Tools and software versions that are required for developing BLE products with nrf51822 modules.

[SChary]

Hi,

I have purchased an nRf52DK set for developing BLE applications. I am using the Segger Embedded Studio (SES) with GCC and SDK version 16 for development.

I have two questions:
1. I have a few nrf51822 modules that I bought a while ago.  Can I develop code for these modules in the setup that i have ? If not, could you please let me know the setup - Soft device version, SDK version and programmer that I will need to use these modules.

2. How can i check if these modules have a boot loader inside ? If that exists, can i program them over serial port and how to it?

Thanks and Regards

[Karl Ylvisaker]

Hello,

I have purchased an nRf52DK set for developing BLE applications. I am using the Segger Embedded Studio (SES) with GCC and SDK version 16 for development.

Great! We're happy to help you get started. Using SES and SDK v.16 is recommended for the development the nRF52 DK. You might also want to update to the SDK v.17 that was released little over a week ago.
All information about compatible SoftDevice and SDK versions are found in the Compatibility matrix for the SoC.
Please see this ticket for more information on the subject.

2. How can i check if these modules have a boot loader inside ? If that exists, can i program them over serial port and how to it?

It should say so in the module data sheet - alternatively it should show up when you connect it to your computer.
Please see this ticket for how to flash a .hex file to your device.

Please do not hesitate to let me know if anything should still be unclear, or if you encounter any other questions.

Best regards,
Karl

[SChary]

Hi Karl,

Thanks for the quick response. i checked the compatibility matrix for the nrf51 series and find that it is compatible with the nrf51SDK.

Can i install nRF51SDK while the nRF52SDK is still in place on my system? Is it possible to switch between nRF51 and nRF52 projects in the SES ?

Also, since i have only the nRF52 DK hardware, is it possible to program the nRF51822 using this board - which is using PCA10040 ver.2.0.0?

Regards

Sreenivasa Chary

[Karl Ylvisaker]

Hello Sreenivasa Chary,

SChary said:

Thanks for the quick response.

No problem at all, I am happy to help!

SChary said:

i checked the compatibility matrix for the nrf51 series and find that it is compatible with the nrf51SDK.

You are probably aware, but I will mention it just in case: The nRF5 SDK is the continuation of the nRF51 SDK. The SDK changed name after version 10.*, and the last nRF5 SDK with support for the nRF51 series is the nRF5 SDK v.12.3. So, I would recommend that you identify the nRF51822 chip revision number on your modules, and choose the latest supported SDK based on that.
This is also the appropriate link to the compatibility matrix for the nRF51822, I see now that I did not link it directly in my previous reply.

SChary said:

Can i install nRF51SDK while the nRF52SDK is still in place on my system? Is it possible to switch between nRF51 and nRF52 projects in the SES ?

 Yes. The projectfiles in the SDK references their own SDK library files with relative paths - so there is not global paths altered by the nRF5 SDK.

SChary said:

Also, since i have only the nRF52 DK hardware, is it possible to program the nRF51822 using this board - which is using PCA10040 ver.2.0.0?

Yes, you may use the onboard debugger of the nRF52 DK to program other debugger-less nRF devices, such as the custom nRF51822 modules you mention. You will need access to the SWD pins of the modules, however. How / If these pins are available on your module will vary from module to module.
For further info on how to use the nRF52 DK debugger to program your custom modules, please see this blog post and this third-party tutorial(which is more in depth about the connections).

Best regards,
Karl

[SChary]

Thanks for the details , Karl. I will setup the environment and get going.

Regards

Sreenivasa Chary

[SChary]

Good morning Karl,

Just wanted to know how to find out my chip revision number. Part number says N51822QAAH01588EE. Is there any part selection guide for identifying the revision in this number?

Regards

Sreenivasa Chary