https://devzone.nordicsemi.com/f/nordic-q-a/38753/how-to-flash-nrf51822-wlscp-chipIs there any recommended way to flash the nRF51822-CEAA-R WLCSP chip? Should a PCB design have UART design for flashing the nRF51822 chip after it is soldered on? Or should the chip be flashed and pre-programmed on a development board before beingen-USTelligent Community 13Thu, 20 Sep 2018 20:09:59 GMThttps://devzone.nordicsemi.com/thread/149706?ContentTypeID=1Thu, 20 Sep 2018 20:09:59 GMT137ad170-7792-4731-bb38-c0d22fbe4515:3458fd22-ff7c-4ba7-a386-ee8d46f8bd36AmbystomaLabs<p>All nRF devices are programmed initially via SWD not UART.</p> <p>You can choose to have your own version of firmware with a UART bootloader designed for factory flashing, but that is not the normal process for most people.</p> <p>Many, many companies offer chip programming services.&nbsp; Just google it.&nbsp; This way you could have pre-programmed devices on tape and reel for placement by your CM.</p> <p>You implied that WLCSP devices can be placed, programmed, pulled and placed again. WLCSP devices just like BGA devices cannot be placed on a board, programmed, then removed and placed on a second board. The solder balls are one hit wonders and can only be placed once.&nbsp; Any success at placing them a second time is just plain good luck but is not expected of the design.</p> <p>Programmers for WLCSP and BGA use a zif like connector with pogo pins or sprung contacts that contact the device for programming.&nbsp; That is how they get programmed before pick and place.</p> <p>Most everyone places blank chips then builds some sort of jig to do programming via SWD and functional testing after they get boards back from the CM.</p><div style="clear:both;"></div>