Seeking guidance on NINA-B302 (nRF52840 SoC) development setup and programming

[Mridul Bajaj]

Hello community,

I am working on a project that requires the integration of the u-blox NINA-B302 module, which is based on the nRF52840 SoC.

I have previous experience with the standard nRF52840 Development Kit (DK), but I'm unsure about the initial setup and application procedure specifically for the NINA-B302 module, as the documentation I have is not providing strong leads.

Could anyone who has worked with the NINA-B302 module please provide guidance on the following:

1. How do I best start firmware development for the NINA-B302? (Are there specific board files or configurations required beyond the standard nRF52840 examples?)

2. What is the recommended method for programming the NINA-B302 via the SWD interface?

3. Will Segger Embedded Studio (SES), which I currently use for the nRF52840 DK, work directly with the NINA-B302, or are there specific toolchain or linker script adjustments necessary for the u-blox module?

Any advice or links to relevant resources would be greatly appreciated!

[Kenneth]

Hello,

For new development you should be using the nRF Connect SDK (the nRF5 SDK is no longer actively maintained or developed on). 

To get familiar with nRF Connect SDK check out:
https://academy.nordicsemi.com/ 
Start with: https://academy.nordicsemi.com/courses/nrf-connect-sdk-fundamentals/ 

The nRF Connect SDK have board files for u-blox modules:
https://docs.nordicsemi.com/bundle/ncs-latest/page/zephyr/boards/u-blox/index.html 

Modules can be programmed using the external Debug out header on an nRF52840-DK or for instance an external SEGGER j-link.

Kenneth

[Mridul Bajaj]

Thank you for your reply. 

I have one further question regarding the nRF52840 Development Kit (DK) setup (images attached). I want to debug the nRF52840 SoC directly using my external J-Link debugger, bypassing the onboard nRF5340 Interface MCU.

Could you please guide me on the specific steps required to achieve this?

[Kenneth]

If you want to use the DK then check out: 
Debug out: https://docs.nordicsemi.com/bundle/ug_nrf52840_dk/page/UG/dk/hw_debug_out.html 
Debug in: https://docs.nordicsemi.com/bundle/ug_nrf52840_dk/page/UG/dk/hw_debug_in_trace.html 

If you want to use a stand-alone SEGGER j-link, then just connect it to Debug in and it simply works.

Kenneth

[Mridul Bajaj]

I am attempting to debug the nRF52840 SoC directly with an external J-Link on the DK, bypassing the onboard nRF5340 Interface MCU, but the debug session is failing to connect. The board is powered via the nRF USB connector.

I need guidance on the specific hardware or software modifications required ?

Thank you

Mridul Bajaj