Programming external nRF52832 board via nRF52 DK without powering external device

[Tim]

Hello,

I'm using the nRF52 DK to program our custom nRF52832 boards via the debug out port. I understand that our external board must be powered independently. The DK detects this and programs the external board instead of the onboard nRF52832. Is there any way to use the DK for programming external boards with the DK providing power to the external board? It would help simplify our production process. Are there other methods of programming custom boards that we should be considering?

Many thanks,

Tim

[ketiljo]

If you close SB32, you will connect the nRF52-DK power supply to the external board:

[Tim]

Thanks Ketiljo. Does closing SB32 mean that the onboard nRF52832 can no longer be programmed? How does DK detect external board and, in turn, program it rather than the onboard chip?

Thank you,

Tim

[ketiljo]

Hi Tim

The DK will think it's always an external voltage present, so you can't program the onboard nRF.

Another way to use VDD from the edge connector to power the external board. This voltage must also be fed into P19, pin 1.

[Tim]

Hi Ketiljo. Sorry for my slow thank-you and follow-up. If I understand correctly, I can power the external board from VDD of connector P1 on the Dev Kit. When you say "This voltage must also be fed into P19, pin 1." do you mean P19 (first pin) of connector P4 on the Dev Kit? If yes, then I:

- connect debug out port P19 of Dev Kit to external board according to schematic you highlight

- connect VDD of connector P1 on Dev Kit to power external board

- connect VDD of connector P1 to P19 of connector P4 on Dev Kit

Correct?
Many thanks,

Tim

[ketiljo]

Correct!