Programming Module getting stuck/stalls when trying to debug

[michael1]

I am using a 3rd party nrf52832 module and I am trying to program it and debug it using the nrf52840 board debugger output pins (swclk, swdio, ground and power). The connection seems fine and when I go under target connect -> connect jlink -> download 'project name' it seems to work and the project it downloaded and it seems to work. However, when I try to run the debugger it stalls after downloading and never gives you the option to run the program. I have gotten this to work on a different nrf52840 module using the same pins and it works fine. 

Is the nrf52840 board debugger not compatible programming the nrf52832 module? If it is fine using the nrf52840 output pins is there another reason why it would be stalling like this?

 

[Turbo J]

No softdevice / wrong softdevice? Bootloader present?

In the "bootloader present" case, the application won't be started - the bootloader has a CRC for the application, which will not mach the new program.

[michael1]

Thanks for the reply. I was under the impression that a soft device was also uploaded when you downloaded or debugged with Segger embedded studio. Do you know if this is correct? I am not sure about the bootloader but is there a way to check if there is a bootloader on the device?

Thanks

[Vidar Berg]

Yes, the Softdevice is loaded along with the app FW. But maybe you have a bootloader present as Turbo suggested. Some modules come pre-programmed with one. I suggest that you do a full chip erase and try again.

[michael1]

Hi, 

This solution worked. I looked on the website for the module and it looked like they came with a boot loader and soft device already loaded. I erased the chip using nrfconnect and it works fine now. 

Thank you