Erase All stops LEDs from blinking

[kalpino]

Hello,

I'm using nRF52480 Dongle. I executed an Erase All from SEGGER Embedded Studio. My project still works but the LEDs are not blinking anymore.
The only way I can have them blink again is by flashing an example project.

Is there a reason why this happens?

Thanks!

[Marte Myrvold]

Hi,

Are you certain your project still works after an erase all? Because when you use erase all with SES you erase the contents of the kit, and as such, the project should not still work, as it should not be on the kit anymore. I would guess that you're not actually erasing all, since you're using nRF52840 Dongle and not DK, and since the program is still working.

When using the dongle, you should only use SES to build the application, and not to erase or program it. Instead, you should erase and program it using either nrfutil to do it from the command line, or nRF Connect for Desktop Programmer. This is because the dongle doesn't have an integrated debugger, and it has to be programmed through the built-in USB bootloader.

I recommend you take a look at the getting started guide for nRF52840 Dongle, which can be found here, as well as check out this link for more information about programming the dongle.

Best regards,

Marte

[kalpino]

I confirm I am erasing the whole chip: my project still works after I program the chip after the "Erase All".

I am currently developing on a Dongle, so I have a j-link connected to the Dongle.

I see someone already had this kind of problem (Link): is this actually related to my problem?

[Marte Myrvold]

Hi,

That case is about the nRF9160 DK, so I doubt it's the same reason.

The problem could be because of the different voltage levels between the debugger and the dongle. This could lead to a problem if you erase all on the dongle, as you erase the UICR of the ship. Have you checked out the nRF52840 Dongle Programming Tutorial, specifically the chapter about using an external debugger?

Someone had a similar problem here where they erased all with SES and experienced that LED 1 wasn't lit anymore. The problem there was with the REGOUT0 register in UICR.

Are the LEDs supposed to blink in your project? If so, have you implemented this the same way it's done in the example projects you try?

Best regards,

Marte