NRF52832 programming IC with qfn48 adapter

[ahmdm]

I have a nrf52 DK that I want to use to program the nrf52832 IC. I have bought a qfn48 adapter from here. I wish to use this adapter to place the IC then make connections with the NRF52 DK as follows:

DK     -> IC 

SWDIO -> SWDIO

VTG  -> VDD

GND_DETECT -> GND

SWCLK -> SWCLK

I am powering the IC using the adapter with an external supply. however the IDE doesn't seem to detect the board. 

basically I want to pre program an IC and then solder it on my custom board. 

any solutions?

Thanks.

[awneil]

ahmdm said:

I want to pre program an IC and then solder it on my custom board

Why?

It is far easier - and, therefore, far more common - to program the chip after it is soldered to a board!

Those adaptors are notoriously unreliable.

[ahmdm]

I totally agree with you but since its a custom project and I wanted to save some space, Hence I went for this option.

can you suggest any alternatives or solutions?

[awneil]

ahmdm said:

can you suggest any alternatives or solutions

Like I said - program it on the board!

You don't need to place a connector on the board - just two test points for SWD (and use existing connection points for power & ground).

[haakonsh]

You're missing the 6th connection:

DK GND --> IC GND. 

Also how does your grounding and supply pin decoupling look? You will most likely need to swap that pcb with one that is as close to our reference design as possible, otherwise that IC socket will probably not be able to support the nRFs during programming, and it will certainly not support it for debugging purposes. 

Your other options are:

A) Post assembly programming, like Andrew suggests. Either use a TC-2030 connector or get a cheap bed-of-nails from Shenzhen.  

B ) Pre assembly programming by a third party. The IC will be programmed and re-packaged onto new reels.

[ahmdm]

I am using this to power the IC externally. since this connects to the USB of the PC like the NRF DK the grounds are common eventually. though I have made the said connection as well. 

Do I need an oscillator and other components (like on the reference design) in order to just program it?