Is a default configuration installed in nRF52832 before programming?

[KPK]

I am interfacing nRF52832 to run ANT protocol in a custom board. Can I use the nRF52832 to broadcast the data received through the UART port without programming the device?

There is already a programming interface for the host processor and I dont want to add another one for the chip.

[endnode]

Normally nRF5x chips come unprogrammed from Nordic. But then anywhere between distribution chain, board manufacturer and you it can get programmed;) So it depends on what exact HW are you using and who made it. Although it's very unlikely that vendor would read your mind and flashed FW which exactly does what you want to I expect you will need to write/compile/flash your FW to achieve your goals.

If so then you normally just expose SWD PINs and use external programmer (like SEGGER J-Link OB on any Nordic DK board) to flash your target. So you don't need any bootloader or another MCU on the board unless you insist on it and don't want to use JTAG/SWD interface.

[KPK]

Thanks for the reply. I have a portable measurement equipment with multiple sensors and a BLE data transfer as well as a display. So a MCU is essential on my board. In that case is it possible that the nRF52832 can be flashed from the MCU?

What do you mean by if you don't want to use the JTAG/SWD Interface? Is there another option?