PRODUCTION TESTING RF

[lucaross]

Hi ,

We are using the BL652 module with your nRF52832 chipset in our important product.

In our product the wireless connection is fundamental and we would like to test the reliability of the Antenna after the welding process.

Can we suggest some instruments to test the module and what it is important to test?

Is nordic use some tools or instrument to verify the module ?

Do you have any direct contact ?

I hope that nordic can support us in this important fase.

Best regards ,

 Luca Rossini

[Andreas]

Hi,

 

See nAN34 under Application Notes and nWP028 under Whitepapers in our documentation library. These describe how to set up a production test using a nRF5x DK/Bluetooth DTM tester or a Litepoint IQxel, respectively.

By transmitting (and possibly receiving) a number of packets you are able to verify the functionality of the radio and antenna. A faulty solder joint in the RF path will reduce the received signal strength by a considerable margin, while a faulty solder joint on any 32MHz crystal pin or DEC capacitor will prevent communication from taking place. Other radio parameters are not affected by the assembly and otherwise are verified in Nordic production test line, and probably the production line of the module manufacturer.

Whatever else you might have hooked up to the nRF we do not have any other support for testing, this you will need to implement yourselves.

 

Best regards,

Andreas

[ichio345]

Hi,

Litepoint IQxel would be sufficient. Do you need the solution of testing module or testing final products?

If you can describe more about your testing and DUT, I can suggest how to build the whole test set (SW, HW).

[lucaross]

Hi ,

thanks for the answer.

[lucaross]

Hi ,

Thanks for the answer.

I need something to verify the reliability of the Antenna after the welding process. I don' know if the better solution is signalling or no signalling mode. Do you have some ideas ?

After that test I would like to verify the final products. We have two boards connected together via BLE and I would like to verify the connection and some important parameters.

Any suggestion ?

Regards ,

 Luca

[Andreas]

Hi,

 

Generally speaking, running a quick packet transmission test, e.g. using the DTM python script implementation as described is sufficient to detect any units having a faulty antenna or e.g. a cold solder joint in the RF path. Just make sure you do the test in a controlled environment, e.g. in a shielded box with an antenna+cable that goes outside to the test equipment (or DK).

If you test if the DUT is able to connect over BLE that could still happen if there is any issue from the manufacturing process. Some RF energy will still leak out, if the units are sufficiently close they might still be able to comnmunicate. Any such test you should probably also monitor the RSSI and make sure it is within an expected range, tested in a controlled environment it should not vary too much so you will be able to identify faulty boards by large deviation in RSSI.

It is up to you what you want to test, but generally the assembly process does not cause a whole lot of variation to stuff. The main focus should be that soldering joints are good and similar. By successfully transmitting and/or receiving a couple packets you verify that the RF front-end, power supply and crystal circuitry is good.

 

Best regards,

Andreas