Hi,
Been using nRF51822 before but on this new design I have an external MCU running the main duties. I've been reading up a bit on both but would like to get some thoughts on pros/cons & comparisons between the two options nRF51822 vs. nRF8001.
Thoughts & Questions:
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How does the stacks compare between the two? I'm thinking recent SoftDevice releases (6.0) vs what I assume is ROM on the nRF8001?
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Am I right that the flexibility of doing custom things like future central-role will only be possible with the 51822.
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To avoid having to maintain and flash two code-bases, are there ways (examples) on how to flash the SoftDevice externally? I could maybe implement SWDIO/SWDCLK via the M3, or have a basic boot-loader on the 51822 that fetches this from the main cpu upon boot.
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Power consumption, both the nRF and my external M3 will have similar sleep current, that said, both in combo will be more than I want.
- I assume 51822 and 8001 compares 1:1 from a RF-only perspective?
- What would be the most efficient way to wake/sleep the nRF during BLE-radio operations only?
- There will be many crystals, both in cost and board-size. If going for 51822, main xtal could possibly be shared.
- Is the 32.768 needed with nRF8001 to work-around the periodic RC oscillator recalibration?
Please feel free do add tips and comments.
David
