Require Long-Range CODED_PHY Support in "pc-ble-driver" for NRF52840 Controller

[Nirav]

Hello,

We integrated latest released version of "pc-ble-driver.py" & "nrfutil" in our custom linux os running on ARM 32bit based custom board (B1).

pc_ble_driver_py : https://github.com/NordicSemiconductor/pc-ble-driver-py/tree/v0.14.2

nrfutil : https://github.com/NordicSemiconductor/pc-nrfutil/tree/v6.1

Connectivity-app : https://github.com/NordicSemiconductor/pc-ble-driver/tree/v4.1.1/hex

B1 has NRF52840 Controller on it which is connected with B1 application chip over Serial interface.

We are currently using connectivity firmware provided under "pc-ble-driver/hex" with version "ser_s132v5_hci" for our NRF52840 Controller.

I made sure that DFU BLE is working with connectivity application and soft-device for "ser_s132v5_hci" version (customized by Nordic for pc-ble-driver compatibility) with some few RPC issues raised under "Case ID: 253610".

If I do not modify any PHY/transmit power settings in "pc-ble-driver" python script, we are getting around 20 mtr line of sight range in open area for DFU over BLE which is very less in our requirement.

For Target device, we used NRF52840 development kit and modified its transmit power at maximum (8dB) for advertising role and after connection role in button-less application and within "nrf_ble_dfu.c" file.

Currently, I believe Nordic used 1MBPS PHY settings which I do not think sufficient for our range requirement.

We need to use "BLE_GAP_PHY_CODED" feature to enhance our range for DFU over BLE devices from B1 (which has pc-ble-driver capability with NRF52840 IC).

Nordic has provided connectivity V5 release for S132 soft-device (ser_s132v5_hci) which does not have "BLE_GAP_PHY_CODED" capability.

Although our central controller is NRF52840, to support compatible connectivity-firmware  with "pc-ble-driver", we need to use "ser_s132v5_hci" code.

How can we configure "BLE_GAP_PHY_CODED" settings with maximum transmit power to maximize range at least by 150mtr in Line of Site?

Can you provide us connectivity firmware source and lib for "ser_s140v6_hci" which is compatible with pc-ble-driver" for UART/Serial interface?

Regards,

Nirav

[Øyvind]

Hello, 

The technical support team is currently understaffed and have too many support tickets to handle. We expect more normal function on Monday, and I will have a look at your case then. 

I'm sorry for the inconvenience this may cause. 

Kind regards,
Øyvind

[Øyvind]

Hello again, 

I'm sorry to inform you that our pc-ble-driver expert will not be back until August 10th. 

Kind regards,
Øyvind

[Nirav]

Okay, Will be waiting till that.

Thanks for your feedback.

Regards,

Nirav Agrawal

[Øyvind]

Hi Nirav,

I've got some response from our expert:

our custom linux os running on ARM 32bit based custom board (B1).

Since there is no official support for Arm using pc-ble-driver it could be an issue. Our expert does not have any way to replicate your issue.

 

We need to use "BLE_GAP_PHY_CODED" feature to enhance our range for DFU over BLE devices from B1 (which has pc-ble-driver capability with NRF52840 IC).

 They need to set up a test for this in C++, and will try to provide an answer as soon as possible.

Will get back to you. 

Kind regards,

Øyvind