Channel Selection Algorithm Modification in nRF52840DK

[BOZHENG]

Hi All

I am now working on nRF52840DK about channel selection algorithm. I am wondering if it is possible for me to apply my own channel selection algorithm on the development board, so that I can test the performance of it? Also if I would like to test the performances (like packet error rate, latency, energy efficiency, computation overhead/time and etc.) of BLE on nRF52840, do you have any recomendation for them?

[Susheel Nuguru]

If you are using softdevice, unfortunately, you cannot apply your own CSA into the connection. The CSA plays a vital role in how the device behaves in the radio noisy surroundings and hence is vital for qualification. Since the soft devices are qualified, they need to have fixed (predictable) CSA.

[BOZHENG]

Hi Susheel

Thanks for your reply! It is understandable that BLE devices need to have predictable CSA. Thats why I have several nRF52840DK devices in my hand right now. I would like to change CSA for all of them to check the performances.

So if softdevice does not work for this, do you know any other ways i can make some changes for CSA?

[Susheel Nuguru]

BOZHENG said:

So if softdevice does not work for this, do you know any other ways i can make some changes for CSA?

 Softdevice will not allow it. If you want your device to have BLE capabilities, then you need the softdevice. So this would mean that there is no workaround to implement your own CSA into the BLE connection that is using Nordic softdevice on the nRF chip.

If you mean to have proprietary protocol and your own CSA, then it is definitely up to your protocol. Sorry for the vague answer, I am still not sure if I understand correctly on what you are trying to achieve.