Is repeated RF-PHY testing required if we upgrade the SoftDevice after BLE certification

[josh-m]

Hello,

We're currently preparing for BLE certification of our device. It contains an NRF52840 on a custom PCB, so I believe we'll need to perform RF-PHY testing for certification. Currently we're still on SDK 15.0.0 / SoftDevice 6.0.0. 

While filling out a questionnaire from one of the test houses I was looking at the S140 QDID matrix. It looks like Nordic has different QDID's for each version of the SoftDevice. When we perform the testing and apply for our BT SiG End Product Listing, are we locked into whatever SoftDevice version we tested with?

In other words, if we go through the testing on SD 6.0.0, do we have to redo the testing / certification process if we want to upgrade to 6.1.1 or something newer in the future?

Thanks

Josh

[Andreas]

Hi,

 

We recommend that you replicate our reference layout list your product and refer to our QDID. If the layout is identical and you are using the same BOM you can then skip the RF-PHY retest. If different from our reference layout we recommend that you do a RF-PHY retest at a recognixed test house, but ultimately it is your decision to make a reasonable assessment if this is needed or not. Retesting is the only way to know if your product is compliant, and having done the retest you will have your back covered if something is to happen down the road.

 

As for the Softdevice and QDID related: you are able to upgrade to a different version without relisting as long as you do not enable and use any new features in the new version, that was not included in your old version. Real example: LL extended advertising has been changed between 6.0 and 6.1. If you are ever uncertain about your specific case please feel free to ask us. 

 

Best regards,

Andreas

[josh-m]

Hello Andreas,

Thanks for the quick answer! I think that's everything I needed to know about the QDID question.

As far as the RF-PHY testing goes, I've seen a lot of conflicting information on this topic. In some of my searches I've seen people stating that it is required for any design that is not using a "module" type solution for BLE. In others, I've seen answers similar to the one you've given. We have closely followed the design guidelines that Nordic provides. Our product adheres to the Circuit no. 4 Configuration from this link. However, our PCB layout is not exactly the same as the reference design. We followed it as closely as possible, but our product uses a 2-layer, rather than a 4-layer board like the reference layout. In this case, is RF-PHY testing absolutely required, just recommended, or not needed?

Thanks Again,

Josh

[Andreas]

Hi,

 

If you are using a 2-layer 1.6mm FR-4 board, where the top layer is otherwise the same as the reference layout, and the bottom layer has good ground (i.e. not broken up by GPIO routing etc.) it should be close to the 4-layer design. The only way to know for sure unfortunately is to test it, and as there is a difference (although small) we can not guarantee it.

 

Best regards,

Andreas