I am using an nRF5340 DK (PCA10095) running the direction_finding_connectionless_tx sample from nRF Connect SDK v3.3.1 as a CTE transmitter for a Bluetooth AoA direction finding setup.
The serial terminal output on boot shows:
Starting Connectionless Beacon Demo
Bluetooth initialization...success
Advertising set create...success
Set advertising data...success
Update CTE params...success
Periodic advertising params set...success
Enable CTE...success
Periodic advertising enable...success
Extended advertising enable...success
Started extended advertising as XX:XX:XX:XX:XX:XX (random)I have two questions:
1. How to verify the device is actually transmitting?
Other than the serial log above, I have no way to confirm the nRF5340 is actually emitting Bluetooth signals. I cannot see it in nRF Connect mobile (iPhone 15). I understand this may be due to iOS limitations with Extended Advertising. Is there any other way to verify the nRF5340 is actually transmitting Periodic Advertising packets with CTE, without using another Nordic DK or Android phone?
2. Cross-vendor compatibility with Silicon Labs
I am trying to receive the nRF5340's CTE signal using a Silicon Labs BG22 antenna array (BRD4191A) running NCP AoA Locator firmware, with the bt_aoa_host_locator host application running on PC in CONN_LESS mode. The locator connects successfully but never detects any packets from the nRF5340. No Periodic Advertising sync events appear in the host app logs at all.
Are there any known compatibility issues between the nRF5340 direction_finding_connectionless_tx sample and Silicon Labs BLE receivers? Specifically around Periodic Advertising sync establishment?
My nRF5340 configuration:
- CTE_LEN = 0x14 (20 units × 8μs = 160μs)
- CTE type = AoA (CONFIG_BT_DF_CTE_TX_AOD=n)
- Extended advertising enabled
- Periodic advertising enabled
- CONFIG_BT_CTLR_PHY_2M=n (added to force 1M PHY)
Could you help me:
- Confirm the nRF5340 is actually emitting Periodic Advertising with CTE attached
- Advise on any known issues with cross-vendor reception of nRF5340 connectionless CTE
- Suggest a way to verify transmission without another Nordic device
Thank you!