes]

Hi everyone,

I’m starting a new project using the nRF54L15 MCU. I’ve worked with the nRF52840 and nRF52832 before, but this is my first time with the nRF54 series.

Due to time constraints, I decided to skip the dev kit and go straight to designing a custom board that includes everything I need. The main capabilities of my board are:

• Multi-Interface Communication: RS485 for industrial networks, 4G cellular connectivity, and a display interface

• Precision Control: Multiple PWM outputs for motors, plus dedicated GPIOs for valves and actuators

• Sensor Integration: 5-channel ADC for pressure and level sensors, along with digital inputs for temperature and overcurrent monitoring

• User Interface: 4-button navigation system for the GUI

I’m still waiting for the first five prototypes, but I already have a Zephyr OS project compiling with the correct device tree setup for my custom board.

What I’m currently struggling with is the dual-core architecture:

• I’ve created the devicetree for the main Cortex-M33 (cpuapp), but I’m unsure how to approach the cpuflpr (Fast Lightweight Peripheral Processor).

• I also find the non-secure configuration a bit confusing.

• And I’m not clear on the purpose of XIP (execute in place).

My goals for this project are:

• A GUI to control external pins

• Running a simple algorithm that generates datapoints to be sent over 4G

So here are my questions:

1. Should I just ignore the RISC-V coprocessor, or can it run tasks in parallel with the main core (like another Zephyr thread)?

2. Can Zephyr decide which core runs a given task, or do I need to manage that explicitly?

3. Regarding security, I’ll need code encryption and secure storage for 4G communication certificates. Is this something the security unit can handle?

Thanks a lot for the support!

Best regards,
Fernando Fontes

PS: I’ve already taken the training class on this MCU.

[Elfving]

If storage is a potential issue I would recommend also having a look at the nRF54LM20.

Fernando Fontes said:

Ideally I would have both the ability to update using the SIM card or using the BLE FOTA for clients that are not adding SIM cards.

But that is still for the separate device that is doing connectivity in order to update the FW? I'm just wondering if you always just want DFU over UART on the nRF.

Regards and have a good week-end,

Elfving

[Fernando Fontes]

No, 

It will be only one device. The nRF54L15 must setup the cellular_modem drivers, connect to AWS, receive the new update file, store it somewhere, mark as new update also somewhere, and then restart so that the bootloader can boot from the new image. But everything must be performed by the nRF54L15.

Isn't DFU more for programming over UART but with external devices?

Best regards,

Fernando Fontes

[Elfving]

Fernando Fontes said:

Isn't DFU more for programming over UART but with external devices?

It is. I figured that might suit your needs more, if you had another device doing everything regarding the cellular connection. Though if this just one device that changes things. How are you thinking of doing the cellular connection? The nRF54L15 doesn't have a modem.

Regards,

Elfving

[Fernando Fontes]

The EG915 is connected via UART to the nRF54L15. Then I'm using the cellular_modem device drivers from Zephyr to maintain a PPP connection (from which I can connect to AWS IoT, MQTT, e.t.c..).

So, I will need to store the file received somewhere, can be on the flash of the nRF54L15 or I can use the EG915 AT commands for storing it as a file there. Then, the bootloader, will need to change the running image.

[Elfving]

Ah I see. 

I believe there are multiple options, like you say. Going through the tutorial and docs and figuring out what would be best for you sounds like an idea. That said, storing it on the device itself does sound easiest to me.

Regards,
Elfving