Production programming and testing

[PM Bubblynet]

Hi,

We are preparing the first "production" run and we are looking on alternatives for production programming and testing, so far our factory used nRFgo for the pre-series and prototyping, I found 

https://infocenter.nordicsemi.com/index.jsp?topic=%2Fcom.nordic.infocenter.gs%2Fdita%2Fgs%2Fprod_test_prog.html&cp=1_0_6 

and 

https://www.nordicsemi.com/DocLib/Content/User_Guides/getting_started/latest/UG/gs/prod_test_prog 

but the nRFgo is not mentioned there... I guess that nRFgo is more intended for low volume since its fairly slow compared to the SEGGER programmers for example...?

We will be using In System programming btw.

Also on the integration module of our module (NINA B112 with nRF52932)

https://www.u-blox.com/sites/default/files/NINA-B1_SIM_%28UBX-15026175%29.pdf

on section 2.3 about flashing it does mention nRFgo on the SWD section 2.3.2, however they say something weird regarding the Bluetooth device address will be erased and needs to be rewrite through AT commands? 

in general, is it a very bad idea to use nRFgo for production? the volumes we are expecting are not very high comparing to consumer electronics, roughly 1000pcs / month for the next few months. 

[haakonsh]

"We will be using In System programming btw."
- I'm assuming you're using the Ublox connectivity firmware and in that case it seems like a serial DFU. Your in-system programmer should be able to do that. To be honest this sound more like a question for Ublox as it's their DFU solution. 

[PM Bubblynet]

Hi! no, we are not using uBlox connectivity firmware, as mentioned we use nRFgo at the moment, the definition of "In System programming" comes from your user guide: https://www.nordicsemi.com/DocLib/Content/User_Guides/getting_started/latest/UG/gs/prod_test_prog : 

In-system programming (ISP)

ISP is used when programming is needed after the assembly of the final PCB.

We do this because the same communication module will be used on different products, so we have a TagConnect http://www.tag-connect.com/ quick connect programming cable.

[Nguyen Hoan Hoang]

A low cost alternative is to use the IDAP-Link.  It comes with software for OSX, Windows, Linux, RPI to parallel flashing multiple boards at the same time with builtin support to flash Softdevice + App + DFU without needing to merge them first.  It will auto-merge on the fly.  You can use it for debugging as well.  

[haakonsh]

Ahh Now I'm on page. 

I suggest you use an nRF52 DK and pynrfjprog instead of nRF Go Studio. 

Do note that the DK is not designed to be used as a production programmer and that you should consider getting a proper production programmer for large volumes. 

[PM Bubblynet]

Hi! awesome, took a quick look and sounds good, will dig deeper.