NFC not working on nrf52840-dk

[jruckes]

Hey Guys,

i am currently experimenting with the NFC functionality and have an issue with our "nrf52840-DK" boards:

i am testing with IAR (8.40.2 - including the library patch in the project to use the correct nfc gcc library) and SeS (4.30).

The project is "record_url" (URI message example) and was tested with SDK 15.3.0 and 16.0.0 so far.

The following dev boards are working (tested with 2 each) as expected - out-of-the-box: compile the project & flash the resulting binary:

pca10040 - nrf52832 DK

pca10056 - nrf52840-DK preview (label shows version 0.9.0)

the following board type/revision is not working (tested with 2 boards) :

pca10056 - nrf52840-DK (non preview, label shows version 1.0.0)

not working means in this case:

i can compile & flash & debug the project in either tool (iar, ses) and both tested SDK's. I can set a breakpoint inside the "nfc_callback() -> case NFC_T2T_EVENT_FIELD_ON" function but it will never be hit on this plattform (nrf52840 DK version 1.0.0).

Nontheless it will be hit in the "nrf52840-dk preview" (ver 0.9.0) and nrf52832 dk when moving a nfc enabled (android) phone close to the dk's antenna.

As we tested with 2 boards and different (android) smartphones each, so we believe to rule out problems with a not correctly connected nfc antenna and defective boards on the nrf52840-dk side.

Is there any step missing in the example's desctiption/tutorial that is required for the dk but not for the preview dk of nrf52840?

(https://infocenter.nordicsemi.com/topic/sdk_nrf5_v16.0.0/nfc_record_url.html)

BR

Jens

[tesc]

Hi,

I just tested the example with an Android phone (Moto G6) and it worked both on a PCA10056 v0.9.0 and on a PCA10056 v1.0.0 here.

Compiling and programming the application onto the board, then putting the smart phone correctly located over the NFC antenna, was enough for the LED1 to light up and for the phone to receive the URL. For both boards.

Have you tested other examples on the boards, in order to confirm an application is running? Possible error sources may be the settings of SW9 ("nRF power source") or SW6 ("nRF ONLY|DEFAULT"), or the NFC antenna being plugged in the wrong way around, etc.

Regards,
Terje

[jruckes]

Hey Terje,

sorry for the delay - end of year stress is currently active...

yes we tested all 4 boards with our BLE application and it shows no problems there. (note: we are not using nfc therein)

we will check the rest of your ideas beginning of next year.

i let you know when we have new information.

BR and good start into 2020

Jens