Preprogrammed MAC address

[Lars]

Hi. Our company is designing a new device using the nrf52832 chip for BLE communication with other equipment from our Company.

Does the chip come with a factory preprogrammed MAC address ? If Yes: Is the address in a predefined "Nordic" range or is it completely random ? Can we use the preprogrammed MAC address as is, or do we need to change it ?

Our Company is currently producing other devices with MAC addresses from our own MAC address range. Can Nordic deliver the nrf52832 chips with preprogrammed MAC addresses from our own range ?

Thanks, Lars

[AmbystomaLabs]

The chips come with a random static address assigned. There are many gap address types defined in the BLE spec.

You can read about them here: devzone.nordicsemi.com/.../

If you wish to use a public static address, those must be purchased since they are an allocated resource.

You can read about that here: devzone.nordicsemi.com/.../

Here is a little more on address types: devzone.nordicsemi.com/.../

[Lars]

Hi, OK thanks for Your answer! I'll check up on the info You've listed. :-) Lars

[AmbystomaLabs]

I should have also stated that, yes you can deploy with the random static address the device comes with. It is very common to do this.

And, I do not believe Nordic will deliver chips with a custom address to you. Maybe for $$$$$! :) It is fairly simple to assign your own address. Normally this would be done during functional test/programming just before shipment.

[Lars]

Yes, You're right, it might be too expensive to have Nordic do custom MAC address programming. Given that we have to flash firmware in the devices anyway, we'll just have to deal with the MACs at that time.

[AmbystomaLabs]

Yes, public static address. Sorry for the typo.