Creating a custom board and program it

[Raja]

I have used Arduino for some time and i am very new to NRF. So i am struggling with any thing i do. But i am really motivated to learn it.

Completed setup for eclipse to program nrf51. Purchased NRF51 DK, it is great. I can program it and use it.

But as a next step i would like to create a custom pcb design using nrf51/nrf52, which will host 2 buttons, 4 leds, temprature sensor and a accelerometer. It may seem too many components. I can just start with a button and led to make it simple.

But i do not know where to start from, for arduino i have used Eagle/KiCad before. I used to program the chip using isp programmed then solder it in board. Also i use to define all pins in the main arduino file.

How should i start with Nrf, do i need to program chip before? Can i program it after it is soldered. How to define pins? Or i can just program it wireless.

Till not i found this article: devzone.nordicsemi.com/.../

[Nguyen Hoan Hoang]

The chip comes blank so you need to program it via SWD pins. For that you would need a JTag tool such as J-Link or the low cost IDAP-Link. Those tools allow you to program your board after assembly. You can also program the chip before assembly. For that you will need to make an adapter board with sockets to put the chip in. Usually that would cost you a lot more than programming after assembly. Unless you have a big production volume, you can work with your supplier to pre-program the chip with your firmware. Arrow does offer such service.

[Nguyen Hoan Hoang]

Download the data sheet of the chip on nordicsemi.com website. At the end there are reference schematic. You can also download the reference design of the DK on nordic website. Eagle reference design is here.