The Bootloader for nRF51822

[Keny Chen]

We are developing a BTLE perihperal product using nRF51822 chip. But we would like our product can be up-gradable. So we will need a Bootloader (by UART or other interface) to update the FW in the chip.

1. Is there any bootloader available now?
2. Is it possible to update the software device (lower stack FW lib)?

Thanks !

[Håkon Alseth]

Hi,

1. If you check out the newest SDK version, you will find an experimental bootloader in this folder: ..\Nordic Semiconductor\nRF51 SDK_v4.3.0.27417\Nordic\nrf51822\Board\nrf6310_experimental

2. Currently, this is not possible. However, with the next revision of the nRF51x22, it may be possible to do this. Since this is still in development, I cannot comment further on this subject.

Best regards Håkon

[cocoa]

Hi Hakon, is there an equivalent version of arm_bootloader_startup_nrf51.s asm source code file for gcc arm-none-eabi toolchain ?

Do you think that the coming OAD (on air download) new functionality will be released for gcc-arm-none-eabi too ?

Thanks.

-cocoa

[Håkon Alseth]

Hi Cocoa,

Over time, The aim is to get full support for GCC in the nRF51 SDK. However, since this is an experimental project, it's main focus is on functionality and features. GCC support will come, but I cannot comment on when.

BR, Håkon

[cocoa]

Hi Hakon, I've the feeling that arm gcc toolchain users are more then meets the eye , since bluetooth LE is essentially provided by iOS devices ... and iOS is programmed with Xcode ... who runs on macs, so, windows and Keil compiler is not a great choice. Unlikely an OS X developer will use Keil on Windows. -c

[Håkon Alseth]

Hi Cocoa,

I see your argument, which is a very valid one. GCC is multi-platform, open source, etc. While Keil binds you down to one platform. We are working on this task, and in the current SDK version, the ble_app_hrm was released with makefile.

GCC support is coming.

-H