Questions about nRF5340 DK

[Changsuk Kim]

Hi

I am planning to develop a product based on the nRF5340 DK.

Please provide a response to the following inquiries:

1. Is it possible to obtain the schematic and PCB files for the nRF5340 DK in Mentor PADS VX2.2 format?

2. If I create a custom board by removing the Interface MCU from the DK board to proceed with firmware development, which specific parts of the DK board need to be removed?

3. What is the function of the flash memory used on the DK board, and is it mandatory to use it?

Thank you.

[Samruddhi Jadhav]

Hello,

1. Is it possible to obtain the schematic and PCB files for the nRF5340 DK in Mentor PADS VX2.2 format?

As far as I know, Altium can only export the schematic to PADS and not the PCB files. 

2. If I create a custom board by removing the Interface MCU from the DK board to proceed with firmware development, which specific parts of the DK board need to be removed?

I will have to confirm about this with our hardware expert and will get back to you soon with more feedback on this.

3. What is the function of the flash memory used on the DK board, and is it mandatory to use it?

The flash memory is of 2 types: internal and external. The internal one stores the application code and data. The number of times it can be written or erased is limited but it can be read. The internal flash is always used. The external flash is needed so that code can be executed by application core from external flash via QSPI. It is also used for more storage. So, for storing application data or OTA firmware update images which don't fit in internal flash. 
If your application fits in internal flash then the external flash doesn't need to be used. 

Please let us know if you have any further questions.

Best Regards,

Samruddhi

[Changsuk Kim]

Hello,

Thank you for your reply.

Regarding the schematic, I would like to request the PADS file exported from Altium.

Since we use PADS VX2.2, it would be ideal if the file could be exported in a version compatible with that.

[Samruddhi Jadhav]

Hello Changsuk Kim,

Please take a look the following:
pca10095_sheet2_nrf5340_mcu.txt

Note that we have only exported the part of the schematic which shows nRF5340 so interface MCU is not a part of this schematic. Regarding the custom board, the nRF5340 reference design from datasheet and an antenna is required. 

Please feel free to reach out if you have any further questions. 

Best Regards,

Samruddhi