migration from nRF24LE, to nRF54L15

[alikob]

Hello,

I previously completed a project using the nRF24LE1 chip and the nRF24LE1_24_SDK library. It was a simple 2.4 GHz two-way communication system using the basic predefined SDK APIs such as rf_configure(), rf_read_rx_payload(), and gpio_pin_configure(), among others.

Now I’ve realized that the nRF24LE1 is not powerful enough for my next project. I’m planning to migrate to the nRF52840 and possibly the nRF54L15. Could someone with experience guide me on what my options are to achieve the same type of RF configuration and API functionality on these newer devices?

From what I’ve seen on Nordic’s website, it appears that I need to use the nRF Connect SDK (NCS) with Visual Studio Code, but I am not sure which example or library corresponds to the simple 2.4 GHz radio setup provided by the nRF24LE1 SDK.

Any guidance on how to replicate the same basic radio functionality on nRF52840 or nRF54L15 would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you.

[Daniel Veilleux]

Take a look at the "esb" samples in NCS. The radios in the nRF52 and nRF54 series are mostly compatible with the radio in the nRF24 series, with the notable exception being that the 250kbps bitrate is no longer supported. Now the proprietary radio functionality is provided by a software library instead of being built into the silicon like it was on the nRF24 series; this provides more flexibility to add or extend features but it's not 100% backwards compatible due to the absence of regular ShockBurst support. I provide some backstory in this blog post. 

[alikob]

Hello Daniel,
That was an excellent explanation regarding ESB, and the fact that all those features were built into hardware and are now software-based makes it very flexible. In my specific case, I was using the nRF24LE1 to control a group of motorized window shades mounted on a high ceiling. I was hoping to upgrade only the transmitter to the nRF54L15 (for more range and power) while keeping all 10 receivers as nRF24LE1 devices. It looks like there may be some compatibility issues, so I guess I will have to test and find out.

Thanks again.

[Daniel Veilleux]

I bet I can help you getting it to work. Feel free to open a private ticket if you want to discuss the details of your existing network. And keep in mind that your updated transmitter could open up new use cases like having it act as a bridge between Bluetooth Low Energy and proprietary.

[alikob]

Oh wow, that’s very generous of you, and I will definitely accept your offer to help me. I’m a bit rusty with the forum—I used to post a few years ago on different subjects—so I’ll go ahead and open a private session to share the details of my project. I originally built it about four years ago, and I’m sure there’s room for improvement, plus recently I’ve started seeing some hiccups in the system. I’ll include the code and a simple diagram in the private session.

My plan is to replace the master transmitter, which is currently an nRF24LE1 board with a small antenna, with a board I found here:
https://www.seeedstudio.com/XIAO-nRF54L15-Sense-p-6494.html

I’m thinking of trying both the nRF52840 and the nRF54L15 to see which one performs better in terms of range and responsiveness.

Anyway, thanks so much—I’ll let you know as soon as I post it in the private session.